Putin Congratulates Patriarch Kirill on His Name Day with the Order on Real Estate Transfer to Church

Moscow, May 25, Interfax - Last Monday, on the Day of Slavic Script Prime Minister of Russia Vladimir Putin congratulated Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia.

The head of government and head of the Russian Orthodox Church met in the Christ the Savior Cathedral in Patriarch's suite. Putin came in with a large bunch of roses and a present. "My best wishes!" he said and handed Patriarch flowers and the icon of St. Kirill and St. Methodius.

"I have signed several orders to transfer a whole real estate package to the Church free of charge," Putin added and noted with regret, "there are many dilapidated premises."

"It doesn't matter," Patriarch said, "we shall restore it together, bit by bit."
After journalists have made some joint pictures of them, Patriarch and Vice President left for a separate room to talk over a cup of tea.

Source:

http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=7295

40,000 People Participate in Downtown Moscow Procession Dedicated to the Days of Slavic Script

Moscow, May 24, Interfax – Procession with many thousands of participants, clerics and Moscow youth goes along the Prechistenskaya Naberezhnaya in downtown Moscow on Monday in frames of the Days of Slavic Script and Culture.

The column of participants is stretched along the embankment from the Cathedral of Christ the Savior to the Kremlin. Its final destination is Vasilyevsky Spusk. Law enforcement agencies told Interfax-Religion that about 40 thousand people are participating in the event.

Overwhelming majority of the participants are students of Moscow higher educational establishments and participants in Orthodox youth organizations. Many of them have Russian flags in their hands, some have transparencies "Think of Russia's Future." The procession is held in a cheerful friendly atmosphere, every now and then the participants start yelling "Hurrah!", applauding and whistling. Moscow churches welcome youth column with festival bell-ringing.

Source:

http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=dujour&div=217

Orthodox Patriarchs Meet in Moscow

Bartholomew I and Kirill Showing New Stage of Friendship

MOSCOW, MAY 25, 2010 (Zenit.org).- The ecumenical patriarch of Constantinople is visiting Moscow in a meeting that both he and the Russian patriarch have described as "transcendent."

Today, Bartholomew I and Kirill both met with President Dimitri Medvedev in the Kremlin, discussing several issues regarding relations between the Church and state.

Last Sunday, the patriarchs concelebrated the Solemnity of Pentecost in the Cathedral of the Dormition, which is within the monastery of St. Sergius.

After the celebration, the patriarch of Moscow turned warmly to Bartholomew I, saying that he was "very happy to see him" in Moscow, L'Osservatore Romano reported.

"It is not just a courtesy visit; we see it isn't like this. All protocol is put aside to give place to joint prayer before the throne of God, our mutual love and our sincere willingness, " Kirill added.

"In face of the enormous responsibility we bear, we must go forward as a family, to give proof of true peace," the Russian patriarch continued. "The more we cooperate and interact, the stronger is our voice. And God willing we won't be distracted until the completion from what is most important for Orthodoxy, holy unity."

For his part, Bartholomew I expressed his emotion on having returned to Russia 17 years after his previous visit, on that occasion, to Patriarch Alexy II. The ecumenical patriarch also expressed the hope that this visit "will contribute to reinforce our fraternal relations for the good of the whole of Orthodoxy."

Both patriarchs, with their delegations, went on foot together to the Church of St. Basil the Blessed to open, in the presence of the mayor, Yuri Luzhkov, the Days of Slav Literature and Culture.

The ecumenical patriarch of Constantinople is scheduled to be in Russia until May 31. In addition to Moscow, he plans to go to St. Petersburg, where he will again concelebrate the Divine Liturgy with Patriarch Kirill, in the Cathedral of St. Isaac.

Rapprochement

This visit, which corresponds to Patriarch Kirill's July 2009 journey to Istanbul, marks a new stage in relations between both patriarchs, who in the last decades have experienced tensions and difficulties.

The estrangement between the two was patent, given their differences on the jurisdiction of Ukraine and of territories such as Estonia, split off from the former Soviet Union after the fall of Communism in 1989.

Archpriest Nikolai Balashov, a spokesman of the Russian Orthodox Church, said in this regard that "many things have changed since then."

In fact, last year Patriarch Bartholomew re-launched the idea of convoking a Pan-Orthodox Synod, an idea that Constantinople has promoted since 1901, and that has gained renewed force in recent months.

Source:

http://www.zenit.org/article-29368?l=english

Ukraine Bids Farewell to Kursk Root Icon of the Theotokos

The Wonderworking Kursk-Root Icon of the mother of God "The Sign" stayed in Kyiv from May 13 through 25. In particular, on 13 - 22 May the shrine remained at the wooden Church of All Saints situated in the construction site of the Holy Resurrection Cathedral of the UOC (Kyiv, Zaliznychne shosse 3), and on 22-25 May - at the Cathedral of Sumy.

13 May the Theotokos Icon was delivered to the capital of Ukraine from Munich by the delegation of the Russia Orthodox Church Abroad, led by His Eminence Mark, Archbishop of Berlin and All Germany and of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church led by deputy chairman of the Department for External Church relations of the UOC, His Grace Alexander, Bishop of Pereyaslav-Khmelnytskyy.

