A GENERAL MEETING OF THE BROTHERHOOD

11/21/2009

On the occasion of the visit of the Prelates of North America, His Holiness Aram I organized a general meeting of the Brotherhood. He expressed his appreciation of all the clergy serving the Armenian Church through the Catholicosate of Cilicia, and spoke of their mission as ‘servants’ of God.

The meeting provided the opportunity for an intergenerational dialogue and learning, and it ended with an agape meal.

Source:

http://www.armenianorthodoxchurch.org/v04/doc/English/cathcilnewseng.htm#3

THE HONORABLE AMBASSADOR OF ARMENIA TO SYRIA VISITS HIS HOLINESS ARAM I

11/22/2009

On Sunday 22 November in the evening H.E. Souren Varatanian, the recently appointed honorary Ambassador of Armenia to Syria visited His Holiness Aram I.

During their conversation Catholicos Aram I stressed on the urgency of strengthening relations between Armenia-Diaspora.

Source:

http://www.armenianorthodoxchurch.org/v04/doc/English/visitscatheng.htm#3

TWO PRIESTS WERE MADE DOCTORS OF THE CHURCH

11/22/2009

On Sunday following the Liturgy, upon the authorization of His Holiness Aram I Father Stepannos Pashayan and Fr. Varant Kortmosian received the title Vartabed (Doctor of the Church). They received the ecclesiastical honor of staff after they defended their thesis in front of the jury headed by Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian, and confessed their orthodox faith.

Source:

http://www.armenianorthodoxchurch.org/v04/doc/English/cathcilnewseng.htm#4

Heads of the Russian Orthodox Church and Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia Celebrate Divine Liturgy at the Kremlin Church of the Archangel Michael

On November 21, 2009, the Day of the Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and Other Heavenly Hosts, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia and His Beatitude Metropolitan of the Czech Lands and Slovakia celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Kremlin Church of the Archangel Michael. They were assisted by a great assembly of bishops and priests.

During the liturgy a prayer was lifted up for the late Father Daniel Sysoev.

In his sermon devoted to the Archangel Michael and Heavenly Hosts, His Holiness Kirill stressed that ‘in our prayer to them we seek help in our hard struggle with numerous temptations hurled on us by the dark diabolical force. We believe that the angels of God who stand before Him in heaven support us in our weak but real struggle with evil and untruth’.

Addressing Metropolitan Christopher, he said, ‘From my heart I wish you God’s help in the spiritual support you give to your flock a considerable part of which consists of Russians, Ukrainians and Byelorussians who reside in Czechia and Slovakia today but belong to the Russian Orthodox Church. As long as they live there, they are your children, and we ask you to extend your love, your beautiful thoughts and your firm faith to our flock, too’.

His Holiness Kirill also greeted the professor and students of the Faculty of Orthodoxy Culture at Peter the Great’s Military Academy of Strategic Missile Forces who came to the church today.

Later today, His Beatitude Christopher said a litany at the grave of His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II at the Cathedral of the Epiphany in Moscow.

DECR Communication Service

Source:

http://www.mospat.ru/en/2009/11/21/news8894/

November 23 is the Birthday Anniversary of His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr

On November 23 the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr celebrates his 74^th birthday anniversary.

He has celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Refectory Church of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in concelebration of the ruling bishops and clergymen of the Diocese of Kyiv. Also praying at the liturgical service were chairman of the Department for External Church Relations of the Russian Orthodox Church Archbishop Hilarion of Volokalamsk and Archbishop Seraphim of Ottawa and All Canada.

On behalf of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill His Eminence Hilarion presented the UOC Primate with a panagia and read out the greeting address. The gift on the part of the Orthodox Church in America was a collection of works by Taras Shevchenko, published in 1952 and a medal with an image of the Patriarch of Moscow Tikhon.

On November 23 at the national Philharmonic Hall of Ukraine the solemn Academy will beheld on the occasion of the birthday of His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr. On the program of the event those attending will have a possibility to listen to the oratorio "St. Matthew Passion" by Archbishop Hilarion of Volokolamsk.

Source:

http://orthodox.org.ua/eng/node/1003

UOC Primate Blessed ‘Soborna’ Gallery

Extended Session of the Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Over

November 24 at the session hall of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra (block 45) the extended session of the Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church started its work presided over by His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr and consisting of the two parts. In part one the heads of the Synodal departments and commissions are to make reports on the activity of their agencies, carried out throughout 2009.

Opening the session, the Primate marked that lately a good tradition had emerged when a special session of the Holy Synod took place at the end of the year, which all those willing may attend, in order to listen to and appreciate the annual reports of the heads of the Synodal departments.

Another part of the session is not public open. The Synod members are to consider important issues of the church administrative character and to approve respective decisions.

Source:

http://orthodox.org.ua/eng/node/1009

Divine Liturgy on Feast Day of St.Michael the Archangel

On the day on which the Serbian Orthodox Church celebrates Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and the Other Bodiless Powers , His Eminence Metropolitan Amfilohije of Montenegro and the Littoral, locum tenens of the Patriarchate throne, served the Divine Liturgy with the concelebration of Metropolitan Gerasim of Zugdid and Tsaish of the Georgian Orthodox Church, Bishop Longin, Mitrofan, Grigorije, Irinej (Dobrijevic), priests and deacons, and in the presence of Bishop Dositej of Britain and Scandinavia and the faithful. During the Divine Liturgy they all together prayed for the repose of the soul of newly departed Patriarch of Serbia and Our Father Pavle.

After the Divine Liturgy a slava cake was cut on the occasion of the Patron Saint's Day of the locum tenens of Patriarchate throne of Serbia Metropolitan Amfilohije.

Source:

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

Communiqué Of the Holy Synod of Serbia

November 25, 2009

25. November 2009 - 13:50

The Holy Synod of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church, on its session on November 25, 2009, brought a decision that the Divine Liturgy and 40-day memorial service will be served on December 24 of this year at St. Sava Cathedral on Vrachar. The Divine Liturgy will commence at 9:00am and the memorial service will be served at the end of the Divine Liturgy around 11:00am. Afterwards, at Monastery Rakovica, at the grave of Patriarch of blessed repose a commemoration will be served.

At the same session the Holy Synod of Bishops scheduled a session of the Elective Assembly of the Serbian Orthodox Church on January 22, 2010.

From the Office of the Holy Synod of Bishops

Source:

http://www.spc.rs/eng/communique_november_25_2009

An Unjust Justice for the Identity of the Majority

Romanian Orthodox Church

The Romanian Patriarchate considers unfair the recent decision of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) through which the Italian state is required to eliminate the crucifixes from public schools because it is an attack on the religious-spiritual identity of the Italian people and, implicitly, of the majority of European citizens.

Under the pretext of the defense of the rights and liberties of a minority both aggressive and intolerant towards the values publicly shared by a majority, creator of culture and civilization on the European continent, we see again an attempt to minimize the role and contribution of Christianity to the culture and civilization of Europe. This intention was obvious on the occasion of the drafting of the European Constitution Project (2003) when ample debates took place for the introduction of a special provision concerning the Christian roots of Europe. This provision was not included in the final text of the Constitution because an anti-religious and self-sufficient current, under the pretext of neutrality, sought to impose at all costs a specific vision on what the laity of state power means. At the time, unfortunately, the provisions of the Amsterdam Treaty (1997) were completely ignored. These principles stated clearly that 'the European Union respects and does not modify the status which, on the basis of national right, the religious Churches, associations and communities in the member states enjoy.'

