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7/19/2010
Many Paintings, Icons Burn
in Fire
at Grabar Center
Moscow, July 15, Interfax - Several
paintings and icons stored on the third floor of the Academician Grabar
Russian Art Research and Restoration Center at 17 Radio Street in Moscow
have burned in a fire, a policeman told Interfax.
The fire has fully destroyed the third floor. Although the flame is
contained, the interior is still ablaze. The firemen are spraying water
but they have not put out the fire so far.
The fire alarm at 17 Radio Street sounded at 1:13 p.m. Moscow time,
a source at the Moscow Emergency Situations Department told Interfax.
Three Ka-32 helicopters are currently trying to put out the blaze. In
all, 248 firemen and 65 pieces of machinery are involved in the operation.
The fire started in the attic and the roof and spread across an area
exceeding 1,500 square meters.The fire is rated three on the five-point
scale. The Russian Emergency Situations Ministry has confirmed the deaths
of two firefighters who were putting out a blaze in Moscow.
Source:
http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=7475
Court Fines the Forbidden
Art 2006 Exhibition Organizers
Moscow, July 12, Interfax - The Tagansky
Court in Moscow has ordered former Sakharov Center director Yury Samodurov
to pay a 200,000 ruble fine.
The second defendant in the Forbidden Art case, former head of
the Tretyakov Gallery's division of contemporary movements, Andrey Yerofeyev,
has been ordered by the court to pay 150,000 rubles as a fine, an Interfax correspondent
said.
The indictment says that the exhibit displayed works "carrying
humiliating and insulting images hostile to the Christian religion and
believers." The criminal case against the organizers was initiated
according to Article 282 (inciting hatred or enmity).
The defense lawyers of the exhibition organizers have appealed the verdict.
Source:
http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=dujour&div=125
Metropolitan
Hilarion: Orthodox Rite Is an Integral Part of the Entire Worldview
of an Orthodox Believer
Metropolitan Hilarion
of Volokolamsk, head of the Moscow Patriarchate’s department for external
church relations, speaking on 10 July 2010 on the Church and the World
TV program, answered questions from numerous viewers concerning the
ritual side in the life of the Russian Orthodox Church.
First of all, His Eminence
Hilarion pointed to a basic difference between the Western – Protestant
and the Eastern – Orthodox perception of the liturgy: ‘The Orthodox
rite is an integral part of the entire world perception held by an Orthodox
believer and the Orthodox Church. Some Protestant churches in the West
are deprived of Christian symbols; there are neither icons, nor crosses.
And the liturgy, accordingly, is almost fully devoid of the ritual side
as people sing hymns and psalms while the priest reads a sermon and
the organ plays. After that all go away. In the Orthodox Church the
liturgy is perceived altogether differently: for us it is first of all
the participation in the upper world. We believe that the liturgy we
celebrate on earth is only part of the divine mystery which continues
unceasingly in heaven and we can participate in it as well. During the
Divine Liturgy, prayers are lifted up when the priest enters the sanctuary
and asks God: “Make this our entrance to be an entrance of holy angels”,
that is, angels enter the sanctuary together with the priest. Our liturgy,
just as icon, is profoundly symbolic. Hence the development of various
rites which can be described as a ‘choreography of the liturgy’
with the bows of the clergy and deacons and incensing. It is a certain
synthesis of arts which includes church frescos, irons and church music’.
Asked about the extent
in which the church rite can be brought nearer to real life with the
purpose making it more intelligible for modern people, the archpastor
answered, ‘The ritual aspect of the church life has always developed
and continues developing. The liturgy as celebrated today is not quite
the same as it was in the 5thor the 12th century
in Byzantium. Many things have remained the same, for instance, prayers,
in particular, the Liturgies (which today’s lay people do not hear
because they are read by the priest in the sanctuary). But many things
have gradually changed: the liturgy lives its own life and there is
a certain development going on within it.
‘The ritual aspect
of the Church is like the life of man: everything happens in it naturally.
Some rites may die out with time, may go out of use to be replaced by
new ones. It is very important for the church leadership to see to it
that the ritual creativity is not sent self-floating; otherwise there
will be different rites in different places, as it is already happening
today. This development has nothing bad in itself if the clergy or laity
do not invent some rites of their own which claimed to become part of
the tradition. Some parishioners take innovations as part of the church
statute, though they are in fact amateur products’, His Eminence explained.
He also explained to
the viewers where the dividing line runs between the use of rite in
Orthodox faith and the belief in rite growing into superstition, ‘Belief
in rite is when a person concentrates not on the essence of Orthodox
faith but on some purely external sides of church life; when he thinks
that to be Orthodox means to jump into an ice hole on the Epiphany Day
or to bake Ester cakes and paint eggs on Easter or to go to a cemetery
on the Day of the Dead. Such a person does not think about the meaning
of being Orthodox which lies in the Orthodox way of life, in building
one’s family according to the gospel’s ethical north, in being guided
in one’s professional life by the principle of religious life, etc.
On the contrary, the belief in rite is when things secondary and accessory
come to the fore while the most important and essential things are ignored’.
DECR Communication
Service
Source:
http://www.mospat.ru/en/2010/07/14/news21784/
Patriarch
Kirill’s Working Meeting with Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos Karekin
II of All Armenians
On July 14, 2010, His
Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia held a working meeting
with the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos Karekin II of All Armenians.
In attendance at the
meeting were also Bishop Sergiy of Solnechnogorsk, head of the Moscow
Patriarchate’s administrative secretariat, and the leader of the Novo-Nakhichevan
and Russian diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Bishop Ezra’s
Nersesian, the Patriarchal Press Service has reported.
They discussed various
problems involved in cooperation between the Russian Orthodox Church
and the Armenian Apostolic Church.
DECR Communication
Service
Source:
http://www.mospat.ru/en/2010/07/15/news21897/
Metropolitan
Hilarion Visits Monasteries and Churches in Yekaterinburg
On July 14 and 15, 2010,
Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, head of the Moscow Patriarchate’s
department for external church relations, who is on a visit to Yekaterinburg
with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All
Russia to participate in the 10th Russian-German Forum ‘St.
Petersburg Dialogue’, visited monasteries and churches in the city.
The DECR chairman was accompanied by Archbishop Vikenty of Yekaterinburg
and Verkhoturie.
On July 14, the archpastors
visited the religious education center under the church of All Saints
(The Church-on-the-Blood), built on the spot where the czar’s family
were executed. Metropolitan Hilarion also visited the church of St.
Nicholas of Myra in Licea as well as its museum and library.
Later that day they visited
the church of St. John the Baptist, which was the cathedral church in
the Soviet time and the only acting church in Yekaterinburg. The DECR
chairman inspected the diocesan institutions located next to the church,
including the main office of the Soyuz Orthodox TV channel. He had a
live-broadcast talk with TV viewers.
Then the guests visited
the publication department, the Voskresenie radio studio and the diocesan
printing house. His Eminence Hilarion also saw the new building of the
Religious Education Center.
From there the archpastors
proceeded to the monastery of the Holy Royal Passion-Bearers in the
Ganina Yama, where the remnants of the Passion-Bearer Nicholas II’s
family members were thrown down into a mine and then burnt. Metropolitan
Hilarion and Archbishop Vikenty lifted up a prayer at the reverence
cross and saw the churches and territory of the monastery.
On July 15, Metropolitan
Hilarion, accompanied by Archbishop Vikenty, visited the New Convent
of Our Lady of Tikhvin in Yekaterinburg. The abbess Domnika took them
on a tour of the convent’s churches, missionary classes and a sewing
shop.
DECR
Communication Service
Source:
http://www.mospat.ru/en/2010/07/15/news21876/
Ground Blessing
Ceremony of the Gevorkian Seminary
Gym and Event Center
Mother See
of Holy Etchmiadzin,
Under the presidency of His
Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians,
the ground blessing ceremony for the new Gym and Event Center of the
Gevorkian Theological Seminary was held on July 11, in the Mother See
of Holy Etchmiadzin. Present for the ceremony were members of the Brotherhood
of Holy Etchmiadzin and Mr. Sayat Oruncakciel, the son of Mr. and Mrs.
Bedros and Anna Oruncakciel, of the United States, benefactors of the
Center.
During the ceremony, His Holiness
blessed the grounds of the new wing, which will serve as the main auditorium
and physical education facility for the students of the Gevorkian Seminary.
Following the blessing, His Grace Bishop Sahak Mashalian, Dean of the
Gevorkian Theological Seminary read a commemorative declaration of the
construction, which was placed in a sealed container and encased within
the foundation of the building.
At the conclusion of the ceremony
the Armenian Pontiff extended his message to those in attendance. His
Holiness was confident that the addition to the seminary would motivate
the students to continue their education with zeal and devotion as future
clergyman. His Holiness extended his blessings and gratitude to Mr.
and Mrs. Bedros and Anna Oruncakciel wishing them vibrancy, continued
good health and renewing success in their activities in support of the
Nation and Church and service to the Western Diocese of the Armenian
Church of the US as well as to the Homeland.
His Holiness also extended
his appreciation to Mr. Jim Torosian, Architect of the building and
Mr. Gagik Galstian, President of the Constructors’ Union of the Republic
of Armenia.
Source:
http://www.armenianchurch.org/index.jsp?sid=3&nid=1600&y=2010&m=6&d=14&lng=en
HIS EXCELLENCY
SAAD HARIRI THE PRIME MINISTER OF LEBANON PRESENTS CONDOLENCES TO HIS
HOLINESS ARAM I
07/09/2010
On Friday 9
July 2010, in the evening of the day of the funeral of the deceased
father of Catholicos Aram I, His Excellency Saad Hariri came to Antelias
to present his condolences personally. The visit also provided the opportunity
for them to discuss problems, projects and issues related to the internal
situation of Lebanon.
Source:
http://www.armenianorthodoxchurch.org/v04/doc/English/visitscatheng.htm#2
HIS EXCELLENCY
THE PRESIDENT OF LEBANON VISITING HIS HOLINESS ARAM I IN ANTELIAS
07/11/2010
On Sunday,
11 July 2010, His Excellency Michel Suleiman, the President of Lebanon
visited His Holiness Aram I at the Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias,
Lebanon. The purpose of this visit was to present to His Holiness in
person his condolences for the passing away of his father, whose funeral
took place two days ago.
At the meeting
next to His Holiness the present were Primate of Lebanon His Grace Arch.
Kegham Khatcherian, the members of the Central Committee of the Catholicosate,
the Armenian ministers and deputies, as well as the presidents of the
Armenian political parties.
The meeting
was an occasion also to discuss with the President of Republic issues
pertaining to the actual situation in the region in general, and Lebanon
in particular. His Holiness Aram I reaffirmed the strong commitment
of the Armenian community to strengthening the state of Lebanon with
its institutions, as well as deepening the internal unity of Lebanon
as a country of coexistence, harmony, and tolerance.
Source:
http://www.armenianorthodoxchurch.org/v04/doc/English/visitscatheng.htm#4
Chairman of the
Synodal Department for Religious Education and Catechization of the
UOC Participated in the Festive Arrangements Dedicated to the 95th Anniversary
of the Famous Ukrainian Historian Scholar Petro Tronko
At the column hall of the Kyiv
city council (Khreshchatyk, 36) the fcholestive session dedicated to
honoring of Petro Tymofiyovych Tronko, a famous Ukrainian historian
scholar, chairman of the administration of the All-Ukraine Oles Honchar
Foundation of Restoration of prominent Monuments of Architectural Historical
Heritage, distinguished activist of science and technique of Ukraine,
the Hero of Ukraine, academician of the NAS of Ukraine, on the occasion
of his 95th birthday anniversary and the75th anniversary
of his public political and scientific activity.
With the blessing of His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr, Metropolitan
of Kyiv and All Ukraine, the Primate of the UOC, taking part in the
arrangements was chairman of the Synodal Department for Religious Education
and Catechization, Vicar Bishop of the Kyiv Metropolis His Grace Hilary
of Makariv. He read out the greetings to the hero of the anniversary
and conferred onhim the order of the Holy Hierarch Dymytriy (Tuptalo),
Metropolitan of Rostov.
Source:
http://orthodox.org.ua/eng/node/1421
"Church Ready
to Compromise for Religious Harmony"-
His Beatitude the Mafriano
Syrian Orthodox Church
in India
ALUVA:
Syriac Orthodox Church is ready for any compromise to keep up the religious
harmony, said His Beatitude Mafriano Baselios Thomas I. His Beatitude
was inaugurating the joint Managing Committee and Diocesan Council of
Ankamali Diocese at Aluva. Metropolitan of Ankamali Region of the diocese,
Mor Severios Abraham presided over. Metropolitans Mor Gregorios Joseph,
Mor Athanasius Elias were present. Regional Secretary Rev. Fr. Varghese
Kallappara, Priests Secretary Chor-Episcopos B.
John , C Y Varghese, Baby Varghese, Reji C Varkey,
and Advocate Jeyby Paul spoke on the occasion.
Churches Hail
Court’s Reversal on Remarriage
Egypt’s Coptic, Catholic and Anglican
Churches all welcomed a decision by the Supreme Constitutional Court
to overturn a previous ruling by the Supreme Administrative Court obliging
church authorities to allow Christian divorcees to remarry.
“For the church, marriage
is a sacrament that the state has no right to interfere with,” said
Coptic pastor Abdel Messieh Bassit.
Catholic Church Spokesman Rev.
Rafiq Greish also welcomed the decision, calling for implementation
of a proposed personal status law for non-Muslims that would allow civil
marriages among Christians.
The court reversal has, however, ignited controversy within judicial
circles, with some judges asserting that the Constitutional Court’s
verdict represents a direct challenge to the competence of the Administrative
Court.
In a related development, MP
Georgette Quilliny denied rumors that President Hosni Mubarak had personally
intervened to resolve the debate.
“Rumors like this only serve
to tarnish the independence of the judiciary,” she said.
Source:
http://www.copts.com/english/?p=4629
Muslims Attempt to Behead
Apostate in Egypt
The latest in a string of failed
attempts by Muslim fanatics on the life of Egyptian Muslim-born Maher
el-Gowhary who publicly converted to Christianity in 2008, took place
on Sunday July 5, 2010.
As 57-year-old Maher left his
secret lodging, somewhere in metropolitan Cairo with his lawyer, two
unknown men on a motorbike, attacked him with daggers. “They were
aiming at my neck to behead me,” said Maher in an interview with the
newly launched US-based Hope Coptic TV Channel. “Something inspired
me to turn and give them my shoulder, instead of facing them, which
was lucky.”
He said that he fell to the ground covered in blood. “Had it not been
for the interference of passers-by who were unaware of my identity and
my efforts to quickly stand up and defend myself, I would have been
dead by now,” he said.
During the attack, one of the
men shouted the Islamic Jihadi cry of “Allah is Great,” while stabbing
him. The attackers called him an infidel, and cursed his Christian faith.
Maher said that he was left with heavy wounds, however, he fears seeking
medical treatment.
He condemned the negative attitude
of the Egyptian authorities and held responsible for the attempts made
on his life the religious leaders who call for the killing of others
“just for being non-Muslims.”
Shortly after his conversion
to Christianity became public, Maher and his 15-year-old daughter Dina,
who also converted to Christianity, were forced into hiding. They have
been living on the run, changing lodging as frequent as once or twice
a month for fear of their identity being discovered. The Fatwa issued
by Sheikh Youssef El-Badri calling for the ’shedding of his blood,”
caused them to live in constant danger in the face of the reactionaries
and advocates for the enforcement of Islamic apostasy laws, which call
for the death of a convert.
