What is the Church holiday on February 3: The Day of St. Maximus the Greek

On February 3, Orthodox believers honor the memory of St. Maximus the Greek, an outstanding church writer and theologian, who is considered the patron saint of linguists, translators, seminarians, and the prayerful intercessor of missionaries. In 2025, the commemorative date falls on Monday. "Izvestia" tells about what is prayed to the saint and who celebrates the namesakes on this winter day.

Church holiday February 3 - Memorial Day of the Monk Maximus the Greek

The Monk Maximos (in the world Michael Tivolis) was born in 1470 in the Greek village of Arta in the era of Turkish rule. He came from a wealthy aristocratic family, which enabled him to receive a brilliant secular and then spiritual education.

The future theologian from his youth loved scholarly books. Therefore, for training he went to Italy, where he studied languages and sciences. He traveled extensively throughout the country, especially singling out Florence with its famous Medici library, which contained many old printed books.

Returning to his homeland, the young man took monastic tonsure in the Vatoped monastery on Mount Athos, taking the name Maximus. He spent all his time studying ancient manuscripts. It was here that the saint wrote his first works, and also composed a canon to John the Baptist. In the Athonite monastery he spent about 10 years.

In 1518, at the request of the Russian prince Vasily III Ioannovich, Maxim the Greek went to Moscow to translate Greek liturgical books into Church Slavonic. His first major work in Russia was the translation of the "Tolkova Psalter". Later he made edits to the liturgical books and formed the princely library.

Being an experienced translator, Maxim the Greek could not help noticing the errors that plagued the books he translated. He tried to correct them, which led to a conflict with the church. The earlier texts had already become commonplace and were considered part of church tradition. However, they also outlined the church schism that occurred later as a result of Patriarch Nikon's reforms.

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Maximus the Greek himself was suspected of heresy, which put him in disgrace. The theologian was sentenced to six years' imprisonment, and then sent to Tver. Only after 20 years was the elder allowed to live freely, sending him to rest in the Trinity-Sergius Monastery (now the Holy Trinity Sergius Lavra).

There Maxim the Greek lived until the end of his days. The Monk died on February 3 (January 21, O.S.), 1556 at the age of 86 and was buried in the Trinity-Sergius Lavra.

What to pray to Maxim the Greek for

Even during his lifetime, Maxim the Greek became an example of steadfastness, steadfastness of faith and spirit. People often turn to him for help and support in case of unjust oppression and during various troubles in life. They also ask for strengthening of health, overcoming temptations and temptations, healing from spiritual and bodily ailments.

Here is an abbreviated text of the prayer that can be recited on the day of the saint's memory:

"Venerable Father Maximos! Look upon us mercifully and raise us to the heights of heaven who are committed to earth. Guide us to walk in thy way, give us understanding and guidance. Thy whole holy life is a mirror of all virtue. Do not cease, O God-pleaser, to cry to the Lord for us. Ask with your intercession to the All-Merciful God of our Lord for harmony in faith and unanimity, for consolation for the sorrowful, for intercession for the offended, for healing for the sick, and for help for the poor. All Orthodox Christians, filled with your miracles and favored by your graces, confess you to be their patron and intercessor. Show Thy ancient mercies, and their fathers Thou hast helped in every way, and do not deny us also, their children, who follow in their footsteps to Thee. Amen."

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Who has a name day today, February 3

According to the Church calendar, on February 3, the Feast Day of St. Maximos the Greek, men named Anastasius, Akila, Valerian, Eugene, Ivan, Candide, Maxim, Neophytus, Theodosius, and women named Agnia celebrate their first names.

Earlier, the Orthodox celebrated the Introduction to the temple of the Blessed Virgin Mary. "Izvestia" told what prayers are read on this holiday.