These decisions, including that of ECtHR against the Italian state, show a tendency for uniformity under the pretext of the protection of pluralism and a tendency to exile religion into the private space, as it was the case during the Communist regime Eastern Europe, when an ideological minority persecuted the faith, tradition and culture of the majority.

The Christian foundation of Europe does not represent just a root, but rather a value matrix which confers a specific identity to the European culture and civilization, which contributes to the education and shaping of the human personality with a positive and responsible attitude towards oneself and towards the society, open and tolerant towards other religions and values.

We thus appreciate that a society cannot exist without symbols, and if Christian religious symbols which developed into national cultural lay symbols will be excluded from the public space, other symbols (commercial-consumerist, pragmatic, nihilistic and globalizing) will take their place, bringing about confusion instead of convergence and revolt instead of reciprocal respect.

THE PRESS OFFICE OF THE ROMANIAN PATRIARCHATE

Source:

http://www.basilica.ro/en/press_releases/press_release_an_unjust_justice_for_the_identity_of_the_majority.html

THE ARMENIAN PATRIARCH KAREKIN II VISING THE SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH IN DAMASCUS

MA`ARAT SAYYIDNAYA, DAMASCUS: Supreme Patriarch and Catholicose of All Armenians His Holiness Karekin II visited His Holiness Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, Patriarch of Antioch & All the East at The Monastery of St. Ephraim the Syrian here on November 13, Friday.

The delegation was received at the entrance of St. Peter's & St. Paul's Cathedral here by Their Eminences Arch Bishop of Aleppo Mor Gregorios Yohanna Ibrahim, Arch Bishop of Lebanon & Holy Episcopal Synod Secretary Mor Theophilose George Saliba, Arch Bishop of Jazirah & Euphrate Mor Eusthathios Matta Rohum, Patriarchal Vicar for Zahle Mor Yusphinos Paulose Yusuf Safar, Assistant to Patriarch & Director of St. Ephraim Seminary Mor Philexinos Mathias Nayis and Arch Bishop of Beirut & Patriarchal Institutions in Atchaneh Mor Clemis Daniel Malak Kourieh. The delegation includes six bishops led by Arch Bishop of Damascus, priests, deacons and lay men.

Source:

http://www.syrianchurch.org/

Massive Riot in Egypt Over Rape Claim

November 24, 2009

By Ethan Cole|Christian Post Reporter

Hundreds of angry Muslims, and by some accounts thousands, attacked Coptic Christians in a southern Egyptian town this past Saturday over an allegation that a Christian man kidnapped and raped a Muslim girl.
The mob looted and burned Christian owned stores in Farshoot, which is located about 300 miles south of Cairo, causing an estimated six million Egyptian pounds (over one million dollars) in damage, according to the Coptic American Friendship Association. Witnesses also reported that the mob made wooden crosses and burned them on the streets.

“We have never been so frightened and humiliated as Christians all our lives,” said one witness, according to Assyrian International News Agency (AINA). “Our religion and our Lord were openly insulted.”

In addition to Christian stores, the protesters also attacked the police station where they believed the accused man was being held, a police official told Agence France-Presse.

Police used tear gas to disperse the crowd and arrested 60 people during the clash that left seven Coptic owned shops destroyed, according to the official.

But Coptic reports show that at least 50 Christian owned stores, including jewelry stores and pharmacies, were looted and damaged during the uproar.

“They are destroying the Coptic economy in these areas,” said Wagih Yacoub of Middle East Christian Association, according to AINA. “They want the Copts to be poor and are therefore destroying the Coptic economy in these areas.”

It is estimated that 80 percent of Coptic businesses were destroyed within the 48 hours of violence in Farshoot.

Egyptian Coptic leaders criticized security forces for failing to do a better job of stopping the attacks, accusing authorities of disappearing without proper reasons during the violence.

Among the victims of the violence is Coptic priest Benjamin Noshi who was attacked and is now hospitalized with a fractured skull. Several Coptic women were also reportedly abducted during the chaos.

The current unrest is due to an allegation that a 20-year-old Christian man, now in custody, kidnapped and raped a young Muslim girl. There is a discrepancy, however, among witnesses on the age of the victim. Some villagers claim the girl’s age is 12, while security sources say her age is between 18 and 30, according to Reuters.

But whatever the victim’s age, Pastor Elisha of St. Michaels Church in Farshoot said he doubts that the Coptic young man raped the Muslim female. Elisha said an investigating officer told him that the Muslim girl “was only sure that her attacker wore a black jacket – nothing more,” according to AINA.

All Sunday church services were canceled in Farshoot and neighboring towns due to concern for the safety of congregants.

On Monday, several more attacks on Christian owned businesses took place in nearby villages.

The Christian Coptic community in Egypt makes up eight to 12 percent of the country’s population. Despite their sizeable number in Egypt, they are marginalized in society and suffer from violent forms of abuse. They also lack fair representation in the government, leading to further abuse of the minority group.

The U.S. Center for International Religious Freedom has placed Egypt on its “Watch List” due to the extent and nature of the country’s religious freedom violations.

Source:

http://www.copts.com/english/?p=3705

Muslim Anti-Christian Riots Spread in Upper Egypt

November 24, 2009

Upper Egypt (AINA) — On Monday November 23, 2009 Muslim rioters looted and burned Coptic Christian businesses in the village of Abou Shousha, which lies 25 KM from Farshoot. The terrorized Coptic inhabitants of Abou Shusha have stayed indoors, their shops are closed and their children are being kept away from school. They fear a repeat in their village of the Muslim violence which engulfed the town of Farshoot less than 36 hours earlier (AINA 11-22-2009).

The Middle East Christian Association (MECA) reported that at least three large Coptic stores and a pharmacy were looted and burnt in Abou Shusha and that the fire brigade arrived one hour late, although their headquarters is only 8 KM away from the village. “They gave the pretext of being busy in Farshoot, which is untrue, as Farshoot had a quiet night,” said Wagih Yacoub of MECA. “Coptic and Muslim neighbors tried to put the fire out.” A video posted by Free Copts shows the Abou Shusha fires.

Bishop Kirrillos of Nag Hamady Diocese said that a mob from the neighboring village of Abu Tesht torched the businesses in Abou Shusha. MECA reported that three girls were assaulted in the street by having bricks hurled at them. No serious injuries were reported.

On November 22, in a joint communiqué from fourteen Egyptian human rights organizations and lawyers called on President Mubarak to immediately intervene to save the Copts from the wrath of the mob and the subversive leaders behind them, who are seeking to sow discord and divisions among the Egyptians in the name of religion and “to hold accountable all involved in the incitement or attacks on the peaceful Copts in Farshoot.”

The signatories to the statement asked President Mubarak to take the necessary measures to hold accountable the security force officials, who played the “role of spectator in the looting, arson and attacks on Coptic property in Farshoot.”

The communiqué strongly condemned the deportation and evacuation of the Copts in Farshoot from their homes and villages by the security forces, in violation of the provisions of the Egyptian Constitution which stipulates in Article 50 and 51 of the Code “No citizen may be prohibited from residing or be forced to reside in a specific area except in the circumstances set out in the law.

The NGOs’ statement stressed the right of the Coptic victims for compensation for the material losses and psychological damage, and strongly condemned the burning and insulting of the symbols of Christianity by the Muslims fanatics, and demanded everyone involved to be charged with the crime of “contempt of a heavenly religion.”

It is estimated that over 80% of Coptic businesses have been destroyed in the 48 hours of violence in Farshoot. A video prepared by Free Copts advocacy shows Muslim mobs chanting Allah Akbar (God is Great) while looting and burning Coptic businesses and shops

The Egyptian Union for Human Rights (EUHRO) advised that it is preparing a file with all the financial losses and damages to Coptic-owned businesses and property in Farshoot in preparation for filing a civil and a criminal case against the Egyptian Prime Minister, the Governor of Qena and the perpetrators.

