A special Russian holiday on November 27: The Mysteries of St. Gregory Palamas' Day

St. Gregory Palamas was an outstanding theologian of the 14th century who lived in an era of profound ideological and political trials for the Orthodox Church. He became famous as an ardent defender of the doctrine of the divine light and the founder of hesychasm, the spiritual practice of inner contemplation and prayer. At the end of November, believers remember his spiritual feat and teaching, which still inspires thousands of souls to strive for unity with God through prayer and humility. For more information about the traditions and history of the celebration, see the Izvestia article.

St. Gregory Palamas: life and Deeds

St. Gregory Palamas is one of the key figures of 14th—century Orthodox theology, who lived in a difficult time when the Orthodox Church was beset by ideological and political trials. He was born in 1296 into a rich and noble family in Asia Minor. He received a brilliant education in Constantinople, where he studied philosophy and theology. In his youth, Gregory retired to the holy Mount Athos, where he became a monk and immersed himself deeply into a spiritual and ascetic life. There he became an ardent advocate of hesychasm, a special way of contemplative prayer that affirms the possibility of direct communication with God through contemplation of his divine light.

During his life, St. Gregory actively defended the Orthodox Orthodox understanding of God in theological disputes with the Barlaamites, who denied the existence of uncreated divine energies. His teachings were confirmed by the Council of Blachernae in 1351, and Palamas himself became Archbishop of Thessalonica, where he continued to serve the Church, instructing monks and laity, as well as strengthening spirituality in difficult times of political and religious trials.

Palama died on November 14, 1359, and was canonized shortly after his death. He left a theological legacy that continues to influence Orthodoxy today, emphasizing the importance of prayer, humility, and unity with God.

St. Gregory Palamas Memorial Day: when will it be celebrated in 2025

St. Gregory Palamas Memorial Day is celebrated annually in the Orthodox Church on November 27. This holiday is a day honoring his spiritual exploits and theological contributions, significant for the entire Orthodox world.

On the holiday, special divine services are held dedicated to the glorification of the saint, his life is read at the service, his labors and miracles are remembered. The celebration is of great importance for the spiritual rebirth and strengthening of faith among the Orthodox, reminding of the power of prayer and the need for inner spiritual transformation.

St. Gregory Palamas Memorial Day: traditions of celebration

St. Gregory Palamas Memorial Day, celebrated on November 27, has deep spiritual and theological significance in Orthodoxy. On this day, believers gather in churches to participate in solemn divine services, which include an all-night vigil, liturgy and processions. Special attention is paid to the reading of the saint's life, akathists and sermons revealing his spiritual heritage and teaching about the uncreated divine light.

The traditions of the celebration are built around prayerful rest, fasting and reflections on the spiritual path of man to unity with God. Many believers on this day try to pray strenuously, resorting to hesychast practice — inner contemplation and disembodied prayer, which St. Gregory Palamas actively preached. Special solemn services and educational talks are held in monasteries dedicated to his teachings and the importance of asceticism.

The holiday coincides with the time of the Christmas Fast, so on this day it is not recommended to arrange lavish feasts with an abundance of dairy and meat dishes. On this day, it is customary to strive for inner peace, humility and spiritual growth, inspired by the example of the saint and his teaching on the transfiguration of the human spirit through prayer and grace.