Synaxis of the Three Hierarchs: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom
During the eleventh century, disputes raged in Constantinople about
which of the three hierarchs was the greatest. Some preferred St Basil
(January 1), others honored St Gregory the Theologian (January 25),
while a third group exalted St John Chrysostom (November 13).
Dissension among Christians increased. Some called themselves
Basilians, others referred to themselves as Gregorians, and others as
Johnites.
By the will of God, the three hierarchs appeared to St John the
Bishop of Euchaita (June 14) 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 30 for their joint Feast, thus ending the controversy and
restoring peace.