“We live in constant fear
ever since radical shaikhs have called for my blood to be shed because
I left Islam. We are mostly afraid of the uneducated people on the street,”
Maher said in an interview last week on ZDF German TV. He added that
ever since he openly made known his Christian faith, “our future is
ruined. We are discriminated against, I do not believe that we will
receive justice.” (.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrjqyUQn3_s)
Maher el-Gowhary or Peter Athanasius
as he is now called, became acquainted with Christianity through a Coptic
Christian room mate when he was a young cadet at the police academy.
He converted secretly to Christianity 36 years ago. He married a Muslim
woman, the mother of his daughter Dina, who divorced him when she gave
up hope that he will give up Christianity. Dina chose to live ‘on
the run’ with her Christian father, rather than her Muslim mother.
In August 2008, he filed the
second ever lawsuit of a Muslim-born against the Egyptian Government
to officially alter his identification documents to reflect his new
Christian identity. He lost the case on June 13, 2009. According to
the Court ruling, the religious conversion of a Muslim is against Islamic
law and poses a threat to the “Public Order” in Egypt. Although
the verdict is on appeal, he said this usually takes years before being
brought to the courts.
After losing his court case,
Maher and Dina tried to leave Egypt, however, they were barred from
leaving Egypt and their passports seized at Cairo Airport on September
17, 2009 without any legal reasons. They were told that the order came
from a higher authority. Although officially their first destination
would have been ‘a holiday in China’ they planned to travel afterwards
and seek asylum in the United States. Maher later filed a lawsuit to
gain the right to leave Egypt and have their passports returned.
Dina became known after she
wrote to President Obama asking for help. It was reported that the el-Gowharys
met with the US Committee on International Religious Freedom on their
last visit to Egypt in January 2010, and that they have asked for asylum
in the United States (Fox News video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USlI07s9l1k&feature=related.
On March 9, 2010, the administrative
court, refused to return Maher and Dina’s passports. During a second
hearing on June 29, his lawyers fought with each other leading to the
judge adjourning the hearing until November 9. “I am so sad,”he
said. “Five months postponement is a lifetime for us, the way we live.”
In September 2008, a failed
attempt on the life of Maher and another well-known convert to Christianity
Mohamad Hegazy was carried out; they were shot at and had to run and
seek refuge in the subway station. Young Dina was subjected to an acid
attack in April 2010, however, she also escaped unharmed.
Feeling cornered with all the
state agencies against him, Maher commented on the latest attempt made
on his life saying:” What do I do if I am threatened with death in
my own country? I am afraid to go to the police, because instead of
getting my rights I may get arrested instead, since I am considered
an Apostate.”
Mary Abdelmassih
Source:
http://www.copts.com/english/?p=4638
The Feast
Day of the Patron of Physicians Celebrated in Archbishopric of Belgrade-Karlovac
On behalf of His Holiness IRINEJ,
Serbian Patriarch, His Grace Vicar Bishop Atanasije of Hvosno served
today the Divine Liturgy in the chapel of Sts. Cosmas and Damian at
the Clinical Center of Serbia.
His Grace Bishop, in a presence
of the adminstration and staff, cut the slava cake and congratulated
to the present the Patron's feast day conveying them the blessing of
His Holiness IRINEJ, Serbian Patriarch. Bishop reminded the present
of the pious life of Sts. Cosmas and Damian who treated the ill with
the help of God and not expecting any
reward.
After the Divine Liturgy, Bishop
went to the side chapel dedicated to Sts. Cosmas and Damian at the hospital
of Dr Dragisa Misovic where he cut the slava cake along with pious people
and the staff of this hospital.
Source:
http://www.spc.rs/eng/doctors_patrons_feast_day_celebrated_archbishopric_belgradekarlovac
Receptions in
Belgrade Patriarchate
15/7/2010
His Holiness Patriarch IRINEJ,
Serbian Patriarch received today in the Serbian Patriarchate in Belgrade
His Excellency Monsignor Orlando Antonini, Apostolic nuncio in Belgrade.
His Holiness IRINEJ, Serbian Patriarch
met today with Mrs. Vera Matic, the secretary of the Bible Society of
Serbia, who presented Tony Crook, Secretary General of the Bible Society,
to Serbian First Hierarch.
Source:
http://www.spc.rs/eng/receptions_belgrade_patriarchate_july_15_2010
Bishop Joanikije
Served on Remains of an Old Church
Serbian Orthodox
Church –
Metropolitanate
of Montenegro and the Littoral
Few years ago, at a foot of the
mountain of Komova, few kilometres from Andrejevica, in the village
of Kosutic, remains of an old church were uncovered at the site called
Namastir. It is a very old church, which belongs to the oldest churches
so far discovered in Polimlje, which do not exist in the area of our
diocese. The church was probably from the fifth or sixth century. It
is assumed that this was once a seat of the diocese. On July 15, this
year, His Grace Bishop Joanikije of Budimlje-Niksic with priests served
the Divine Liturgy at the foundations of this church.
Bishop consecrated and cut
the slava cake along with a president of the committee for the restoration
of this sanctuary Mr. Mileta Djerkovic. After the service, a luncheon
of love was prepared.
Source:
http://www.spc.rs/eng/bishop_joanikije_served_remains_old_church
Serbia Gay
Groups Want to Meet Patriarch Irinej Seeking to Curb Anti-gay Violence
By The Associated
Press (CP)
BELGRADE, Serbia — A Serbian
gay group has asked to meet with the head of the Serbian Orthodox Church,
Patriarch Irinej, to seek his help in curbing anti-gay violence.
The Gay-Lesbian Info Center
says in a statement posted on the group's website that gay people "are
suffering violence on a daily basis" and that many assailants justify
attacks with religious beliefs.
The group says that "therefore
the church can play a role in reducing the violence."
There has been no immediate
response from the Serbian church, which has considerable influence in
conservative Serbia. Church elders have in the past criticized homosexuality.
Serbia also has faced international
criticism after a gay pride march was cancelled last year over extremist
threats.
Source:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5gL7CK0OyhVCTVwbt3Z0xmBaKlSbg
His Beatitude
Patriarch Daniel Paid a Canonical Visit to the Archdiocese of Sibiu
16-07-2010
The canonical visit that
His Beatitude Daniel, Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church paid
to Brasov city, from 10 – 12 July 2010, began with the ceremony for
awarding the title of citizen of honour of the city in the heart of
the country. Local and county authorities, hierarchs, priests and people
of culture of Brasov city attended the event.
Saturday, 10 July 2010, His Beatitude Daniel, Patriarch of the Romanian
Orthodox Church was awarded the title of citizen of honour of Brasov
city. The distinction was awarded within the framework of the extraordinary
session of the Local Council of Brasov and opened the series of events
related to the visit the Primate of our church paid to the city at the
foot of Tampa Mountains. At the same time, the gesture of the community
of Brasov city came as a proof of respect for the care His Beatitude
showed to the faithful over here. The ceremony took place at the seat
of the City Hall of Brasov, in the presence of the local authorities,
such as the prefect of Brasov county, Ion Gontea, the local counselors
and the representatives of the main religious cults in the city. Besides
His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel, some other hierarchs of the Romanian
Orthodox Church were also present: His Eminence Laurentiu, Metropolitan
of Transylvania, His Eminence Calinic, Archbishop of Arges and Muscel,
and His Eminence Archbishop Ioan of the Diocese of Covasna and Harghita.
In the final speech, the Patriarch of Romania thanked the authorities
of Brasov city for the distinction offered:
“Today we might say we have a small Europe here, in Brasov, where
we spread hope all around through this peaceful living and mutual respect.
It is through this peaceful living and friendship that we can implement
the Gospel of Jesus Christ, our Lord, who shows us that the commandment
of love for our neighbour is the foundation of the Christian life”,
said His Beatitude.
Mayor George Scripcaru awarded His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel the diploma
of citizen of honour, a medal and the book
“History of Brasov City” by Alexandru Surdu. The Primate of the
Romanian Orthodox Church offered the City Hall of Brasov an icon of
Jesus Christ, our Saviour, and a plaque of the insignia of the Romanian
Patriarchate.
Presence and Blessing
The same day in the evening, the Patriarch of our Church participated
in the Te Deum service that a group of priests and deacons headed by
His Grace Andrei Fagarasanul, Assistant Bishop to the Archdiocese of
Sibiu, celebrated in the church of the Holy Trinity in Scheii Brasovului,
and blessed the construction works of an old people’s home of the
parish. His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel offered the church of Brasov
a blessing cross made in the workshops of the Romanian Patriarchate,
a book on the Nicene – Constantinople Creed and an icon of Jesus Christ,
our Lord, for the future old people’s home at this church of Brasov.
His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel explained the importance of the social
work in parishes: “Today, an old people’s home means a home of hope
and dignity. Our degree of civilization, as well as of living the Gospel
of Jesus Christ, depends on the way we behave towards the old people
and children, towards the poor and the sick, towards the people who
really need our help, and who ask, in fact, the help of God, but He
uses our hands to answer them”.
Sunday, 11 July, His Beatitude Daniel, Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox
Church, consecrated the church of “Saints Emperors Constantine and
Helen and of Saint Cornelius the Centurion” in Brasov city, assisted
by a group of hierarchs, priests and deacons
– informs “Lumina” newspaper. The re-consecration of the church
of Brasov was the central event of the visit the Primate of the Romanian
Orthodox Church paid to Brasov. The city feast drew over 2,000 faithful,
local and county authorities, representatives of some other religious
cults and pilgrims from other parts of the country. The re-consecration
of the place of worship – as huge as a real Cathedral
– took place in a solemn atmosphere with detailed preparations by
the parishioners in the Valea Cetatii district of Brasov. Besides the
Primate of the Romanian Orthodox Church also present were His Eminence
Laurentiu, Metropolitan of Transylvania, His Eminence Calinic, Archbishop
of Arges and Muscel, His Eminence Ioan of the Diocese of Covasna and
Harghita, His Grace Gurie, Bishop of Deva and Hunedoara, His
Grace Macarie of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Northern Europe and
His Grace Andrei Fagarasanul, Assistant Bishop to the Archdiocese of
Sibiu. We also mention some of the officials present at the event: the
mayor of Brasov city, George Scripcaru, prefect of Brasov county, Ion
Gontea, and vice-president of the County Council of Brasov, Ion Ochi.
The Sense of the Spiritual Healing
The re-consecration service followed the consecration of the chapel
arranged at the semi-basement of the church. His Eminence Calinic, together
with His Grace Gurie and His Grace Andrei Fagarasanul, consecrated the
chapel, assisted by a group of priests and deacons. After surrounding
the church, splashing it with holy water and anointing it with the Holy
Great Myrrh, there followed the building of the holy altar and putting
the holy relics in the leg of the Holy Table. Then, the painting and
altar screen were consecrated and the Divine Liturgy was celebrated
in the place of worship.
In the sermon delivered at the Divine Liturgy, His Beatitude Patriarch
Daniel emphasized the main teachings of the Gospel read on the 7th Sunday
after the Pentecost. “The healing of two blind men and of a dumb one
shows, first of all, the merciful love of Jesus Christ, our Lord, as
well as the deep meaning of the word
‘salvation’, namely getting rid of a hard state, healing of a disease,
release from bondage and getting out of danger or trouble”, said His
Beatitude Patriarch Daniel.
Distinctions for Founders and Benefactors
To end with the Divine Liturgy, parish priest Corneliu Garbacea received
the Patriarchal Cross from His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel, as well as
a blessing cross for the church of Brasov. The mayor of Brasov was awarded
the Order of “Saints Emperors Constantine and Helen” for the support
granted to the Orthodox parishes in the city, while Gheorghe Seghete,
founder of the church, was awarded the order of
“Sanctus Stefanus Magnus”. The Diploma of Honour was awarded to
the members of the Parochial Council, to the architects, engineers and
painters who supported the construction works. Rev. Garbacea offered
the Patriarch of Romania a beautiful hierarchic epitrachil and a plaque
of the church on behalf of the parish. His Eminence Laurentiu thanked
His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel for the support and attention paid to
the faithful of Brasov city and underlined the fact that the faithful
of Transylvania would sustain the projects the Romanian Patriarchate
initiated.
The construction of the church dedicated to Saints Emperors Constantine
and Helen and to Cornelius the Centurion began in 1990, one year after
the parish of Valea Cetatii was set up in the district of the same name.
His Eminence Serafim of the Romanian Orthodox Metropolitan See of the
Central and Northern Europe, Assistant Bishop to the Archdiocese of
Sibiu at the time, laid the foundation stone on 10 June 1990.
Source:
http://www.basilica.ro/en/news/his_beatitude_patriarch_daniel_paid_a_canonical_visit_to_the_archdiocese_of_sibiu.html
THE CALL
OF THE FAITH
–
Magazine
of the Romanian Patriarchate for Christian children and family - No.
8
Issue 8, July-August 2010,
of “The Call of the Faith” magazine of the Romanian Patriarchate
has just come out. The magazine addresses especially the Christian children
and families. The new issue comprises a small dictionary of surnames,
information on Saint Emilian from Durostor, and on baby food. Special
events in the life of the Romanian Orthodox Church are also presented,
such as the awarding of prizes to the winners of the contest
“My Creed” by His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel, the celebration of
the Sunday of Parents and Children at the Patriarchal Palace, as
well as many games and examples for children.
Source:
http://www.basilica.ro/en/ad1/the_call_of_the_faith_magazine_of_the_romanian_patriarchate_for_christian_children_and_family_no_8.html
7/14/2010
Participants
in Russian-Polish Youth Seminar Visit St. Sergius’ Laura of the Trinity
A Russian-Polish youth seminar
took place from July 5 to 7, 2010, in Moscow, under the theme ‘Russia
and Poland Today and Tomorrow: A View of the Younger Generation’.
It was attended by members of the public, young scientists, students
from Russia and Poland, as well as representatives of the Orthodox and
the Catholic Churches. The Department for External Church Relations
was represented by Hegumen Philip Riabykh, DECR vice-chairman.
On July 6, participants
in the seminar visited St. Sergius’ Laura of the Holy Trinity. The
Polish guests were taken on a tour of the monastery. They were told
about the life of St. Sergius of Radonezh, who laid the foundation of
Orthodox monastic tradition in northern Russia, the history of the monastery,
its architectural features as well as today’s life of the monastery
and the work of the Theological Schools. After the tour the guests visited
the church archeology chamber in Moscow Theological Academy to see Old
Russian icons and other exhibits.
DECR Communication
Service
Source:
http://www.mospat.ru/en/2010/07/08/news21587/
Russian Orthodox
Church to be Built in Madrid
Madrid, July 12, Interfax
- The Madrid administration has allotted a plot of land in a prestigious
area in the north of the Spanish capital for the local Russian Orthodox
parish to build a church, the parish rector Archpriest Andrey Kordochkin
told Interfax-Religion.
A board of trustees formed for the construction project includes Grand
Duchess Maria Vladimirovna, a claimant to the headship of the Romanovs
Imperial House of Russia, Russian Ambassador to Spain Alexander Kuznetsov,
Russian Orthodox clerics, and Russian and Spanish architects.
Madrid Mayor Alberto Ruiz-Gallardon, at a ceremony in March 2009 in
which he awarded a symbolic Golden Key to Madrid to Russian President
Dmitry Medvedev, announced a decision to allot land for building a Russian
church in response to a request from the Russian Embassy.
The Russian Parish of the Nativity of Christ was set up in 2003.
The plot is 756 square meters in area.
Source:
http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=7458
Works to Restore
Icon Over Gates of the Kremlin Nikolskaya Tower Launched
Moscow, July 5, Interfax
- Works to reinstall the icon over the gates of the Moscow Kremlin Nikolskaya
Tower will start this Monday.
"The first stage of works consists in removing a layer of plaster
covering a metallic grid and bars. They are approximately in ten centimeter
distance from the icon," St. Andrew the First-Called Foundation
press service told Interfax-Religion on Monday.
The works will take several days, then experts will have to evaluate
state of the icon and decide on methods and terms of restoration.