“They want the Copts to be poor and are therefore destroying the Coptic economy in these areas,” explains Wagih Yacoub.

Bishop Kirollos again condemned the grave violations against Christians and their property, affirming his belief that the attacks were preplanned. “Students of Al-Azhar Institute in Farshoot, were incited by their Dean who sent them out on a rampage against the Copts. They were joined by a great number of locals,” he said.

By Mary Abdelmassih

Source:

http://www.copts.com/english/?p=3707

Liturgical Music Workshop To Be Held in Pacific North-West

Posted 11/23

MILWAUKIE, OR -- A workshop on Orthodox liturgical music will be held at the Church of the Annunciation here from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on November 28, 2009.

Sponsored by the parish choir, the workshop will focus on effective vocal techniques for choir directors, chanters and choral singers to create beauty in the liturgy and gain a deeper understanding of the Orthodox choral tradition. Presenters are Kathleen Powell and the Very Rev. Matthew Tate.

For a detailed schedule and further information, contact Irena Burkett at 503-481-2277; irena.burkett@gmail.com, or Jodie Captein at 503-977-3714, 503-753-6039, or sleeptein@yahoo.com.

Source:

http://www.oca.org/news/2016

Metropolitan Jonah Meets with Representatives from Church World Service

Posted 11/25

SYOSSET, NY [OCA Communications] -- His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah hosted a delegation from Church World Service [CWS] at the Chancery of the Orthodox Church in America in Tuesday, November 24, 2009.

Founded in 1946, CWS -- a ministry of the National Council of Churches of Christ -- is engaged in relief, development and refugee assistance ministries.

The delegation included the Chairman of the CWS Board of Directors, the Right Rev. Johncy Itty; Chief Executive Officer, the Rev. John McCullough; and Advisors to the CEO, the Rev. Dr. Cheryl Dudley and David Weaver. Also present were the two members of the OCA who served on the Board of Directors of CWS, the Very Rev. Leonid Kishkovsky and Mrs. Arlene Kallaur.

During the discussion and lunch, Metropolitan Jonah listened intently as the CWS representatives explained the history, aims and many projects in which the the organization has engaged throughout the world. They also discussed ways the OCA could positively participate in CWS's mission to eradicate world hunger.

After a visit to Saint Sergius Chapel and an exchange of gifts, the delegation thanked Metropolitan Jonah for his hospitality; he, in return, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to learn more CWS's good work.

OCA Chancery representatives also present included the Chancellor, the Very Rev. Alexander Garklavs and Secretary, the Very Rev. Eric G. Tosi.

Source:

http://www.oca.org/news/2017

“Plotters Planned to Overthrow Government by Using Us” - Bartholomew

Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew has said dark forces planned to use minorities to overthrow the government as revealed in the investigation into Ergenekon, a clandestine organization accused of attempting to create chaos and undermine the stability of the country in order to trigger a coup d'état.

Based in Istanbul, the spiritual leader of the world's approximately 300 million Orthodox Christians, Bartholomew was referring to the latest revelations of a devious plan, called the Cage Operation Action Plan, by a group of members of the Naval Forces Command aimed at intimidating the country's non-Muslim population by assassinating some of their prominent figures and in this way undermine the power of the ruling party. Recent incidents in Istanbul's Kurtulus neighborhood and Adalar district suggest that the alleged plan had already been put into operation. Speaking on Tuesday, the Orthodox religious leader recalled that a meeting of the Association of the Zografyon High School Alumni was raided about four years ago.

“When the Cage Plan was revealed, we thought that the raid could be part of that plan,” he said. “At the time we thought that they were just trying to scare us.” The patriarch said nobody was detained in relation to that incident. Patriarch Bartholomew is grateful to the security forces which uncovered the “dark plans.” “It is a very satisfactory development that the Turkish police and the prosecutors have been revealing those dark plans so the responsible people are captured and tried.”

The patriarch is hopeful that the troubles of the Greek minority and other minorities in Turkey will soon be resolved. And for that he trusts the government’s democratic initiative, which aims to grant more rights to citizens, even though it was mostly associated with the Kurdish initiative since it was one of the first steps. “We are very positive about the initiatives of our government. It is imperative all over the world that minorities should be treated with goodwill.”

In addition, the patriarch said all the initiatives involving Kurdish and Alevi citizens and efforts to establish diplomatic relations with Armenia will help Turkey’s European Union accession process. “It gives us a lot of hope that Turkey is moving toward the West and the European Union with the initiatives. Those moves make us fell better while we are living in Turkey. God willing, the rest of our problems will be solved and we will be treated as equal citizens.”

Bartholomew hopes that the main school of theology of the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Halki seminary, closed in 1971, will be reopened. The seminary was closed under a law that put religious training under state control. EU officials and the United States have repeatedly called on Turkey to open the seminary, which has trained generations of Orthodox leaders, including Bartholomew.After its closure, the patriarchate tried to train future leaders of the church by sending them to schools of theology abroad.

‘Sevgi Erenerol injured us a lot’

Patriarch Bartholomew said they would like to use legal avenues in order to get three Greek churches given to the self-declared “Turkish Orthodox Patriarchate” run by the Erenerol family back. As part of the investigation into Ergenekon, several people with links to Turkey’s “deep state” were arrested and among them was Sevgi Erenerol, the “media and public relations officer of the independent patriarchate.” She is the granddaughter of Father Eftim, founder of the so-called “Turkish Orthodox Patriarchate.” “Sevgi Erenerol hurt us a lot. She was talking against us. It has been revealed that they had meetings in those churches against us, the state and the [Justice and Development Party] AK Party. It’s a pity that a place of worship was used for such purposes,” the patriarch said.

Father Eftim was a village priest from the Turkish-speaking Karamanli Greek community of Cappadocia in Anatolia who supported the Turks during the War of Independence. He then became the leader of the “patriarchate” in Kayseri in 1922 under the name of the “Independent Patriarchate of the Turkish Orthodox.”

Eftim and his family were exempted from the population exchange between Greece and Turkey, but his small congregation moved out of the country. Without any congregation, Eftim moved to Istanbul in 1924, together with the “patriarchate.” Eftim had some followers in Galata, an area with a large Greek population. Eftim’s son Turgut succeeded his father and called himself Patriarch Eftim II. Then came Turgut’s brother, and then they brought Pasa [Sevgi Erenerol’s brother] from the US to assume the role of the “patriarch.” They have all been excommunicated by the Orthodox Church.

Eftim and his sons call themselves “patriarchs.” Patriarch Bartholomew said nobody elected them.“Father Eftim was married, so it was not possible for him to be a patriarch or bishop. He acted against the Patriarchate. He was excommunicated but he declared himself ‘patriarch.’ Nobody recognizes the ‘Turkish Orthodox Patriarchate.’ They don’t even have followers. But they received state support. Eftim and his men came to the Patriarchate and raided it in the 1920s. After his demise his son took over. Indeed, patriarchs are elected and it is not a position to be passed from father to son. In the end, their relations with Ergenekon have been revealed.”

In the pages 971-980 of the Ergenekon indictment, there are explanations about the actions of Sevgi Erenerol and “Turkish Orthodox Patriarchate.” On Oct. 28, 2005, some platforms such as the Nationalist Businesspeople Association, the Noel Baba Foundation and the Turkish Orthodox Patriarchate held a protest in front of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate and shouted, “The patriarchate should go to Greece.” Ergenekon suspect Kemal Kerinçsiz and Noel Baba Foundation President Muammer Karabulut delivered speeches at the protest, which were attended by also Sevgi Erenerol and Zeki Yurdakul Çagman. They left a black wreath at the gates of the Patriarchate.

