His Eminence Archbishop Sotirios of Canada has issued his Encyclical on the occasion of the Anniversary of March 25, 1821. Read the full text below:   Greek Revolution 1821 Why We Fought and How We Won AN ENCYCLICAL ON THE OCCASION OF THE ANNIVERSARY OF MARCH 25, 1821 Archbishop Sotirios We rose up and fought…

The Chancellery of the Holy Synod Patriarchate of Romania has issued a statement regarding new measures that are to be applied to church services and social activities. Read the full text below:   Based on the Military Ordinance no. 1 of March 17, 2020, and the Military Ordinance 2 of March 21, 2020, which established successive measures to…

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America has issued his Encyclical for the Feast of the Annunciation and the Day of Greek Independence (2020). Read the full text: Greek Independence Day, 2020 To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of the Parish Councils of the…

An Islamic call to prayer was again heard on Monday in what was once the center of Orthodoxy, the Hagia Sophia Cathedral,. The prayer was initially broadcast on a Turkish television station. This development marked the third year in a row that similar provocations, challenging the supposed status of Hagia Sophia as a secular museum…

Georgian prime minister, Giorgi Gakharia, said a ban on the public assembly of 10 or more people includes Church services. The statement came after the Holy Synod of the Georgian Patriarchate last Friday said services would continue as normal in cathedrals, albeit with preventative measures in place, such as prescribed social distance between worshippers.  

The Metropolitan of Italy, His Eminence Gennadios, in his message regarding the pandemic, reminded that the Orthodox faithful have a very power spiritual tool at their disposal, namely, that of the Holy Eucharist – which gives the flock hope, faith and love, and one that leads to prayer. His Eminence adds: “…Shortly we’ll celebrate the…

Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades also announced stricter measures for the east Mediterranean island republic, including a ban on people in places of religious worship. The measure extends to April 13. In a related development, the Holy Metropolis of Limassol announced that the Vespers service for Wednesday’s Feast Day of the Annunciation will be celebrated in…

Israel on Monday announced even stricter measures to curb non-essential movement in public spaces, as the Mideast country has already suspended the entry of non-Israeli citizens to Israel. The Palestinian authority has also closed-off entire areas, as part of efforts to reduce exposure to the Covid-19 virus. As a result, strict restrictions apply to the…

The anniversary of the start of Greek War of Independence, annually celebrated on March 25, this year comes with the east Mediterranean country in a virtual “lockdown”, due to the coronavirus pandemic. Military and pupils’ parades have been cancelled, while strict measures are in-force against non-essential travel and circulation in public. In a message issued…