Last Tuesday reinstallation works on the walled-in icon over the gates
of the Spasskaya Tower started. In a week time, restorers managed to
remove a layer of plaster from the image and dismantled metallic grid
and bars.
St. Andrew the First-Called 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.
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.
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
A Youth
Group of the Russian Church Abroad Headed by Protopriest Andrei Sommer
is Making a Pilgrimage to the Holy Sites of Russia’s Capital
A youth group hailing from
various dioceses of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, headed
by Protopriest Andrei Sommer, arrived in Moscow on July 6, 2010. That
day, the young worshipers prayed during all-night vigil at the Cathedral
of Christ the Savior, and visited Red Square. The following morning,
the feast day of the Nativity of John the Forerunner, Fr Andrei and
the young pilgrims prayed at St John the Forerunner Church in Presna,
at which His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia performed
the great consecration of this church, which had undergone fundamental
restoration of its interior and main structure, and also reconstruction
of the central altar table. After the ceremony, the Primate of the Russian
Orthodox Church celebrated Divine Liturgy in the renovated church.
On Thursday, July 8, the youth group visited Novodevichy and Sretensky
Monasteries in the Russian capital and participated in the celebration
of SS Peter and Fevronia of Murom, which is also Russia’s Day of the
Family, Love and Devotion.
The young pilgrims are expected
to visit other holy sites of Moscow, as well as Holy Transfiguration
Solovetsky Stavropighial Monastery.
Source:
http://www.russianorthodoxchurch.ws/synod/eng2010/7enyouthtriprussia.html
Ukrainian
Orthodox Church Receives Permission for Construction of Resurrection
Cathedral
On July 7, at the
residence of His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr at the Kyiv-Pechersk
Lavra, the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church received the Conclusions
of the State expertise and the Permission for Construction of the Resurrection
Cathedral of the UOC.
The documents were handed to His Beatitude Volodymyr respectively by
head of the Central Service of the State Investment Expertise of Ukraine
Volodymyr Ampilohov and deputy head of the Department of the State Architectural
Construction Control Oleh Bushovskyy.
Expressing gratitude to the heads of the state institutions the Archpastor
wished them further fruitful work and marked them with the orders of
the Holy Great Martyr George the Trophy-Bearer.
According to Volodymyr Fedorovych Ampilohov, following the comprehensive
expertise of the buildings of the Cathedral and its adjoining administrative-economy
buildings the respective documents were issues, which marks the full-fledged
and legal beginning of the construction of the Cathedral.
Source:
http://orthodox.org.ua/eng/node/1412
On the 60th birthday
anniversary of the President of Ukraine Victor Yanukovych was conferred
on the highest award of the UOC – Distinction of the Primate of the
UOC number 001
His Beatitude Metropolitan
Volodymyr of Kyiv and All Ukraine extended personal greetings to Victor
Yanukovych on his birthday anniversary. His Beatitude offered the President
an icon of the Saviour as a present, wished many years of life and God's
help in the service to the people of Ukraine. For the services to the
Ukrainian Orthodox Church and on the occasion of the 60th birthday anniversary President
of Ukraine Victor Yanukovych was conferred on the highest award of the
Ukrainian Orthodox Church - the Distinction of the Primate of the UOC
number 001. The resolution to establish such distinction was passed
at the last session of the Holy Synod of the UOC.
Source:
http://orthodox.org.ua/eng/node/1417
His
Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr Prayerfully Commemorated the 44th anniversary
of
His
Episcopal Consecration
On July 9, on the
holiday the First Hierarch celebrated the Divine Liturgy in concelebration
of the host of hierarchs of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the open
air - in the square in front of the Holy Dormition Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.
Also praying at the service was representative of the Patriarchate of
Constantinople Bishop Athenagoras of Sinope. At the divine service the
Primate prayed for the repose of the presently reposed hierarchs, who
performed episcopal consecration of His Beatitude Volodymyr.
At the end of the Liturgy His Grace Athenagoras greeted Metropolitan
Volodymyr on the anniversary of his episcopal consecration and reported
the greetings of Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople.
On his part the Archpastor thanked the guest for the greeting words
and greeted the clergymen and faithful on commemoration of the Icon
of the Mother of God of Tikhvin.
Also at the end of the divine service Metropolitan Volodymyr was greeted
by the Prime-Minister of Ukraine Mykola Azarov.
Source:
http://orthodox.org.ua/eng/node/1413
Signs
of Hope in A Sad Context
New programmes
of the Romanian Patriarchate
The Press
Office of the Romanian Patriarchate informs us:
From 6 – 7 July 2010, the working session of the Holy Synod of the
Romanian Orthodox Church was held at the Patriarchal Residence under
the chairmanship of His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel
We mention some of the decisions taken:
- Proclamation of the year 2011 as Homage Year of the Holy Baptism and
of the Holy Wedding in the Romanian Patriarchate in order to strengthen
and promote the values of the Christian family;
- The approval of the Social Pastoral Programme for the time of economical
crisis proposed by the Romanian Patriarchate in order to
aid the aged families with low pensions, the poor families with many
children and low income and the poor sick people. The programme
will be implemented in every eparchy
at the level of the parish, monastery, deanery and eparchial centre
by intensifying the social programmes unfolded and by organising new
charitable canteens, getting donations of aliments, clothes and other
products badly needed as well as money for aiding the disadvantaged
social categories;
- Approval of some measures of support for the families of the priests
in the poor parishes by setting up
pastoral eparchial funds through solidarity contributions;
- The Holy Synod decided to launch a brotherly appeal to brotherly dialogue
with the Romanian Church United with Rome (Greek
– Catholic) for a common Christian witness in the Romanian contemporary
society more and more secularised today, hoping to create a climate
of trust and mutual respect between the two Romanian Churches. In this
context, the hierarchs of the Holy Synod approved in principle a
possible invitation of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI to Romania.
In this sense, the Romanian Patriarchate will estimate the time of the
invitation after consulting other factors involved.
The stage of the preparations for the construction of the Cathedral
of the Nation’s Salvation was also presented during the synodal meeting.
To end with the session, the hierarchs of the Holy Synod participated
in the prize awarding ceremony of the winners of the design contest
for the Cathedral of the Nation’s Salvation, held in the
“Patriarch Teoctist” Aula Magna
of the Patriarchal Palace. On this occasion, the site
www.catedralaneamului.ro was officially launched, dedicated to
the Cathedral of the Nation’s Salvation and achieved by the
Basilica Press Centre in collaboration with the Department for
Church Monuments and Constructions with the support of the IT
Service of the Romanian Patriarchate.
Source:
http://www.basilica.ro/en/news/bpress_release_signs_of_hope_in_a_sad_context_new_programmes_of_the_romanian_patriarchateb.html
Charter
of the OCA's Sexual Misconduct Policy Advisory Committee Posted
Posted 07/10
SYOSSET, NY [OCA] --
The Orthodox Church in America's Sexual Misconduct Advisory Committee
(SMPAC) held a teleconference on July 6, 2010.
The SMPAC advises the Office
of Review of Sexual Misconduct Allegations (Office), which is under
the authority of His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah and coordinated by
the Chancellor, Archpriest Alexander Garklavs.
Among other important issues,
the SMPAC discussed that there is a misunderstanding as to the purpose
of the Committee. Some members of the Church mistakenly believe that
the Committee is supposed to investigate complaints of sexual misconduct.
The SMPAC is not investigating any current cases or allegations, since
that goes beyond its adopted Charter. The Charter had been blessed by
His Beatitude, Metropolitan JONAH and adopted on May 20, 2010. Previously
cited in a release on the OCA website on May 27, 2010, the complete
text of the Charter appears below.
ORTHODOX CHURCH
IN AMERICA
SEXUAL
MISCONDUCT POLICY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
CHARTER
The Sexual Misconduct Policy
Advisory Committee (“Committee”) was created by Metropolitan JONAH
on January 28, 2010 to work with and assist the Office of Review of
Sexual Misconduct Allegations (“Office”). The Committee was initially
known as the “Sexual Misconduct Allegations Review Committee.”
AUTHORITY, RESPONSIBILITY
AND SUPERVISION
The Committee is under the
authority of the Metropolitan, and is chaired by the Chancellor of the
Church, who is the day-to-day supervisor of the Office. The Committee
operates in an advisory capacity only and does not assume any responsibility
for the handling of sexual misconduct allegations, because that responsibility
properly belongs to the Diocesan Hierarchs and the Office, according
to the Policies, Standards, and Procedures on Sexual Misconduct.
Committee members are appointed by the Metropolitan.
BACKGROUND
The complexity of sexual
misconduct allegations requires a multi-dimensional awareness of issues
and skills in various disciplines, so that allegations of misconduct
may be considered from several perspectives -- spiritually, ethically,
legally, clinically as well as pastorally. Overlapping and interrelation
between these disciplines can best be addressed by a team approach,
such as via a standing advisory committee to assist the Metropolitan
and the Office.
DUTIES
Provide advice
on how to improve both the content and effectiveness of the Church's
Policies, Standards, and Procedures on Sexual Misconduct.
Assist in reviews
of the extent to which the Church's Policies, Standards, and Procedures
on Sexual Misconduct are implemented in practice and how compliance
with them is ensured.
Assist in finding
and nominating qualified professionals, who would be called on to do
investigations when occasions arise.
Assist in developing
increased and improved training for clergy, Church employees, and applicable
laypersons to enable a better understanding of their duties under the
Policies, Standards and Procedures on Sexual Misconduct, including
their mandatory reporting obligations under various state laws.
Assist in any
other requests for advice made by the Metropolitan and the Office.
INITIAL MEMBERSHIP
(as of March 1, 2010)
Archpriest Alexander Garklavs
(Chair), Archpriest Eric Tosi, Archpriest Michael Matsko, Archpriest
Theodore Bobosh, Protodeacon Peter Danilchick, Dr. Nikita Eike, Mr.
James Spencer, Esq.
Source:
www.oca.org
President
Tadic and Vujanovic in A Visit to Cetinje Monastery
As a part of the official
visit of the President of Serbia Boris Tadic to Montenegro, presidents
of Montenegro and Serbia Filip Vujanovic and Boris Tadic visited today
the monastery of Cetinje and kissed the relics of St. Peter of Cetinje,
the right hand of St. John the Baptist and the particle of the Holy
Cross of God. The two presidents were welcomed in the church courtyard
of the Cetinje monastery by monastery brotherhood led by His Eminence
Amfilohije Archbishop pf Cetinje and Metropolitan of Montenegro and
the Littoral. His Eminence greeted them with a sermon in the monastery
church.
Two of them talked about
the role of the Church in relations of this two states, and considering
that Metropolitan Amfilohije is Locum tenens- Administrator of the Diocese
of Raska-Prizren and Kosovo-Metohija an issue of the problem of the
mentioned issue about the problem of the return of the displaced and
refugees from Kosovo and Metohija, of which a considerable number was
in Montenegro, living in hard conditions and deprivation.
The meeting of the two presidents
with Metropolitan was attended by: Ambassador of Serbia Zoran Lutovac,
adviser to the President of Serbia Mladjen Djordjevic, advisor to the
President of Montenegro Sonja Tomovic Sundic, heugemon of the Cetinje
monastery protosyngellos Metodije Ostojic, a dean of the Seminary of
St. Peter of Cetinje protopresbyter Gojko Perovic and a secretary of
the Metropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral protopresbyter Obren
Jovanovic.
At the end of the meeting,
both state delegations were sent off by the bells of the ancient monastery
of Cetinje.
Source:
http://www.spc.rs/eng/president_tadic_and_vujanovic_visit_cetinje_monastery
Primate
of Germany Re-Elected and Confirmed
Mother
See of Holy Etchmiadzin- Armenian Church
On July 7 by letter,
His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians
confirmed the re-election of His
Eminence Archbishop Karekin Bekchian as
Primate to the Diocese of Germany of the Armenian Church
On June 27, during annual
the Diocesan delegate’s meeting, Archbishop Karekin was re-elected
to serve as the Primate.
His Holiness congratulated
His Eminence on the occasion of the election asking that the Holy Right
Hand of Almighty God protect and assist Archbishop Karekin to continue
his mission with spiritual devotion, for the welfare and prosperity
of the Armenian Diocese of Germany and the Holy Armenian Apostolic Church.
Source:
http://www.armenianchurch.org/index.jsp?sid=3&nid=1597&y=2010&m=6&d=8
French
Senate Delegation Visits Mother See
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin
On July 9, His Holiness
Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians received
a delegation from the French Senate, led by Senator Serge Lagauche,
who are members of the France-Armenia Inter-parliamentary Friendship
Group. Senator Lagauche serves as President of the Friendship Group.
Welcoming the first visit
of Senator Lagauche to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the Pontiff
of All Armenians reflected on the close and warm relations between the
two nations. His Holiness expressed his appreciation to the French authorities
for their careful attention towards the Armenian community, which he
witnessed during his Pontifical visit to France.
During the meeting His Holiness
discussed the current high levels of cooperation between the Armenian
Apostolic Holy Church and the French authorities, citing the recent
example of the Etchmiadzin Dental Clinic for Children, which is sponsored
by the "Bardzunk 5165" French-Armenian charitable organization.
At the conclusion of his
remarks the Pontiff of All Armenians wished much success in the strengthening
of friendship between Armenia and France.
Senator Lagauche expressed
his appreciation to His Holiness for the reception, conveying the best
wishes of the delegation members to the Armenian Pontiff. The Senator
also reflected on the devotion of the Armenian nation to the Armenian
Church which he stated was evident in the Armenian Community of France.
During the meeting they
also reflected on the importance of the recognition and condemnation
of the Armenian Genocide to prevent future atrocities against mankind.
They also discussed the peaceful resolution of the Nagorno Kharabagh
Conflict and the importance of the participation of France in the OSCE
Minsk Group.
Source:
http://www.armenianchurch.org/index.jsp?sid=3&nid=1598&y=2010&m=6&d=9
HIS
EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT OF LEBANON VISITING HIS HOLINESS ARAM I IN
ANTELIAS
07/11/2010
On Sunday,
11 July 2010, His Excellency Michel Suleiman, the President of Lebanon
visited His Holiness Aram I at the Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias,
Lebanon. The purpose of this visit was to present to His Holiness in
person his condolences for the passing away of his father, whose funeral
took place two days ago.
At the meeting
next to His Holiness the present were Primate of Lebanon His Grace Arch.
Kegham Khatcherian, the members of the Central Committee of the Catholicosate,
the Armenian ministers and deputies, as well as the presidents of the
Armenian political parties.
The meeting
was an occasion also to discuss with the President of Republic issues
pertaining to the actual situation in the region in general, and Lebanon
in particular. His Holiness Aram I reaffirmed the strong commitment
of the Armenian community to strengthening the state of Lebanon with
its institutions, as well as deepening the internal unity of Lebanon
as a country of coexistence, harmony, and tolerance.
Source:
http://www.armenianorthodoxchurch.org/v04/doc/English/visitscatheng.htm#4
His Holiness Visits
Most Reverend Dr. Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury at Lambeth
Palace
Syrian Orthodox Church
LONDON, UK: His Holiness Patriarch
Ignatius Zakka I Iwas visited Most Reverend Dr. Rowan Williams, the
Archbishop of Canterbury, the Supreme head of Anglican Church of England
at Lambeth Palace, the official residence of the Archbishop on July
08, Thursday. His Holiness was welcomed at the Palace by the Archbishop
himself. His Holiness was accompanied by His Eminence
Mor Athanasius Touma Dokkoma, the Patriarchal Vicar for Great Britain.
His Holiness thanked Archbishop for his historical visit to the patriarchate
few years ago. His Holiness presented the Archbishop a Holy Bible in
Syriac.
