Celebrations marking 20th anniversary of the Kharkov Council of Bishops of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and Metropolitan Vladimir’s ministry at the chair of Kiev
13. August 2012 - 11:34On the eve of the commemoration day of St. Vladimir Equal-to-the-Apostles, July 27, representatives of Local Orthodox Churches assembled at a grand dinner to extend congratulations to His Beatitude Metropolitan Vladimir of Kiev and All Ukraine on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Council of Kharkov and his primatial ministry.
Metropolitan Emmanuel of France greeted Metropolitan Vladimir on behalf of His Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople and read out his congratulatory message stating in particular that ‘the feeling of unity has always prevailed among Orthodox Churches, their clergy and faithful – the unity of the faith but also the unity of accomplishments and aspirations. Especially in this period, in this historical context when the world is changing and humanity is experiencing a common crisis of values, it is necessary to feel this unity and experience it so that we may succeed in the cause of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ… This cause devoted to the ministry of Orthodox unity is really great, excellent and pleasing to God’.
Large Forest Fires near Hilandar
10. August 2012 - 11:43
LATEST NEWS: Friday, August 10, 2012 at 8 a.m. - The Hilandar has reported that the fires approached to 3.5 km from the monastery.
Since last night, due to unfavorable wind direction, the fire moved by 1.5 km towards the Hilandar. In relation to the line of defense wich fireprotecting road represents in the area of Proto Nero, the fire is only 700 meters away, which is extremely dangerous for the defense of the Hilandar. Forty-nine firefighters ,rescuers, from Serbia with four fire engines and other operational vehicles are expected to arrive any moment.
Children's summer camp on the Princess Islands
10. August 2012 - 11:24
On Thursday afternoon, August 2nd, His All-Holiness visited the children's summer camp on the Princes Islands. The Ecumenical Patriarch attended the Paraklisis Service at the historic Monastery of the Transfiguration. Afterwards, the children recited poems, sang and performed for His All-Holiness and other dignitaries.
An Appeal from the Primate of the Antiochian Orthodox Church
10. August 2012 - 10:53
A countless number of Christians and Muslims are victims of the violence; the hospitals are full with injuries and the pain is endless. Syrians, in spite of their religious backgrounds, have the right to live in their country with pride and dignity.
During the past fifteen months, we have lost many people and a large number of Syrians were forced to evacuate from their homes. Christians had to flee their towns, cities and everything they own, and our beloved priests had to leave their churches.
Theophilos III Patriarch of Jerusalem Visited Al-zaitari Refugee Camp In Jordan
10. August 2012 - 10:31
On Monday, August 6, 2012, His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of the Holy City of Jerusalem and all of Palestine and Jordan, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches for the Orthodox Family, expressed his concern for and acted out of what he called a ”moral duty” by making a pastoral visit to the Syrian families who have fled the deteriorating situation in Syria, And who have sought sanctuary in the Al-Zaitari Camp located just a few kilometers from the city of Mafraq in northern Jordan.
His Beatitude’s visit comes out of a genuine sense of love and concern for the people who are caught up in this humanitarian crisis. The local church is committed to the Christian mission found in Mathew 25:35,36 - ”for I was a stranger and you received me, sick and you visited me, hungry and you gave me food, naked and you clothed me.”
