News

Number of abortions in Russia has decreased by 24,5%

Head of the Russian Health Ministry Veronika Skvortsova reports that the number of abortions in the country has decreased.

"It is important to say that thanks to active measures of psychological support of pregnant women, organization of pre-abortion consultation service in maternity hospitals and prenatal clinics, the number of abortions has decreased by 8% in 2015. That is 67,000 children born. And if compared to 2011 - by 24,5%," Skvortsova said on Wednesday speaking at a governmental session dedicated to the demographic situation in Russia.

Remnants From Ancient Church Unearthed in Gaza by Construction Workers

Construction workers in Gaza have discovered ancient ruins that archaeologists say may be part of a Byzantine church dating from around 1,500 years ago, the Palestinian Tourism and Antiquities Ministry said Monday.

Turks building a mosque in Amsterdam called "Hagia Sophia"

With outrageous activity Turks are advancing in the building and opening of a mosque called "Hagia Sophia" in Amsterdam, which is an exact replica of the sacred symbol of Orthodoxy in Constantinople, reports Romfea.

Press release: 50 new Scripture translations completed last year.

In 2015 Bible Societies assisted in the completion of translations in 50 languages spoken by nearly 160 million people. 2015 was ‘a first’ for no fewer than 28 languages, spoken by nearly 33 million people. 11 communities now have their very first full Bible, 6 have a New Testament and 11 communities have their first, or additional, portions of Scripture.

Languages are constantly developing so Bible Societies are also committed to revising existing translations and providing new translations, when requested, to help as many people as possible engage with the message of the Bible today. In 2015 this resulted in a further 20 new translations and revisions plus 2 study editions with the potential to reach over 127 million people.

The Abkhazian Constitution now officially bans abortions

The president of Abkhazia Raul Khajimba has signed into law an amendment to the republic’s constitution aimed at state protection for the life of mothers and unborn children.

To this law, chapter 2 of the Abkhazian constitution, is added another article which reads: "Abkhazia recognizes the value and inviolability of family life and takes measures in order to protect and strengthen the family as a fundamental and independent institution. The state equally safeguards the life of the mother and the unborn child.

Letter of condolence

Letter of condolences to
Esteemed Mufti of Belgrade
Muhamed JUSUFSPAHIC
Belgrade

Very Esteemed Mufti,

On the occasion of repose of the esteemed Reisul-Ulema of the Islamic Community of Serbia and longstanding Mufti of Belgrade, Hamdija Jusufspahic, and Your beloved parent, on behalf of the Serbian Orthodox Church and on Our own behalf We send Our most sincere condolences.to You, Venerable Mufti, and via Your personality to all the believers of the Islamic Community of Serbia,

The Serbian Orthodox Church had an honest friend in the person of late Mufti of blessed repose and the community gathered around him. We are especially grateful for Mufti's unreserved commitment for honest and good interpersonal relations, in particular for peace and prosperity among all the people of good will in Serbia, without exception, in one particularly challenging time for the people of Serbia.

In the person of Mufti of blessed repose the Islamic Community of Serbia has lost a great and wise man, but the consolation abides is legacy that will, we believe, continue the same way, and that is the way of peace and inter-religious understanding.

With respects towards Your respected family,

SERBIAN PATRIARCH
IRINEJ