18th
Enthronement Anniversary of His Holiness Abuna Paulos
– Exclusive
Report and Snaps
By Yonas
Addis Ababa:: On 12/7/2010,
the Ethiopian Orthodox Twahedo Church Patriarch celebrates his 18th
year of enthronement at Holy trinity cathedral where he iwas enthroned
to the patriarchate. The programme started in early in the morning with
the divine liturgy. After the liturgy His Holiness takes his place with
Archbishops, Church fathers & Government Officials. Various colourful
ceremonies were presented. His holiness blessed the people thereafter.
Source:
Orthodoxy Beyond Limits Forum News
Service
7/11/2010
Russian
Language Laboratory Opened in the Vaskenian Theological Academy
On June 28, the opening
ceremony of the Saints Cyril and Methodius Russian Language Laboratory
was held in the Vaskenian Theological Academy at Lake Sevan. The language
laboratory was founded with the assistance of the St. Petersburg Theological
Academy of the Russian Orthodox Church and through the benefaction of
Mr. Hrachia Poghosian from Russia.
Present for the ceremony
were His Grace Bishop Ararat Kaltakjian, Director of the Properties
of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin; His Grace Bishop Marcos Hovhannisian,
Primate of the Diocese of Gegharkunik; His Grace Bishop Sahak Mashalian,
Dean of the Gevorkian Theological Seminary; His Grace Bishop Mkrtich
Proshian, Locum Tenens of the Diocese of Aragatsotn; His Grace Bishop
Ambrose of Gatchina, Dean of the St. Petersburg Theological Academy;
members of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin, Benefactor Hrachia Poghosian,
representatives of the Armenian Community and members of the teaching
staff of the Vaskenian Academy.
Following the official opening
of the laboratory, Rev. Fr. Gevorg Saroyan, Dean of the Vaskenian Theological
Academy gave opening remarks, "The history of the Vaskenian Academy
is not a book, but the history of ? soul. This day is another spiritual
achievement in the chronicle of our 20 years. Today we face the issue
of development of qualified clergy. Clergy who will contribute to the
Renaissance of our Christian State with their devotion, faith and love
towards the nation. Over the last several years, the Academy has placed
great importance on the teaching of the Russian language. This centuries
old historical relationship ties the Armenian and Russian nations with
spiritual and cultural threads. The opening of the Russian language
laboratory is testimony to the good relations between the two countries",
he stated in part. He expressed his gratitude to Mr. Karen Mkrtchian,
President of the Armenian Community in Saint Petersburg for expanding
the Academy library with Theological literature and for providing the
best textbooks of the Russian language. Father Gevorg also expressed
his appreciation to Mr. Hrachia Poghosian, representative from the Armenian
Community of Saint Petersburg for furnishing the linguistic laboratory
and providing proper technical equipment. Father Gevorg also reflected
on the establishment of cooperation in spiritual education between the
Vaskenian and St. Petersburg academies.
Bishop Ambrose, Dean of
the St. Petersburg Theological Academy addressed those present, "Glory
to God that I have the opportunity to participate in this festive ceremony
of the opening of the language laboratory, and share this joy with those
present. This event is witness to the atmosphere of warmth and friendship
that exists between the two nations and Churches, and the decades-old
cooperation between our two educational institutions. This bond is further
evident by the numerous clergy, who after graduation from the Vaskenian
and Gevorkian Seminaries, continue their education in our country and
serve in different departments, parishes and Dioceses of the Armenian
Church". He also reflected on the difficulties of the past and
the excellent conditions of the present. According to the Bishop, the
technical equipment in the laboratory will provide an opportunity to
the students to follow the theological lectures of the St. Petersburg
Academy. He also extended the greetings and best wishes of His Holiness
Kirill, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia.
Mr. Karen Mkrtchian, President
of the Regional national-Cultural Community of Saint Petersburg and
benefactor Hrachia Poghosian also spoke, both expressing their sincere
feelings on the occasion of the opening. At the conclusion of the ceremony
the choir of the Academy gave a brief musical performance.
Source:
http://www.armenianchurch.org/index.jsp?sid=3&nid=1589&y=2010&m=5&d=29
Training
for Sunday Schools Teachers
Mother
See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services Jul 6, 2010 11:24 AM
With the blessing of His
Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians
training classes will be held for over 130 teachers of Diocesan Sunday
schools of the Armenian Apostolic Church from July 6-10, in the Writers’
Union Lodge in Tsakhkadzor, Armenia. The training course has been organized
by the Christian Education Center of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin
with the support of World Vision International of Armenia.
During the training, participants
will be introduced to a new teaching program for Sunday schools. Clergy
of the Armenian Church and trainers will deliver course lectures. With
the blessing of His Grace Bishop Arakel Kharamian, Primate of the Kotayk
Diocese, the teachers will participate in the Morning and Evening Services
offered in the Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator of Kecharis, and
a Divine Liturgy of Oath will be celebrated at the conclusion of the
classes.
Source:
http://www.armenianchurch.org/index.jsp?sid=3&nid=1595&y=2010&m=6&d=6
Serbian
Orthodox Church Is A Support to Serbian Diaspora
Patriarch IRINEJ made
a reception for delegates of the Assembly of the Diaspora and the Serbs
in the region and gave them a blessing. In the St. Sava Cathedral, Patriarch
served a pontifical liturgy, attended by the representatives of the
diaspora to whom he said not to forget their roots.
In the parish house of
the St. Sava Memorial Cathedral in Vracar, Serbian Patriarch IRINEJ
talked with representatives of the diaspora and said to them not to
forget their origin and roots, and to revive, strengthen and maintain
the relationship with the mother country.
Minister for Diaspora Srdjan
Sreckovic thanked Patriarch IRINEJ for blessing the work of the Assembly
of the Diaspora and the Serbs in the region and said that in this way
an important message was sent that the state and the church in the future
would work together to preserve the cultural, linguistic and religious
identity.
He said that the church
and the state were separated, yet together , as they existed for the
people.
According to him, the Serbian
Orthodox Church has long been a uniting factor and the fulcrum of the
whole nation and in those times when the state did not regarded the
diaspora as a partner and an ally, but as a kind of an opponent.
Mutual aid of the mother
country and diaspora
The president of the Assembly
of the Diaspora and the Serbs in the region Slavomir Gvozdenovic said
that he was sure that diaspora could at least little help to the mother
country, as well as the mother country could help the Serbs in the diaspora
to preserve rare Serbian institutions from those educational to those
cultural.
Gvozdenovic emphasized that
the role of that assembly was in the legislative and institutional framework
and must be based on mutual respect and appreciation and added that
the Assembly of the Diaspora and the Serbs in the region could do many
things and it was up to it to form a strategy and create a mutual plan
of further activities.
Patriarch IRINEJ served
this morning the liturgy in the St. Sava Cathedral in a presence of
the delegates of the Assembly of the Diaspora and the Serbs in the region,
which had been founded in the yesterday's constitutive session.
Patriarch IRINEJ served
this morning the liturgy in the St. Sava Cathedral in a presence of
the delegates of the Assembly of the Diaspora and the Serbs in the region,
which had been founded in the yesterday's constitutive session.
Source:
http://www.spc.rs/eng/serbian_orthodox_church_support_serbian_diaspora
In
Memoriam: His Eminence, Metropolitan John of Nicaea, Former Archbishop
of Karelia and All Finland
TURKU, FINLAND [OCA]
-- His Eminence, Metropolitan John of Nicaea, retired former
Archbishop of Karelia and All Finland, fell asleep in the Lord here
on July 1, 2010.
A convert to Orthodox
Christianity, Metropolitan John served as the Primate of the Autonomous
Finnish Church from 1987 until his voluntary resignation in 2001, at
which time he was named Metropolitan of Nicaea, a titular See of the
Patriarchate of Constantinople.
Born John Wilho Rinne in
Turku, Finland on August 16, 1923, he received a doctorate in theology
from Finland's Abo Akademi University in 1966. He completed studies
in canon law at the University of Thessaloniki in 1971. He received
monastic tonsure at the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian on the
Island of Patmos in 1967. Following his ordination to the diaconate
and priesthood at the Ecumenical Patriarchate, he was consecrated Bishop
of Lapland, Auxiliary to the Archbishop of Karelia and All Finland,
in 1969. Three years later he was appointed Metropolitan of Helsinki,
a position he held until 1987.
Metropolitan John's ministry
was unique. Multilingual, he was a theologian, translator, author, and
internationally renowned expert in canon law. He also participated in
various ecumenical endeavors. He received numerous Church and civil
awards. While his views were often criticized, he will be remembered
by the Finnish faithful as "a caring and respected shepherd,"
according to the web site of the Orthodox Church in Finland at www.ort.fi.
May Metropolitan John's
memory be eternal!
Source:
www.oca.org
Mor Gabriel
Syriac Orthodox Church, Mount Lebanon To
Be Consecrated
His Holiness
will consecrate Mor Gabriel Syriac Orthodox Church, Mount Lebanon
on August
08, 2010
KESRWAN, MOUNT LEBANON:
His Holiness the Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas will celebrate
the consecration of the Mor Gabriel Church and the Syriac Center in
Ajaltoun – Kesrwan – Mount Lebanon on August 8, 2010. It is a pioneer
center in the Syrian orthodox church of Antioch, and one of the most
important projects of the Archdiocese of Mount Lebanon. It stands in
the town of Ajaltoun, the capital city of Kesrwan and is 15 km away
from the coastal city of Jounieh and 30 km to the north away from Beirut,
the capital of Lebanon, admits most of the villages and towns in the
mountain. Anyone going up the mountains or down to the coast passes
through this town –Ajaltoun- the center is 50 m away from the highway.
The overall area of the
land is 3600 m2 and the built area is around 28000 m2. It is composed
of many buildings in 8 stories: 3 underground floors and 5 above the
ground. The lower stories are halls and parking lots and storage rooms,
used for different purposes while the upper stories include the big
church and reception halls, gathering rooms, learning and training rooms
and bedrooms. There are seven halls on the different floors for information
gatherings, meetings, conferences, researches and church studies, educational,
social, ecumenical and national activities, especially the meetings
for religious dialogues (Christian-Christian and Christian-Muslim) and
general activities about issues like ecumenical work, human rights,
justice and peace, woman, youth and children, people with special needs
and handicapped (disabled), and so on…that falls within the activities
and specialization of the world council of churches (WCC) and the middle
east council of churches (MECC) and other organizations.
Egypt Court
Halts Copt Remarriage Ruling for Now
7/7/2010
CAIRO (Reuters) – Egypt’s
Supreme Constitutional Court on Wednesday temporarily suspended a court
order forcing the head of the Coptic Orthodox Church to allow Coptic
divorcees to remarry.
In May, the country’s
High Administrative Court upheld a ruling that said two divorced Coptic
men could take new wives despite church rules that limit remarriage
to certain cases, such as when adultery is involved.
The case provoked fierce
resistance from Pope Shenouda, the leader of Egypt’s Copts, and complaints
that the court was undermining the Church’s ability to keep sway over
its flock in Muslim-majority Egypt.
Farouq Sultan, the head
of the constitutional court, ordered that the administrative court’s
ruling be suspended until a final decision was reached on a claim filed
by Shenouda.
The Coptic leader said the
administrative court’s decision contradicted a 2008 criminal court
ruling which dismissed a case brought against Shenouda by a divorcee
angered that he had been prevented from remarrying.
The Constitutional Court
could take years to make a final decision on the claim, legal sources
said.
Christians, mostly Orthodox
Copts, make up about 10 percent of Egypt’s 78 million people. Many
Christians grumble about discrimination, although some Christians have
risen to ministerial rank or are top business executives.
Source:
http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE6660KY20100707
Azerbaijan
Against Separatist Churches in Occupied Territories
Azerbaijan, Baku, Trend
T. Jafarov /
Supporting the construction
of churches in Azerbaijan’s occupied territories is equivalent to
backing Armenian separatism, Azerbaijani State Committee for Work with
Religious Associations Hidayat Orujov told media today. The Holy Virgin
Protection Russian Orthodox Church is currently being built in Nagorno
Karabakh.
Orujev added that it is
illegal to build a church in the occupied territories without Azerbaijan’s
permission. The foundation-laying ceremony was held June 19.
The conflict between the
two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial
claims against Azerbaijan. Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 percent
of Azerbaijan since 1992, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and
seven surrounding districts. Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire
agreement in 1994.
The co-chairs of the OSCE
Minsk Group – Russia, France, and the United States – are currently
holding the peace negotiations.
Armenia has not yet implemented
the U.N. Security Council’s resolutions on the liberation of the Nagorno-Karabakh
region and the occupied territories.
Source:
http://en.trend.az/news/society/religion/1716931.html
Metropolitan
of the Czech Lands and Slovakia Awards Two Russian Citizens
6/7/2010
On July 6, at his residence,
His Beatitude Christopher, Archbishop of Prague, Metropolitan of the
Czech Lands and Slovakia, awarded Mr. Dmitry Malyshev, adviser to the
chairman of Gazprom Neft’s board, and Mr. Igor Vozykov, a well-known
sponsor and former top manager of the Transneft company, the highest
church order – the Grand Order of Sts Cyril and Methodius, in recognition
of their support for the Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia and
financial contribution to the painting of murals in the cathedral of
the Michalovcie and Kosica diocese.
DECR Communication Service
Source:
http://www.mospat.ru/en/2010/07/06/news21512/
Two Hierarchs
of the Diocese of Berlin and Germany Survive a Car Accident
Russian
Church Outside Russia
At approximately midnight
of July 4, 2010, His Eminence Archbishop Mark of Berlin and Germany
and His Grace Bishop Agapit of Stuttgart, returning to the Monastery
of St Job of Pochaev in Munich-Obermenzig from a visit to the Women’s
Skete in Buchendorf, were involved in an auto accident in Bavaria.
Upon entering the A8 highway
between Stuttgart and Munich, the BMW carrying the hierarchs was hit
from behind by a car driven by a drunk driver who had been celebrating
Germany’s victory over Argentina in the World Cup games in South Africa.
Vladyka Mark, sitting in the back seat, and the driver, suffered no
injuries, but Vladyka Agapit, who was sitting beside the driver, suffered
injuries to the back and neck.
“The back of his seat was broken and flew back, so this was a strong
collision, said Vladyka Mark. “The back of the car was crumpled like
an accordion and is beyond repair.”
That night, the hierarchs
were examined by doctors at Dritter Orden Hospital in Munich. Vladyka
Agapit was treated and released. Later that night they returned to St
Job Monastery.
As a result of this accident,
however, Vladyka Agapit must postpone his planned July 5 trip to the
Diocese of Australia and New Zealand, where he was to serve on a temporary
basis.
Source:
http://www.russianorthodoxchurch.ws/synod/eng2010/7enaccident.html
Divine Services
Held in the Residence of
St John (Maximovich)
Divine
Services Are Held in the Residence of St John (Maximovich) at St Nicholas
Cathedral, Where He Died in 1966
Russian
Church Outside Russia
There is a chapel now in
the former residence of St John (Maximovich) of Shanghai and San Francisco
at St Nicholas Cathedral in Seattle, WA, where the saint died in 1966
while accompanying the Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God, the Protectress
of the Russian Diaspora. On the feast day of the saint, Saturday, July
3, Protopriest Alexei Kotar, the Senior Priest of the Cathedral, celebrated
Divine Liturgy here along with the Cathedral’s other clergymen.
Source:
http://www.russianorthodoxchurch.ws/synod/eng2010/7enstjohnfeastseattle.html
His Beatitude
Metropolitan Volodymyr Met with President of the Synod of the German
Evangelic Lutheran Church
His Beatitude Metropolitan
Volodymyr met with President of the Synod of the German Evangelic Lutheran
Church of Ukraine Pastor Andrew Hamburg
Ukrainian
Orthodox Church
On June 30 at the residence
of the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church a meeting was held of
His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr of Kyiv and All Ukraine with President
of the Synod of the German Evangelic Lutheran Church of Ukraine Pastor
Andrew Hamburg.
