News

Swastikas graffitied onto Serbian Orthodox Church in racist vandalism attack

A Geelong church is shocked by an act of hate-fuelled vandalism just before a visit by its global leader.

A swastika and other offensive symbols were among the spray-painted messages that greeted parishioners when they arrived at the Serbian Orthodox Church in Hamlyn Heights for Sunday morning’s service.

Montenegro Accused of Threatening Religious Freedom

A network of European religious liberties groups has criticised Montenegro’s draft law on religious freedom, alleging that it would violate the rights it says it intends to protect.

The European Platform on Religious Intolerance and Discrimination, EPRID, has sharply criticised the proposed new law, saying that it would “seriously violate rights of religious freedom and autonomy for churches and religious communities and unfairly discriminate against them”.

21 Libya Copts Remembered in Westminster Prayer Service and the Church of England General Synod with statement by HG Bishop Angaelos

The 21 Coptic Christians brutally executed in Libya one year ago remembered in a prayer service in the Palace of Westminster, during morning prayers at the Church of England General Synod, and in a Vespers Service at the Coptic Orthodox Cathedral of Saint George in the United Kingdom.

A service of commemoration for the 21 Coptic Christians martyred in Libya 12 months ago was held in the Chapel of St Mary Undercroft in the Palace of Westminster on 10 February 2016. The service was attended by members of both Houses of Parliament and co-hosted by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church and the Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons. A statement was released by Bishop Angaelos to mark the anniversary. Prayers were also offered, along with a moment of standing in silence, in memory of the 21 Copts at opening prayers of Church of England General Synod.

Anniversary of the 21 Coptic Christians Martyred in Libya

Anniversary of the 21 Coptic Christians Martyred in Libya – Statement by His Grace Bishop Angaelos – General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom

For decades we have witnessed the systematic intimidation, persecution, abduction, and even execution of Christians and minorities in the Middle East, but the horrific murder of 21 Coptic Christians in Libya 12 months ago had a significant and marked effect on millions around the world; it seemed that even evil had a line it should not cross.

Catholicos of All Armenians receives President of the Serbian National Assembly

On February 9, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; received  Maya Goykovich, President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia and her delegation. She was accompanied by Mr. Eduard Sharmazanov, the Vice President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia.

Egypt Begins Rebuilding Christian Churches Destroyed Under Muslim Brotherhood

The Egyptian military has started rebuilding destroyed Christian churches and properties, years after the Muslim Brotherhood tore the buildings down.

On Christmas Eve, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi apologized to the nation’s Christian population and reiterated his pledge to rebuild the churches. He initially made the promise when he took office in 2013.