A Pastoral Assembly of the Archdiocese of Russian Churches in Western Europe was held in Paris on Saturday where the members continued to discuss the future of their jurisdiction following the sudden removal of its exarchate status in November by the Holy Synod of Constantinople. His Eminence Archbishop John of Chariopoulis urged that a decision…

Today, Sunday, May 12, marks the 29-year anniversary of the issuance of a venerable Patriarchal sigillium (seal) by the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople to allow the transformation of the Holy and Great Monastery of Vatopedi into a coenobium – the monastic tradition that emphasizes community life amongst the monks. Twenty-nine years have also passed since…

The proposal by the Ecumenical Patriarch, His All Holiness Bartholomew I, to nominate the Patriarchate’s Metropolitan of Bursa, His Eminence Elpidoforos, as the new Archbishop of America, has inaugurated a new chapter for the Mother Church’s large and very significant Greek Orthodox Eparchy (Archdiocese). The Patriarch’s nomination was confirmed by vote by members of the…

His Holiness and Beatitude Catholicos Patriarch of All Georgia, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II has blessed the Iveria Virgin Mary Icon Temple at Makhata Mount on the Day of Appurtenance of Georgia to Virgin Mary. The patriarch conducted Divine Liturgy at the Temple. On May 12, Georgia celebrates the Day of Appurtenance to the…

With the blessing of the Lord we have built the temple of the Iveria Virgin Mary, that confirms that Georgia is under the protection of Iveria Virgin Mary, – Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II said after the blessing of the cathedral on Makhata Mount. “The whole nation is happy that…

The new Archbishop of America, Elpidophoros, was elected unanimously by the members of the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s Holy Synod, according to a press release from the Phanar on Saturday. “The Holy and Sacred Synod, continuing its work, proceeded to fill the vacated seat of the Archdiocese of America following the voluntary resignation of its shepherd, His…

Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All East John X reiterated condemnation of terrorism targeting the region mainly Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon. During a sermon at the Maronite Archeparchy of Tripoli in al-Qoubaiyat in Akkar, north Lebanon on Saturday, Yazigi affirmed rejection of all what has happened in the region of terrorism targeting Syria, Iraq,…

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel on Thursday welcomed a delegation of the Russian Orthodox Church headed by His Grace Bishop Paramon of Sergiev-Posad, patriarchal vicar and abbot of the Holy Trinity-St Sergius Lavra, at his patriarchal residence in Bucharest. Patriarch Daniel asked Bishop Paramon to convey his brotherly greetings to Patriarch Kirill. ‘Please send to Patriarch…

Through its development aid, Bulgaria and the United States can support Orthodox communities in northern Iraq and Syria by participating in the restoration of temples. This opportunity was discussed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ekaterina Zaharieva and US State Department Special Representative for Religious Freedom Affairs Samuel Brownback, the Foreign Ministry…