During the reign of Emperor Alexios Komnenos (1081-1118), a dispute arose in Constantinople about which of the three great saints — Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian or John Chrysostom — should be given primacy. Some praised St. Basil as a teacher who deeply revealed the mysteries of the universe, an organizer of monasticism and a strict pastor who did not allow moral concessions. Others argued that Chrysostom no less zealously fought against vices and led the people to repentance, and his sermons, distinguished by exceptional eloquence, became an inexhaustible source of instruction in Christian life for the Church. Still others ranked Gregory the Theologian above all others, for the purity and power of his word and for the fact that he expounded the doctrine of the Holy Trinity especially clearly and loftily.
Gradually, disagreements seized almost the entire city: instead of reverently honoring the saints, people indulged in endless arguments and squabbles, and the split between the "parties" seemed hopeless. Then the saints appeared in a dream to Saint John Mavropod, Metropolitan of Evkha (October 5), first one at a time, and then together. They said that they were in unity before God and knew neither rivalry nor division: each, by the gift of the Holy Spirit and the circumstances of his ministry, taught what was necessary for the salvation of people. "There is neither the first, nor the second, nor the third among us," they announced, "and by summoning one, you will find two others nearby." The saints asked for an end to the strife, to unite their memory in one holiday and to compose a service, promising to intercede for the salvation of those who would honor them in one mind.
St. John Mavropod announced the revelation to the people, and the disputants were reconciled. By common desire, he set the celebration for January 30, as the end of the month, in which each of the three saints is remembered separately.
This cathedral feast reminds us that the three saints, differing in gifts and personality, are united by grace and bear witness to the glory of the Most Holy Trinity with their whole lives. Their word and example strengthened faith, enlightened the Church, and left a holy legacy to posterity. At the same time, the Council of the Three Saints becomes an image of the unity of church tradition and the veneration of all the fathers of the Church — those whom the Holy Spirit raises up at all times as mentors, comforters and prayer pillars on which the Church is established in truth.