An encyclical for all brothers and sisters
18. September 2020 - 9:28
While waiting to know the contents of the document, there has been some discussion about the title and how to translate it inclusively. An encyclical, though, is per se a universal text, and Pope Francis truly wants to speak to the heart of each and every person. The Holy See Press Office announces that the text will be published on 4 October.
International Photo competition “Colours of Orthodoxy. Finland”
1. September 2020 - 10:46
Competition is organized by the Orthodox Church of Finland, OrthPhoto.net and the Publishing Department of the Polish Orthodox Church. The contest is organized to present the diversity and beauty of Orthodoxy in Finland. Through this contest, which will culminate with an album and an exhibition, we would like to present for wider audience Christian life in Finland. We are looking for images in these categories: Churches (architecture, frescos, crosses, tombs, landscape), People (ordained and lay, portrait, etc.), Reportage (Church events, pilgrimages, feasts, etc.). Entering the competition is free of charge. Due to Coronavius pandemics we encourage participants to look through their archives. If you sent your application before 31st of May you will not lose your limits. All entries must be received by September 4th, 2020.
Only headscarf-wearing women are allowed to enter Hagia Sophia
28. August 2020 - 19:21
The entrance to Hagia Sophia in Constantinople, which has been converted into a mosque, is only allowed for women who wear a headscarf and are properly dressed. “From now on, women who do not wear a headscarf or are not properly dressed will not be allowed to enter Hagia Sophia,” odatv4.com reports. It adds that… headscarves and one-piece suits are distributed for free at the entrance of the church for female tourists who wish to enter.
Oldest Armenian Church in Bulgaria Marks 400th Anniversary
27. August 2020 - 22:50
The Armenian Church of the Holy Virgin in Silistra marked Sunday its 400th anniversary. It is believed to be the older Armenian church in Bulgaria, the Bulgarian News Agency reports. Repair works at the church years ago led to the discovery of a stone plate with the year of the church’s construction. The church’s dome is unique with its frescoes which, according to researchers, are a rare feature for Armenian churches. Another untypical feature are the openings in the upper part of the southern and northern sides of the central space inside the building, which serve to improve acoustics. The walls are covered in religious oil paintings – not in frescos – many of which created by Silistra-based painter Bedig Bedrosyan.
Coptic Orthodox Church Send Aid to Lebanon
26. August 2020 - 13:09
The Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria has sent several tons of humanitarian aid to Beirut, the blast ravaged capital city of Lebanon. The Coptic Church joined hands with Al-Azhar to sent 27 tons of aid to Lebanon. The aid consists of food items and medicines and was delivered in two cargo flights. It has been reported that Egypt will continue to support the Lebanese people. Two huge explosions rocked the city of Beirut on the 4th of August Tuesday killing more than 78 people and injuring over four thousand. The blasts (at Beirut’s port) took place as a result of the ignition of an estimated 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate.
