Orthodoxy in China

The Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church took a decision at its winter session on Thursday to open a department of the Russian Orthodox Autonomous Church (ROAC).

The Synod decision stresses the need to continue the efforts taken by the Department for External Church Relations in the dialogue with the Chinese, to normalize the situation of the Orthodox Church in China.

Visit to the Mother of Churches in the Holy City of Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Dec. 25, 2007 - Today, His Beatitude Patriarch of the Holy City of Jerusalem Theophylos III received members of the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church Most Rev. Metropolitan of Montenegro and the Coastlands, Amfilohije, and Rt. Rev. Hrisostom, Bishop of Zica, who are visiting the Patriarchate of Jerusalem together with protosyngellos Jovan and priest Gajo Gajic. They gave the best respects and blessing by His Holiness the Serbian Patriarch and our Church's Holy Synod of Bishops to the Patriarch of the Holy City of Jerusalem, who was finally recognized by the Israeli government and the Supreme Court of Israel. Yesterday at noon, the Patriarch of Jerusalem received the official Grammata of the Government of the State of Israel. Thus, the formal part of His Beatitude's recognition was concluded, as well, considering the fact that, once elected, the remaining countries in the region proceeded with His recognition immediately.

Charitable Kosovo Relief Fund Founded

The New Gracanica Monastery is collecting donations for Serbian children of Kosovo. A separate charitable fund named "Kosovo Relief Fund" has been established for that purpose. The aim is to collect as much money as possible in America and Canada from people of good will for needy Serbian kids of Kosovo. The target date to finish this project is St. Sava's Day (January 27, 2008) so that help can still be distributed to Serbian kids in Kosovo during this winter. The New Gracanica Monastery will distribute all collected money to families of the neediest kids through the Diocese of Raska and Prizren. Reports on collecting of donations and how the funds are sent and distributed will be posted at www.newgracanica.com . Names of all donors will be published in this site, except names of those people who choose to remain anonymous. All donors from the United States will receive tax receipts.

International Conference on the Restitution of Property to the Church and Religious Communities in Serbia

On the 21st of December, 2007, an International Conference on the Restitution of Property to the Church and Religious Communities was held in AP Vojvodina's Parliament in Novi Sad. The Serbian Orthodox Church was represented by Rt. Rev. Vasilije, Bishop of Srem, Rt. Rev.Irinej, Bishop of Backa, as well as the Legal Advisor of the Patriarchy's Administration Office, Mr. Milan Andric.

Christ is Born - Indeed, He is born!

To all Christians who celebrate the Christmas and the New Year according to the New (Gregorian) Calendar we wish Blessed Nativity of the Lord and a Happy New Year 2008

Christ is Born - Indeed, He is born!

Information Service of the Serbian Orthodox Church

The Archbishop of Athens and All Greece, Mr Christodoulos Receives Visits

Daniel, Patriarch of Romania and Anastasios, Archbishop of Albania visited Patriarch of Athens and All Greece, Mr Christodoulos. Patriarch of Romania visited Mr. Christodoulos in his residence in Palaio Psychico. As he said to reporters after his meeting, according to the tradition of his country, the Patriarch announces the birth of Christ directly and following this tradition he visited Mr. Christodoulos whom he brought a holly picture and chanted Christmas carols. Afterwards, Archbishop of Albania, Anastasios visited Mr. Christodoulos and discussed with him for about 20 minutes. Mr. Anastasios stated that this is the 4th time he visits Mr. Christodoulos and that he believes that he seems better this time, but what he really has- he added- is his faith, love and hope. Finally, Employment Minister, Fani Palli-Petralia met with the Archbishop yesterday in order for Mr. Christodoulos to give her blessings to effectively cope with the problems that arise in the sector of employment. After her visist, Mrs Petrallia said that the Archbishop is well briefed about current issues.

Source: www.ecclesia.gr