‘We are citizens of Turkey’

Patriarch Bartholomew, whose initiatives include advancing religious tolerance among the world’s religions have been widely noted, although received with suspicion by some in Turkey, said the number of the Greek-Turkish citizens living in Turkey is decreasing every day.

“Democratic initiatives will prevent the rest from leaving,” the patriarch said.

“It is sad to hear that our foundations have been referred as ‘foreign.’ We are Christians but we are born here and we were raised here. I was born in Gökçeada. I love my country and village. I did my military service for two years. I pay my taxes. Our only difference is our religion. But we are equal citizens under the Constitution.”

Source:

http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/news-193998-100-plotters-planned-to-overthrow-government-by-using-us-says-bartholomew.html

Orthodox Pilgrim Center in Bari Transferred to Russian Orthodox Church

Moscow, November 25, Interfax - A ceremony of the transfer of an Orthodox pilgrim center in Bari, Italy, to the Russian Orthodox Church's management took place at the Patriarch's residence in Moscow.

Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia said before the ceremony that "property once belonging to the Russian Church is being transferred to its disposal with the Russian state's very important participation."

Vladimir Kozhin, the ?hief of the Presidential Property Department, said at the ceremony that the Russian state is "only at the beginning of the way" and is taking first steps to return "shrines that are abroad of our homeland."

"I hope this process will gain momentum and we will make efforts so that such work be done more actively in the Kingdom of Jordan and in Israel," he said.

The transfer agreement was signed by Bishop Mark of Yegoryevsk, the Moscow Patriarchate Secretary for Institutions Abroad, and Yevgeny Polikarpov, the General Director of the federal unitary enterprise Goszagransobstvennost.

Bari is home to the Saint Nicholas Cathedral, which was returned to the Russian Orthodox Church following a decision taken by the Italian authorities when Russia's then President Vladimir Putin was visiting the country in March 2007.

In April 2008, the Italian government finalized all domestic procedures as part of the transfer of the Cathedral to Russia. A document confirming the hand-over was signed in Rome on November 13, 2008.

The religious center, which is located in an area of 8,000 square meters, was established at the initiative of Grand Duchess Yelizaveta Fyodorovna of Russia to accept Russian pilgrims coming to Bari to worship St. Nicholas. It was built under the design of Russian architect Alexey Schusev and with donations from religious people, including Russia's Tsar Nicolas II, in 1913-1917.

Work was not completed because of World War I. Russian emigrants, who were members of the Russian Palestinian Society, passed all church buildings to the municipality of Bari in 1937, because they lacked the funds to maintain the church.

Bari authorities gave some church buildings back to Russia in late 1990s; however, the church remained in control of the municipality.

Source:

http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=6670

The Icon of the Virgin Mary Has Flown over the Earth With the Sacred Procession

Moscow, November 25, Interfax - Unusual sacred procession round the Earth is made with the icon of Virgin Mary "The Sign".

On September 30 the spaceship Soyuz TMA 16 which had a mission to bring the icon to the International Space Station war driven from the Baikonur cosmodrome, the representative of the Galaxy studying centre initiated the project told Interfax-Religion on Wednesday.

The sacred procession was finished on October 11. The icon has made 176 coils round the Earth and it was delivered back on the "Soyz TMA 14 spaceship.

The icon of the Virgin Mary "The Sign" will be presented on December 8-14 at the Orthodox exhibition at the All-Russia Exhibition Centre. It will be possible for everybody to get acquainted with video and picture stories about the sacred procession.

The project was carried out on blessing of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia and with the support of the Center of National Glory of Russia, the St. Andrew the First-Called Foundation and the Energy space-rocket corporation.

Four years ago the icon from the Transfiguration Monastery of the Valaam island has also been sent to the space. For two months of staying at the station, it was flown round the Earth with cosmonaut Sergey Krikalev for about thousand times.

Source:

http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=6673

Appeal from Greek Orthodox Church Against Turkey in ECHR

Wednesday, 25 November 2009


Greek Orthodox Church made an appeal to the European Court of Human Rights against Turkey.

Fileleftheros, daily local newspaper in Southern part of Cyprus, stated that application against Turkey is made by so-called ‘Kyrenia and Morphou’ metropolitans and Cikko and Mahera monasteries on behalf of archbishopric.

Fileleftheros mentioned that Turkey is being accused of ‘taking the right of making freedom of worship in the churches from Greek Orthodox in the occupied areas of the Cyprus island’ and also is stated that ‘there is discrimination towards Greek Cypriots because of being Christian’.
Greek Orthodox Church is demanding the restoration of the properties of Church in Cyprus in order to ‘make them same as they were in 1974’, the compensation the losses caused by not using and put to good use and also demanding freedom of worship in the religious places. In addition, in the context of the case, there are also claims that Greek religious inheritance (churches, temples and cemeteries) in North Cyprus have been demolished.

According to Ceren Mutus, researcher at USAK Center for EU Studies, he ongoing reconciliation talks in Cyprus and the possibility to reach a settlement in the long lasting dispute have triggered the judicial initiatives put forward by the Greek Cypriot community. Mutus stated that “Although the current phase of the negotiations does not present optimistic signs for a rapid solution in the Island, a possible future reconciliation between Cypriot leaders created an anxiety among Greek Cypriots and prompted them to file more law suits before the ECHR. Taking into account the activist approach of the Court on the property issue in favor of the Greek thesis and the huge amounts of compensation it ordered Turkey to pay to the petitioners up to now, this substantial increase in applications can be regarded as normal. The main political reason behind the continuous lawsuits before the ECHR is to strengthen the hand of Greek Cypriot Government on the table and to compel the Turkish Government to withdraw from its demands as much as possible. The Geek side perceives the judgments of the Court as one the prominent compelling tools. When we consider the importance of the Orthodox Church in the politics of the Southern Cyprus, it won’t be wrong to say that in the following months, Greek Cypriots will follow a more proactive policy.”

By Atif Muezzinler (JTW)

Source:

http://www.turkishweekly.net/news/93290/appeal-from-greek-orthodox-church-against-turkey-in-echr.html

Ethiopia - Patriarch Receives Highest Honor- Portuguese, Spanish Medal

11/25/09

Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (EOC) Abune Paulos receives on Tuesday the ‘Highest-Honor Portuguese and Spanish Medal’ for his outstanding contributions toward ensuring peace and mutual co-existence among the peoples of the world, the patriarchate private secretariat disclosed.

Abune Paulos, who is also one of the presidents of the World Council of Churches, has been making remarkable contributions toward ensuring peace, tolerance, and mutual co-existence at global level, according to the statement of the secretariat sent to ENA.

Hence, the statement said, the two countries honored the patriarch with the medal for his exemplary deeds in the area of ensuring peace, stability and friendship worldwide.

Handing over the medal, head of the delegation Major, Jose Augusto said the peoples of the two countries attach due respect to the medal, which is the highest-honor medal in Portugal and Spain.

Major Jose Augusto said Portugal and Spain are desirous to bolster bilateral relations with Ethiopia in the years ahead. Especially, he said, the countries will be working together with the church in assisting orphans in Ethiopia.

After receiving the medal, the patriarch said his church will exert utmost efforts toward scaling up the existing bilateral cooperation between Ethiopia and the two European countries to a higher level.

The patriarch also received messages sent from Portuguese and Spanish royal families, according to the statement.

