Culture

Unexpected Discoveries – The Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem

The time before a vacation is hectic. Especially if you are going to be away for a while. Before my trip to Israel I was very busy and didn’t get a chance to think or study where we would be going so I left with no expectations. I knew about the Armenian Church in Jerusalem and obviously the birth of Christianity in the Holy Land, but never had a deep appreciation for the area where we were headed. Needless to say, after visiting the region, I am forever changed and awakened.

The town of Sabastya: History, Archaelogy and its relation to St. John the Baptist

The town of Sabastiya, which is located 12 kilometers northwest of the city of Nablus, may seem just another modest town at first. However, this quickly starts to alter as we approach the ‘Historic Site’ of the town. Just as we draw nearer to the public square, which is located at the heart of the town, a huge ancient building welcomes us from the north. The building has the name of ‘The Mosque of Prophet Yahya’ (Yahya is Arabic for John), but the exterior of this building does not suggest it is a mosque, except for the minaret part, of course. The reason behind this is simple: it was not meant to be one. Originally, the building was one of the largest Cathedrals built in The Holy Land by the Crusaders, second biggest to be exact, after the Cathedral they built for The Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. The reason behind that may be because it held such a significant meaning, that they had no choice but to prioritize it before other holy sites. In that Church lies the tomb of the greatest among the Prophets, St. John the Baptist.

Moleben on Kiev’s Vladimir Hill and procession to be live broadcast on YouTube

A live broadcast of a moleben on Vladimir Hill in Kiev and the following cross procession will be shown on the station “Inter” on Thursday, beginning at 1:00 PM Kiev time (6:00 AM Eastern), reports the Information-Education Department of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Diocesan Days 2017: September 1-3 at Saint Steven's Cathedral, Alhambra, CA

Glorification of St. Mardarije of Libertyville and All America

Schedule of Events

The upcoming celebration of the canonization and translation of the relics of Saint Mardarije of Libertyville and All-America, the first Serbian Orthodox Bishop of America and Canada, scheduled for July 14-16 at Saint Sava Monastery in Libertyville, is expected to be a Pan-Orthodox event reflecting our unity in Faith and common witness in this country, the Diocese of New Gracanica and Midwestern America announced today.

Leading the liturgical celebrations will be His Holiness Patriarch Irinej, 44th successor of Saint Sava on the holy primatial Throne of the Serbian Orthodox Church, who will be accompanied by several metropolitans and bishops of the Serbian Church, including all of the five active hierarchs of North and South America.

The Life of St Mardarije of Libertyville and all America

In light of the one hundredth anniversary of the arrival to North America of Saint Mardarije of Libertyville, and his unselfish and energetic preaching of the Word of God on this continent, the Orthodox Christian publisher Orthodox Lighthouse has prepared a narrative of his life intended for the Orthodox youth of America.

The book The Life of Saint Mardarije of Libertyville and all America is offered with the blessing of His Grace Bishop Irinej of Eastern America. Bishop Irinej was extraordinarily joyous when he heard that a book about Saint Mardarije was in preparation. The Serbian text was written by Deacon Jovan Anicic with English translation by Father Aleksa Micich and editions by Bishop Irinej of Eastern America.  Illustrations were the creation of Angeliki Delecha.  This gifted illustrator from Greece succeeded with her array of colors and great precision to fully depict the life of our Saint Mardarije. The book is available in the Serbian and English languages.