This week we celebrate the Three Hierarchs. The Three Hierarchs are Saints Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom, three highly influential early Church bishops that each had important contributions to Christian theology. What is common among all Christians can in large part be attributed to their exposition and interpretation of the Bible.

Can you imagine arguing over which saints are the greatest? Well, back in the glory days of Byzantium, people did. So central to daily life were one’s beliefs and holding the right belief was crucial. Arguments were heard in the markets and other places where people gathered over all sorts of theological questions. I guess, kind of like politics today or maybe, sports.

In 11^th century Constantinople, arguments were heard about which of the threse hierarchs was the greatest. Some argued that Basil was superior to the other two because of his explanations of the Holy Trinity, his philanthropic endeavors, and his monastic example. Supporters of John Chrysostom countered that Chrysostom (the "Golden Mouthed"), Archbishop of Constantinople, was a gifted preacher, unmatched in both eloquence and in bringing sinners to repentance. A third group insisted that  Gregory the Theologian was preferred to the others due to the majesty, purity, and profundity of his homilies and his defense of the faith against the Arian heresy.

All three were great Christian leaders. All three were and still are celebrated in January: St. Basil the Great on January 1, St. Gregory the Theologian on January 25, and St. John Chrysostom on January 27.

As the story has been told, the three hierarchs appeared together in a vision to St. John Mauropous, bishop of Euchaita, in the year 1084, and professed to him that they were equal before God: "There are no divisions among us, and no opposition to one another."

As a result, around 1100 under the Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Komnenos, January 30 was selected as a feast day to commemorate all three in common.

Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Thursday, Jan. 30th at 9:30 a.m. (no orthros).

THE TRIODION begins on February 9th.

Saturday of the Souls is on Saturday, February 22nd.

Great Lent begins on Monday, March 3rd.

In response to the devastation caused by the recent and ongoing fires in Southern California, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, in collaboration with the Metropolis of San Francisco and the National Philoptochos Society, has launched a fundraising campaign to assist Orthodox Christians and others affected by this tragedy. The campaign aims to provide essential resources and support to help families and individuals rebuild their lives. To donate, visit https://www.goarch.org/donate/fires.

You are invited. The program will include students of the area Greek Schools as they narrate various poems, sing songs, and Greek dance with great pride. All the Greek Schools of the Southern Virginia Region are invited to participate in this wonderful event. Please R.S.V.P. to the Cathedral office at 757-440-0500 no later than Friday, January 24. (see the enclosed flyer below)

The College of William and Mary Orthodox Christian Fellowship, with the support of the Hampton Roads Orthodox Clergy, will host their annual pre-Lenten regional retreat. The venue will be a mix of St. Demetrios and W&M Wren Building. All students from throughout Virginia and beyond are welcome to attend this event. The retreat leader will be Fr. Christian Siskos (Holy Trinity Cathedral, Charlotte, NC). The dates are Friday, Feb. 21 through Sunday, Feb. 23.  To register, please see the enclosed flyer and use the QR code.

We are preparing for the winter term of Greek Classes for children and adults.  These classes will be provided virtually for one hour per week.  Twelve lessons in all will be offered starting in late February.  If you have an interest, please contact our teacher, Demetra Demetriou, or Tom Jouvanis after liturgy. 

The 2025 Stewardship Pledge Cards are now available in the anteroom at church. Filling out the card helps us update our records and will be crucial in securing financing when needed from lenders. It is also and most importantly, our Christian responsibility to be stewards of God's House. Thank you.

We are in need of volunteers to help in various areas of the church life. If you have expertise or a willingness to lend a hand, we could use your assistance with the following:

• Youth Work (JOY advisor; GOYA advisor)
• Greek Dance Instuctor
• Web Page Managment
• Photographer/Historian
• Gardening and Lawn Care
• Kitchen Assistance (cooking, cleaning, etc.)

Contact the church office or Fr. Milton if you are willing and able to help.

A former member of our Greek American community of Hampton Roads is still in need of a stem cell transplant. I have extra registration kits available for anyone who would like to join. To join the registry, all that is required is a short health survey and a cheek swab. Join the Registry | NMDP (Formerly Be The Match) Only persons between 18- 40 years old are eligible. Please contact me, Elaine Jansen at 757 810-5206 or [email protected] with any questions and to sign up. Thank you! 

Updates on Orthodox Church news items can be found on our Facebook page. We thank Presbytera for monitoring and administering the page.

Also, check out our St. Demetrios website.

Lift up in prayer:

Peter and Beverly Daikos

Demetria Emmanouil

Stavroula Gailey

Sonny Halioris

Jennifer Mary Hotz

Athanasia Jouvanis

Jim Kokolis

Nancy Marakos

Chris Marker

John and Connie Pavlides

Fielding Tench

Nick & Kimi Vlahakis

Nick Vlattas