During the meeting the issues
of bilateral relations were discussed. In particular, pastor Andrew
Hamburg is a deputy chairman of the group “Reconciliation in Europe
– the Churches’ task in Ukraine, Belarus, Poland and Germany”.
The aim of the group is seeking the ways of interaction of the Christian
churches in solving topical social issues in Eastern and Central Europe.
Now the group in engaged in preparation of the international conference
for the migration problems in modern Europe.
Taking part in the work of Reconciliation group is the Ukrainian Orthodox
Church. Pastor Andrew told His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr of the
group’s initiatives and asked for his prayers for successful realization
of these initiatives. His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr thanked pastor
Andrew Hamburg for his visit and wished God’s help in carrying out
of important social projects.
Taking part in the meeting
also were the official representative of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church
in Reconciliation group associate professor of the Kyiv Theological
Academy Volodymyr Bureha and secretary for the Department for External
Church Relations of the UOC archpriest Mykolai Danylevych.
Source:
http://orthodox.org.ua/eng/node/1406
His Beatitude
Metropolitan Volodymyr Met with Director General of World Intellectual
Property Organization Francis Gurry
Ukrainian
Orthodox Church
On July 1, the Primate of
the Ukrainian Orthodox Church at his metropolitan’s residence at the
Holy Dormition Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra met with director general of the
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) doctor Francis Gurry,
who was on a visit to Kyiv on these days at the invitation of the Ukrainian
government.
Accompanying the high guest
at the Kyiv Caves Monastery was Minister of Education and Science of
Ukraine Dmytro Tabachnyk.
In the course of meeting
Mr. Francis Gurry told His Beatitude of the work of the organization
he heads, whose headquarters is located in Geneva, the capital of Switzerland,
where metropolitan Volodymyr had worked for a few years as Patriarchal
Exarch of West Europe.
Also the high guest shared
his impressions of staying in Kyiv and thanked the First Hierarch for
the possibility of visiting the great shrine – the Kyiv Caves Monastery.
To his opinion the visit to Lavra was the most important event during
his stay in Ukraine.
At the end, the parties exchanged keepsake gifts.
Reference. Doctor Francis
Gurry started his activity in the domain of intellectual property (IP)
in 1985 at the post of the specialist of the Bureau for Cooperation
in the Branch of Development and External Relations for the Countries
of Asia and Pacific Ocean region. Starting from 1997 he held post of
the counsel to Director General, and starting from 2003 he became his
deputy. In autumn 2008 he was appointed Director General of WIPO.
WIPO is a specialized establishment
of the UN, whose aim is to promote protection of the intellectual property
all over the world by means of securing cooperation between the states
and through the multilateral agreements of administrative rule, regulating
legal and administrative aspects of the Intellectual Property.
Source:
http://orthodox.org.ua
His Beatitude
Metropolitan Volodymyr Consecrated Holy Trinity Church in Berdyansk
Ukrainian
Orthodox Church
On July 3 His Beatitude
Metropolitan Volodymyr performed consecration of the Church in the name
of the Holy Trinity located in the very center of Berdyansk.
Concelebrating to His Beatitude
were His Grace Yelisey, Bishop of Berdyansk and Prymorsk, His Grace
Alexander, Bishop of Pereyaslav-Khmelnytskyy and the diocesan clergy.
Praying at the divine service
also was the wife of the President of Ukraine Liudmyla Yanukovych.
After the church consecration
the Primate performed the Divine Liturgy there.
The Holy Trinity Church
could not contain all those willing to attend the divine service. Numerous
worshippers prayerfully participated in the Divine service due to the
broadcasting from the church.
Upon completion of the Divine
Liturgy the Primate marked with church awards those who worked especially
hard for the good deed of construction of a new church.
Addressing those present
with a word of admonition, the Archpastor said
“The church is a place
consecrated in a special way and dedicated to God, the place of the
special presence of His grace. It is the place where we meet God, His
Virgin Mother His holy angels and the holy God-pleasers. There our communal
prayers, communal thanksgivings and personal secret words, born in the
corners of our hearts are lifted up. Here we bring our sorrows and our
pains, since we realize our weakness and the depth of our sins. Here
in the church man can find consolation; get purified through penance
and Holy Communion.
The church of God is a place
of the special mysterious presence of God among us and with us. Therefore
we are to value it and know that the most sacred place on the earth
is the church of God. Here a true spiritual feast is being performed
at every divine service. Here all the history of our salvation is taking
place. That is why we love so much our orthodox churches and construct
the new ones.
The Holy Trinity Church
that we have consecrated today also bears a seal of grace, abundantly
sent by the Lord for our benefit, in order to stay with us. May the
one who will cross the doorstep of this church get the God’s blessing
and the gift of the Holy Spirit. May the mercy of God will rest on this
city, on you and on everyone visiting this church”.
In his response Bishop Yelisey
of Berdyansk and Prymorsk has once again thanked His Beatitude Metropolitan
Volodymyr for his visit to the Diocese of Berdyansk.
As a prayerful remembrance
of the visit and the divine service celebrated, archpriest Oleh Nikolayev,
rector of the church offered the UOC Primate as a gift the icon of the
New Martyrs and Confessors of Berdyansk.
On July 3 in the evening
His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr called to the churches of Berdyansk.
Source:
http://orthodox.org.ua
The Holy Synod
Session Held
at The Patriarchal
Residence
08-07-2010
Romanian
Orthodox Church
This morning, the working
session of the Holy Synod began at the Patriarchal Residence, under
the chairmanship of His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel. To open with the
session, His Beatitude Daniel, Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church
delivered a spiritual meditation entitled “Episcopal Dignity and Responsibility
in the Church”.
While referring to the dignity
of the Episcopal service, His Beatitude said: “The dignity of the
Episcopal service is holy and great, and its responsibility and difficulties
are multiple. In a world in which the sense of holiness and communion
are being lost quite fast, the numerous difficulties of the Episcopal
service urge us to come close to Christ, the Head of the Church, through
prayer, thought and work”.
During the same meditation,
the Patriarch of Romania said: “The time of crisis urge us to repentance
for everything that was mistake or absent mindedness in our personal
life, in the Christian life in general, in the community to which we
belong and in the society in which we live. At the same time, any time
of crisis urges us to a new beginning, to a renewal of the thought and
deed, of the way of thinking and working.”
The Primate of the Romanian
Orthodox Church showed that the renewal cannot be done in the Romanian
Orthodox Church but through the spiritual deepening of the Holy Scripture
and of the writings of the Holy Fathers: “In the Orthodox Church no
renewal can be genuine and efficient on a long term, unless the renewal
of thought and work is based on the spiritual deepening of the Holy
Scripture and of the Saints’ lives”, informs TRINITAS Radio station.
The Holy Synod session is
being held from 6 – 7 July 2010, at the Patriarchal Residence of Bucharest.
Source:
http://www.basilica.ro/en/news/the_holy_synod_session_held_at_the_patriarchal_residence.html
Russian Language
Laboratory Opened in the Vaskenian Theological Academy
Armenian
Church – Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin
On June 28, the opening
ceremony of the Saints Cyril and Methodius Russian Language Laboratory
was held in the Vaskenian Theological Academy at Lake Sevan. The language
laboratory was founded with the assistance of the St. Petersburg Theological
Academy of the Russian Orthodox Church and through the benefaction of
Mr. Hrachia Poghosian from Russia.
Present for the ceremony
were His Grace Bishop Ararat Kaltakjian, Director of the Properties
of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin; His Grace Bishop Marcos Hovhannisian,
Primate of the Diocese of Gegharkunik; His Grace Bishop Sahak Mashalian,
Dean of the Gevorkian Theological Seminary; His Grace Bishop Mkrtich
Proshian, Locum Tenens of the Diocese of Aragatsotn; His Grace Bishop
Ambrose of Gatchina, Dean of the St. Petersburg Theological Academy;
members of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin, Benefactor Hrachia Poghosian,
representatives of the Armenian Community and members of the teaching
staff of the Vaskenian Academy.
Following the official opening of the laboratory, Rev. Fr. Gevorg Saroyan,
Dean of the Vaskenian Theological Academy gave opening remarks, “The
history of the Vaskenian Academy is not a book, but the history of ?
soul. This day is another spiritual achievement in the chronicle of
our 20 years. Today we face the issue of development of qualified clergy.
Clergy who will contribute
to the Renaissance of our Christian State with their devotion, faith
and love towards the nation. Over the last several years, the Academy
has placed great importance on the teaching of the Russian language.
This centuries old historical relationship ties the Armenian and Russian
nations with spiritual and cultural threads. The opening of the Russian
language laboratory is testimony to the good relations between the two
countries”, he stated in part. He expressed his gratitude to Mr. Karen
Mkrtchian, President of the Armenian Community in Saint Petersburg for
expanding the Academy library with Theological literature and for providing
the best textbooks of the Russian language. Father Gevorg also expressed
his appreciation to Mr. Hrachia Poghosian, representative from the Armenian
Community of Saint Petersburg for furnishing the linguistic laboratory
and providing proper technical equipment. Father Gevorg also reflected
on the establishment of cooperation in spiritual education between the
Vaskenian and St. Petersburg academies.
Bishop Ambrose, Dean of
the St. Petersburg Theological Academy addressed those present, “Glory
to God that I have the opportunity to participate in this festive ceremony
of the opening of the language laboratory, and share this joy with those
present. This event is witness to the atmosphere of warmth and friendship
that exists between the two nations and Churches, and the decades-old
cooperation between our two educational institutions. This bond is further
evident by the numerous clergy, who after graduation from the Vaskenian
and Gevorkian Seminaries, continue their education in our country and
serve in different departments, parishes and Dioceses of the Armenian
Church”. He also reflected on the difficulties of the past and the
excellent conditions of the present. According to the Bishop, the technical
equipment in the laboratory will provide an opportunity to the students
to follow the theological lectures of the St. Petersburg Academy. He
also extended the greetings and best wishes of His Holiness Kirill,
Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia.
Mr. Karen Mkrtchian, President
of the Regional national-Cultural Community of Saint Petersburg and
benefactor Hrachia Poghosian also spoke, both expressing their sincere
feelings on the occasion of the opening. At the conclusion of the ceremony
the choir of the Academy gave a brief musical performance.
Source:
http://www.armenianchurch.org/index.jsp?sid=3&nid=1589&y=2010&m=5&d=29
Serbian Orthodox
Church is a support to Serbian Diaspora
Patriarch IRINEJ made
a reception for delegates of the Assembly of the Diaspora and the Serbs
in the region and gave them a blessing. In the St. Sava Cathedral, Patriarch
served a pontifical liturgy, attended by the representatives of the
diaspora to whom he said not to forget their roots.
In the parish house of the
St. Sava Memorial Cathedral in Vracar, Serbian Patriarch IRINEJ talked
with representatives of the diaspora and said to them not to forget
their origin and roots, and to revive, strengthen and maintain the relationship
with the mother country.
Minister for Diaspora Srdjan
Sreckovic thanked Patriarch IRINEJ for blessing the work of the Assembly
of the Diaspora and the Serbs in the region and said that in this way
an important message was sent that the state and the church in the future
would work together to preserve the cultural, linguistic and religious
identity.
He said that the church and the state were separated, yet together ,
as they existed for the people.
According to him, the Serbian
Orthodox Church has long been a uniting factor and the fulcrum of the
whole nation and in those times when the state did not regarded the
diaspora as a partner and an ally, but as a kind of an opponent.
Mutual aid of the mother
country and diaspora
The president of the Assembly
of the Diaspora and the Serbs in the region Slavomir Gvozdenovic said
that he was sure that diaspora could at least little help to the mother
country, as well as the mother country could help the Serbs in the diaspora
to preserve rare Serbian institutions from those educational to those
cultural.
Gvozdenovic emphasized that the role of that assembly was in the legislative
and institutional framework and must be based on mutual respect and
appreciation and added that the Assembly of the Diaspora and the Serbs
in the region could do many things and it was up to it to form a strategy
and create a mutual plan of further activities.
Patriarch IRINEJ served
this morning the liturgy in the St. Sava Cathedral in a presence of
the delegates of the Assembly of the Diaspora and the Serbs in the region,
which had been founded in the yesterday’s constitutive session.
Patriarch IRINEJ served
this morning the liturgy in the St. Sava Cathedral in a presence of
the delegates of the Assembly of the Diaspora and the Serbs in the region,
which had been founded in the yesterday’s constitutive session.
Source:
http://www.spc.rs/eng/serbian_orthodox_church_support_serbian_diaspora
Patriarch
Kyrill Calls for More Active Missionary Work on the Internet
Patriarch of Moscow and
All Russia Kyrill considers that priesthood should
do more active missionary work via blogs and social networks. During
the meeting with priesthood of the Diocese of Tver, he noticed with
regret that ” a level of discussions in the social networks sometimes
seems depressed”, and at the same time right there
“it forms the mood of people, especially the young”.
In the opinion of the head
of the Russian Church, each regency within one diocese should have its
own web-site, through which it will spread information on its activities,
maintain a dialogue with the authorities and discuss socially relevant
and contraversial topics.
Source:
http://www.spc.rs/eng/patriarch_kyrill_calls_more_active_missionary_work_internet
The
World Syriac Conference Concluded at Bar Ebroyo Centre for Syriac Studies
at Aleppo
Syrian
Church
ALEPPO, SYRIA: A Colloquium
commemorating the life and works of Bar Ebroyo, the famous Syrian polymath
and renowned Church father, was held in Aleppo, Syria, July 1 – 4th,
2010. The participants who came from Belgium, Canada, France, Germany,
India, Italy, Japan Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Turkey and the United
States as well as from Lebanon and Syria enjoyed the papers presented
at the Colloquium by scholars and specialist in Syriac studies. These
contributions, which included fourteen papers that were delivered in
seven sessions, discussed the writings of the celebrated scholar and
polymath Mor Gregorios Abul- Faraj Bar Ebroyo as a chronicler, grammarian,
philosopher, physician, theologian, mystic and as a major contributor
to church liturgy and canon law.
Prior to the start of the
Colloquium, the new conference facility that had been prepared for the
event at the Aleppo Syrian Orthodox Archdiocese was consecrated under
the name Bar Ebroyo Centre for Syriac Studies with a special prayer
by His Eminence Mor Gregorios Youhanna Ibrahim, Archbishop of Aleppo.
The proceedings also included
an opening session in which a letter of blessing from His Holiness Mor
Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, Patriarch of Antioch and all the East was read.
The welcoming address and the first paper of the Colloquium were delivered
by Mor Gregorios Youhanna Ibrahim, Archbishop of Aleppo and the host
of the Colloquium.
The Colloquium programme included visits to a number of archaeological
and historical locations. These included a tomb structure in Sirreen,
East of Mabug that contains an old Syriac inscription dating back to
74 AD, the grave of Sulaiman Shah one of the forefathers of the founder
of the Ottoman empire, Qalaat Najm (Citadel) on the river Euphrates
where Bar Ebroyo was imprisoned by Hulagu when he tried to intercede
on behalf of the city of Aleppo and the town of Mabug, the birth place
of Theodora, the Syrian Queen, and the seat of Mor Philoxenus of Mabug
(+ 523).
List of Scholars who participated in the Conference:
1. Metropolitan Mor Gregorios
Youhanna Ibrahim (Syria)
2. Pier Giorgio Borbone (Italy)
3. Deena Dinno and Khalid Dinno (Canada)
4. Margherita Farina (Italy)
5. Jean Fathi (France)
6. Jan van Ginkel (Netherlands)
7. Hubert Kaufhold (Germany)
8. Fr. Elias Kesrouani (Lebanon)
9. George Kiraz (USA)
10. Hidemi Takahashi (Japan)
11. Sara Tanoglu and Ishak Tanoglu (Turkey)
12. Herman Teule (Belgium)
13. Fr. Baby Varghese (India)
14. Dorothea Wetecke (Germany)
Source:
http://www.malankarasyriacvoice.com/
British Specialists
Help Save Ethiopia’s Ancient Garima Gospels
Garima Gospels, possibly
among earliest surviving illustrated Christian manuscripts, preserved
by Anglo-French team working at remote monastery.
