Essay: Many Ukrainians are fleeing to the Greek Catholic Church in Lviv, which has a long and complex history in the Orthodox faith
In an article first published on The Conversation, J EUGENE CLAY, a scholar who has spend 30 years exploring the role of religion in Eastern Europe, looks at the role the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, both historically and in the nation today…
Cyprus’ Greek Orthodox Archbishop Chrysostomos II dies at 81
Nicosia, Cyprus AP Archbishop Chrysostomos II, the outspoken leader of Cyprus’ Greek Orthodox Christian Church whose forays into the country’s complex politics and finances fired up supporters and detractors alike, has died. He was 81. The state-run Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation reported his death Monday. Cyprus’ Greek Orthodox Archbishop Chrysostomos II speaks to the media during […]
“Autism acceptance”: Orthodox church in the Hamptons calls people with autism “part of our community”
ADELLE M BANKS, of Religion News Service, reports on how US Autism Homes provides an extended circle of friends through a private-public partnership involving the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church of the Hamptons…
US President Joe Biden honours Greek Orthodox priest, Catholic nun with Medal of Freedom
Washington DC, US RNS Rev Alexander Karloutsos has met with presidents since the Carter administration, speaking to the nation’s chief executives on, especially, the cause of religious freedom. But the Greek Orthodox priest’s latest trip to the White House was to hear President Joe Biden speak about him as one of 17 recipients of the […]
Christians find unity in restoring holiest Jerusalem church
Jerusalem, IsraelAP The three Christian communities that have uneasily shared their holiest site for centuries are embarking on a large-scale project to restore the ancient stone floor of the Jerusalem basilica. The project includes an excavation that could shed light on the rich history of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City, […]
Orthodox observe Christmas amid virus concerns
Moscow, Russia AP Orthodox Christians in Russia, Serbia and other countries began Christmas observances Thursday amid restrictions aimed at dampening the spread of the coronavirus, but few worshippers appeared concerned as they streamed into churches. The majority of Orthodox believers celebrate Christmas on 7th January, with midnight services especially popular. The churches in Romania, Bulgaria, […]
In democracy’s birthplace, Pope warns of populist threats
Athens, GreeceAP Pope Francis warned Saturday that the “easy answers” of populism and authoritarianism are threatening democracy in Europe and called for fresh dedication to promoting the common good rather than narrow, nationalist interests. Arriving in Greece, the birthplace of democracy, Francis used a speech to Greek political and cultural leaders to warn Europe at […]
Greece asks faithful to be COVID-clear to attend church
Athens, Greece Reuters Greece introduced new restrictions obliging churchgoers to present negative COVID-19 tests to attend services on Sunday following a surge in infections in recent weeks. Under new rules announced on 18th November, unvaccinated people are barred from indoor spaces including restaurants, cinemas, museums and gyms, even if they test negative for the coronavirus. […]
Orthodox Church’s top Patriarch to visit US, meet with Biden
RNS The spiritual leader of the world’s 200 million Eastern Orthodox Christians brings an agenda spanning religious, political and environmental issues to a 12-day US visit beginning Saturday that includes a meeting with President Joe Biden and various ceremonial and interfaith gatherings. Making the latest of several trips to the country during his 30 years […]
Greek priest charged over acid attack on seven senior bishops
Athens, Greece AP A defrocked Greek Orthodox priest was charged Thursday with multiple counts of causing grievous bodily harm over an acid attack that injured seven senior bishops and three other people. The 37-year-old Greek man was led to court in lay clothing, handcuffs, and under a heavily armed police escort. Journalists and cameramen stand […]