On that day the wonderworking icon was met at the construction site of the Holy Resurrection Cathedral of the UOC by the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr and the First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, His Eminence Hilarion, Metropolitan of East America and New-York together with the clergy of the capital city, following which a prayer service was performed beside the wooden church of All Saints.

16 May at the Church of All Saints, where the Kursk Root Icon stayed, His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr celebrated the divine liturgy.

22 May at the Church of all Saints the Kyivans solemnly bid farewell to the wonderworking Kursk-Root Icon. The same day the icon was delivered to the Cathedral of Holy Transfiguration of Our Savior in Sumy.

23- 25 May the Divine Liturgies were performed at the wonderworking Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God "The Sign" at the Cathedral of Holy Transfiguration of Our Savior in Sumy.

25 May after the Liturgy the prayer service was conducted, following which the shrine was carried in a sacred procession to the borderline between the regions of Sumy and Kursk.

Source:

http://orthodox.org.ua/eng/node/1348

ROCA First Hierarch Completes His Visit to Ukrainian Orthodox Church

On May 20 the official visit of the First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad Metropolitan Hilarion of East America and New-York completed.

He was seen off at the international airport of Boryspil by Vicar of the Kyiv Metropolis Bishop Panteleimon of Vasylkiv and head of the protocol service of the Kyiv Metropolis archpriest Valery Kravets.

"I heartily thank you for the reception rendered to me and the ROCA delegation, for the hospitality and attention extended in the course of our visit to Ukraine", said Metropolitan Hilarion to the seers-off.

Source:

http://orthodox.org.ua/eng/node/1340

Ukrainian Orthodox Church and Internal Affairs Ministry Signed Agreement on Cooperation

On May 14 at the residence of the UOC Primate at the Kyiv Caves Monastery His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr met with Internal Affairs Minister of Ukraine general-mayor of militia Anatoly Mohyliov.

The sides discussed the ways of cooperation designated between the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and expressed hope for productivity of joint action. The key point of the meeting was signing the agreement on cooperation.First of all it aims to broaden a range of issues to be resolved by the Church and the Ministry of Internal Affairs together.

Note that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church has similar agreements with the health Protection Ministry and the Defense Ministry of Ukraine.

Olga Serdiuk

Source:

http://orthodox.org.ua/eng/node/1342

St. Sava Order of the First Degree to the “Golden Knight” International Film Festival

26/5/2010

At the suggestion of His Grace Bishop Dr Irinej Of Novi Sad and Backa, the Holy Synod of Bishops decided to give the highest distinction, the Order of St. Sava of the First Degree to the Golden Knight International Film Festival. This distinction is a reflection of thanksgiving to the Festival which had given an opportunity that a truth about suffering of the Serbian Church and people to be seen worldwide. On this occasion, Bishop Irinej went to Moscow in order to personally hand this highest distinction to the organizers of the “Golden Knight”.

Source:

http://www.spc.rs/eng/st_sava_order_first_degree_golden_knight_international_film_festival

Serbs and the Serbian Church Being Lynched by Media

26/5/2010

We consider we should address our believers and inform them about events that constantly repeat in certain Croatian media, and they are connected with territories where Serbs suffered the most in the last war. The last event that has made us to address the public has been an ultranationalist attack on Mr. Dusan Torbica, a donator of the St. Nicholas church in Kistanje, in the newspaper Slobodna Dalmacija on May 24, 2010.

This attack is one in a series of orchestrated attacks inspired by the hatred against Serbs and anything that is Serbian in Croatia. Unfortunately, this newspaper (Slobodna Dalmacija) and many other newspapers have put Serbs in its "crime news" column in order to show that a Serb could not be such a good citizen of Croatia, but a disturbing factor and a cause of every evil.

The church of St. Nicholas in Kistanje was built in 1537 and have suffered many times until today the evil destiny of the people of this area, and the last time was robbed and devastated couple of years ago. Valuable icons were stolen. Initiated by the Diocese of Dalmatia, Krka monastery and parish of Kistanje, a prominent citizen and the Orthodox Serbian of Kistanje, Mr. Dusan Torbica decided to help the renovation of the church, the cemetary and brotherly house. His love towards its birthplace contributed that this temple be the pride of Kistanje and the spiritual centre of gathering of the Orthodox Serbs.

All those who want to humiliate the Serbian Church and the Orthodox Church in the Diocese of Dalmatia have to know that the Serbian holy shrines are as old in this area as Croatian and that we have the right to renovate them to the joy of the faithful people, as in every European democratic country - to the Glory of God and to the spiritual use of all people of good will.

Source:

http://www.spc.rs/eng/serbs_and_serbian_church_being_lynched_media

Trinitas Celebration At Basilica Press Centre

Romanian Orthodox Church

On 24 May 2010, on the feast of the Holy Trinity, His Beatitude Daniel, Patriarch of Romania, celebrated the Divine Liturgy in the Patriarchal Cathedral together with His Grace Varlaam Ploiesteanul, Assistant Bishop to the Patriarch, assisted by group of priests and deacons.

In the sermon delivered, the Primate of the Romanian Orthodox Church underlined the fact that God is eternal love of Persons: “The Holy Trinity is the God of the faithful. The Holy Trinity shows us that God is not an eternal loneliness, but an eternal love of distinct Persons, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, united, undivided and eternal. The unity in the Holy Trinity is given by God-the-Father who is the only source of the Holy Trinity Being, because He is neither born nor conceived.