Legend has it they were
created in a day after God intervened to delay the sunset. Today, a
British charity revealed how it had worked to save the Garima Gospels
and set out evidence suggesting they may form one of the earliest surviving
illustrated Christian manuscripts.
Kept at the remote monastery
of Abuna Garima in northern Ethiopia, the two volumes had become fragile.
But an Anglo-French team of specialists sponsored by the Ethiopian Heritage
Fund travelled
there to preserve them.
The gospels are named after
Abba Garima, a monk who arrived in Ethiopia in the fifth century. The
story goes that, with God’s assistance, he copied the four gospels
in a day. In the 1960s specialists studied them and concluded they were
created around 1100. Later, however, a French specialist in Ethiopian
art took two fragments to Oxford and one was dated to the fifth century.
But the gospels were in
poor condition. An Anglo-French team was put together, including Gloucestershire
bookbinder and manuscript conservator Lester Capon, who described how
his breath was taken away when he saw the “beautifully bright colours”
of the illuminated pages. “I’d seen photos when I was preparing
for this work, but seeing this book in real life was astonishing. It
was big – you could fell an ox with it – it was beautiful, the colours
were vibrant. But the condition was poor. It had the look of a burst
mattress.”
He set up his “bindery”
in the monastery courtyard, which attracted the attention of monkeys.
“I kept an eye on them as I was fearful that one may jump down from
the roof, grab a folio, scrunch it up and run off down the hill.”
The team only had time to
conserve the illuminated pages. Blair Priday, of the London-based Ethiopian
Heritage Fund, said the story of the gospels was “magical”, with
nobody knowing where fact and fiction met.
Source:
http://theorthodoxchurch.info/blog/news/page/2/
Greek
Patriarch Optimistic Halki Seminary Will Reopen Next Year
FULYA
ÖZERKAN
Heybeliada, ISTANBUL – Hürriyet Daily News
Greek Orthodox Patriarch
Bartholomew says he has a promise from the prime minister and Turkish
authorities that the Halki seminary will reopen next year. He says he
has been asked many times why he has not moved the patriarchate outside
of Turkey to serve under better conditions. ‘As Turkish citizens,
we are loyal, we love our country and we don’t want to leave’
Greek Orthodox Patriarch
Bartholomew has expressed optimism that Turkey will next year reopen
a historic seminary that was shut down nearly four decades ago.
The Greek Orthodox seminary,
located on Heybeliada island off Istanbul, was a main center of theological
education for more than a century before Turkish authorities closed
it in 1971 under a law designed to bring universities under state control.
The European Union has long asked Turkey to reopen the seminary to prove
its commitment to human rights as it strives to become a member of the
27-nation bloc.
“We are optimistic that
our government will reopen the school next year at the latest after
nearly half a century has passed since the school closed in 1971,”
Bartholomew told members of the Greek Orthodox community following a
religious sermon at a small chapel next to the Halki seminary on Sunday.
“We have the promise of
Prime Minister Erdogan, the minister of education [Nimet Çubukçu]
and Mr. Egemen Bagis, the chief negotiator for EU talks, who have
told us repeatedly that there is no legal obstacle to reopening the
school,” said Bartholomew.
The government, keen to
boost its bid to join the EU, has in recent years taken steps to improve
the rights of its non-Muslim minorities but has so far refrained from
any move on the seminary. Still, there have been positive signals that
the government will reopen the school, as it has been working on a formula
to bring it in line with the existing university system in Turkey. Yet
it remains to be seen if Ankara will be able to open it next year during
election times.
Bartholomew said the school
– when it functioned before “unfortunately the authorities of our
country closed it down” – served not only the needs of the Greek
Orthodox Patriarchate but also the needs of other Christian Orthodox
churches.
“The ecumenical dialogue
is one of the priorities of the ecumenical patriarchate and human beings
all over the world, because those who completed their education at the
school not only served in Greece but in many countries around the world
where they were sent by the church,” said Bartholomew. Turkish authorities
do not recognize the Greek Orthodox patriarch as “ecumenical,” regarding
him merely as the leader of the Greek Orthodox Church in Turkey.
“We have been here as
an institution for 1,700 years and this is a great privilege for Turkey,”
said Bartholomew. He then shared an interesting anecdote from his recent
meeting with the former prime minister of Canada.
“As Turkish citizens we
are loyal, we love our country and we don’t want to leave, because
I am asked many times,” he said.
“And only a few days ago
I was asked by the former prime minister of Canada who last Tuesday
visited the ecumenical patriarchate, which is our headquarters, and
when we had a cup of coffee in my office, he asked me, ‘Do you think
you will leave this country some day sooner or later and go somewhere
else’ in order to serve the ecumenical mission under better conditions?
I said, ‘No, we have never thought about this. We don’t accept this
possibility. We want to stay here because our legacy is here. Our roots
are here. In the last analysis, we love our country.’”
Bartholomew also expressed
strong support for Turkey’s membership in the EU.
“We pray for the entrance
of Turkey into the EU, the European family,” he said. “Wherever
I go internationally, I support it wholeheartedly … because we do
believe that Turkey is a part of Europe.”
Source:
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=greek-patriarch-optimistic-halki-seminary-will-reopen-next-year-2010-07-05
At the China Expo
the Orthodox Celebrate St. John of Shanghai
6/7/2010
At the Expo, the Chinese
authorities allow the Orthodox community to celebrate regular prayer
services. Local communist officials also present at the ceremony commemorating
the saint, who reunited the Orthodox community in the early thirties.
Shanghai – The small Chinese
Orthodox community have celebrated St. John of Shanghai with a “moleben,”
a solemn liturgy. The ceremony was chaired by Archpriest Alexei Kiselevich,
rector of the Orthodox community of the metropolis, in the church of
St. Nicholas.
Many foreign faithful in
town to visit the Expo also took part in the moleben, as well as local
government representatives. In fact the authorities allowed the Orthodox
to hold regular prayer services during the universal exhibition. During
the year, however, the Orthodox Church is normally under strict control:
regular celebrations take place only within the Russian embassy. The
Orthodox Church is not among the five religions recognized by the government.
The Russian Orthodox Church
arrived in China about 300 years ago. The first communities were made
up of Russian emigrants and resided mainly in the north. Even now the
majority of believers are of Russian descent. They are located in four
parts of the country: in Heilongjiang, Harbin, where there is a parish
dedicated to the Protective Cloak of the Mother of God in Inner Mongolia
(Labdarin) in Xinjiang (in Kulj and Urumqi).
The Cultural Revolution
wiped out the presence of bishops and priests. Even today, the faithful
have no priest, and they gather to pray only occasionally on Sundays.
However, there are 13 Chinese students studying at the Orthodox Sretenskaya
Theological Academy of Moscow and the Academy of St. Petersburg. For
large celebrations at Christmas and Easter there are Russian priests
who celebrate the liturgies, but within the territory of the embassy
or consulates.
The Chinese Orthodox Church
has a separate jurisdiction, but the Patriarchate of Moscow and Constantinople
are trying to entice it into their orbit. Metropolitan Nektarios, based
in Hong Kong depends on the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.
Here many publications for the faithful in China are printed and he
has often stressed the need for greater religious freedom.
In fact St. John of Shanghai
was a champion of religious freedom. Born in Ukraine in 1896, he arrived
in China in 1934 after being consecrated bishop. Here he met the Orthodox
community, divided on ethnic grounds, and completed the construction
of the great cathedral. After the takeover by the Maoists, he was forced
to immigrate to San Francisco, where he died.
By:
Asia News
Source:
http://www.speroforum.com/site/article.asp?id=36063&t=China%3A+++Expo%2C+the+Orthodox+celebrate+St.+John+of+Shanghai
St.
Katherine Orthodox Liberal Arts College Founded in San Diego, CA
In the fall of 2011,
a new institution will open its doors to the Orthodox community. St.
Katherine College in San Diego, California, will commence the first
year of classes, offering an emphasis in Composition, English Language
and Literature, Foreign Language, U.S. Government and
History, Economics, Mathematics, and the Sciences. As to affiliation,
the website explains that “The College community is independent, but
it is closely associated with the Orthodox Christian community.” Fr.
Thomas Hopko, Dr. Scott Cairns, and Dr. Vladimir Morosan are all listed
as faculty, among several other Orthodox academic luminaries.
Recently, Antiochian.org
interviewed Vicki Brannock, St. Katherine College’s Executive Director
for Communications and Recruitment.
1. Tell us about your
academic approach.
Of course the academic emphasis
is important to us. We are selecting staff that represents the best
in Orthodox academia and are working to strike a balance between the
well established (Fr. Thomas Hopko, Scott Cairns) visiting professors
and mid-level and younger faculty that we believe will make significant
impact on the future.
2. What will be some of the unique aspects of the St. Katherine college
education?
A benefit will be the relatively
low cost ($15,000 per year) tuition and the promise of getting your
degree in a timely manner. So many students, especially in the state
systems are not able to get their undergraduate degree in 4 years because
of school overcrowding and class cutbacks. So the historically less
expensive alternative of the state college does not provide the same
cost savings it has in the past when students must delay graduation
until the 5th or 6th year.
Additionally, students will
have the opportunity to attend college on the west coast in one of the
most beautiful and safest cities in the United States.
3. How would you describe
the spiritual formation available at St. Katherine?
The spiritual and relational
aspect is invaluable. We are creating a culture of open dialogue and
mutual respect between students and faculty. Students will have an opportunity
to not only be taught by, but exchange ideas and build long term relationships
with, some of the best minds in Orthodox Christian thinking today. Also
the fact that this is the first class of students provides a unique
opportunity to not only obtain an outstanding education but to be part
of something special that will continue making an impact well into the
future. “For Christ is Our Life” is the SKC motto, But it is more
than that, it is the truth we live by and the witness we share with
the world. We believe there are many others who share this passion for
transformation. It was Abraham Lincoln who said, “The philosophy of
the classroom today will be the philosophy of government tomorrow.”
It is wonderful to think that our faculty, students and parents will
impact our society in such a positive way!
4. When can students submit applications?
We will be accepting applications
beginning July 2010 and classes begin fall 2011.
Source:
http://www.antiochian.org/node/23301
Patriarch
Hazim: Hariri Is Better Than 900 Thousand Orthodox
Translated Using Google
Translate
Hariri hospital in Belmond
and Orthodox disagree on the label and the marginalization of
“Ms.”
“Do not let your right
hand know what your left hand is doing” (Matthew: 6) This is what
the Bible says.. The one who wants to do good must not boast before
the people and the Bible also says: “If you are fasting your face
so as not to appear to men to be fasting” (Matthew 6:16).
This is what we have learned
him of our church and that’s what every Christian to apply in their
daily lives in light of this society that is tending towards materialism,
and the language is frequently asked which is the language spoken by
all the money when it enters into any place of spoil and spoil his people.
Since about two weeks, the
President of the Government Saad Hariri, the cornerstone of the hospital
would be built on the land of Our Lady of Balamand, since the announcement
of the name of the hospital, “hospital Rafik al-Hariri,” so the
voices have started objecting to emphasize that what is based on the
land of Deir can not only be the name of the monastery or on the the
name of a saint and a lot of evidence from the St. George Hospital,
a hospital, Roman, you know, through secondary school and Orthodox schools:
Our Lady of the cups and secondary Mar Elias and the three satellites
and many others.
That is why the concerned
that there could be a hospital on the name of the donor, and this is
especially what prevented the Orthodox Church, which only thanking the
donor, which is supposed to be tender is unconditional.
Note that the space made
of the project is 140000 square meters, while the hospital needed only
for 23000 square meters, thus providing the value of land donations
much larger than the value of the donation of Prime Minister Hariri’s
20 million dollars only, and thus contribute to the monastery through
land donations worth more and therefore if donation because of the label
material can be said that Our Lady of Balamand is entitled to the designation.
For these reasons, some
believers collapsed and opened a page on Facebook to support the monastery
of Our Lady of Balamand called “Gyari Balamand Monastery of Our Lady”
and arrived at 1500 in three days, and started providing support to
the monastery and object to naming the hospital in the name of the donor.
After that, the women delegation
Kuranyi request an appointment from the Patriarch of Antioch to deliberate
on this issue, but what if he knows the Patriarch reason for the visit
even changed the way home and hook it up sovereignty to equal 900 thousand
Orthodox in Lebanon and Syria, Hariri, said the delegation, the meeting
without a result has increased the crisis.
After what was issued by
the Patriarch of Antioch collapsed believers are not bound only concern
is the canonical and the founders of page Facebook to send a letter
to Patriarch explain their point of view about what is happening, and
contacted the President of Our Lady of Balamand Archimandrite Isaac
Barakat handed over the book to motivate turn to the patriarch, but
the surprise was that the head of the Abbey of Balamand was had received
just before the book removal from office, which is likely to be on the
impact of the repercussions of hospital Prime Minister Hariri in Belmond
and support Archimandrite Barakat page Facebook by suspending a single
saying: “God Fifth: Hey, guys, and’Adra Thrskm” This may be the
sentence provoked ire of Patriarch and led him to fire the head of the
monastery.
When the sixth and half
of Tuesday evening, June 29 gathering believers and are keen to Heritage
Orthodox and property of Our Lady of Balamand talented originally from
the sons of the football, and took to the Monastery of Our Lady of Balamand
and handed over a message to the audience because of the absence of
Archimandrite Barakat after the dismissal was a gathering symbolic that
ensues bigger steps and movements, including the various components
of the Orthodox regardless of any political affiliation or regionally,
issue of the right issue, not for the policy, either closely or remotely,
also confirms everyone.
It is well known that when
facing the dilemma of the herd or flock a case resorts to the sponsor
to ask for support, support and advice, but when you give up the shepherd
from the sheep to whom shall the sheep go????
Source:
http://translate.google.com.eg/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tayyar.org%2FTayyar%2FNews%2FPoliticalNews%2Far-LB%2Fbalamand-hariri-JA-129224109649674384&sl=ar&tl=en&hl=&ie=UTF-8
40th
Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress Convenes in Atlanta July 4-8
The Greek
Orthodox Archdiocese of America
NEW YORK – The 40th Biennial
Clergy-Laity Congress of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America,
will convene in Atlanta, Ga. July 4-8, 2010 and it will focus on the
theme of this Congress “Come and See,” which was set by His Eminence
Archbishop Demetrios of America as a follow up to “Gather My People
to my Home” theme of the last Congress.
The Clergy-Laity Congress
is convened biennially and is concerned with all matters, other than
doctrinal or canonical, affecting the life, growth and unity of the
Church, her institutions, her finances, her administration, educational
and philanthropic concerns and her growing role in the religious life
of the nation.
The 40th Congress takes
place this year in the Metropolis of Atlanta headed by His Eminence
Metropolitan Alexios, and is co-chaired by William Marianes and Nick
Moraitakis of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation in Atlanta.
This year’s Congress will be shorter by one day in an effort to reduce
overall expenses and make participation more affordable.
Along with the Clergy Laity
Congress the National Ladies Philoptochos Society will convene its biennial
convention. Other organizations holding meetings include the Archdiocesan
Presbyters Council, the National Sisterhood of Presvyteres, the Retired
Greek Orthodox Clergy of America, the Order of Saint Andrew – Archons
of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and the National Forum of Greek Orthodox
Church Musicians.
