The Feast of the Three Hierarchs, held on January 30th, is a significant day in the calendar for Eastern Orthodox, Catholic and Anglican and some other churches. It is celebrated with Matins and the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy.
The history of this Feast Day is interesting. During the 11th century, disputes raged in Constantinople about which of the three hierarchs was the greatest. At the time, some preferred Saint Basil the Great (January 1). Others honoured Saint Gregory the Theologian (January 25). A third group exalted Saint John Chrysostom (November 13). Each was a highly influential Bishop of the early church who played a pivotal role in shaping Christian theology.
Dissension among Christians increased. Some called themselves Basilians, others called themselves Gregorians, and others Johnites.
By the will of God, the three hierarchs appeared to Saint John Mauropous, the Bishop of Euchaita in the year 1084 and said that they were equal before God.
“There are no divisions among us, and no opposition to one another.”
They ordered that the disputes should stop and that their common commemoration should be celebrated on a single day.
Bishop John chose January 30th for their joint Feast, thus ending the controversy and restoring peace.
An important day to recognise the imperative for the end of division and the restoration of peace.
[Saint Basil the Great, Saint Gregory the Theologian and Saint John Chrysostom are venerated as saints in Eastern Orthodoxy, Catholicism, Anglicanism, and other Christian churches].