The feast of the Holy Trinity is also the feast of the “Basilica” Press Centre of the Romanian Patriarchate. So, on the occasion of this anniversary time, a Te Deum service was celebrated just after the Divine Liturgy, in the Patriarchal Cathedral of Bucharest, in the presence of His Beatitude Daniel, Patriarch of Romania, as well as of the employees and collaborators of the Press Centre and of a large number of faithful.

To end with the Te Deum, the Primate of the Romanian Orthodox Church delivered a sermon that underlined the missionary of the Press Centre of the Romanian Patriarchate, which has a formative role in the contemporary society.

The feast of the dedication day of the Basilica Press Centre continued with a festivity organised in the “Europa Christiana” room of the Patriarchal Palace. Here, the employees of the Press Centre watched, together with His Beatitude Daniel, a short video material presenting the most important aspects of the activity of the 5 media means of the Romanian Patriarchate – informs Trinitas TV station. The exhibition entitled “The Trinitarian Theology in the Romanian Iconographic Tradition” comprising photographs of the most representative icons of the Holy Trinity in the places of worship of the Romanian Patriarchate was also opened.

“We wanted to present in “Europa Christiana” room the passage from the church, from the Patriarchal Cathedral, to the place where we, the employees of the Basilica Press Centre, of the Radio and Television Stations and of the News Agency and our colleagues from “Lumina” publication unfold our activity, with the blessing of His Beatitude, the Patriarch”, said Rev. Counsellor Nicolae Dascalu, Co-ordinator of the Basilica Press Centre.

Source:

http://www.basilica.ro/en/news/trinitas_celebration_at_basilica_press_centre.html

HIS HOLINESS ARAM I PRESIDES OVER

THE CREATION OF GOGUIKIAN EDUCATIONAL FUND

05/18/2010

In the evening of Tuesday, 18 May 2010, His Holiness Aram I presided over the establishment of the Goguikian Educational Fund for University Students at the UNESCO Palace in Beirut. Mr. Michel Goguigian, Mr. Jean Goguigian’s son, initiated the setting up of the Fund with the support and blessings of His Holiness Aram I. Leaders and representatives from the Lebanese-Armenian community – religious and political, Armenian Members of Parliament and Government Minister – as well as representatives of other Lebanese communities including Government Ministers and Members of Parliament attended the ceremony. Mr. Michel Goguigian and the Director General of the Fund, Mrs. S Hayek addressed the present, following which an agreement was signed by the President of the Fund and the Presidents of the American University of Beirut, the University of Saint Joseph, Haigazian University, the Lebanes-American University and the University of Ballamand.

In his closing address, His Holiness, the Catholicos, paid tribute to the role Mr. Jean Goguigian had played as a member of the Lebanese diplomatic corps. Moreover, His Holiness prized Mr. Michel Goguigian’s initiative and decorated him with the Knight of The Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia award.

Mr. Jean Goguigian has had forty years’ service as a diplomat representing Lebanon and the first Lebanese-Armenian to occupy Ambassadorial posts representing Lebanon. As to his son, Michel, he is the President of the Central Bank of Venezuela and has always supported our community.

The Fund is set up to help those Lebanese-Armenian students who meet the conditions set in the bylaws to study at the above mentioned Universities. The bylaws can be accessed on the Funds website. Selections will be made by the selection Committee according to the bylaws.

Source:

http://www.armenianorthodoxchurch.org/v04/doc/English/visitseng.htm#2

Ordination of Priests in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On 23 May, the feast of Pentecost, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin during the celebration of Divine Liturgy, four deacons of the Armenian Church were consecrated and ordained to the Holy Order of Priesthood by His Grace Bishop Armash Nalbandian, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Damascus.

Prior to evening services on 22 May, the Service of Calling was offered, whereupon the four young men confirmed their desire to be ordained the following day as priests in the Holy Armenian Apostolic Church. The candidates - Deacon Samvel Zargaryan, Deacon Aram Simonyan, Deacon Vigen Baghumyan and Deacon Mihran Gabrielyan, stood before the Holy Altar of Descent and professed the true faith before the Ordaining Bishop, the members of the brotherhood of the Mother See, and the faithful. During the Service of Calling, the deacons renounced the old and new false teachings of heretics and schismatics and declared their vows of full service towards the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church.

During the celebration of Divine Liturgy, Bishop Armash consecrated the foreheads, then hands of the new priests with Holy Chrism (Muron) and gave them new names: Fr. Yeprem (Dn. Samvel), Fr. Shavarsh (Dn. Aram), Fr. Voskan (Dn. Vigen), and Fr. Gnel (Dn. Mihran), in honor of the recent past primates of the Armenian Diocese of Damascus.

"Today the Armenian Church celebrates the feast of Pentecost, which is also the feast of the establishment of the Holy Church. And today, at this moment of celebration of the Divine Liturgy when Almighty God is invisibly present with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, who is inside us through our prayers, we invite our newly ordained beloved brothers, Fr. Yeprem, Fr. Shavarsh, Fr. Voskan, and Fr. Gnel into the Church. You are called to preach the Gospel, to lead people to God, and to plant in their hearts the pearls of the Holy Bible," - Bishop Armash stated in part. He also advised the newly ordained priests, "Dear beloveds, seek God from within and pray to the Holy Spirit by opening your hearts. Let in the Holy Spirit with his flames, in order to blaze, incinerate and rebuild your hearts and souls, so that God’s graces will pervade and the virtues of the Holy Spirit will shine from within you."