Source:

http://nazret.com/blog/index.php?title=ethiopia_patriarch_receives_highest_hono&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1

A Prominent Orthodox Priest

Killed in Moscow

Moscow, November 20, Interfax – The famous priest Daniil Sysoyev, the rector of the St. Thomas Cathedral, has been killed in Moscow, a source in law enforcement agencies told Interfax.

The priest received gunshot wounds to the head and chest, his assistant Vladimir Strelbitsky was wounded in the chest, he said.

"I do not recall a priest being killed in Moscow, let alone shot at by an assault rifle," the source told.

The priest died on the surgical table at 0:15 a.m. Moscow time, a source in medical circles said. His aide is in very critical condition.

A criminal case has been launched over the priest's murder.

Father Daniil was 35 years old.

Source:

http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=dujour&div=34

Metropolitan Christopher of the Czech Lands and Slovakia Arrives

in Moscow

17.11.2009

An official delegation of the Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia arrived in Moscow on 17 November 2009 for the celebrations devoted to the 10^th anniversary of this Church’s Moscow Representation, at the invitation of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia. The delegation is led by His Beatitude Metropolitan Christopher of the Czech Lands.

The delegation will also visit the Optino Hermitage, St. Sergius’s Monastery of the Holy Trinity and the Moscow Theological Academy.

On November 21, the Day of the Synaxis of Archangel Michael and other Heavenly Hosts, Patriarch Kirill and Metropolitan Christopher will celebrate the Divine Liturgy at St. Michael’s in the Moscow Kremlin.

On November 10, the 10^th anniversary of the Moscow Metochion of the Orthodox Church of the Czech Land and Slovakia, the primates of the two Churches will celebrate the festive liturgy at St. Nicholas’s Church-at-Kotelniki.

Source:

http://www.mospat.ru/en/2009/11/17/news8630/

His Holiness Patriarch Kirill meets with the Chairman of the Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society Sergei Stepashin

19.11.2009

On 18 November 2009, the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church met with Sergei Stepashin, the Chairman of the Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society (IOPS).

They discussed cooperation of the Russian Orthodox Church with the IOPS and the Russian Book Union, which Mr. Stepashin chairs, press service of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia reports.

Taking part in the meeting was Bishop Mark of Yegorievsk, Moscow Patriarchate Secretary for Institutions Abroad of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Source:

http://www.mospat.ru/en/2009/11/19/news8699/

Archbishop Hilarion Meets with Representatives of the Traditional Religions of China

18.11.2009

On 18 November 2009, Archbishop Hilarion of Volokolamsk met with representatives of the traditional religions of China at the headquarters of the Islamic Association of China. The head of the delegation of the Presidential Council for Cooperation with Religious Organizations and the Moscow Patriarchate Department for external church relations was greeted by a member of the People’s Political Consultative Council of China and deputy head of the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association Anthony Liu Bainian, deputy head of the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association and the Chinese Bishops’ Conference Bishop Ma Inlin of Kunmin, deputy general secretaries of the Islamic Association of China C. Guanlin and Balati, head of the foreign relations department of the Islamic Association of China Chen Juilun, deputy secretary general of the Buddhist Association of China Chen Wanjao, and staff member of the international department of the same association Wan Li.

Taking part in the meeting were members of the Russian delegation, including A. Kudryavtsev, the Presidential Council executive secretary; Archpriest Nikolai Balashov, DECR MP deputy chairman; A. Povalyaev, first secretary of the Russian Embassy in the People’s Republic of China; and D. Petrovsky and I. Kopeikin, DECR staff members.

Anthony Liu Bainian told the DECR Chairman about the life of the followers of the traditional religions of China, such as Buddhism, Daocism, Islam, Catholicism, and Protestantism.

Archbishop Hilarion appreciated an opportunity to meet with representatives of the traditional religious association of China and told those present about the present situation of the Russian Orthodox Church, her external activities and dialogue with representatives of the world religions, and the tasks of the delegation’s visit. The development of cooperation of religious contacts between Russia and China is stipulated by the provisions of the intergovernmental agreements, he added.

Archbishop Hilarion shared his views on the situation of the Chinese Autonomous Orthodox Church and dialogue with the Chinese State Administration for Religious Affairs (SARA) on the on possible aid to revive her liturgical life.

On behalf of representatives of the traditional religious organization, Anthony Liu Bainian expressed his appreciation of the ongoing dialogue on the normalization of the situation of Orthodoxy in China and added that, as a Catholic, he is well aware of the importance of having the well-trained clergymen and church buildings so that the Orthodox Christians could lead a normal church life.

That same day Archbishop Hilarion left for Harbin. The Russian Ambassador to China S. Razov bid farewell to the delegation at the airport. Archbishop Hilarion and members of the Russian delegation exchanged opinions on the preliminary results of the talks with the director of a SARA department, Ms. Liu Tsinguan.

Source:

http://www.mospat.ru/en/2009/11/18/news8679/

New Jersey Premiere of “Okradena Zemlia”

UKRAINIAN ORTHODOX CHRCH OF THE USA
CONSISTORY OFFICE OF PUBLIC RELATIONS
PRESS RELEASE

On Sunday, November 17, 2009 the Ukrainian Museum of New Jersey in Memory of Patriarch Msytlav of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of USA, sponsored the New Jersey screening of “Okradena Zemlia”, a newly released Ukrainian Language documentary film on the 1932-1933 Genocide-Holodomor in Ukraine.

The film is based on the newest available archival material, eye-witness accounts, including those of survivors living near the Russian border, and commentaries by prominent historians, writers and researchers on the Ukrainian genocide. The film in produced, directed and edited by award-winning filmmaker Yurij Luhovy, member of the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television, who also produced “Harvest of Despair”.

The archival footage presented in this documentary along with actual documentation from Soviet archives revealing Stalin’s orders to intentionally annihilate the Ukrainian peasantry in 1932 and 1933 and “turn them into earth” unambiguously prove that the famine was intentional and devised by Stalin.

The film explores the short lived hope and optimism of the Ukrainian SSR and of what socialism promised, and then proceeded to visually depict the betrayal and horror as entire villages of ethnic Ukrainians were wiped out in such regions as Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv and Odesa. Archival footage reveals the peasants’ uprisings against the government and presents startling facts about how they protested the incomprehensible and impossible requirements imposed on them. Other archival documents reveal that a special commission covered up the truth about the huge number of unregistered deaths resulting from the Famine and that a secret document in April 1934 ordered all official registries of Soviet Ukraine to be destroyed. The number of territories and numbers of people who were affected are staggering, while the number of victims is incalculable but estimated to be from 5 to 10 million.

Most poignant were the accounts of the survivors. “No one cried anymore...”, said one 90 year old survivor. After the film, Ms. Luba Shevchenko shared her recollections of the Famine as a 5 year old, and there was a question and answer session with the director.

The film is intended for use in schools, universities, by historians, journalists, government officials, and the general public. An English language version of the film is currently under way. To arrange for a screening or to support Mr. Luhovy in this project, please contact him at mmlinc@hotmail.com or (514) 481-5871.

Source:

http://www.uocofusa.org/news_091118_1.html

Ukrainian Holodomor of 1932-1933: “The Worst Holocaust the World Has Ever Known…

UKRAINIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH OF THE USA
CONSISTORY OFFICE OF PUBLIC RELATIONS
PRESS RELEASE

With these powerful words, Senator Charles Schumer, Senior United States Senator from the state of New York, described and defined the genocide committed against the Ukrainian Nation and her people 76 years ago in 1932-33. He declared that the communist regime of Russia was not simply attempting to force the Ukrainian people into collective farming, or to erase the small land owners – the kulaks, or to wipe out the “intelligentsia”. The real goal of the genocide was to “completely eradicate Ukraine as a nation”. Senator Shumer was participating in the annual Genocidal Famine Memorial, which takes place each year at St. Patrick Cathedral, New York City, during the month of November.