A summary schedule follows
and more detailed information is available at www.clergylaity.org
Sunday, July 4
9:00 am – Divine Liturgy, Annunciation Cathedral
1:00 pm – July 4th Celebration, Annunciation Cathedral
3:30 pm – Exhibit Opening, Marriott Marquis Hotel
4:00 pm – Philoptochos Opening, Marriott Marquis Hotel
Monday, July 5
9:00 am – Official Opening & Keynote Address
11:00 am – Hierarchal Sessions
1:30 pm – Strategic Forums
7:00 pm – Congress Social Event, Georgia Aquarium
Tuesday, July 6
9:00 am – Congress Committees
Philoptochos General Assembly
Ministry Strategic Planning Sessions
7:30 pm – Clergy-Family Social Event
Delegates Free Evening
Wednesday, July 7
9:00 am – Clergy Laity Plenary Session
6:30 pm – Grand Banquet Reception & Dinner
Thursday, July 8
9:00 am Clergy Breakfast with His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios
Registration hours: Saturday
9am-5pm, Sunday 1pm-9pm and Monday 9am-9pm
The Exhibit Hall will be open: Sunday 3pm-9pm, Monday-Wednesday 9am-6pm.
This program is subject to minor adjustments.
Contact: PRESS OFFICE
Stavros Papagermanos
(212) 570-3530
Source:
http://www.goarch.org/news/pre-40-claityrelease-06282010
Romania Honours
Head of Bulgarian Church
Guests
from Russia, Romania Honour Head of Bulgarian Church
4/7/2010
Guests from the Russian
and Romanian Orthodox Church attended on Sunday the Divine Liturgy served
at Alexander Nevsky Cathedral on the occasion of the 39th year since
the enthronement of Maxim, Patriarch of the Bulgarians and Bishop of
Sofia.
Maxim, a former Bishop of
Lovech, was enthroned as the head of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church on
July 4, 1971. He was born October 29, 1914, in the village of Oreshaka,
Central Northern Bulgaria, and is currently aged 95.
Patriarch Maxim has received
greetings from Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov on the occasion of
the 39th year since his inauguration.
“In your face, our Holy
Church has an impeccable pillar, our nation – a spiritual leader,
and each and every one of use – your fatherly love and wisdom. You
achieve all that “in pureness, in knowledge, in long suffering, in
kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in love unfeigned,” states the greeting
letter of the Bulgarian President including a quote from Apostle Paul
from Corinthians 6:6.
Patriarch Maxim is known
to have been in good relations with Bulgaria’s communist dictator
Todor Zhivkov, and to have been approved by the Bulgarian Communist
Party for his appointment as patriarch.
This has led to a division
of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church after the fall of the communist regime
in 1989, and the creation of an alternative Holy Synod.
The Bulgarian state and
other Eastern Orthodox Churches have backed Maxim as the head of the
Bulgarian Orthodox Church, and have refused to recognize the alternative
synod first led by Bishop Pimen, and then by Bishop Inokentiy.
Source:
http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=117767
7/4/2010
7/4/2010
His
Holiness Patriarch Kirill Meets with the WCC General Secretary
On 28 June 2010, His Holiness
Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, received the Rev. Dr. Olaf
Fykse Tveit, general secretary of the World Council of Churches, currently
on an official visit to Moscow. The meeting took place after the Divine
Liturgy celebrated at the Cathedral of the Dormition in the Moscow Kremlin.
Dr. Tveit is accompanied
by the WCC deputy general secretary Jorge Lemopoulos (Patriarchate of
Constantinople) and Prof. Dagmar Heller of the Ecumenical Institute
in Bossey.
They were joined in the
meeting by the deputy chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department
for External Church Relations Hegumen Philipp (Ryabykh), acting DECR
secretary for inter-Christian relations Rev. Dimitry Sizonenko, and
a DECR staff member Rev. Alexander Vasyutin.
His Holiness remarked that
the World Council of Churches was experiencing a protracted crisis caused
by the contradiction between the declared aspiration to Christian unity
and the deepening of differences among Christians on certain doctrinal
issues, including anthropology and morality in the first place. The
Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church added that attempts of some Protestant
communities to revise the standards of Christian morality bring about
the alienation of the Orthodox from the WCC. If the Orthodox Christians
would not have paid attention to these trends, it would have been a
deviation from Christian truth and would have given a cause for schism
in the Orthodox Churches.
Speaking about prospects
of the WCC renewal, His Holiness noted: “We live in the world in which
relations among different civilizations are becoming even more meaningful.
Under the circumstances, it is important to all Christians to uphold
Christian civilization and promote its good relationship with other
civilizational communities. The WCC can promote the achievement of these
two objectives by defending the Christian system of values and by developing
of a dialogue with other religions and non-religious world outlooks.
“Christianity in the counties
belonging to Christian traditions needs common efforts of all Christians
to be made for defending it from secular forces that are trying to impose
anti-Christian and anti-religious state of opinion on the entire world.
I am confident that you are fully aware of this danger and intend to
do anything possible to make common Christian witness more active.”
Dr. Tveit thanked His Holiness
the Patriarch for warm welcome and hospitality. He highly appreciated
the exploit of faith and witness accomplished by the holy new martyrs
and confessors of Russia.
He admitted that the ecumenical
movement was experiencing a crisis, calling the present state of inter-Christian
dialogue “an ecumenical winter.” He believes, however, that this
period does not mean the lack of action. On the contrary, as the inter-Christian
activity is less intensive, it is necessary to analyze the experience
of the past and work out a strategy for the future. Dr. Tveit expressed
his hope for the continuation of a dialogue in the WCC on these subjects.
He believes that the present differences on a whole range of issues
among the WCC member churches could be overcome in the process of an
honest and open discussion.
Source:
http://www.mospat.ru/en/2010/06/28/news21076/
Miss Universe
Winner Says She Got Real Spiritual
Help Only in Orthodoxy
Moscow, June 30, Interfax
– Renowned TV anchor who once won Miss Universe title believes
that only Orthodox faith has helped her in life and brought her consolation.
"When I was young, I tried various religious trends. But I managed
to find consolation and real spiritual help only in Orthodoxy,"
Oxana Fyodorova was quoted as saying by the Radonezh website.
However, her way to Orthodox Church was not easy. According to her,
she "always made mistakes, but the heart was searching for the
Truth," which by intuition she "felt in Orthodoxy."
Oxana is convinced that Russians are strong with their spirituality
and faith. "If you take it from them, everything will fall down,"
she said.
"When a person is with God, he has nothing to be afraid of. He
is protected by the Love Herself. And we don't have another road, only
this one," Oxana said urging believers to be ready for trials and
have a spiritual power not to leave the chosen way.
Source:
http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=7429
THE ROMANIAN
PATRIARCHATE IS SOLIDARY WITH THE ITALIAN PEOPLE
In the context of the
debate at the European Court for Human Rights, on 30 June 2010, related
to the appeal of the Italian state concerning the right to display the
crucifix in public places, the Romanian Patriarchate, which has, at
present, over one million Romanian Orthodox faithful in Italy, supports
the present initiative of the Italian authorities and reiterates its
position disapproving the decision of the European Court for Human Rights,
a position publicly expressed as far back as 20 November 2009, which
we render below in concise form.
The Romanian Patriarchate considers as unjust the decision the European
Court for Human Rights adopted in November 2009, by which the Italian
state was obligated to remove the crucifixes from the public schools,
because they represented an attempt against the religious-spiritual
identity of the Italian people, and, implicitly, against the majority
of the European citizens.
Such decisions express a tendency to exile religion into the private
space and reject the role of Christianity in society, just as it happened
in Eastern Europe during the communist regime, when a totalitarian ideological
minority obstructed and even persecuted the faith, tradition and culture
of the majority of the Christian population.
The Christian foundation of Europe is not only one of its roots, but
also an unmistakable axiological matrix embedded in the European culture
as an attitude designed to defend and promote the human dignity and
freedom, as receptivity towards the universal values.
We think a society cannot exist without symbols, and if the Christian
religious symbols turned into national lay cultural symbols, bearing
human universal values, are excluded from the public space, symbols
of a different nature (commercial –
consuming ones) will replace them, as a result of the loss of the national
cultural identity.
Source:
http://www.basilica.ro/en/news/bpress_release_the_romanian_patriarchate_is_solidary_with_the_italian_peopleb.html
His Beatitude
Patriarch Daniel: “Saint John The Baptist, Result Of The Prayers And
Of The Wish To Have Children”
24 June 2010, the Orthodox
Church celebrated the Birth of Saint John the Baptist. His Beatitude
Patriarch Daniel celebrated the Divine Liturgy in the chapel dedicated
to “Saint Gregory the Enlightener” of the Patriarchal Residence.
To end with, the Primate of our Church delivered a sermon in which he
explained the spiritual meaning of the feast.
The Patriarch of Romania explained that Saint John only prepares the
way of the Lord, but the bridegroom of the Church is Christ, our Lord.
His Beatitude underlined the fact that Saint John the Baptist was given
the name of John, as a predestined name, because it was not his parents
that chose it, but it was given by God through Archangel Gabriel and
it means “the one full of grace”,
“the given one”, “the one pleasant to God”. This name shows
that Saint John had a special vocation. Whenever God gives somebody
a name directly, it means that the name is included in a spiritual programme,
so that the programme of Saint John the Baptist is the announcement
or preaching of Jesus Christ, our Saviour, as forerunner who
prepares the way of the Lord”, said His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel.
We cannot receive God in our life without repentance
The spiritual preparation for the coming of the Lord and for His reception
by the people means repentance! The sermon of Saint John in the desert
of Jordan begins with the words “Turn away from your sins, because
the Kingdom of heaven is near!” He is the preacher of repentance,
of changing the life, of turning away from forgetting about God to the
consistent remembrance of God through prayer and good deeds.
“Saint John the Baptist has been a true prophet ever since his mother’s
womb and he has been part of the plan of God for the salvation of the
world. His preparatory work shows us that it is not possible to receive
God in our life without repenting”, also said the Patriarch of Romania.
The Primate of our Church explained that Saint John the Baptist is,
for us, a child born as a result of the prayers, of the holy wish to
have children, while the celebration of his birth today reminds us of
the fact that lots of parents who wanted to have children and did not
have them, could get them through prayer and fasting, through the participation
in various religious services, reading the Akatistos of Parents Ioachim
and Anna, through prayers to Saint John the Baptist and to Saints Zechariah
and Elisabeth. “The parents of Saint John the Baptist, Zechariah and
Elisabeth, are an example of hope and prayer for all the parents who
want to have children and they do not have them. The birth of Saint
John the Baptist urges us to grow children in faith, to wish to have
more and more faithful children in the Church. The birth of Saint John
the Baptist is a reproof for the mothers who abort their children, but
a blessing for the families who have many children and grow them up,
although very often the times are hard and the material things are in
badly needed. Faith gives us hope and help.”
To end with, the Patriarch of Romania congratulated all those of the
name John or Joan, or of their derived, wishing them many blessed years
of life, with growth in faith and good deeds, for the joy of the Church
and the people’s salvation.
Source:
http://www.basilica.ro/en/news/his_beatitude_patriarch_daniel_saint_john_the_baptist_result_of_the_prayers_and_of_the_wish_to_have_children_.html
Dedication
Day Of The Pilgrimage Centre Of „Saint Paul The Apostle”
Of The Romanian Patriarchate
Yesterday, 29 June 2010,
feast of Saints Peter and Paul the Apostles, His Grace Varlaam Ploiesteanul,
Assistant Bishop to the Patriarch, celebrated the Divine Liturgy at
the Patriarchal Cathedral, and awarded distinctions to the employees
of the Pilgrimage Centre of “Saint Paul the Apostle”
on behalf of His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel
– informs 'Lumina
Newspaper'.
His Grace Varlaam Ploiesteanul awarded, on behalf of His Beatitude
Patriarch Daniel, several diplomas and distinctions of honour and merit
to the employees of the Pilgrimage Centre of
“Saint Paul the Apostle”, which celebrated its dedication day yesterday,
in order to emphasise the work and faithfulness of the employees of
this institution.
Patriarchal Counsellor Leonard Ciofu, co-ordinator of the Pilgrimage
Centre, Director Diana Iorga and Oana Florina Lungu, pilgrimage co-ordinator
since 2003, were awarded the diploma of honour of
“Saint Andrew the Apostle”.
“We remember the words of Saint Paul the Apostle who tells us
“never forget to do good and help, because such sacrifices are pleasant
to God”, according to the prerogatives provided by the Statutes for
the Organisation and Functioning of the Romanian Orthodox Church and
award, as a sign of our appreciation and blessing for the service implemented
in the Church, the diploma of honour of Saint Andrew the Apostle”
reads the text of diploma awarded to the three employees of the Centre.
His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel awarded Rev. Alin Calinic Hotcoleanu,
deacon Nicolae Argatu, Simona Cerin, Alexandru Matache and Vasile Cristea
the distinction of merit of “Saint Dimitrie the New” because they
have been employed for more than a year.
The staff members more recently employed were awarded the diploma of
honour of Saint Emperor Constantine and of his mother Helen. So, such
diplomas of honour were awarded to Vicolae Tatu, Elena-Alexandra Mitelea,
Carmen Cretu, Ecaterina Mariora and Elena-Gabriela Indreiu.
Diligence for preaching and implementing the Gospel
His Grace Bishop Varlaam spoke in the sermon delivered about the personalities
of Saints Peter and Paul the Apostles.
“We can learn from these two Apostles their diligence both for preaching
and for implementing the Gospel. They were faithful to the words of
the Saviour who said that whoever would learn and practice, would be
great in the Kingdom of the God. These two Apostles lived and taught
other people to live in Christ. Their devotion for Christ, their faithfulness
to the Gospel, while surrounded by so much risk and trouble, make them
holy icons which we all must imitate”, said His Grace Bishop Varlaam
in his sermon.
It was also yesterday that His Grace Varlaam awarded the rank of iconom
to Rev. Cristinel Trandafir, parish priest of the church of Saint Basil
the Great - Victoria, with red girdle and epigonation.
Source:
http://www.basilica.ro/en/news/dedication_day_of_the_pilgrimage_centre_of_saint_paul_the_apostle_of_the_romanian_patriarchate.html
St. Thomas, the Apostle
Syriac Orthodox Church, San Jose, CA Consecrated
SAN JOSE, CA: By the Grace of God,
His Eminence Mor Clemis Eugene Kaplan Archbishop of the Western US,
accompanied by His Eminence Mor Gregorios Saliba Shamoun Archbishop
of Mosul, Iraq, and His Eminence Mor Filuksinos Saliba Archbishop of
Mardin and Turkey, celebrated the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, June 20th
2010, at 12:00 pm, and consecrated the new worship place, located at:
1921 Las Plumas Ave, San Jose, CA 95133, to be St. Thomas the Apostle
Syriac Orthodox Church.
The building of the new church was donated by the faithful Mr. Emad
and Mrs. Alia Hoady in memory of their son the late David Hoady. In
his sermon His Eminence Mor Clemis Eugene Kaplan thanked our Lord Jesus
Christ for allowing to have His house to be worshiped by faithful people.
His Eminence also extended his gratitude to the Hoady family who donated
the church and presented them a plaque as a token of appreciation. In
turn, the Hoady family gave each of the archbishops a gift (gold plated
cross).
In his homily, the Archbishop of Mosul showed his joy and presented
to His Eminence Mor Clemis a treasury that he has brought from St. Thomas
Cathedral in Mosul, Iraq. It is the relic of St. Thomas the apostle,
which was brought from Edessa to Mosul in the 4th century, and it is
the only relic of the apostle in USA.
It was a wonderful and blessed historical day. There were many faithful
who attended from the various churches in the Archdiocese as well as
from the Malankara Archdiocese. Every attendee was blessed from the
bone of St. Thomas, and enjoyed the prayers of the consecration.