The ordination was attended by Patriarchal Vicars, Primates and Bishops of the Christian Churches of Damascus who were visiting the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin on a pilgrimage.

Following their ordination, the newly ordained priests will observe a 40 day seclusion period of fasting and prayer in the Mother See, after which they will offer their first Divine Liturgy. Then by the blessings of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of all Armenians, they will be called to serve in the dioceses of the Armenian Church and departments of the Mother See.

Source:

http://www.armenianchurch.org/index.jsp?sid=3&nid=1544&y=2010&m=4&d=24

INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE BETWEEN THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN AND THE CATHOLICATE OF CILICIA

During 19-20 May 2010, the Fourth Interreligious Dialogue between the Center for Interreligious Dialogue, Islamic Culture and Relations Organization and the Armenian Catholicate of Cilicia was held in Antelias.

The Iranian delegation was headed by Dr. Mehdi Mustafawi, Vice-President of the Islamic Republic of Iran and President of the Center. The members of the delegation were professors from Universities in Tehran and staff of the Center.

The Armenian delegation consisted of the Prelates of the dioceses in Iran, an Armenian member of the Parliament of the Islamic Republic of Iran, representatives of the Executive Committee of Diocesan Councils in Iran, members of the Executive Council of the Catholicate, members of the Ecumenical Relations Committee, bishops and priests, headed by His Holiness Aram I.

The theme of the dialogue was “Challenges Youth are Facing Today”, reflections on the occasion of the International Year of Youth.

In his opening speech His Holiness Aram I referred to their earlier meetings and said, “We are meeting once more to discuss issues that are both of common concern and world-wide preoccupation. He expected that by focusing on religion, youth and globalization they would enable youth to shape new visions and revitalize their contribution to society.” After thanking Catholicos Aram for hosting the meeting, Vice-President Mustafawi said that “the fourth dialogue with its focus on youth is an effort to contribute to the reflections on the occasion of the International Youth and help them contribute positively to the challenges they face.”

During the two days of meetings participants presented papers on the following topics: “Religion and Youth”, “Youth and Globalization”, “Concerns and Issues Challenging Youth Today” and “Moral and Ethical Approaches in Accompanying Youth.”

The meeting ended with an evaluation session and concluding remarks by His Holiness Aram I and Vice-President Mehdi Mustafawi. They agreed that their dialogue had matured and that future meetings should be occasions to deepen reflection on the issues discussed so far.

Other activities related to the dialogue offered an opportunity for further conversations to take place. A special session was held between the Middle East Council of Churches, the National Dialogue Committee of Lebanon and the participants, during which they discussed common concerns.

Source:

http://www.armenianorthodoxchurch.org/v09/doc/Conferences/4th%20dialogue%20with%20Iran/eng.htm#1

Catholic Festivities Not Best Occasion for Pope's Visit to Ukraine - Moscow Patriarchate

Moscow, May 26, Interfax - The Moscow Patriarchate has made it understood that the possible visit by Pope Benedict XVI to Ukraine to mark 600th anniversary since the capital city of the Catholic metropolitans was transferred from Galich to Lvov, will not benefit relations between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Vatican.

"The celebration of the 600th anniversary since the residence of Galich Catholic metropolitans was moved to Lvov is not the best occasion for the Pontiff's visit to the canonical territory of the Russian Orthodox Church," Priest Dimitry Sizonenko, acting secretary for inter-Christian relations of the Moscow Patriarchate's External Church Relations Department, told Interfax-Religion.

Benedict XVI was invited to visit Ukraine in 2012, when the festivities will take place, Archbishop Mieczyslaw Mokrzycki said on Tuesday.

Father Dimitry said, however, that the Moscow Patriarchate has not received such information from the Vatican so far.

"It would make sense to speak about the Moscow Patriarchate's position on Benedict XVI's visit to Ukraine only after this visit has been officially announced by the Vatican's press service," he said.

Relations between the Moscow Patriarchate and the Roman Catholic Church have "significantly improved, and cooperation and cultural exchanges between the two churches have been broadening in international organizations, including in the Council of Europe, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and UNESCO," he said.

"But obvious progress in Orthodox-Catholic dialog has not eased the poignancy of the unsettled situation in Ukraine's western regions. It is the most painful aspect in our relations. There is however every reason to hope that these problems will be resolved, the Vatican demonstrates a greater understanding today of the Moscow Patriarchate's position," Father Dimitry said.

Source:

http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=7303

Walled-in Icons Discovered

on the Kremlin Towers

Moscow, May 12, Interfax - Ancient icons were discovered on the Spasskaya and Nikolskaya Towers of the Kremlin. They were walled in during Soviet times and have been deemed lost for a long time now.

"The fact is that the icons were discovered at least on two towers (of the Kremlin - IF). This is an epoch-making event as far as cultural discoveries are concerned," head of the Council of Trustees of the St. Andrew the First-Called Foundation Vladimir Yakunin said at a press conference held by Interfax.

