Orthodox Churches

On detention and beating of Orthodox Christians by Kosovo police

Statement of the Department for External Church Relations’ Communication Service

Information service of the Serbian Orthodox diocese of Raška-Prizren reports that during Christmas celebration on 7 January 2013 the police of the self-proclaimed Republic of Kosovo executed a raid operation in the Gračanica convent. The ruling hierarch, Bishop Teodosije of Raška-Prizren, was not notified.

Audience with Prime Minister of Georgia

Within the celebration of the jubilee of the Georgian Patriarch, Mr. Bidzina Ivanishvili, Prime Minister of Georgia, and Mr. David Usupashvili, President of the Parliament of Georgia, met  with Serbian Patriarch Irinej on January 11, 2013.

Solemn Concert in honour of Georgian Patriarch Ilia

The solemn cultural program was performed in the presence of a few thousand visitors regarding 35^th anniversary of the ministry of  Georgian Catholicos Patriarch Ilia II. Eminent Georgian artist showcased in this program the treasure of the national tradition of Georgia and the deeds of His Holiness and Beatitude of All Georgia Ilia.

Serbian Patriarch Irinej visits University "Saint Andrew The First-Called"

His Holiness Irinej, Serbian Patriarch, visited today, along with the members of the delegations of other Local Orthodox Churches who had come to celebrate  the jubilee of the Georgian Patriarch Ilia, the University  "Saint Andrew the First-Called" in Tbilisi. Following the welcome speech of the rector of the University at the opening of the scientific conference, Serbian Patriarch Irinej also held an address. 

Audience with President of Georgia

Mr. Mikheil Saakashvili, the President of Georgia, organized yesterday the formal reception and the dinner on the occasion of the twofold jubilee of His Holiness and Beatitude Catholicos Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II.

Following the President, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Serbian Patriarch Irinej and Metropolitan Kiril, the Locum Tenens of the Bulgarian Patriarchal throne, sent greetings personally to Patriarch Ilia during their address. His Holiness and Beatitude Patriarch Ilia expressed his gratitude to all who came to prayerfully participate in the significant jubilee of the Georgian Orthodox Church – 35^th anniversary of his Patriarchal ministry. At the presidential palace a solemn cultural program was organized.

Feast of Theophany at the Phanar

On Sunday, January 6, 2012, His All-Holiness celebrated the Divine Liturgy with members of the Holy and Sacred Synod, as well as other members of the Hierarchy, on the occasion of the Feast of Theophany at the Patriarchal Church of St. George.