Christian world

Archaeological Discovery: Rare 4th Century Pottery With Christian Symbol Found in London

A shard of pottery discovered in modern-day London, England, provides an interesting view into early Christian settlements in Europe, archaeologists say.

The pottery, which was discovered in 1970 near Brentford High Street in London, was recently flagged as showing a depiction of the chi rho, a Christian symbol showing the first two Greek letters of "Khristos," or "Christ."

Divine Liturgy held on 2nd Sunday of Lent at St. GeorgeCathedral in Bab Touma, Damascus

His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II celebrated the Holy Qurobo on the Second Sunday of the Great Lent at Mor George Patriarchal Cathedral in Bab Touma – Damascus.

His Eminence Mor Timotheos Matta Al-Khoury, Patriarchal Vicar of the Patriarchal Archdiocese of Damascus, assisted His Holiness. He spoke about the miracle of the healing of the leprous. He compared it to the spiritual healing that the Lord Jesus miraculously does to those who ask Him with faith. He also congratulated His Holiness on the occasion of the feast of Mor Aphrem, His Holiness’ Patron Saint.

Mother Teresa’s Canonization to Be Sept. 4 in Rome

Decree of 5 Future Canonized Saints Signed at Ordinary Public Consistory This Morning, Including Mexican Child Martyr - Mother Teresa will become a canonized saint Sept. 4 in Rome.

This morning this became official when Pope Francis signed the decree for the canonization of Blessed Mother Teresa of Kolkata, formerly Calcutta, and announced the date and venue of the ceremony for her and four others.

His Holiness Aram I meets with the Representatives of the United Nation for Syria

On Friday evening, His Holiness Aram I met Nicolas Michel, the senior advisor to Staffan de Mistura, special envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General Ban-Ki-moon for Syria.

During the two-hour meeting, Mr Michel briefed Catholicos Aram I on possible solutions to the conflict and processes leading to peace, and then asked the Catholicos to share his views on the participation of the Christian communities in the peace process. His Holiness insisted that any peace process should include all communities of Syria, including the Christians because they are all equal citizens of Syria with equal rights and obligations. After a brief exchange of views, Mr Michel thanked His Holiness for his suggestions and said that he would stay in contact and continue to consult on these matters.

Elderly Pair Arrested for Stealing More Than 3,000 Religious Icons from Churches

Two people have been arrested in France for stealing more than 3,000 religious icons from churches.

Christian Today reports that one of the thieves is an 80-year-old man and the other is a 60-year-old woman.

Police found over 3,000 stolen items in their homes, ranging from cheap candles to crucifixes to valuable ancient Russian icons.

The thieves were caught when a parish priest, Father Ludovic Serre, noticed a pattern to their raids and alerted police.

Archaeology Discovery: 4,200-Y-O Canaanite Burial Ground Found Near Bethlehem

Archaeologists have confirmed the discovery of a 4,200-year-old necropolis dating back to pre-historic times in Bethlehem.

A team of Palestinian and Italian archaeologists recently uncovered the large cemetery, complete with over 100 tombs dating back to 2200 BCE to 650 BCE, at the site of Khalet al-Jam'a, located near Bethlehem.