Source:
http://www.malankarasyriacvoice.com/
HIS
HOLINESS ARAM I CONTINUES HIS PASTORAL VISIT TO THE ARMENIAN COMMUNITY
IN CANADA
ANTELIAS, Toronto (Canada)
– On 24 June 2010, His Holiness Aram I, the Archbishops, Bishops and
Priests accompanying him arrived in Toronto. The Dean of the Cathedral
and Parish Priest, Very Rev Meghrik Parikian, members of the Church
Council and other representatives met him at
the VIP Lounge of the airport.
In the evening, His Holiness
and his entourage arrived at the St. Mary’s Church, where he was welcomed
by the community and led in procession into the Church by the priests,
the church-choir and the students of the Armenian school. After official
welcome speeches and at the end of the evening service his Holiness
addressed the faithful and said: “I thank God for the presence of
an active community surrounding the Church, because the Church is the
Church of the people. I also want to express my joy at the presence
of all the children and youth attending the Armenian School. An active
church, a lively school and good functioning community organizations
enrich and deepen our identity in host communities. I pray God that
you continue with the same enthusiasm confessing the faith of our church
and preserving our cultural heritage.”
When the message was over,
all those present, including children greeted His Holiness Aram I and
received his blessings.
Catholicos Aram I and the
clergy then were invited to a dinner in the Church Center. After formal
speeches by representatives, His Holiness invited those present to share
their concerns and ask him questions. The evening came to its conclusion
after a heart-to-heart dialogue.
In the coming days Catholicos
Aram I will meet with Political Authorities, Ecumenical Leaders and
assist social and cultural activities organized by the Armenian community
in Southern Ontario.
Source:
http://www.armenianorthodoxchurch.org/v04/doc/English/visitseng.htm#8
Pan Armenian
Writers Assembly
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin
On June 28, His Holiness
Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, received
70 participants of the fifth Pan Armenian Writers Assembly in the Mother
See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
Following a joint prayer,
Levon Ananian, President of the Writers Union of Armenia, introduced
the participants and agenda of the Assembly. "We visit the Mother
See of Holy Etchmiadzin at each assembly to receive your blessings and
the blessings of the Mother See, which are very important for the strengthening
of spiritual and scientific-cultural ties", Mr. Ananian stated
in part. He expressed his gratitude to the Armenian Pontiff and on behalf
of the participants, presented His Holiness with a two volume publication
entitled "Modern Armenian Lyrics" as a sign of love and devotion
to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
The Catholicos of All Armenians
welcomed the guests and extending his blessings to the participants.
He expressed his joy for their visit to the Mother See which he called,
"the birthplace of literature... The Mother See is a place of inspiration
for writers, where they can feel the presence of the past and find their
mission through communication with God." His Holiness expressed
his appreciation to the governing members of the Writers Union for their
initiative in uniting writers from Armenia, Artsakh and the Diaspora,
in the firm belief that the Assembly would contribute to productive
initiatives in the future.
His Holiness reflected on
the mission of the writers - the creation of the Armenian image, mindset
and world view, through works leading to the development of the homeland.
"Values which are transferred to us through the pen should serve
to influence the pride for the future generations, just as the works
of our forefathers do for us. This is a crucial period for us - we face
challenges in the preservation of national values. The leadership and
decisive voice of the writer should be influential for the nation. The
conscience of the nation should be the voice of the writer – bearing
in mind the benefit of and the love for the homeland.
His Holiness held an open
question and answer session discussing the current status and condition
of the Georgian Diocese and Churches, the opening of foreign schools
in Armenia, the teaching of Armenian Church History in public schools
and publication of textbooks on religion and Armenian Church History
for the Diaspora. There was also a reflection on the meetings of Religious
Leaders during the visit of His Holiness to Baku, Azerbaijan.
At the conclusion of the
meeting the Pontiff of All Armenians presented the participants with
a various works published by the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
Source:
http://www.armenianchurch.org/index.jsp?sid=3&nid=1588&y=2010&m=5&d=29
Patriarch
IRINEJ formally welcomed in Gracanica Monastery
Serbian Orthodox
Church
His Holiness IRINEJ, Serbian
Patriarch came today to Kosovo and Metohija in order to participate
in tomorrow's celebration of Saint Vitus' Day along with other bishops,
priests, monks and the faithful people. Patriarch IRINEJ arrived to
the Gracanica monastery at 4pm accompanied by Bishop Teodosije. His
Holiness was welcomed by Locum Tenens of the Diocese of Raska-Prizren
Metropolitan Amfilohije along with Bishop Atanasije, priests, monks,
nuns and believers.
Tomorrow, on St. Vitus'
Day at 8am in the morning his Holiness will serve the Holy Hierarchal
Liturgy at the Gracanica monastery with the concelebration of Metropolitan
Amfilohije, as well as other Bishops and priests of the SOC. After the
Liturgy, all the present will go to Gazimestan, where a memorial service
traditionally is served to the suffered heroes of Kosovo.
Source:
http://www.spc.rs/eng/patriarch_irinej_formally_welcomed_gracanica_monastery
St.
Vitus' Day Formally Celebrated
Celebrating Saint Vitus'
Day, the Serbian Orthodox Church and the Serbian people mark 621 years
since the feat of the Serbian army which defended in Kosovo in 1389
its lands and the Christianity from the mighty Ottoman empire.
The central celebration
of St. Vitus' Day in Kosovo and Metohija today started with the Holy
Hierarchal Liturgy which was served by His Holiness IRINEJ, Serbian
Patriarch with the concelebration of Metropolitan Amfilohije, Bishop
Atanasije and Bishop Teodosije as well as 20 priests from many Dioceses
of the SOC. More than hundred believers from many parts of Kosovo and
Metohija and Serbia participated in the Holy Liturgy in front of the
Gracanica church.
The state of Serbia was
today represented by Minister for Kosovo and Metohija Goran Bogdanovic
and Minister of Faith Prof. Dr. Bogoljub Sijakovic with associates.
Besides them Ambassador of the Russian Federation HE Alexandar Konuzin
with his associates and a group of Russian cadets, the head of the Russian
office in Kosovo and Metohija Andrej Sugurov, the head of Greek office
in Prishtina and the EU special adviser for the issues of Serbian cultural
heritage in Kosovo Dimitris Moshopoulos, the head of the Norvegian office
in Kosovo and the great benefactor of the humanitarian actions for the
Serbian returnees in Kosovo and Metohija Sverre Johan Kvale with few
foreign diplomats were also present at the Holy Liturgy and the memorial
service at Gazimestan.
After the Holy Liturgy Bishop
Teodosije presented the orders "Mother of the Jugovics" to
mothers of many children. Sister Evrosinija prepared for all the invited
and the present people the feast day's luncheon.
At 13:00 hours, when the
majority of people gathered which had come from many parts of Serbia
to Kosovo and Metohija, the traditional memorial service was held to
the killed Serbian soldiers in the Battle of Kosovo in 1389 at Gazimestan.
Several thousand people from Serbia, Montenegro and the Republic of
Srpska have gathered in front of the monument to the Kosovo heroes.
A group of monks before the memorial service sang the Serbian hymn "Lord,
Give Us Justice", and the Russian cadets then sang also the Russian
hymn as the sign of the traditional friendship and the communion of
our two nations.
The Memorial service at
Gazimestan ended today's the Saint Vitus' Day celebrations which gathered
the greatest number of the faithful from all Serbian lands in the post-war
period.
Source:
http://www.spc.rs/eng/st_vitus_day_formally_celebrated
Orthodox,
Catholic Bishops Team up to Back Crucifix Bid
BELGRADE -- The Holy
Synod of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC) and the Catholic
Church in Serbia backed efforts
in Italy
to reinstate the crucifix in schools.
The dignitaries of the two churches said they "defend the right
to displaying religious symbols in the states that have majority of
Christian citizens and at the same time honor minorities' freedom of
religion".
The Catholic Church in Serbia stated that all its members, believers,
priests and the bishop fully support Italy's fight for public display
of Christian holy symbols in state schools and other educational institutions
in future.
By the declaration adopted on June 24, the European Court of Human Rights
decided that Christian symbols must not be used in schools and other
educational institutions.
"We appreciate and honor the opinion of every citizen in multiethnic
and multicultural Europe, but we still believe that Christians have
right to their own opinion and public expression of their religious
affiliation," the Catholic Church in Serbia released in a statement.
The Catholic Church in Serbia expressed gratitude to, as they put it,
brotherly SPC that has also backed the initiative.
The SPC Holy Synod of Bishops supported the initiative of the Catholic
Church in Serbia at a session held on June 24.
"We hope that this important and noble initiative will be affirmed
before the European Court of Human Rights," the SPC stated.
Source:
http://www.b92.net/eng/news/society-article.php?yyyy=2010&mm=06&dd=30&nav_id=68148
Greek
Orthodox Patriarch Makes Courtesy Visits in Nevsehir
STANBUL - Daily News with
wires
Greek Orthodox Patriarch
Bartholomew made courtesy visits to the governor and mayor of Nevsehir
to thank them for hosting an annual dividne liturgy in the province
over the weekend.
Konstantinos Eleni Church
in Mustafapasa in Ürgüp district and Saint Teodoris Church in Derinkuyu
district, where the liturgies were held on Saturday and Sunday, are
normally closed to worship.
However, prayer is allowed
once a year for ceremonies with special permission. The patriarch first
visited Gov. Osman Aydin and then Mayor Hasan Ünver, expressing his
happiness at being in Cappadocia.
Meanwhile, two members of
the Alperen Ocaklari, the youth group of the nationalist Great Union
Party, or BBP, protested Bartholomew’s visit with a banner.
The patriarch appeared on
a TV show on a U.S. network CBS last year saying he felt “crucified
in Turkey” for not having enough religious freedom.
Receiving great criticism
after the interview, he said his comments were not planned and that
the media had over-emphasized the quote.
He said the comments were
a metaphor for detailing Greeks’ problems in Turkey, highlighted by
the issue of the Halki seminary’s being located on Heybeliada, one
of Istanbul’s Princes’ Islands in the Sea of Marmara.
The banner the two youths
held in front of the municipality building read, “You said I feel
crucified. You are at a ceremony in Cappadocia. You lied. Alperens from
Nevsehir.”
The two members of the Alperen
Ocaklari then left the scene without incident. The Greek Orthodox
patriarch left Nevsehir to return to Istanbul on Monday.
Source:
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=pathriarch-made-courtesy-visits-in-nevsehir-2010-06-28
Aram
I in Toronto on Last Leg of Canadian Pontifical Visit
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos
of the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia began His Pontifical visit
of Toronto following the end of the Interfaith Summit in Winnipeg and
was accompanied by His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Hagopian, Prelate
of the Armenian Prelacy of Canada, His Eminence Sebouh Sarkissian, Prelate
of the Armenian Prelacy of Tehran and Very Rev. Fr. Krikor Chiftjian,
the Catholicosate’s Communications Officer, on June 24, 2010.
His Holiness began His visit
with a meeting with the Armenian community at Toronto’s St. Mary’s
Armenian Apostolic Church on the same evening of His arrival, where
the traditional “kissing of the ring” took place and parishioners
personally greeted His Holiness Aram I and in turn received His blessing.
In His speech to the community,
His Holiness emphasized the importance of all Armenian establishments
like the Armenian Church and school, “which are the treasures of our
lives. Without our churches, schools and all our establishments, our
identity will be lost and our faith and spirit will grow weak. We have
to keep these pillars strong by continuously being involved and contributing
to our community establishments.”
Following the church ceremony,
His Holiness Aram I, met with the representatives and members of St.
Mary’s church organizations over dinner at Toronto’s Armenian Community
Centre’s Hovnanian Hall.
At the onset of the intimate
get-together, Very Rev. Fr. Meghrig Parikian, St Mary’s Church Pastor,
and Archpriest Gomidas Panossian, the Church Pastor of Cambridge’s
Sourp Nishan Armenian Apostolic Church, took turns expressing a few
words of welcome to His Holiness.
As the evening progressed,
attendants asked His Holiness questions they felt were pertinent, and
for close to an hour, an open discussion with His Holiness took place
about a variety of topics.
Meeting with Representatives
of Local Armenian Parties
The next day, His Holiness
met with the Toronto representatives of the Social Democrat Hunchakian
Party, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation and the Armenian Democratic
Liberal Party, where they discussed current affairs affecting the Armenian
Diaspora and Armenia.
During the meeting, His
Holiness noted the importance of continuing the joint collaboration
between the three parties and in turn, each party representative reinforced
their willingness to continue working together in the future.
His Holiness then greeted
the representatives and members of local organizations from the Armenian
communities of Cambridge, St. Catharines and Hamilton.
Meeting with Youth and
Representatives of Sister Organizations
His Holiness continued His
special meetings with the Armenian community, and this time met with
members of Toronto’s Armenian youth on the evening of June 25, 2010.
As His Holiness greatly values dialogue, particularly with members of
the youth, He took particular attention to them and intently listened
to their concerns regarding many aspects of their lives and shared His
fatherly advice and wisdom with them.
The following morning, His
Holiness Aram I, met with the representatives and members of sister
organizations over breakfast, where they discussed the importance of
the different activities all of the organizations take on.
Historic Designation
of Georgetown Boys Farm as Heritage Site
Under the Auspices of His
Holiness Aram I, the unveiling of the official municipal plaque designating
the Georgetown Armenian Boys Farmhouse, presently known as the Cedarvale
Community Centre, as a protected historic and cultural site took place
on the afternoon of June 26, 2010.
The memory of the Georgetown
Boys will be preserved through this designation, as the site will serve
as a permanent memorial site commemorating the Armenian Genocide and
Canada’s role in saving Armenian lives.
For the past two years,
the Armenian National Committee of Toronto (ANCT) has been working to
have the Georgetown Armenian Boys Farmhouse, presently known as the
Cedarvale Community Centre, designated as a protected historic and cultural
site.
Between 1923 and 1927, 109
Armenian boys and 29 Armenian girls who were orphaned during the Ottoman
Empire’s systematic genocide against the Armenians, were brought to
Canada by the Armenian Relief Association and raised in the farmhouse.
The son of a Georgetown
Boy and Georgetown Girl, and the grandson of a Georgetown Boy, as well
as local politicians from the municipal, provincial and federal levels
were present for this historic event, whereas His Holiness opened the
ceremony with our Lord’s prayer.
An official banquet in honour
of the 15-year anniversary of the appointment of His Holiness Aram I
as Catholicos also took place the same night, where more than 500 people
attended the celebration, which featured a diverse cultural program
and was held at the Inn of the Park Hotel.
Source:
http://asbarez.com/82850/aram-i-in-toronto-on-last-leg-of-canadian-pontifical-visit/
Mother
See of Holy Etchmiadzin New Publications
With the blessings of His
Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians,
Publishing Department of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin published
Hovhannes Tsortsoretsi’s work “Commentary on the Gospel according
to St. Matthew.”
This commentary on the Gospel
according to St. Matthew was written by Archimandrite Hovhannes Tsortsoretsi
in 1316 as a continuation of Nerses Shnorhali’s “Commentary on the
Gospel according to St. Matthew” that was interrupted suddenly on
number E 17. Perhaps this is the largest and most detailed commentary
created in the Middle Ages in Armenia, done on the basis of All-Christian
commentaries and those of Armenian Fathers. Seda Stamboltsyan translated
the three volume work from Old Armenian and wrote the footnotes.
The Publishing Department
also published St. Yeprem Asori’s “Selected Speeches.” The translation
from Old Armenian was done by Marta Arabyan.
According to Mother See
of Holy Etchmiadzin Information Services, the works were published under
the aegis of Sargis Gabrielyan foundation.
Source:
http://www.aysor.am/en/news/2010/06/30/edjmiatsin-books/
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