Christian world

Assyrians March in Sweden for Genocide Recognition

More than two thousand Assyrians marched for genocide recognition on Sunday in six cities in Sweden. The marchers held torches and Assyrian flags as they walked silently in Stockholm, Gothenburg, Norrkoping, Linkoping, Jonköping and Orebro.

The march was organized by the Assyrian Federation of Sweden and its affiliated organizations to commemorate the centennial anniversary of the Turkish and Kurdish genocide of Assyrians, Armenians and Pontic Greeks. The genocide occurred between 1915 and 1918 and claimed the lives of 750,000 Assyrians (75%), 1.5 million Armenians and 500,000 Pontic Greeks.

Historic Orthodox church for sale in central Turkey

The owner hopes that someone will renovate the historic building.

A historic 18th century Orthodox Church in Kayseri — ancient Caesarea — was put up for sale by a local man, Ömer Sicimoğlu, who bought the abandoned church building in 2013. He told the Anadolu Agency that the church is “an important cultural asset” that can be restored. Mr. Sicimoğlu said that, ideally, he would like the church to be bought by someone who would renovate it.

Sicimoğlu, who works in real estate, posted an ad for the property on an online shopping site with a price tag of 450,000 euros.

Statement on the situation in Libya by Bishop Angaelos

Statement by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom regarding escalating attacks on Coptic Christians in Libya.

It is deeply concerning to witness the unprovoked, targeted and escalating attacks on Egyptian Coptic Christians in Libya, particularly but not exclusively in Sirte.

IOCC Provides Vital Winter Relief For Syrian Children And War-Weary Families

Freezing temperatures, heavy snow and chilling winds sweeping across Syria are putting thousands of young lives in jeopardy as displaced mothers struggle helplessly to keep their small children warm and sheltered from the harsh winter conditions. Many live in shelled out buildings with no doors or windows to keep frigid weather out, or in temporary shelters with no heat. The need for warm clothing is great.

Armenian Orthodox Nativity and Theophany of Lord Jesus Christ Celebrated in Georgia

 The Armenian Diocese in Georgia has celebrated the first major feast of 2015, the Feast of Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ. On the evening of January 5th, a Candlelight Divine Liturgy was held in all the churches of the Diocese.

Celebrating the New Year in a War Zone

Except for going to church services all the population of Sierra Leone was instructed to stay home during the Christmas and New Year holidays. We are currently under a semi – lockdown mode for the Festive Season. No restaurants, no sporting events, no public celebrations, no wedding receptions, no street celebrations, all shops must close on weekdays by 6.00 PM, by noon of Saturdays and no trading on Sundays . Even church services were restricted – they were to be held during the day and only up to 5.00 PM. New Year Church Service was forbidden. Indeed the army and patrol volunteers are still out in force to ensure these decrees. Violators face the full weight of the law. Add to that list of prohibition, school, college or university attendance.