Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa Theodoros II met with the Zambian Minister of Foreign Affairs
10. May 2009 - 9:09On the morning of Friday 8th May 2009, His Beatitude Theodoros II, pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, met with the Zambian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kabinga Pande. The Minister welcomed the Patriarch warmly, thanked him for the contribution made by te Orthodox Churc to the people of Zambia and for the neutral stance taken by the Orthodox Church in the political issues of the country and placed himself and the members of his ministry at the disposal of is Beatitude for whatever assistance and support the Orthodox Church in Zambia might need. The minister also emphasized the excellent relations between the Government and His Grace Ioakeim Bishop of Zambia. His Beatitude in turn thanked the Minister for the welcome and hospitality and said that the Orthodox Church in Zambia, as well as throughout Africa, apart from the Evangelization of the nations, is concerned about the people and their contemporary social problems.
Present at the meeting were the local Bishop, as well as His Eminence George, Metropolitan of Zimbabwe and the Ambassador of Egypt. Commemorative gifts were exchanged during the meeting.
Service of Consecration of the Holy Church of St Basil and St Dimitrios
10. May 2009 - 9:05On Saturday 9th May 2009, His Beatitude Theodoros II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa conducted the Service of Consecration of the Holy Church of St Basil and St Dimitrios, in the newly built Missionary Centre in Lusaka. From early in the morning many people and many Ambassadors of Orthodox countries and others, had filled the forecourt of the church waiting for the arrival of the Patriarch. When he arrived the African Orthodox broke out into songs and dance, welcoming their guest. The government was represented at the consecration and inauguration ceremonies by the Minister of Education Mr Godfrey Lungwangwa. During the service His Beatitude explained in detail whatever was being done to the impressed congregation who were witnessing this for the first time. Following the Divine Liturgy His Beatitude gave the new church a silver decorated cross for blessing, and congratulated His Grace Bishop Ioakeim of Zambia for the enormous work he has done in a few years, saying that the entire missionary centre is one of the very best of the Patriarchate in Africa. He then distributed antidoron and commemorative gifts to all present and gave pectoral crosses and other gifts to all the African Orthodox Christians.
Constantinople Patriarch is taken to hospital
14. May 2009 - 9:27Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople was taken to hospital upon the recommendation of doctors on Wednesday morning.
According to the Constantinople Patriarchy, "he feels quite well and is going to return to his office in a few days," Romfea.gr reports.
For almost a week, Bartholomew I has been suffering a bad cold. The meeting of the Constantinople Patriarchate Synod is adjourned for the reason of Patriarch's illness.
Patriarch Kirill urges Ukrainian politicians to refuse using the Church in their political interests
13. May 2009 - 9:27Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia expressed his concern with the attempts of some Ukrainian political figures to use the Church in that country to their political goals. "The situation in Ukraine is really complicated, the major reason being that the schism there is based on political considerations and the intention of some officials to use the Church and people's faith to their own interests not in any way related to the proper Christian goals," Patriarch said in an interview published by Izvestia daily.
Chelsea challenge to orthodox development
5. May 2009 - 8:55
A thriving Orthodox Christian congregation in South London has expressed strong interest in taking over the long empty Guards Chapel at Chelsea Barracks. The chapel, which developers are seeking to demolish to make way for a large complex of luxury flats and affordable homes, has been recommended for listing by English Heritage. After fierce local opposition, the proposals, drawn up by the practice of Lord Rogers, have been slightly reduced in scale by the developers Candy and Candy who are working for the Emir of Qatar, who acquired the site for £959 million. They plan to replace the demolished 1960s barracks with sleek rows of identical apartment blocks enlivened by the glazed external lifts and stairs which are the signature of many Rogers buildings.
