Christian Orthodox spiritual leader says indescribable tragedy in Ukraine
Istanbul, TurkeyReuters Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual head of Eastern Orthodox Christians worldwide, called overnight for the opening of humanitarian corridors in Ukraine where he said “an indescribable human tragedy is unfolding”. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, the spiritual head of some 300 million Orthodox Christians worldwide, leads the Easter Resurrection Service at the courtyard of […]
Orthodox patriarch denounces “atrocious invasion” of Ukraine
Warsaw, Poland AP The spiritual leader of the world’s Orthodox Christians on Tuesday denounced Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as an “atrocious” act that is causing enormous suffering. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I didn’t mention Russia by name in comments made during a visit to Warsaw after meeting with Ukrainian refugees. Poland has accepted the largest number […]
Russian Orthodox eye expansion in Africa, maybe Turkey as well
RNS While the world’s attention is focused on the fighting in Ukraine, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow has begun challenging the established order of Orthodox Christianity by moving his Russian Orthodox Church into Africa. The Moscow Patriarchate is also dropping heavy hints that his ire will turn to Turkey soon. According to their traditional rules, the […]
Russian talking point: Blaming US for Ukraine church split
PETER SMITH, of Associated Press, reports on the role religion – in particular the schism within Eastern Orthodoxy – is playing in the conflict in Ukraine…
With war in Ukraine, Pope Francis’ years-long outreach to Kirill appears to be in ruins
Vatican CityRNS High-ranking Vatican officials criticised Patriarch Kirill of Moscow this week for his failure to push for peace in Ukraine, nearly ensuring that among the casualties of Russia’s invasion may be Pope Francis’ years-long campaign to strengthen the Catholic Church’s bonds with Russian Orthodox Christians. Only a month ago, the Vatican still eagerly anticipated a possible […]
“Heartbroken” Pope condemns warmongers; Orthodox spiritual leader calls for end to war
Vatican CityReuters Pope Francis on Sunday made an impassioned call for humanitarian corridors to help refugees leave Ukraine and said those who make war should not be deluded into thinking that God is on their side. People hold Ukrainian flags as Pope Francis leads the Angelus prayer from a window of the Apostolic Palace at […]
Essay: Why church conflict in Ukraine reflects historic Russian-Ukrainian tensions
In an article first published on The Conversation, J EUGENE CLAY, of Arizona State University, looks at the tumultuous religious history of Russia and Ukraine…
Christian world marks Epiphany with series of celebrations
Vatican CityAP Christians around the world on Thursday marked Epiphany, known as Three Kings Day for Catholics and the Baptism of Christ for the Orthodox, with a series of celebrations. Pope Francis used a Mass at St Peter’s Basilica to decry consumerism, parades were held in Spain the night before, and Orthodox believers watched swimmers […]
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew tests positive for COVID-19
Istanbul, TurkeyAP Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, spiritual leader of the world’s Orthodox Christians, has tested positive for COVID-19 and is displaying mild symptoms, the Istanbul-based Patriarchate said Friday. A Patriarchate statement said that “his general condition is good.” Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the official delegation of the Orthodox Christian Church speak to reporters following their […]
Orthodox patriarch leaves hospital, set to return to Turkey
AP The spiritual leader of Eastern Orthodox Christians was released from a New York hospital on Friday and was expected to fly home to Turkey on Sunday after the completion of a US visit that was extended for a medical procedure. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople spent two nights in Mount Sinai Medical Center after […]