He stated that the Foundation had initiated the reinstallation of icons over the gates of the Moscow Kremlin towers as far back as in 2007. The project received the government support and the blessing of Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia. In April 2010, experts of the Interregional Scientific and Restoration Office made probes of the icon-cases of the Spasskaya and Nikolskaya Towers. The research has confirmed the hypothesis that the icons were preserved under the layer of plaster.

According to him, the Fund's project "is not limited to these two towers only; the thing is that historians had more reasons to suggest that the icons of the Spasskaya and Nikolskaya Towers were preserved."

Head of the Kremlin supervisory service, deputy director of the Federal Guard Service Sergey Khlebnikov believes that the discovery of the icons on the Kremlin towers is "the event of overwhelming ethical impact."

According to him, the Kremlin commandant's office has received many proposals to restore the icons over the gates, but the Foundation's initiative "had a clear distinction of being specific."

According to the existing historical materials, the Spasskaya Tower houses the icon of the Savior depicted with St. Sergius and St. Varlaam falling down at His feet. The icon was painted to commemorate the rescue from the siege of Moscow by the army of Magmet Girey in 1521. The mural on the Nikolskaya Tower dates back to the late 15th - early 16th centuries. During the civil fights in October 1917, the icon of St. Nikolas of Mozhaysk was riddled with shots, but his face escaped unharmed which the Moscow believers considered a miracle.

Source:

http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=dujour&div=216

Metropolitan Hilarion Volokolamsky

Arrived in Italy

May 14, 2010 with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, Kirill Chairman Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate , Metropolitan Hilarion Volokolamsky arrived in Italy.

At the airport, the city of Bologna Metropolitan Hilarion and its satellites met the abbot of the temple of the Russian Orthodox Church in honor of Saint Basil the Great, Archimandrite Mark (Davitti), cleric of the church in Rome, Catherine Abbot Philip (Vasiltsev) and professor of the University of Bologna Lino Britto.

Metropolitan Hilarion, accompanied by Archimandrite Mark visited the temple of St. Basil the Great, where the distinguished guest welcomed clergy and parishioners.

Then went to the metropolitan cathedral of Bologna San Pietro. The Cathedral of Metropolitan Hilarion met Monsignor Stefano Ottani, which showed Metropolitan Hilarion and his companions to the main sanctuary of the temple. The guests bowed to the relics of St. Anne, mother of the Blessed Virgin and solemnly sang the hymn "It Is Truly Meet" in front of the miraculous icon of Our Lady of XI century, brought by the San Pietro from Byzantium.

Then Metropolitan Hilarion visited the Basilica of St. Petronius, where he prayed at the relics of early Christian martyrs, and the temple complex of V century "New Jerusalem" where are the relics of holy martyrs Vital and Agricola, as well as relics of Catherine the Great.

The same evening, the metropolitan went to Ravenna.

In his trip to Italy, Metropolitan Hilarion escorted Acting DECR secretary for inter-Christian Relations priest Dimitry Sizonenko, assistant to the metropolitan LMSevastyanov staff DECR Deacon John Guaita and Hierodeacon John (Kopeikin).

Communications Service OVTSC/Britannica

Source:

http://www.patriarchia.ru/db/text/1159859.html

UOC Primate Presided Over Solemnities on the Occasion of the 850th anniversary of the Holy Dormition Cathedral

On May 10-11, the solemnities dedicated to 850^th anniversary of the Cathedral of Holy Dormition were held in Volodymyr-Volynskyy.

On Tuesday, May 11, commemoration of the Synaxis of All Saints of Volyn, Metropolitan Volodymyr and Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New-York conducted the Divine Liturgy in the square in front of the Dormition Cathedral.

Concelebrating to the First Hierarchs were Metropolitan Nyfont of Lutsk and Volyn, Archbishops Mark of Khust and Vynohradiv, Metrophanes of Bila Tserrkva and Bohuslav, Varfolomit of Rivne and Ostroh, Augustine of Lviv and Halych, Anatoliy of Sarny and Polissya, Symeon of Vinnytsia and Mohyliov-Podilskyy, Theodor of Mukacheve and Uzhhorod, Bishops George of Siemiatycze (Orthodox Church of Poland), Meletiy of Khotyn, Nykodym of Volodymyr-Volynskyy and Kovel, Volodymyr of Shepetivka and Slavuta, Alexander of Pereyaslav-Khmelnytskyy, Panteleimon of Vasylkiv, Joseph of Zaporizhzhia and Melitopol, host of clergy of the Diocese of Volodymyr-Volynskyy.

Before the beginning of the divine service His Beatitude blessed memorial cross and a monument to Prince Mstislav, who built this cathedral, as well as to Princes Danylo of Halych, Vasylko, Volodymyr and Princess Anna, installed in the cathedral territory on the occasion of the jubilee.

Upon the service, the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church conducted the sacred procession to the chapel of All Saints of Volyn, which he sprinkled with holy water after the repair works performed.

