Orthodox Churches

Ancient icons stolen over a century ago found during school repairs in Kuban

Three ancient icons, presumably stolen around 120 years ago, were discovered during repairs to a children’s art school in Kuban, in the southern Russian federal district of Krasnodar Krai, Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs representative Irina Volk reported to Interfax-Religion.

17,000+ benefit from Romanian Church’s “Table of Joy” social program in 2016

The Romanian Patriarchate currently operates a series of social programs through which hot food and food supplies are distributed to the needy. Within the framework of this national program “Table of Joy,” 17,048 people received necessary assistance in 2016 alone, reports the patriarchate’s Basilica News Agency.

The Table of Joy program is implemented in 24 dioceses by 178 social-philanthropic institutions. In 2009, the total value of the products offered totaled 4,426,281 euros ($6 million).

Kiev Caves Lavra to hold weekly lunches for the poor

With the blessing of the Kiev Caves Lavra vicar Metropolitan Paul of Vyshhorod and Chernobyl, the deputy head of the monastery’s social department Hieromonk Gleb with his assistants organized not far from the monastery a lunch for those who are struggling financially, reports the lavra’s site. The “Feed Your Neighbor” event was attended by more than 100 people, who enjoyed delicious and nourishing food, after which they were invited to speak with the clergy on spiritual topics.

Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk meets with His Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople

On 18 September 2017, with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations, arrived in Istanbul. At the airport, he was met by Mr. Andrey Podelyshev, Consul General of the Russian Federation in Istanbul. In the evening of the same day the DECR chairman met with Mr. Alexei Yershov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Turkey.

Thousands of French wait for hours to visit Russian cathedral-cultural center in Paris

The Russian church on Branly Quai in Paris was one of the most visited places during the Days of the French National Heritage held on Saturday and Sunday. Several major publications, such as “Le Monde” and “Le Figaro” had earlier suggested to their readers to visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral and Spiritual-Cultural Center, reports the Korsun Diocese.

Ancient Georgian monastery to be restored in Turkey

A tenth century Georgian Orthodox monastery of historic importance found in the northeastern Turkish village of Altiparmak is set to be restored by a group of both Georgian and Turkish experts. The team from the National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation of Georgia and the State Academy of Arts began its work on Parkhali Monastery on Saturday, reports agenda.ge.