On February 12, Orthodox believers honor the memory of three saints – John Chrysostom, Gregory the Theologian and Basil the Great. According to the Izvestia newspaper, in the church calendar this holiday is called the Council of Three Saints or the Council of Three Saints and is popularly known as Vasily’s Day.
According to the publication, the history of this holiday dates back to the reign of Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Komnenos. 11th-12th In the centuries, disputes over priority arose among the church fathers in Constantinople. Metropolitan of Euchaites John Mavropod put an end to these disputes. One day the saints appeared to him and asked him to honor them on the same day, because all three were equal before the Lord. Since then, such a tradition has emerged.
The three saints are revered as ecumenical teachers. They lived and preached at approximately the same time in the 4th century. They were all archbishops. Basil the Great was from Caesarea of Cappadocia, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom were from Constantinople. He wrote many theological works, each of which became canonical. Basil the Great and Gregory the Theologian were personally acquainted; St. Basil was Gregory’s mentor and friend.
In the icons of the three saints, they are depicted together in full size in episcopal vestments. They have books of Holy Scripture in their hands. Usually the icon depicts John Chrysostom in the center. This icon is called “Ecumenical Council of Teachers and Saints” or “Three Hierarchs”.
On Three Saints’ Day, believers go to church, pray in front of the icon of the three saints and ask for help in prosperity, mutual understanding with loved ones and well-being in the family. You can also contact each of the saints individually.
Particularly solemn services are held on this day. John Chrysostom, who is considered the patron saint of people who work in learning and communicating with people, is prayed for help in learning, eloquence, wisdom and strengthening faith. They ask Basil the Great for protection from temptations and evil, and from Gregory the Theologian they ask for guidance and advice on the right path.
Compromise is an important tradition on this day. If there are differences in the family or among friends, they should be resolved during this holiday. Traditionally, time is spent with family, without noisy celebrations. There must be a game dish on the table; It is usually filled with mushrooms, apples or cabbage.
In the past, on Vasily’s Day, girls performed rituals to attract a lover. They hung colorful ribbons on the trees and said the young man’s name. The Slavs believed that after this an engagement should take place.
Previously actress Ekaterina Vasilyeva happened nun