Hindus laud Orthodox Christians for strong stand on Environment
0 Comments Published by georgy on Friday, August 29 at 9:11 AM.
Zed also lauded Bartholomew’s dedication of September one “as a day of supplication for the preservation of God’s beautiful creation”; for launching “Religion, Science and the Environment (RSE) Movement”; for organizing RSE symposia and reaching out across different faiths and denominations in the symposia, revealing the wisdom of diverse theological traditions; for striving to establish a stable and innovative alliance between religion and science; and for saying, “Especially disturbing is the fact that the poorest and most vulnerable members of the human race are being affected by environmental problems which they did not create”.
Faiths coming out in support of the environment were a remarkable signal; Zed said and urged all world religious leaders, religions and denominations to openly bless the environmental causes. Ancient Hindu scriptures, especially Atharva-Veda, were highly respectful of Mother Nature, he added. We may believe indifferent religions, yet we share the same home—our Earth. We must learn to happily progress or miserably perish together. For man can live individually but can only survive collectively, Zed said quoting scriptures.
His All Holiness, Bartholomew, Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch is the 270th successor to the Apostle Andrew and spiritual leader of about 300 million Orthodox Christians worldwide. Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion followers. Moksha (liberation) is the ultimate goal of Hinduism.
Joint Dialogue Commission Meets to Continue Discussion on Unity
0 Comments Published by georgy on Wednesday, August 27 at 5:26 PM.
Following the direction of the Congresses, the Commission made further refinements to the text of the Proposal. This, along with the findings of various working committees appointed by our Hierarchs, will form the basis for expanding discussion on the practical aspects of unity.
The Commission members noted that both Congresses took an historic step by approving the proposal as a basis for continued dialogue. The Commission regrets the hasty pronouncements of various officials and the media immediately after our Congresses. These misrepresented our Congresses' decisions as being final decisions on unity. Both sides recognize that a difficult road remains ahead in addressing the concerns, past and present, regarding such a unity. The Commission members insist that the process of discussion and possible union is in the competence of our two eparchies alone. Recent speculation and public commentary by individuals outside of our eparchies have only complicated the delicate nature of this process and threatened its ultimate success. The Commission members urge that patience and discretion be exercised as this process takes its course.
Lastly, the Commission members would like to emphasize that the healing of the decades-long division within the Romanian Orthodox community in North America should be seen as part of the greater task of Orthodox unity. In our first meeting in 1993 the Commission said: "We are cognizant of the fact that the reconciliation and normalization of relations between our respective dioceses is part of the larger process of bringing the various Orthodox jurisdictions together in the great work of an administratively united Orthodox Church on the American continent." The Commission would ask that our continuing efforts be understood within this larger context.
The Commission will meet again after discussing its work with the respective Hierarchs.
Fr. Nicholas Apostola Fr. Laurence LazarFr. Ioan Ioniţă Fr. Romey RoscoFr. Ion Gherman Fr. Remus GramaFr. George Chişcă Fr. Cătălin MitescuFr. George Săndulescu Fr. Ian Pac-Urar
Southfield, Michigan12 August 2008
Master Iconographer Miloje Milinkovic to complete St. Sava
0 Comments Published by georgy on at 5:22 PM.
Milinkovic is one of the top Serbo-Byzantanic iconographers working today. His skills as a painter have taken him from monasteries in the Ukraine and Greece, to the largest Serbian churches in Chicago, Detroit and Washington D.C. Yet in 1995, in the midst of working on his grand national projects, he also began a relatively small but incredibly important mission - to turn the very first Serbian Orthodox Church in all of North America into a breathtaking work of art. After 12 years of visiting Jackson, his labors within the dazzling sanctuary of St. Sava are nearly complete.
Milinkovic first began painting when he was in theology school in Belgrade, Serbia. Becoming an iconographer meant not only developing his abilities with a brush on an ever-reaching level, but deeply immersing himself in Biblical study and the history of art. By 1986, his achievements in Europe made him the ideal candidate to paint many of America's thriving Serbian Orthodox churches. His strong ties to the Serbian community in Fair Oaks eventually led to his introduction to the priests at St. Sava.