Then in the square in front of the cathedral the prayer service was conducted, following which the ruling bishop of the diocese of Volyn His Grace Nykodym greeted His Beatitude Volodymyr on the anniversary of the Cathedral and gifted His Beatitude the icon of Resurrection of Christ as a keepsake of this event. Also His Grace Nykodym greeted His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion of New-York on his arrival to Volyn, who is the native of this region, and gave him a present of an icon of the Venerable Amphilochius of Pochayiv with a piece of his honorable relics. Besides, each hierarch was marked with the jubilee medal of the Diocese of Volodymyr-Volynskyy dedicated to the 850^th anniversary of the Holy Dormition Cathedral.

Greeting the worshippers on the anniversary was also the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. In his word his Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr said:

"Historically every temple experienced what the whole nation did. It is difficult to imagine how many prayers have been lifted in the church these years, how many tears of joy and sorrow have been shed. All that is history testifying of mercy and goodness of God. May this church stand indestructible and remind our cold souls of the mercy of God to humanity, without which there is no truth and verity in the world. May the Most Holy Theotokos, who has covered this church with her veil for so many years, remain the Intercessor and Cover of the history, present and future."

The Volyn residents were also greeted by the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad.

"Accept my most sincere greetings on the blessed jubilee of the 850^th anniversary of the cathedral foundation. I prayerfully wish you that the Protection Veil of the Most Holy Theotokos was always above this holy site", he said.

Besides, Metropolitan Hilarion gifted the icon of the Holy Royal Martyrs as a memory of his visit to Volyn.

Following the festive service the solemn Academy and concert were held at the city palace of culture.

To the point. The Cathedral of Dormition of the Mother of God was built by Prince Mstislav Iziasloavovych in 1156-1160. He was buried in this very cathedral. This is the only church in the territory of Volyn which has remained till nowadays since the times of the ancient Rus.

Source:

http://orthodox.org.ua/eng/node/1324

Kursk-Root Icon Arrives to Kyiv

On May 13 the greatest shrine of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad - the Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God "The Sign" arrived to Kyiv.

The Icon of the Theotokos was delivered to the capital of Ukraine by the delegations of the Russian Church Abroad, led by Archbishop Mark of Berlin and All Germany and that of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church led by deputy chairman of the Department for External Church Relations of the UOC Bishop Alexander of Pereyaslav-Khmelnytskyy.

At the construction site of Resurrection Cathedral of the UOC the wonderworking Icon was welcomed by the UOC Primate His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr, the First Hierarch of the ROCA Metropolitan Hilarion of East America, Archbishop Metrophanes of Bila Tserkva and Bohuslav, Archbishop Pavel of Vyshhorod, Archbishop Anthony of Boryspil, Bishops Seraphim of Yahotyn and Bishop Panteleimon of Vasylkiv, clergymen of the Diocese of Kyiv and God-loving flock.

Then in a sacred procession from the construction site the shrine was delivered to the square in front of the wooden Church of All Saints.

Here at the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos His Beatitude metropolitan performed a prayer service.

Before the beginning of the Divine service His Beatitude Volodymyr addressed those present with archpastoral word.

"The Mother of God came today to this holy place, blessed for the construction of the Cathedral of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church dedicated to the Resurrection of Her beloved Son. We believe that the Mother of God is always with us and today She blesses us, bows Her head unto Her Son, praying for our salvation. May the mercy of the Holy Virgin, her incessant prayer and intercession help all of us, may the Lord bless our churches and our holy and God-preserved Church, and all people living in it through the prayers of His Mother", he said in particular.

Following the prayer service the icon of the Mother of God was carried to the Church of All Saints, where it was prayerfully venerated by His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr and concelebrating hierarchs.

The Kursk-Root Icon will remain at the Church of All Saints from May 13 through 22.
Source:

http://orthodox.org.ua/eng/node/1331

Frequent break-ins in Orthodox Churches of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Croatia

In the past week it has been broken into several churches of the Diocese of Gornji Karlovci. The church bell from a church of St. Petka in Gornja Chemernica (municipality of Gvozd). Burglars did not stop at this but also have invaded the altar of the church and stole two icon lamps from the Precious Cross. One bell was also stolen from the church of the Transfiguration of Christ in Komogovina (municipality of Donji Kukuruzari). The same thing happened last year in the church of St. Petka in Glavaci near Otochac before a consecration of this church. In Karlovac a bell was stolen from the place where all bells were deposited for safekeeping after blowing up the church of St. Nicholas.

The same situation is in the Diocese of Dalmatia where everyday there are unfortunate scenes. There was a broke-in in the church of St. John in Baljci. Unknown vandals in last three years broke into the church of St. George in Knin for the fifth time.

These actions and misdeeds towards churches of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Croatia look as if they has got a support since the moment when in the public appeared the notoriuous association of citizens with its pro-ustasha and pro-fascist ideas accompanied by attacks on the Serbian Orthodox Church in Croatia and neglecting the centuries-old Serbian Orthodox being in Croatia.

All these events have been reported to competent police authorities but so far no case has been resolved. We have sent a letter to Minister of Police Mr. Tomislav Karamarko and urged him to do everything to protect Orthodox churches, arrest the perpetrators of crimes and to find the stolen property.

