Synaxis of the three hierarchs

In the gospel account, the sons of Thunder (James and John) and others were arguing about who would be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. They were young.

Today is the synaxis (Greek for “gathering” – same root as synagogue) of John Chrysostom, Basil the Great, and Gregory the Theologian. The tradition hands down the account of this gathering, informing us that in the 11th century some Orthodox had divided into factions over the question of which of the three was greatest. They’d even taken the names of the fathers to identify themselves. All three of them appeared to a monk, telling him that their glory was equal and they should be remembered together.

This story reminds us of the Corinthian hang-up: I am of Paul, I am of Apollos, and I am of Christ. Is Christ divided, St. Paul asks. When we cannot achieve greatness on our own due to our unwillingness to pay the price of greatness: becoming a servant, then we strive for greatness by association.

The only authentic greatness our God offers us is the greatness of the servant. Seeking that greatness, so contrary to our hearts low desires, would cure us of every division. May we be numbered among the peacemakers, and thus be called the sons of God!