"When I was asked to paint St. Sava, it was a huge honor," Milinkovic said. "Being the first Serbian church in America gives it a special history. I felt a deep obligation to do my very best. In the years since I've been working here, the congregation has treated me like a family member. Though I travel to different places, I now consider myself a member of this church."
Agreeing to paint St. Sava presented two major challenges for Milinkovic. The first was finding time to work on it because his presence was also being requested by other bishops. The second was coming up with a traditional fresco program that would work with the unique inner-dimensions of St. Sava. Throughout his career, Milinkovic has had long arches and looming domes to paint on - elaborate physical canvases big enough to tell many of the Bible's stories. Constructed in 1894, St. Sava was a church of the frontier. It has no dome or arches. Its modest, rectangular design is a testament to the lives of pious immigrants.
"Its walls are very unusual for a Serbian Orthodox church," Milinkovic explained. "There's certainly beauty in its simplicity - but it's also hard for an iconographer. The theological canon guides us on what stories the frescos should represent: we show the entire life of Jesus Christ through different images, from his birth to the Pentecost. Yet the icons also hearken back to saints and figures from the Old Testament as well - all working together in a special, inter-related design."
Space at St. Sava is limited, so a decision had to be made on which icons and images to use. "Then we also had to look at the story in its entirety, and I personally had to think about the beauty and composition of the paintings from different angles," he said. "The goal is always to breathe life into the walls."
Milinkovic began his work in St. Sava with the Ascension of Christ above the church's altar. Next, he focused on making the Pantocrator, which is the dominant image across the chapel's ceiling. Pantocrator is a Greek word that means "Ruler of All." In Greek, Russian and Serbian Orthodox churches, the Pantocrator is the central image which all other narratives revolve around. Typically, Pantocrators encompass the dome of a church or monastery. Though St. Sava has a flat ceiling, Milinkovic's Pantocrator inspires a staggering sense of awe through its massive size and lush, jewel-like colors.
While the artwork in St. Sava offers the same timeless story as all Orthodox churches, Milinkovic has celebrated its unique stature in Serbian history with frescos that are wholly original to it. His favorite among these is an image of Sebastian Dabovich, the missionary-priest who founded St. Sava 114 years ago, getting blessed by St. Simeon. Milinkovic has also rendered a mural of the ceremony that was held in Jackson last year when Dabovich's earthly remains were given to St. Sava and re-buried in a crypt under the church. "He lived an incredible life," Milinkovic said of the man who's now called the Serbian Apostle to the Americas. "He and all of the hard-working miners who built this community are an inspiration."
For the parishioners at St. Sava, the brilliant job Milinkovic has done in converting their church into one of the greatest works of art in the entire Mother Lode is an inspiration as well. "He's done unbelievably wonderful art here," said Triva Pavlov, a deacon at St. Sava. "It helps teach the story. It's natural sometimes for peoples' eyes to wander during a service. These impressive images bring them back to God and remind them why they're here."
Milinkovic agrees. "The whole purpose of the frescos is to make people feel at home in the presence of God," he observed. "People should walk in, see these images, and want to pray. If that doesn't happen, then what's the point? If you don't inspire people that way, you may be a really great artist but not a great iconographer. I love my work because it's a privilege to try to make people feel that. Like the priests, my job is to try to tell a magnificent story. The difference is I do my talking with my brushes."
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Legislation to urge the Government of Turkey to respect the rights and freedoms of the Ecumenical Patriarchate
0 Comments Published by georgy on at 5:18 PM.
"For a government to treat a revered religious institution and leader in such a discriminatory manner is an affront to human and religious rights and shows disrespect to the hundreds of millions of Orthodox Christians," said Senator Menendez. "There must be fairness and freedom when it comes to the Turkish government's treatment of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. As Turkey appeals to the European Union for membership, I would expect its treatment of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to be a prime topic that must be addressed."