Source:

http://www.spc.rs/eng/frequent_breakins_orthodox_churches_serbian_orthodox_church_croatia

Patron Saint's Day of of Visoki Decani Monastery

Serbian Orthodox Church

Patron Saint's Day of of Visoki Decani Monastery today was formally celebrated with the Holy Liturgy served by Bishop Atanasije, administrator of the Diocese of Raska-Prizren and Kosovo-Metohija with the concelebration of Vicar Bishop Teodosije and seven priests. More than two hundred believers from various parts of Kosovo and Metohija and Cental Serbia participated in the Holy Liturgy??. At the celebration also were present monks from Sopocani and Tvrdos, nuns of the Koncul monastery with heugomene Minodora as well as sisters from Grachanica.

In the meantime 300 pilgrims came from various parts of Kosovo and Metohija. Bishop Atanasije held a sermon about the significance of the feast day of the Ascension of Christ.

After the consecration of the slava cake and the procession Bishop Teodosije, heugomene of Decani monastery, with the brotherhood prepared a slava lunch for all the participants. Mr. Dimitris Moshopoulos, head of the Greek office and the special representative of the EU for for the issues of religious and cultural heritage, with his associates also attended the celebration.

After the slava celebration in Visoki Decani Bishops Atanasije and Teodosije went to a village of Zac in order to visit returnees who were gun attacked by Albanian extremists.

Source:

http://www.spc.rs/eng/patron_saints_day_visoki_decani_monastery

HIS HOLINESS ARAM I MEETS PATRIARCH ZAKKA I IN DAMASCUS

05/12/2010

On Wednesday 12 May 2010 His Holiness Aram I met Patriarch Zakka I at the Patriarchate of the Syrian Orthodox Church in Damascus. The two Leaders first held a closed session and then Metropolitan George Saliba and Bishop Nareg Alemezian joined them.

During their meeting Patriarch Zakka I and Catholicos Aram I discussed three issues of common concern: First the schism within the Malankara (Indian) Orthodox Syrian Church, and the desire of the two groups to ask Catholicos Aram to mediate. Second, decision of the Coptic Orthodox Church to suspend its membership in the Middle East Council of Churches, following a decision taken by the Executive Committee at its last meeting. After the visit of Patriarch Zakka to Pope Shenouda III, the Coptic Orthodox Church was asking Catholicos Aram who did not attend the last meeting of the Executive Committee, to mediate and settle the issue. Three, strengthening the witness of the Oriental Orthodox Family in the Middle East in response to rising ecumenical and interreligious concerns.

Source:

http://www.armenianorthodoxchurch.org/v04/doc/English/visitseng.htm#1

Patriarch: Partition of Kosovo Unacceptable

KURŠUMLIJA -- Patriarch Irinej said that a partition of Kosovo is both unacceptable and unachievable.

He also said that the situation in the province is very difficult and added that he cannot imagine the Pec patriarchy not being a part of Serbia, but a part of another country, adding that this too would be unacceptable.

“Serbia is not Serbia without Kosovo. For me it is a being without a head. Our country cannot be beheaded and stripped of Kosovo. I hope that enough reason and wisdom will be found by us and the world,” he said.

Regarding dialogue with officials of the Catholic Church and the Pope, Irinej said that such talks are important, adding that the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC) is not running from such talks, because discussions can help overcome divisions that exist in the Christian church.

“The Pope has great power in the world, so why not talk about our problems and the problems of others with such a person? We must try to stop the divisions and start turning towards united values,” Patriarch Irinej said.

Source:

http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2010&mm=05&dd=15&nav_id=67147

Build Churches to Surmount the Crisis: Romanian Orthodox Leader

AFP

BUCHAREST — The Romanian Orthodox Church on Thursday called on the authorities to build more churches in order to surmount the economic crisis and help believers fight "despair".

"Continuing work on churches under construction and building new ones will help surmount the moral and spiritual crisis, just like the economic and financial one," the Orthodox patriarchy wrote in a press release.

This would "create more jobs and fight individualism, by encouraging solidarity among people, and help believers avoid despair," the Church added.

The statement came after the media criticized the authorities' decision to allocate large sums of money to the construction of churches, while the government plans to slash pensions and wages in the public sector by 15 to 25 percent in order to reduce the deficit.

A recent study shows about 4,000 churches have been built in Romania since the fall of communism in 1989, while the number of schools has been more than halved.

About 19.5 million Romanians out of a total population of 21.5 million declared themselves as Orthodox believers in the latest census.

Source:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5g-X-MBgyuGucS5ncVKc9pkkLVQ0Q

Orthodox Church in Azerbaijan to Mark First Time Day of Slavic Script

14/5/2010

Baku, Fineko/abc.az. Today a round table devoted to cultural and spiritual heritage of creators of Slavic script, the brothers Cyril and Methodius, has been held in Baku today with participation of ambassadors of Slavic countries and representatives of religious confessions in Azerbaijan.

Today bishop of Baku and Caspian littoral bishop Alexander (Alexnader Ishein) has said today that Orthodox Church marks the Day of Slavic Script for the first time in Azerbaijan.

“This holiday is marked in each bishopric and we try to celebrate it in Azerbaijan as well. A conference devoted to this day will be arranged in the Baku Slavic University on 15 May,” the bishop said.

The Russian ambassador Vladimir Dorokhin to Azerbaijan says that there are wide opportunities to mark this day in Azerbaijan.

“Your country has high level of tolerance and culture. That is why I think that we should conduct holiday events at due level in Azerbaijan,” the ambassador said.

