Dearly Beloved Brothers & Sisters in Christ, In today’s Gospel reading, we learn about a young man seeking eternal life, out of earnest desire. Christ first gently guides him toward the commandments; what the Mosaic Law demands. St. John Chrysostom sees in this exchange no pretense. The man was sincere; impelled by longing. The young…

H.E. Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden’s Homily, welcoming His All-Holiness Bartholomew, Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch, at the Thyranoixia Service of the St. George Cathedral of Stockholm   Your All-Holiness Bartholomew, Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch, Your Eminences, Rev. Members of the Clergy, Your Excellencies, Archons and Distinguished Guests from…

The Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, meeting in Constantinople on August 30–31, the final two days of the church year, decided to canonise two Romanian elders of Mount Athos: hieroschemamonk Dionisie (Ignat) of Colciu and archimandrite Petroniu (Tănase) of Prodromos Skete. The feast day of Saint Dionysius of Vatopedi (the “St. George” Cell, where…

The Orthodox Church of Albania marked the beginning of the new ecclesiastical year on 1 September with a spirit of hope and optimism, reflecting the timeless tradition of the Church. Unlike the secular New Year celebrated on 1 January, the ecclesiastical year begins on 1 September, a practice known as the Indiction, which was established…

His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is, on 2 and 3 September, in the city of Alanya of the Holy Metropolis of Pisidia, at the invitation of the local Shepherd, His Eminence Metropolitan Job, in order to preside at the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Church of the Panagia of Pisidia. The Patriarch was…

How has His All-Holiness touched your life, inspired your faith, or strengthened your spiritual journey? If you had the opportunity to speak with him and share your thoughts, what would you say? The Orthodox Observer invites you to submit short reflections to be shared when he arrives in the U.S. this September. Your reflections, questions,…

On June 1, 2025, St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church in Orange, Connecticut awarded $56,350 in scholarships to thirty-six parishioners in support of their undergraduate and graduate studies. Since its inception, the Saint Barbara Scholarship Program has awarded a total of $1,039,350 in scholarships, helping students pursue their academic and professional goals. Established in 1990, the…

Yesterday, Orthodox faithful across the globe marked the Feast of the New Indiction, signifying the beginning of the liturgical year. His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew offered a blessing over the upcoming year at the Venerable Patriarchal Church of St. George in Phanar, Istanbul, Türkiye before signing the Act of the New Indiction. This signature signifies…

Nicosia, 27 August 2025 – His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain, accompanied by His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Claudiopolis, was received on the morning of 27 August by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, in a meeting held in a cordial atmosphere. During the meeting, His…