Senator Menendez's resolution, which is co-sponsored by Sens. Olympia Snowe (R-ME), Joseph Biden (D-DE) and Benjamin Cardin (D-MA), urges the Government of Turkey to respect the rights and religious freedoms of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of the Orthodox Christian Church. It calls on the Turkish government to immediately:
• recognize the right to the title of Ecumenical Patriarch;• grant the Ecumenical Patriarch appropriate international recognition and ecclesiastic succession;• grant the Ecumenical Patriarch the right to train clergy of all nationalities, not just Turkish nationals; and• respect property rights and human rights of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
The Government of Turkey has sought membership in the European Union and maintains strong bilateral relations with the United States Government. The accession of Turkey to the European Union will depend on its adherence to the Copenhagen criteria that require candidate countries to have stable governmental institutions that guarantee human rights and that respect and protect minorities, including religious minorities such as Orthodox Christians.
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After his surgery, Metropolitan Herman will have a short hospital stay and will continue his recovery at home. The clergy and faithful of the Orthodox Church in America are asked to pray that His Beatitude’s surgery is successful and for a quick recovery.
Morkos: 1,000 Churches Not Enough for 12 Million Christians
0 Comments Published by georgy on at 4:57 PM.
Leading figure of the Orthodox Church said there are about 1,000 churches in Egypt, which is not enough for the 12 million Copts currently living in the country.”The Church trusts President Mubarak’s wisdom,” said Shubra el-Kheima Bishop Anba Morkos, who described that wisdom as the best guarantee for Copts.He told al-Masry al-Youm: “We call on the President to declare Nayrouz Day on September 11 of every year as an official holiday, as it marks the Pharaonic New Year’s Day and also the Martyrs’ Day. It is the beginning of the agricultural year for peasants and it is also a symbol of good.”"The Christians’ situation in Egypt is constantly improving,” said the head of the Coptic Church Media Committee. “Yes, no Copts have been appointed as National Democratic Party (NDP) Secretary General, but the Party has recently started including Coptic candidates in their lists for municipal elections. We do not call for positive discrimination, but for equal opportunities.”
He went on to say that the Church is constantly seeking to develop its visual media given the absence of Christian programs on state-owned TV channels except the Masses on Christmas and Easter. “We may launch a third TV satellite channel owned by the Church,” he added. Morkos said he visited Pope Shenouda in the US just to be reassured of his condition and to review with him some issues concerning the Church.
Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr Presided Over Festivities Dedicated to Glorification Among Saints of Holy Hierarch Gurias (Karpov)
0 Comments Published by georgy on Tuesday, August 26 at 5:27 PM.
On Saturday, August 23, the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church presided over the festivities on the occasion of glorification among saints of the Holy Hierarch Gurias (Karpov). That day all the clergy of the Diocese of Crimea gathered in Simferopol, as well as thousands of believers who came from various places of Ukraine and near abroad. Source: http://orthodox.org.ua/eng/node/310 |
The eligibility requirements for these awards are: be a registered active member of a Boy or Girl Scout unit, have earned the Eagle Scout Award for boys or the Gold Award for girls, be an active member of an Eastern Orthodox Church, have earned the Alpha Omega Religious Scout Award, and a senior in high school.
They are evaluated on their participation in their church, school, community and Scouting unit. The emphasis is on their scholastic achievement and not on financial need. This was a banner year for applicants from throughout the United States. The committee was impressed with the high caliber and number of applicants.
For further information and 2009 applications, write: EOCS Scholarship Chairman, 862 Guy Lombardo Avenue, Freeport, New York, 11520.
Source:
http://www.goarch.org/en/news/NewsDetail.asp?id=2043
THE ARMENIAN CHURCH OBSERVES THE FEAST OF SAINT MARY
0 Comments Published by georgy on Monday, August 25 at 5:57 PM.
“WE WILL COLLECTIVELY FIGHT FOR THE PRESERVATION OF SPIRITUAL AND MORAL VALUES”
SAYS HIS HOLINESS ARAM I
The Catholicosate of Cilicia ceremoniously observed the Feast of Saint Mary on August 16 during the Holy Mass officiated by His Holiness Aram I on a special altar built for this purpose outside the St. Asdvadzadzine Monastery in Bikfaya.
Armenian believers take unique spiritual relish in this traditional feast held annually in the Monastery in Bikfaya, which they visit in large numbers on this occasion.