This was the 18th year in a row that Ukrainians-Americans and others from New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and as far away as Washington, D. C. joined together in prayer, commemorating those ten million men, women and children lost in Josef Stalin’s horrifying effort to destroy a people – a nation – long proud of their rich land, which was known as the “bread basket of Europe”. The weather held down the attendance this year, which was only about one-half the normal size, but those present were sincere in their petition to God for the repose of the victims’ souls in that place where the “Light our Lord’s Countenance shines upon them” and their memory will be eternal.

The annual commemoration is hosted each year by the Eastern Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA and the Stamford Eparchy of the Ukrainian Catholic Church of the USA in which the city of New York is located and the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, centered in New York City. Archbishop Antony of our Church and Bishop Paul of the Stamford Eparchy are the host hierarchs. The Archbishop opened the commemoration this year declaring that “we have no right to forget those who perished senselessly” in spite of the attempts of the government of Russia today, along with those of some other nations to categorize the famine as a ‘natural phenomenon” for which the godless regime bore no responsibility.” The Archbishop continued: “We will continue to remind all mankind of the sanctity of life and the God-given rights of every individual human being. We will remind the world’s political leaders that they no longer have unlimited and unquestioned power to destroy life…in Ukraine or in any other nation of the world.”

Five hierarchs participated in the Memorial Service, which followed: His Beatitude Metropolitan Constantine of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, His Eminence Metropolitan Stefan of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, His Grace Bishop Emeritus Basil of the Ukrainian Catholic Church and His Grace Bishop Daniel of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. They were joined by over thirty priests and deacons of the two churches in beseeching God’s loving mercy for the victims of the famine. The Dumka Ukrainian Chorus, under the direction of Vasyl Hrechynsky beautifully sang the responses for the Panakhyda and the prayer for our Ukrainian nation, “Bozhe Velykyj”

Tamara Gallo Olexy, President of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, offered opening remarks and served as Master of Ceremonies for the program that followed the memorial service. She spoke of the consequences of the famine for Ukraine and the effect it has had on all succeeding generations of the Ukrainian population. Mr. William Pope, of the U.S. Mission to the United Nations, read the statement issued by President Barack Obama on the occasion of the Famine Commemoration.

Representatives of the government of Ukraine – His Excellency Oleh Shamshur, Ambassador to the USA and His Excellency Yuriy Sergeyev – Ambassador to the United Nations – also spoke. Mr. Shamshur announced that the Ukrainian government will provide funding for the establishing of a Famine Monument in the heart Washington, D.C. across from the United States Capitol building and Union Station. Mr. Sergeyev spoke of continued efforts at the United Nations aimed at educating the world about the darkest hour of our Ukrainian history. Metropolitan Stefan (Soroka) made concluding remarks about the history of the famine and its never ending effect upon Ukrainian history. The Metropolitan also expressed gratitude to all who participated in the memorial services and program, as well as to His Excellency Archbishop Dolan, the head of the Roman Catholic diocese of New York, for his kindness in providing the Cathedral for this ecumenical service.

Source:

http://www.uocofusa.org/news_091117_1.html

His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr Conferred Church Distinctions on UOC Delegation Accompanying Pochayiv Theotokos Icon in Moscow

Ukrainian Orthodox Church

On November 16 the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church at his residence at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra received the official delegation of our Church that accompanied the Wonderworking Pochayiv Icon of the Mother of God during its visit to Moscow on November 4-15 this year.

The Archpastor thanked the guests for their work and conferred the church distinctions on them. In particular, the orders of the Holy Hierarch Dimitry (Tuptalo), Metropolitan of Rostov were conferred on His Grace Bishop Hilary of Makariv and the co-workers of the Department for External Church Relations of the UOC, and the jubilee orders of the "450 Years of Bringing Pochayiv Theotokos Icon to Volyn" were granted to the brethren of the Holy Dormition Pochayiv Lavra and the nuns of the St. Michael Horodok Convent.

Before the beginning of the ceremony those attending sang a troparion to the Most Holy Theotokos and prayerfully bowed to the Wonderworking Pochayiv Icon of the Mother of God, which stayed at the session hall of the Holy Synod of the UOC all that time.

Source:

http://orthodox.org.ua/eng/node/993

Prayers Requested for Choir Director of Minneapolis' Saint Mary Cathedral

Posted 11/19

MINNEAPOLIS, MN [MW Diocese/November 18, 2009] -- Prayers are requested for the health of Resa Ellison, choir director of Saint Mary Cathedral here, who was hospitalized on November 8 with the H1N1 virus and an aggressive form of pneumonia.

Doctors say that Resa's condition is grave. She remains in an induced coma, according to the Very Rev. Andrew Morbey, cathedral dean.

The daughter of the Rev. and Mrs. James Ellison of Saint Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church, Urbana, IL, Resa has directed the cathedral choir for three years. She is a graduate of Saint Vladimir's Seminary, Crestwood, NY.

The Ellison family has initiated a blog at www.caringbridge.org/visit/resaellison/journal that provides updates on Resa's condition.

May Christ our God, the Healer and Physician of our souls and bodies, raise Resa from her bed of infirmity.

Source:

www.oca.org

Metropolitan Jonah Hosts ROCOR Metropolitan Hilarion at OCA Chancery

Posted 11/18

SYOSSET, NY [OCA/November 17, 2009] -- His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah hosted His Eminence, Metropolitan Hilarion, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia [ROCOR], at the OCA Chancery here on Monday, November 16, 2009.

During their meetings, the two Metropolitans discussed the initiation of an official dialogue between the Orthodox Church in America and ROCOR to study ways by which they might strengthen their relationship. Both the OCA and ROCOR hierarchs had agreed earlier this year to initiate this dialogue.

During their meeting, Metropolitan Jonah and Metropolitan Hilarion concelebrated a Memorial Litiya for His Holiness, Patriarch Pavle of Serbia, who fell asleep in the Lord on Sunday, November 15, 2009. In his remarks at the end of the service, Metropolitan Jonah stated that the entire Orthodox world considered the late Patriarch "a living saint" and "a great spiritual leader of the 20th century."

It was later noted that this Memorial Litiya marked the first time that the Metropolitans of the OCA and ROCOR have served together since the mid-1930s.

Source:

www.oca.org

Metropolitan Jonah, Very Rev. Chad Hatfield Sign Declaration Concerning Sanctity of life, Marriage, Religious Freedom

Posted 11/20

NEW YORK, NY [OCA Communications] -- His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah, Primate of the Orthodox Church in America, and the Very Rev. Chad Hatfield, Chancellor of Saint Vladimir's Seminary, were among some 125 US religious leaders who signed a 4,700-word declaration addressing the sanctity of life, traditional marriage, and religious liberty here recently.

The statement, known as the "Manhattan Declaration: A Call of Christian Conscience," issues “a clarion call” to Christians to adhere to their convictions and informs civil authorities that the signers will not “under any circumstance” abandon their Christian consciences. The text of the declaration, which already has generated considerable controversy, was released on Friday, November 20, 2009.

"The Manhattan Declaration is the result of several months of dialogue among Orthodox, Catholic, and evangelical Christian leaders culminating in a gathering of approximately 100 leaders in New York City on September 28, 2009," Catholic News Agency [CNA] reports. "Attendees considered an early draft... but the document was entrusted to a drafting committee."

