Eparchial (Diocesan) News

Pan-Orthodox evening vesper in Vienna

On the first week of Great Lent, when church celebrates Sunday of Orthodoxy, reminding us of a first victory of Orthodoxy over iconoclasm, and re-establishment of icons in Constantinople in 843. AD, according to tradition, the Orthodox faithful living in capital of Austria, together are attending the Pan-Orthodox vesper service, served by priesthood of Russian, Romanian, Bulgarian, Serbian, Czech, Georgian Orthodox church and the patriarchate of Constantinople and patriarchate of Antioch,  each year in other church. 

Raffi Gregorian visited Bishop VasilijeRaffi Gregorian visited Bishop Vasilije

His Grace Bishop Vasilije of Zvornik and Tuzla received yesterday, at the temporary office of the Diocese - a monastery of St. Vasilije of Ostrog in Bijeljina, Raffi Gregorian, Brcko Supervisor and Deputy High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On this occasion they discussed about political and security situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Brcko District, and also about other issues that are burdening normal functioning of the Church in this region.

In introductory presentation, Bishop Vasilije congratulated 10-years jubilee of the District of Brcko, also mentioning the momentary problems of the Church regarding the subject"catechism" on the territory of the Brcko District. During the discussion, Raffi Gregorian explained reasons why cathehism was late, also claiming that catechism will get, from September of the next year, the same status as others subjects.

Then it was being discussed on financial help increase for religious communities and the renewal of destroyed buildings, as well as on providing help for the returnees to their homes, renewal of their homes and a necessary agricultural mechanisation supply.

The problem of the property restitution in Bosnia and Herzegovina Federation was pointed out, especially the Seminary building in Sarajevo, for only the Serbian Orthodox Church does not have its Seminary of theology in Sarajevo. The common statement is that it would be purposeful to solve this problem as soon as possible.

The lack of the Ministry of Faith or a Direction for Faith was also pointed out in Federation, therefore religious communities do not have nowhere to turn to in order to solve problems.

Very hard labour conditions were also mentioned and the existence of Inter-religious Council.

The worrying point was the fact that only two of five bishops in Bosnia and Herzegovina are in their offices, while the offices in Sarajevo, Mostar and Tuzla are vacant.

At the end of the talks, satisfaction was expressed because of the meeting which enabled many questions, and therefore these meetings are very essential.

Source: Diocese of Zvornik and Tuzla 

Pan-Orthodox celebration of the Triumph of Orthodoxy in Pennsylvania

The Clergy Association of Mercer and Lawrence Counties is a combination of two clergy brotherhoods, from New Castle and the Shenango Valley in northwestern Pennsylvania. These two clergy associations come together each year for the Pan-Orthodox celebration of the Triumph of Orthodoxy on the first Sunday of Great Lent. The St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Hermitage is a part of this pan Orthodox community and the parish priest, Fr. Milovan Katanic, currently serves as the President of the local Clergy Association.

Sunday of Orthodoxy in Cetinje

The  Holy Hierarchal liturgy at the Monastery of Cetinje, has been served by His Eminence Metropolitan Amfilohije of Montenegro and the Littoral with the concelebration of the priesthood, along with a formal holiday procession which has passed through city streets and the Spiritual academy at the House of Government at the end. In this way, today, the Sunday of Orthodoxy has been formally celebrated.

Annual Diocesan Assembly at the St. Simeon Mirotocivi Serbian Orthodox Church in North Miami, Florida

His Grace Bishop Dr. MITROPHAN, Diocesan Bishop scheduled the Annual Diocesan Assembly at the St. Simeon Mirotocivi Serbian Orthodox Church in North Miami, Florida. The Assembly was held on February 27-28, 2009. In addition to His Grace Bishop Dr. MITROPHAN, Assembly participants included Diocesan clergy, Diocesan Council members, Audit Board members, parish Executive Board Presidents, delegates and observers.

The Annual Assembly reviews the work of the Diocese from the preceding year and establishes goals for the coming year. At the Assembly the Bishop defines and expresses the vision for the Diocese for the present and future.

Australia holds National Mourning Day after fires

On Sunday, 22 February 2009 Australians held a National Day of Mourning service in the Melbourne Park Rod Laver Arena for the victims of wildfires that killed hundreds this month, and survivors were promised the nation would support them in the massive task of rebuilding.

Tears flowed as The Honourable Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said the hellish blazes of "Black Saturday" on Feb. 7 - which killed more than 200 people - had tested the nation's character, and the response was courage, compassion and resilience.