Orthodox Churches

Holy Synod of the Russian Church expresses its deep sorrow over uncanonical actions of Patriarch Theodoros of Alexandria who entered into communion with schismatics

On 26th December 2019, at its session held in Moscow, the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church gave consideration to the consequences of the recognition by the Primate of the Patriarchate of Alexandria of the schismatic structure acting in Ukraine. Earlier, on 8th November, during the Divine Liturgy in Cairo, Patriarch Theodoros of Alexandria commemorated at the Great Entrance,  along with Primates of the autocephalous Orthodox Churches, the head of the Ukrainian schismatic group and officially announced his recognition of this uncanonical structure.

The Patriarch of Jerusalem at the reception of the President of the State of Israel

The annual New Year reception of the Heads of the Christian Churches and their respective accompanying parties, withheld by the President of the State of Israel, took place at the Presidential Residence on Monday morning, December 30, 2019.

The President Mr. Reuben Rivlin and the Minister of Economy and Minister of Development of the Negev and Galilee Mr. Arye Deri welcomed the Heads of the Churches and assured them of their continuous efforts to uphold and encourage the peaceful co-existence of the followers of all religions and ethnicities in Israel. They further highlighted their endeavours for the restoration works and projects around the Baptism Site. Best wishes were extended for a merry Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year 2020.

Russian, Romanian hierarchs consecrate foundation stone for new church in Hungary

A new church in honor of the Life-Giving Spring Icon of the Mother of God will soon appear in Hungary.The foundation stone for the future church was laid and consecrated on Friday, December 27 by Metropolitan Mark of Ryazan and Mikhailovsk, the managing hierarch of the Hungarian Diocese of the Russian Church, and His Grace Bishop Siluan of Gyula of the Romanian Church, reports the press service of the Hungarian Diocese.

Secretary of State Pompeo to meet with religious leaders in Ukraine

Soon after the new year, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will embark on a 5-day trip to Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Cyprus.

Included in his itinerary is a visit to the schismatic St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery, where Epiphany Dumenko serves, and meetings with Ukrainian religious leaders, according to a press statement from the Department of State.

Monument to St. Clement of Rome erected at site of his martyrdom in Sevastopol

A new monument to St. Clement, the fourth Pope of Rome, has been erected in Sevastopol at the site of his martyrdom.

The statue was erected at Cossack Bay at the site believed to be that of the great saint’s martyrdom by the International Union of Slavic Tourism-Historical Cities public organization, as the Union’s representative Alexandra Zhupnik told RIA-Novosti Crimea.

Memorial Service for Hagiotaphite Fathers at Patriarchate of Jerusalem

The annual Memorial Service of the reposed Hagiotaphite Fathers, memorable Patriarchs, Archbishops, Priests, Hieromonks, Hierodeacons, Monks and Nuns was held at the end of the Divine Liturgy which was officiated by Archbishop Demetrios of Lydda, at the Catholicon of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Sunday of the Forefathers, December 29, 2019.