Orthodox Churches

The new Consul General of Greece in Jerusalem visits the Patriarchate

On Thursday, August 21/September 3, 2020, the New Consul General of Greece in Jerusalem, Vlioras visited the Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem on the occasion of the undertaking of his new duties. Vlioras was accompanied by the Vice Consul Christina Zacharioudaki.  On this visit Vlioras informed Patriarch Theophilos on his intention to continue the established cooperation of the Greek Consulate of Jerusalem with the Patriarchate and asked His blessing and guidance for the accomplishment of this aim.

Archbishop Elpidophoros: We are building Saint Nicholas for those who perished on 9/11

Today marks 19 years since the terrorist attacks on the “Twin Towers” in New York.

On Liberty Street, opposite the south tower of the World Trade Center, was the Greek Orthodox Shrine of Saint Nicholas. It was the only religious site destroyed by the 9/11 attacks.

The Feast of the historic church of the Holy Cross in Bournova of Smyrna

As part of the celebration of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, the annual feast of the historic temple of the Holy Cross in Bournova, which belongs to the Holy Diocese of Smyrna, will normally be held this year with the permission of the competent authorities.

Actor Gérard Depardieu is baptized into Orthodoxy

Academy Award-nominated French actor Gérard Depardieu was received into the Orthodox Church by the Sacraments of Baptism and Chrismation on Friday, September 4.

The service was celebrated by His Eminence Metropolitan John of Dubna, the head of the Russian Church’s Archdiocese of Russian Churches in Western Europe, at the Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky in Paris, reports mk.ru.

Bishop Benjamin of Minsk elevated to rank of Metropolitan in Moscow

Yesterday, Sunday, September 6, His Grace Bishop Benjamin of Minsk, formerly of Borisov and Marinogorsk, was elevated to the rank of Metropolitan during the Divine Liturgy at Moscow’s Christ the Savior Cathedral.

Vladyka Benjamin was unanimously elected as the new Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus by the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church on August 25.

Ecumenical Patriarch: The only use that respects the Hagia Sophia is that of a Christian church

“The only use that respects and highlights the truth and the sacred mission of the Hagia Sophia is that of a Christian church,” said Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in a letter to Metropolitan Agathangelos of Fanari.

The Ecumenical Patriarch expresses gratitude to the Metropolitan of Fanari “for your genuine and sincere expression of love and support for the Ecumenical Patriarchate” and went on to say, among other things: “The Hagia Sophia Church as the architectural depiction of salvation of humankind and all the Creation belongs to all.” The recognition of Hagia Sophia as a world cultural heritage monument  indirectly expresses this truth and is not only connected with the incomparable grandeur of the architecture with its hagiography and decoration.”