The Primate of the Diocese of Lebanon, Bishop Kegham Khatcherian performed the Holy Mass. The believers sung the hymns led by the Seminary choir.
According to the traditions of the Armenian Church, His Holiness Aram I performed the blessing of grapes, which symbolizes the presentation to God of the earth’s harvest and the prayers of its people. After the service, His Holiness delivered his sermon to the believers, among which the number of youth was noticeable. Also attending the service were several young Armenians who were participating in the Catholicosate’s youth conference from various corners around the world.
The message was delivered by His Holiness Aram I. The main theme of the message was the crucial importance of spiritual and moral values. In his introductory remarks His Holiness pointed out the meaning and importance of moral and spiritual values that must govern our individual and community life. He said: “These values give substance and identity to our life. These values ensure the quality of our life. They come to us from the Bible and our church fathers. As Christians, we must respond positively to these values with the profound sense of faithfulness and responsibility”.
After these general remarks, with a more specific approach, His Holiness first focused his attention on family by stressing the unique role of family in Christian life. “Family is the backbone of a society and the heart of Christian community. It is in the family that a child is grown up and formed with Christian values and teachings. In a world in which the family is exposed to the kind of trends which this integrate the family life and jeopardize its Christian values, we must pay a particular attention to family life, safe guarding its integrity and morality”.
The second point of emphasis of His Holiness was the actual state of Christian education on Armenian schools. Catholicos Aram I “reminded the crucial importance of Christian education. For us, Christians, there is only one education: Christian education. Our approaches, methodologies and perspectives may be change in the course of time and in different contexts, but the essence of Christian education based on Biblical teaching and values must remain the same. Our schools must integrate Christian education, beyond being a learning process as a formation process, in there curriculum and activities”. His Holiness also reminded the faithful that a few weeks ago a conference was held with his initiative specifically on reorganizing Christian education in the Armenian schools.
His Holiness gave a special attention in his message to the youth. He said that a pan-Diaspora Armenian Youth conference is taking place at the Catholicosate. He expressed his joy about the active and serious participation of young people from different parts of the world. His Holiness said “This is the time that we start listening what the youth are saying. We must engage in dialogue with them. A meaningful interaction with the youth is crucial for the progress and wellbeing of our church and communities. Youth should not remain on the periphery of our life. They must become active participants in all aspects of our church and community life. This is the message that I gave to youth”.
The Pontiff raised his prayers to St. Mary for her mediation with her God-given Son to grant peace, love, unity, harmony and progress to the Armenian nation.
Until late in the evening, believers stayed in the Monastery, renewing and strengthening their faith on this occasion. They returned home with the modest spirits of pilgrims and the kind feeling of benevolence. A number of pilgrims had attended the Vespers Service the night before and spent the night in the Monastery in preparation for the next day.
Holy Mass was also held in the Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral on Sunday marking the Feast of St. Mary. Archbishop Gomidas Ohanian officiated the Mass and performed the blessing of the grapes.
The following day, Monday August 18, was Remembrance Day for the dead. Holy Mass was also held on this occasion in the Asdvadzadzine Chapel in Bikfayya, where the nation’s dead were remembered alongside the benefactors of the Chapel Mr. and Mrs. Yervant and Alice Demirdjian. Prayers were recited and incense was burnt in their memory.
At noon, the Cilician Brotherhood members, the members of the women’s committee of Antelias and Seminary student joined His Holiness in the Seminary’s lunch hall over the now traditional table of love.
Source:
http://www.armenianorthodoxchurch.org/v04/doc/English/cathcilnewseng.htm#2
After the end of the Morning service, the participants listened to the biblical interpretations of Rev. Fr. Masis Tchobouyian. The delegates then moved to the “Prapion Doumanian” Hall of the Seminary, where they listened to the President of Haigazian University, Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian deliver a very contemporary talk entitled “what are the challenges of the 21st century?”
