Day of the Three Archbishops

Three Archbishops, Day of the

January 30

In Greece during the 11th century there was a popular controversy over which of the three fourth-century archbishops—Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, or John Chrysostom—was the greatest saint of the Greek Orthodox Church. In 1081 Bishop John of Galatia resolved the problem by reporting that the three saints had appeared to him in a vision to say that they were all equal in the eyes of God. Their equality is celebrated on this day, which is also known as the Holiday of the Three Hierarchs . In Greek schools special exercises are held in honor of the three, who supported the classical Greek tradition at a time when many early Christians were opposed to all non-Christian literature.

SOURCES:
BkHolWrld-1986, Jan 30

Celebration day: Jan 30