Trekhsvyatie - a special Orthodox holiday on February 12: Gospel of the day, folk superstitions

On February 12, the Orthodox Church celebrates the Council of the Three Saints, or Trichsvyatie. The feast was established in memory of the ecumenical teachers and saints Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom, who are revered as fathers of the Christian Church. In 2025, the festive date falls on Wednesday. "Izvestia" tells what pray to the saints and what folk beliefs are associated with this day.

Church holiday on February 12 - Trekhsvyatie

The history of the holiday goes back to the times of the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Alexius I Comnenus. Then there were lively disputes among the faithful about the primacy of the saints. All three lived and preached in the fourth century at about the same time and held the office of archbishops. Basil headed the Caesarean cathedra, while Gregory and John headed the Constantinople cathedra. Each wrote many theological works, which later became canonical, and also had a great influence on the organization of divine service. It is not without reason that these saints are called ecumenical.

Basil the Great became famous first of all as a fierce fighter against Arianism - a popular current within the Christian religion, later recognized as heretical. He is also the author of the prayers that are part of the morning prayer rule and the liturgy named after him. In addition, he is considered the creator of the iconostasis.

In Athens, Basil became acquainted with Gregory the Theologian. He took part in the baptism of the young Gregory, becoming his close friend and mentor. The Church honors Gregory for his special contribution to the development of theology and church worship, particularly for his teaching on the triune essence of God.

John Chrysostom became famous as a great preacher and tireless writer. His theological heritage is truly huge. More than 250 letters written by him, hundreds of homilies on the Holy Scriptures and several dogmatic treatises, including "On the Incomprehensibility of the Nature of God" and "On Priesthood" have survived.

The joint veneration of saints was established in Constantinople in 1084. There is a legend that shortly before the establishment of the celebration, the saints appeared to the metropolitan of the city of Euchania, John Mavropod, and asked to remember them on the same day, since they were equal before the Lord. This event finally settled the controversy.

On icons the saints are depicted in threes - in episcopal vestments and with the Holy Scriptures in their hands. In the center is usually depicted John Chrysostom. The icon with the holy images is called "The Council of Ecumenical Teachers and Saints", or "The Three Hierarchs".

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Gospel of the day: what to pray for today

Before the icon often pray for guidance on the path of truth and strengthening of faith, for protection from persecution and injustice, advice when making important decisions, mutual understanding with loved ones and help in different life situations.

Here is the text of the prayer to the three saints, which can be recited on Trichsvyatie in the church or at home (published with abbreviations):

"O illuminators of the Church of Christ, Basil, Gregory and John, by the light of the Orthodox dogmas all the ends of the earth have been illuminated and by the sword of the word of God the blasphemous confusion and vacillation of heresies have been extinguished. Forsaking your mercy, with faith and love from the depths of our souls we cry out: May He strengthen us also in Orthodoxy and unanimity, and in our confession of the faith of Christ unshakable even unto death; may He strengthen us from on high with power against all our invisible and visible enemies; may He keep His Church firm from unbelief, superstition, heresy and schism; may He grant our archpastors health, prosperity, and good hope in all things; to our shepherds may He grant spiritual sobriety and zeal for the salvation of the flock; to rulers judgment and righteousness, to soldiers patience, courage and overcoming enemies, to the sick healing, to the orphaned and widows intercession, to the young good growth in faith, to elders comfort, to the afflicted intercession, and to all all things necessary for temporal and eternal life, howbeit in peace and repentance, burning with the desire of salvation. Glory be to the Most Holy Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever. Amen."

It is also possible to address requests to any of the saints individually. Thus, St. Basil the Great is asked for deliverance from evils and temptations. It is believed that he can strengthen the human spirit and chastity. St. Gregory the Theologian is often prayed to for the conversion of non-believers and those who have succumbed to heretical delusions. John Chrysostom helps to keep away from deception and not to go astray.

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Folk superstitions and beliefs on the feast of February 12

In the people the Cathedral of the Three Saints was called Vasilyevy day. A lot of superstitions and beliefs were associated with it. An important tradition on the Three Saints in the olden days was reconciliation. If there were disagreements in the house, it was necessary to settle them on the holiday, otherwise the spat could drag on for the whole year. A special ritual was connected with this tradition: all old shoes were collected in the house and put outside the threshold. Together with it, former offenses and quarrels were left behind the threshold.

Unmarried girls held rituals to attract a lover. They hung colorful ribbons on trees, saying aloud the name of the young man whose attention they wanted to attract. Soon after that, according to the beliefs, the engagement was to take place.

As a rule, no noisy festivities were organized on this day. Time was usually spent in the family circle, gathering at the festive table. The main dishes were traditionally game and wild boar.

The weather was determined by the signs of the day. If a strong wind blew on Vasily, then soon expected crackling frost. If the trees were covered with frost - to thaw.

Earlier in February celebrated the Memorial Day of St. Ephraim the Syrian. "Izvestia" told what this saint is known and who helps.