Pointing to the main challenges facing the Armenian youth in the present world, Dr. Haidostian underlined the difficulty of making choices from the several paths that the current ever-changing world offers the youth. He emphasized that today’s youth first finds it difficult to recognize harmful phenomena due to their multi-faceted nature. This in turn proves an obstacle to passing on to the second stage- choosing the best option amongst the available alternatives. This phenomenon is a symbol of development and progress but can also be considered dangerous, he said.
Dr. Haidostian affirmed that presenting a brief talk about the 21st century is next to impossible, because any such talk can become untimely in this fast-paced world. He talked about the frenzy of information and knowledge traveling in the world, assuring that they can exert an influence on the human mind even indirectly, even when people want to refuse them. Dr. Haidostian noted a fallout in values given the easy attainability of everything desired in social and material life. He also talked about the shake-up of moral principles due to the scientific explanations provided to certain phenomena.
In an attempt to predict future developments, Dr. Haidostian talked about those probable scientific developments, which will create deep conflicts in the future particularly in the Church.
After presenting these issues briefly and with concise examples, the speaker outlined four possible and yet dangerous approaches that can be adopted by the youth: a) avoiding the difficulties and giving in to self-destruction through drugs; b) Remain indifferent and criticize in particular those institutions and people involved in moral education, such as the church and the spiritual class; c) Live in confusion and deception without being able to tell right from wrong; d) Develop a negative identity, rejecting others and their advice, become involved in emotional religion and enjoy those parts of religion that are emotional.
His Holiness Aram I chaired over the final and concluding session of the conference, which became a podium for an honest discussion. The young delegates freely addressed His Holiness with their questions and the latter demonstrated that he truly is the Pontiff of the youth showing utmost patience and care and giving Pontifical advice to the young Armenians born and formed in different countries and different circumstances.
“Our church is the reservoir of spiritual and moral values,” said His Holiness talking about the national character of our Church. “We cannot separate the spiritual from the national,” referring to those periods in Armenian history when after the fall of kingdoms the Church had taken up the task of taking care of cultural, educational and even political issues. He added: “Today, however, our Church and particularly the Catholicosate of Cilicia is trying to reemphasize our church’s religious service.” His Holiness pointed to the activities of the Christian Education and Youth Departments of the Catholicosate, which are primarily involved in educating the new generation.
Finally, His Holiness called on the youth to continue their path, to increase their ranks through the use of Internet and modern technology and to gather around our church. He emphasized that it would not be possible to renew our faith or the church if we stayed away from the church. He underlined the importance of the Armenian youth’s support for the efforts to transform our church into a source for the renewal of faith.
After the Pontiff’s detailed explanations, the proposals presented during the 12 sessions of the conference were read out and adopted by the delegates.
On Saturday evening the young delegates participated in the Feats of Saint Mary held in the Saint Asdvadzadzine Monastery in Bikfaya. In the next few days the participants will also have the opportunity to tour the touristic and historic sites of Lebanon.
Source:
http://www.armenianorthodoxchurch.org/v09/doc/Conferences/Youth/eng.htm#3
The Moscow Patriarchate insists on children's right to study basics of their religion in state schools
0 Comments Published by georgy on at 5:47 PM.
Source:
http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=5100
The Moscow Patriarchate warns against anti-Georgian kindling in Russia
0 Comments Published by georgy on at 5:47 PM.
Source:
http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=5096
The Moscow Patriarchate reminds, Georgia preserved its state system thanks to Russian soldiers
0 Comments Published by georgy on at 5:39 PM.
Source:
http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=5094
Georgian Patriarch urges his compatriots not to lose courage
0 Comments Published by georgy on at 5:39 PM.
Source:
http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=5093
For the First Time an Orthodox Liturgy was Celebrated at the Olympic Village in Beijing
0 Comments Published by georgy on Monday, August 18 at 11:30 PM.
On August 12th, Archpriest Nikolai Sokolov and Archpriest Dionisy Pozdnyaev for the first time celebrated an Orthodox Liturgy at the Religious Center of the Olympic Village. These are the clerics who are responsible for the spiritual wellbeing of the sportsmen belonging to the Russian selection at the Olympic Games in Beijing.
