News

One fourth of Latvian residents consider themselves Orthodox

According to the results of a poll conducted by the Research Center for Study of Public Opinion (SKDS), every fourth Latvian resident considers him or herself Orthodox (25.6%), reports Blagovest.info. In addition, the survey shows that another 22.6% consider themselves Catholics, 18.4% - Lutherans, 3.3% - Old Believers, 0.9% - Baptists, 0.3% - Seventh-Day Adventists, 0.1% - Jews.

Postage stamp for 100th Anniversary of Patriarch Pavle to be issued in Serbia

A postage stamp in honor of the 100th anniversary since Serbian Patriarch Pavle’s birth will be issued in Serbia, reports the Serbian Patriarchate’s official website.

The decision to issue the anniversary stamp was made by the Serbian Government on July 25 this year. The stamp in honour of Patriarch Pavle will be issued and put into circulation on September 11, 2014 (his birthday) together with a matching envelope.

The launch of this stamp will take place in October this year at the Post, Telephone and Telegraph Museum in Belgrade.

When the Serbian flag flew over the White House

On July 28, 1918, President Woodrow Wilson gave the following message to the American people. It was read in churches throughout the country and published in virtually all major newspapers. The Serbian flag was raised over the White House and all public buildings in the nation's capital. The message read:

To the People of the United States:

On Sunday, 28th of this present month, will occur the fourth anniversary of the day when the gallant people of Serbia, rather than submit to the studied and ignoble exactions of a prearranged foe, were called upon by the war declaration of Austria-Hungary to defend their territory and their homes against an enemy bent on their destruction. Nobly did they respond. So valiantly and courageously did they oppose the forces of a country ten times greater in population and resources that it was only after they had thrice driven the Austrians back and Germany and Bulgaria had come to the aid of Austria that they were compelled to retreat into Albania. While their territory has been devastated and their homes despoiled, the spirit of the Serbian people has not been broken. Though overwhelmed by superior forces, their love of freedom remains unabated. Brutal force has left unaffected their firm determination to sacrifice everything for liberty and independence.

The Orthodox Church’s Holy Synod of Antioch Condemns World’s Silence About Terrorism Against Syria

The participants in the Holy Synod of Antioch in Lebanon denounced the silence of the world over the terrorist crimes committed against the Syrian people.

The remarks came in a statement marking the 3rd session of the Synod, which was chaired by Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East John X Yazigi.

New exhibition on Healing in Jerusalem’s David’s Tower

When you combine ancient medicines, miracles and faith – you get a fascinating remedy in the form of the new exhibition now on display at the Tower of DavidL Jerusalem: A Medical Diagnosis. With a view of Jerusalem through the lens of medicine and faith, the exhibit curated by Dr. Nirit Shalev-Khalifa, takes a look at the constant human struggle of a healthy life through the unique context of the holy city of Jerusalem.

Rare Seal of St. Sabas Discovered in Jerusalem

An extremely rare seal of the Monastery of St. Sabas dated from the the Crusader period was discovered during excavations in Jerusalem. Unearthed a year and a half ago it was only now identified as a unique seal stamped by the laura – the Monastery of St. Sabas. The 800 year old seal bears a Greek inscription and the obverse side carries a figure. Dr. Robert Kool of the Israel Antiquities Authority conducted the examination of the seal and Prof. Jean-Claude Cheynet of France identified it as a seal stamped by the laura – the Monastery of St. Sabas during the Medieval period.