Source:

http://abc.az/eng/news_14_05_2010_44984.html

Patriarchate of Georgia Publishes Statement on Recent Events

Patriarchate demands from the government to adopt law to be protected from obscenity and religious feelings.
According to the statement of Patriarchate, church respects democratic values, though propaganda of immorality, obscenity, lechery and satanism will not be supported.
Patriarchate responded to the last event, incident of TV Company ‘Kavkasia’ over the much-talked-of ‘book’.
According to the statement, national values and Georgian Orthodox Church has been assaulted for the last several years.
‘There is attempt to shift attention of people to the fact of confrontation in TV Company ‘Kavkasia’ but there were few talks on the reasons of causing the fact. In reality, physical confrontation was caused by moral-psychological violence, expressed in publishing the book and its direct or indirect support,’ the statement reads.
The Patriarchate declares that it supports democratic freedom but freedom doesn’t mean right to everything. Freedom of speech doesn’t mean right to provoke discord and confrontation, abuse church, religious feelings and belittle state symbols.
Patriarchate of Georgia considers that everything was done on purpose and author of the book Erekle Deisadze was a blind weapon to provoke orthodox Christians.
‘This ‘book’ and its presentation was bait, trap, more obviously exposed by the next events. Patriarchate didn’t involve in the debates and calls on the government to restrain’. Patriarchate considers itself obliged to warn the society and the government about the danger that attitude towards the issue has,’ the statement reads.
Patriarchate considers that if religious feelings of absolute majority of the country are so insulted, there is not guarantee that internal or external enemy will not use it and abuse feelings of other religion representatives of the country by means of people like Deisadze and turn it into cause of civil confrontation.
Patriarchate addresses the government to assess the happening and adopt law to protect population from obscenity protect dignity and society, their religious feelings. ‘We’ll protect peace and well-being of our citizens by it,’ the statement reads.
Patriarchate notes that none of the organizations acting on behalf of Orthodoxy are created by initiative of Patriarchate.

IPN

Source:

http://www.geotimes.ge/index.php?m=home&newsid=21619

Archbishop Demetrios to Chair First Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Hierarchs in North and Central America

May 14, 2010

NEW YORK – More than 50 hierarchs will take part in the first Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in North and Central America, to be convened by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America in New York City, May 26-28.

This Assembly is the result of the decision of the Fourth Pre-Conciliar Pan-Orthodox Conference, which met in Chambésy Switzerland in June of 2009, after the extraordinary Synaxis of all the Heads of the Autocephalous Churches convened by His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. This Assembly, one of twelve that will be convened around the world in regions where there is no single Orthodox presence, will consist of the active canonical bishops who reside in the region designated as North and Central America. In every Assembly, the chairman will be the senior bishop of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

The Assembly will convene at the Helmsley Park Lane Hotel, where accommodations and arrangements have been coordinated by the staff of the Archbishop. The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, through the Leadership 100 grant to the Office of Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations, is underwriting much of the expense, with other funds coming from a variety of Pan-Orthodox sources.

In discussing the Assembly at the May 7 meeting of the Archdiocesan Council in Atlanta, Archbishop Demetrios explained that the nature of the assembly is as “a temporary, not a permanent institution. It is simply preparatory to facilitate the process of an ecumenical council (in the future) that will decide the final form of the existence of the Church in a particular country.” His Eminence further explained that the assembly is to meet annually and is not a continuation of SCOBA. Rather, it works to “prepare a plan for dealing with anomalies, such as more than one bishop in a given locale and other things that interfere with the life of the Church.” It is also designed “to project a unified witness of the faith.” As such, the Archbishop called the work of the Assembly “tremendously important. The function and outcome of this first meeting will determine how it continues in the future.”

The Archbishop also said the following: “The leadership of His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in convening the Heads of world Orthodoxy is truly visionary. This vision of the unity of the Church has been confirmed from ages past, and with the Ecumenical Patriarchate leading the way, we will aspire to manifesting our unity in Christ based on the greatest commandment of all; to love one another.”

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Contact: PRESS OFFICE
Stavros Papagermanos
(212) 570-3530

Source:

http://www.goarch.org/news/assemblybishops-05142010

Turkey Sees “No Problem” on “Ecumenical” Title for Greek Orthodox Patriarch

15/5/2010

Turkish PM Erdogan said he would not be bothered if the Greek Orthodox patriarch in Istanbul was called by the title “ecumenical”.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he would not be bothered if the Greek Orthodox patriarch in Istanbul was called by the title “ecumenical”.

“I won’t be bothered. It does not bother me if it did not bother my ancestors,” Erdogan said in response to question at a joint press conference with his Greek counterpart George Papandreou in Athens.

“I had plans to include on board our religious affairs director, Huseyin Bardakoglu, and Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew on my visit to Greece, if it were not for Bardakoglu’s busy schedule,” Erdogan said.

Erdogan said Turkish Foreign Ministry records showed that there were around 50 thousand Turkish citizen Greeks living outside Turkey, adding that Turkey’s stance toward them were positive.

“They may come to Turkey and live in our country. Because they are already our citizens. We feel comfortable with them living in Turkey for our country is a home for many different cultures,” Erdogan said.

Source:

http://www.worldbulletin.net/news_detail.php?id=58536