"We are Christians who have joined together across historic lines of ecclesial differences to affirm our right—and, more importantly, to embrace our obligation—to speak and act in defense of these truths," the Declaration reads. "We pledge to each other, and to our fellow believers, that no power on earth, be it cultural or political, will intimidate us into silence or acquiescence.

"We recognize the duty to comply with laws whether we happen to like them or not, unless the laws are gravely unjust or require those subject to them to do something unjust or otherwise immoral,” the signatories explain.

But, CNA reports, they also made clear that “we will not comply with any edict that purports to compel our institutions to participate in abortions, embryo-destructive research, assisted suicide and euthanasia, or any other anti-life act; nor will we bend to any rule purporting to force us to bless immoral sexual partnerships, treat them as marriage or the equivalent, or refrain from proclaiming the truth, as we know it, about morality and immorality and marriage and the family.”

The signatories explained that they speak now because in order "to defend principles of justice and the common good that are now under assault."

"We will fully and ungrudgingly render to Caesar what is Caesar’s, but we will under no circumstances render to Caesar what is God’s."

The full text of the declaration may be read at www.manhattandeclaration.org.

Source:

http://www.oca.org/news/2014

Jordan- Orthodox Congregation Calls for Arabizing Greek-led Church

Jordan Times - 18/11/2009

(MENAFN - Jordan Times) Jordan's Orthodox congregation on Tuesday called for
"Arabising" their Greek-led church and rescinding a decision by Patriarch
Theophilus III to dismiss a senior Jordanian church court member.

Hundreds of Christians staged a sit-in in front of the Orthodox Church court
in the capital yesterday, demanding the cancellation of last week's decision
to remove Archimandrite Hanna (Christoforos) Atallah from his post as the
church court's vice president.

The Jerusalem-based patriarchate, which covers Jordan, Israel and the
Palestinian territories, described the decision as part of a "normal process
to transfer judiciary staff and an internal affair with no personal agenda".

But Orthodox Christians in Jordan consider the dismissal "unfair", and
yesterday called on the Greek patriarch to "keep away from our priests" and
leave the holy lands.

"We want neither the patriarch nor his leadership they [Greek clergymen]
have not done anything for us, so they have no right to come and rule us,"
shouted one middle-aged man, who wore a traditional red and white koufiyeh
(head cover).

Another protester, Basem Khouri, described the Greek leadership of the
church as a "failure".

"We want it to be Arab," the 48-year-old told The Jordan Times, as other
protesters recited prayers and religious chants.

"An Arab would definitely know the country's needs better than a Greek,"
remarked Dina Bandak Awwad, who also took part in the sit-in.

"For us, Father Christoforos is more than a spiritual father," the
37-year-old Amman resident said, noting that the clergyman "helps many needy
families".

Abu Anwar, a mukhtar (community leader) from the northern city of Ajloun,
echoed similar sentiments.

"Father Atallah wants to do good, while the patriarch wants to destroy us,"
he charged.

Atallah had been vice president of the Amman church court since 2005; before
that, he spent four years as a member of the tribunal.

He attributed his dismissal to a series of decisions targeting Arab
clergymen in the Greek Orthodox Church.

These include suspending his salary and those of two other senior churchmen
who took part in an Amman meeting that called for revoking recognition of
the patriarch for not fulfilling previous commitments.

In addition, Theophilus prevents young Arabs from becoming monks,
Archimandrite Atallah said, highlighting the lack of Arab representation in
the Holy Synod - the highest decision-making body at the church - which
should be composed of 18 members who hold Jordanian citizenship, with at
least two originally Jordanian bishops or archbishops, in accordance with
the patriarchate's 1958 law.

Currently, there is only one Arab archimandrite in what the protesters
labeled the "unholy" synod.

Father Issa Misleh, the patriarchate's spokesperson, defended its position,
noting that "renewing leadership of church courts is an ordinary measure,
and there will be similar transfers during the coming period".

"The patriarch wants to put the right man in the right place," Misleh told
The Jordan Times in a phone interview yesterday, adding that "there is no
difference between a Greek and an Arab in the Orthodox church".

Regarding Arab representation in the Holy Synod, the priest noted that
obstacles posed by the Israeli occupation are delaying several measures to
be taken by the patriarchate, including the appointment of an Arab to
replace a synod member who died more than a year ago.

He also refuted claims that Theophilos does not permit Arabs to become
monks, noting that at least two Palestinian theology students were recently
offered the chance.

Misleh argued that Arabs are "incapable" of managing their church's affairs,
which he said explains the dominance of Greek clergymen in the
patriarchate's leadership since the beginning of the Ottoman era.

"We [Arabs] have no potential to hold senior posts in the church. The church
always calls on young Arabs to become monks, but they prefer to become
priests and get married," Misleh said.

Orthodox Church priests who choose to get married do not hold senior posts
in decision-making bodies, while monks, who remain celibate, and unmarried
priests can be promoted to leading positions in the patriarchate.

The number of Orthodox believers in Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian
territories is estimated at more than 200,000, with some 110,000 in Jordan
alone.

Christians account for some 4 per cent of the Kingdom's population, which
stands at around six million.

By Thameen Kheetan

Source:

http://groups.google.co.kr/group/alt.religion.christian.east-orthodox/browse_thread/thread/57577c0d1b626bf1

Bulgarian Orthodox Church Honors Michaelmas

The Bulgarian Church honors on Sunday Michaelmas, the feast of St Michael the Archangel (also the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael) or the Feast of Michael and All Angels.

In the Christian Orthodox calendar Michaelmas falls on November 8.

Michelmas in Bulgaria is the name day of people named Angel, Angelina, Michael, Michaela, Radka, Radmila, Rayna, Reneta, Ognyan, Plamen and Emil.

The Archangel Michael is one of the principal angelic warriors, seen as a protector against the dark of night, and the administrator of cosmic intelligence.

The Christian Orthodox Church introduced the holiday to oppose the heretic Judea since, according to some canons of the Old Testament, they had fallen into a pagan worship of the sun, the moon, the stars and believed that angels have created all living things and were more important than Christ.

With the recognition of Michaelmas, the Christian Orthodox Church also imposed the idea of the appearance of the nine angelic religious orders in the Day of the Judgment, called also the Eight Day.

According to the Christian Orthodox Church, Saint Michael is one of the seven primary angels, who is always standing near God’s throne and represents God’s word.

Angles are the guardians of the human race and each individual receives one guardian angel at birth.

According to the Bulgarian folklore, Archangel Michael holds a golden apple in one hand and a knife in the other. He tempts people, who are going to die with the apple and takes out their souls with the knife.

Source:

http://www.bulgariagazette.com/bulgaria-orthodox-church-honors-michaelmas/

Diocesan Representative Assembly

Comes to a Close
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services Nov 5, 2009 2:25 AM

On November 4, the Diocesan Representative Assembly presided over by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, completed their work in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

Over four days of meetings, representatives from the Hierarchal Sees of the Armenian Apostolic Church and Dioceses worldwide, discussed, approved and adopted the "Guidelines for Diocesan Bylaws of the Holy Armenian Apostolic Church".

At the end of the meeting, the Pontiff of All Armenians gave his message of blessing to the delegates. His Holiness expressed his appreciation and happiness for their devoted and zealous endeavors in developing the Guidelines through a serious level of deliberation. He stressed that the Guidelines, once implemented in the Dioceses, will contribute to the strengthening of Armenian Dioceses worldwide and to the successful implementation of the Church mission.

The Catholicos of All Armenians extended his gratitude and blessings to the Chairmen, Vice chairmen, Secretaries, Committees and Representative Delegates of the meeting. His Holiness asked that God strengthen and protect under His Right Hand, the Homeland, the Armenians Apostolic Holy Church and Armenians worldwide.

