Three Holy and Great Hierarchs: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom
The Feast of the Three Hierarchs is celebrated in honor of John Chrysostom, Basil the Great, and Gregory the Theologian, who are among the most venerated Fathers of the Church. These figures played a significant role in shaping Christian dogmatics, particularly the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, and greatly influenced the development of liturgy and ecclesiastical organization. Their collective commemoration takes place on February 12, although each has an individual feast day.
The feast was established following a theological dispute in Constantinople, occurring approximately 700 years after the saints’ deaths, during the reign of Emperor Alexios I Komnenos. According to tradition, Metropolitan John of Euchaita had a vision in which the three saints appeared, asserting that none of them was superior to the others. Consequently, he instituted a joint celebration of their memory and introduced a dedicated liturgical service.
Iconography
In Ukrainian iconography, depictions of the “Assembly of the Three Hierarchs” are typically full-length church icons. The saints are shown in episcopal vestments, including felons (often richly ornamented polistavrions) and omophorions. They hold crosiers and Gospels.
From the second half of the 17th century, miters began appearing in representations of the hierarchs. Their distinct facial features aid in identification. Basil the Great: a long black beard, John Chrysostom: a short black beard, Gregory the Theologian: a long white beard. Occasionally, Pope Gregory the Great is substituted for Gregory the Theologian, identifiable by the papal tiara.
Mykhailo Skop
Icons of the Three Holy and Great Hierarchs: Basil the Great, Gregory the Great, and John Chrysostom