His Holiness officially closed the session with a final prayer.

Source:

http://66.208.37.78/index.jsp?sid=3&nid=1405&y=2009&m=10&d=5

The European Parliament to Hold Exhibition Dedicated to the Russian Church for the First Time in Its History

Brussels, November 9, Interfax - A photo exhibition "The Mission of the Russian Orthodox Church in the Modern World" opens in the building of the European Parliament in Brussels on November 9.

"We find it very important to display our national values, and the values of the Russian Orthodox Church at the common European arena. We share many European values, however, we have some of our own, which we would like to demonstrate to the European citizens," head of the Moscow Patriarchate Publishing House Archpriest Vladimir Silovyev said to Interfax-Religion.

The Moscow Patriarchate Acting Representative at the European Union Archpriest Antony Ilyin also noted to the agency that the exhibition dedicated to the Russian Orthodox Church "is held by the European Parliament for the first time in its history."

The displayed works of photographers feature "The basiñ social concept of the Russian Orthodox Church": the visitors will learn about the Church's position regarding family and social problems, the challenges of globalization and secularism, the problems of bioethics and environment protection, and the participation of Christians in public, political and charity work.

The works on the themes of secular sciences, culture and education demonstrate the need to restore the lost links of scientific thinking with the religious values.

This exhibition will be further shown at other major European exhibition sites.

Source:

http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=6621

Patriarch Kirill Urges European Nations for Dialogue Based on Christian Values

Brussels, November 9, Interfax - Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia urged Europeans to remember about Christian roots of their culture in order to build united Europe successfully.

"Europe has faced a serious challenge of losing its civilization and cultural identity. Projects of modeling a new paradigm of interstate and interethnic community gain new meaning in this difficult situation," Patriarch Kirill said in his address to the 3rd European Russian Forum "United Europe from Atlantic to Pacific: a Dream or an Opportunity?" which has opened in Brussels on Monday.

According to the Primate, this model should be based on "the idea of equal rights relations between Eastern and Western part of the European world which historically were mutually complementary and enriched each other."

"Our shared Christian tradition, adherence to dialogue and readiness to cooperate can and should become a moving mechanism of closing in," the greeting further reads.

Patriarch Kirill also stated, "active actions of some engaged forces who seek to reevaluate facts of the newest European history to reach momentary political profit" became a barrier for preserving solidarity of European citizens.

"We should give up stereotypes impeding our fruitful cooperation, refuse imposed ideological unipolarity, raise values of faith and shared spiritual heritage in rank of truly uniting principles," the Patriarch went on to say in his greeting.

Patriarch Kirill stressed, "it is possible to create atmosphere of solidarity and openness in relations among European nations, to set up a true base for integration, to turn a dream about Europe united from Atlantics to the Pacific Ocean in reality."

http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=6624

Kazan Icon of the Mother of God Taken Out to Germany During the Great Patriotic War Is Returned to Mtsensk Orel Region

On 8 November 2009, with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God taken out by a German soldier to Germany sixty-six years ago was brought to Mtsensk, Orel region.

During the battle at Mtsensk in 1943, a German soldier named Josef Bertram found the icon of the Queen of Heaven. He kept it during his lifetime and bequeathed to his son to return it to Russia. Last August a delegation of a Benedictine monastery, where Josef Bertram’s son lived, brought the holy icon to Moscow and delivered it to Archbishop Hilarion of Volokolamsk at the Church of the “Joy to All the Afflicted” Icon, where it was venerated for several weeks.

In the evening of November 7, the parishioners bid farewell to the icon. Archbishop Hilarion officiated at the Vigil service in concelebration with the parish clergy and the ordained staff members of the Department for External Church Relations.

Archbishop Hilarion addressed his archpastoral words to the worshippers. Reminding them of the history of the icon’s return, he said further, ” His Holiness Patriarch Kirill gave his blessing to bring the icon to where it was founded – to the city of Mtsensk, Orel region. We shall venerate the icon now, and tomorrow I shall give it to Archbishop Panteleimon of Orel and Livny. Let us pray to the Most Holy Mother of God, beseeching Her to be our Heavenly Intercessor and for the safely return of the miraculously found holy icon to Mtsensk.”

The Kazan Icon of the Mother of God was carried out from the church in a solemn procession and met on the next day in Mtsensk by Archbishop Panteleimon of Orel and Livny, clergymen of the diocese, leaders of the region and the city, and thousands of believers.

Archbishop Hilarion said that the icon would remind people of the Great Patriotic War and of those who died during those dreadful years, and that at the same time it would be a source of solace and joy for believers.

Archbishop Panteleimon called the return of the icon of the Heavenly Queen to homeland a momentous event for Mtsensk and the entire Orel land.

Source:

http://www.mospat.ru/en/2009/11/08/news8039/

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel Elevated the Diocese of Buzau and Vrancea to

the Rank of Archdiocese

Romanian Orthodox Church

November 8, 2009, in the Cathedral in Buzau the ceremony of elevation in rank of the Diocese of Buzau and Vrancea to the rank of archdiocese, in accordance with the decision of the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church. The event debuted with the consecration of the new Cathedral with the feast days of the Ascension of the Lord and of Holy Three Hierarchs located in Buzau. The consecration service was followed by the celebration of the Holy Liturgy by His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel, surrounded by 18 hierarchs, members of the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church.

After the Holy Liturgy, the ceremony of elevation in rank took place, in the presence of state and local authorities, other invitees and thousands of faithful. After the Patriarchal Tomos was read, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel offered to Most Rev. Epifanie, Archbishop of Buzau and Vrancea, the regalia of Orthodox Archbishops. The newly elevated Archbishop then blessed all those present and thanked the Romanian Patriarch for his care for the Romanian Orthodox Church and the Archdiocese of Buzau and Vrancea.

His Beatitude Daniel, Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church, congratulated the Archbishop of Buzau and Vrancea, who built more than 170 churches and repaired more than 200, while founding or reactivating 28 monasteries and sketes.

Source:

http://www.basilica.ro/en/news/his_beatitude_patriarch_daniel_elevated_the_diocese
_of_buzau_and_vrancea_to_the_rank_of_archdiocese.html

Belarus becomes Venue for Regular Meetings for Church Leaders – Metropoltal Filaret

11/09/2009 0

MINSK, 9 November (BelTA) – Belarus has become a venue for regular meetings for the world church leaders, Metropolitan Filaret of Minsk and Slutsk, Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus, said as he met with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on 9 November.

According to Metropolitan Filaret, Belarus has established a tradition to hold high-level inter-confessional meetings. “Our goal is to strengthen mutual understanding between representatives of the religions which are traditional for Belarus. I am pleased to note that these aspirations produce a sincere response in the hearts of participants of our public and theological forums,” the Head of the Belarusian Orthodox Church underscored.

According to Metropolitan Filaret, Belarus has become a venue for regular meetings and a productive dialogue between the world church leaders. On the one hand, it is connected with the special historic mission of our country which is the intersection of cultures and religions. On the other hand, Belaurs is known for its peaceful religious life of and careful attention of the state towards this sensitive and responsible area of the national life. “It gives Belarus the right to be the historic center which attracts the religious forces of goodwill and gives them an opportunity to cooperate for the benefit of their sides and all the mankind,” Metropolitan Filaret noted.

The Head of the Belarusian Orthodox Church is confident that President’s attention to the international conference, which is held in Minsk, will encourage its participants, give the inter-confessional dialogue more significance.

On 9-11 November, Minsk is playing host to the first international research conference “Christian-Judaic dialogue: religious values as the foundation for mutual respect in the civil society amid the global economic crisis”.