The Divine Service was attended by the leading members of the Russian team. D. I. Petrovsky, a staff member of the Department of Foreign Church Communication of the Moscow Patriarchate, who was also present in Beijing, gave a statement to ITAR-TASS Agency saying that special prayers were said for the Russian athletes and the other members of the Russian selection. He also added that Orthodox prayer services were held on daily basis at Olympic Village. Source: www.orthodoxnews.com
Zaidan's book seeks to persuade readers that the Azazel story is true and was found in ancient scrolls written in Syrianic and Aramiyan languages," Bishop Abdul Massih Bassiut, a theology scholar, told Gulf News.Azazel refers to the chief of goat-demons to whom most primitive Semitic tribes offered sacrifices. The controversial novel is set in the Egyptian coastal city of
"The author tries to Islamise Christian beliefs and takes the side of heretics," added Bishop Bassiut.He has disclosed that two Church lawyers are examining the book at the request of Pope Shenouda III, the top Coptic cleric, before deciding on the next move."We will not demand the book be banned or take the author to court. But there will be a rebuttal of the fallacies mentioned in the book," added Bassiut.
The furore over Azazel has coincided with Muslim-Coptic tensions triggered by a dispute between monks and Muslim nomads over a piece of land in the Upper Egyptian city of
"Any Christian cleric reading Azazel as a chronicle of the history of the Coptic Church or a treatise on theology, would undoubtedly feel angry and agonised," said literary critic Helmi Namnam. "But it should be clear that the book is a literary work inspired by an important epoch in the Egyptian history, marking the shift from the ancient Egyptian religion to Christianity," Namnam told Gulf News.
He likened the Coptic reaction to Azazel to the "inquisition logic" of the Middle Ages."The allegation that a literary work can shake a solid heavenly religion reflects weak faith in this religion, because no work of art can discredit a divine religion," he added. The author, who teaches Islamic philosophy at
"This is my 54th book and I did not imagine it would trigger all this debate," Zidan told the private Egyptian Dream TV.
According to him, Azazel re-reads history to draw lessons.
"The Coptic era is part of
Abou Fana Locals: Ad Hoc Committee Announced the Problem Was Solved Only to Be in the Spotlight
0 Comments Published by georgy on at 11:21 PM.
Abou Fana local residents’ lawyer Gamal Musaid said the declarations made by MP Alaa Hasanein and a businessman member of the so-called ad-hoc committee charged with solving the Abou Fana monastery problem were not true.He affirmed the problem had not been solved and disputes were still going on as monastery leading figures were still insisting on building the wall before handing over the land to local residents.
The lawyer added the two members announced the end of the problem only to be in the spotlight.He also affirmed that they had not unveiled what he called “the bitter truth”, namely that no solution had been reached that satisfied both parties and no final agreement had been struck, as the monks were still clinging on things which, he said, hampered this agreement.The monastery had been the scene of clashes on May 31 between local residents of Kasr el-Hor village, close to the monastery (Menya Governorate), and the monks because of a dispute on State-owned lands close to the monastery itself. A young Muslim had been killed in the clash and seven monks had been injured.
For his part, Mr. Hasanein said he would meet Governor Ahmed Diaa Eddin to show him the solutions proposed by the committee to start building the wall and to solve the problem.He accused diocese’s lawyer Ehab Ramzi of inciting the public opinion over the past two months through what he called “provocative declarations” against the Governor and the control and security organs.
He also pointed out that Pope Shenouda III had deplored, in a phone call with the Governor, Ramzi’s declarations and said the Church had nothing to do with them.
The Director of the Governorate press office Saad Mansour said water connections to the monastery had been installed and the path leading to it had been provided with lights.He explained facilities were connected by submitting orders and affirmed the diocese had asked to change the generator power at its expense to activate its irrigation hoses. The monastery, though, did not ask the electric company for the prices, contrary to what is always the case in all desert regions.
Mansour added that the Governorate had provided the generator and the lights for the road leading to the monastery. Likewise, he said the water and sewage company had provided the water line, pointing out that the monastery buildings and isolated cells had been erected on State-owned land and had not been legalized until that moment.He also affirmed there were no electricity or water lines inside the monastery, which made it impossible for them to be cut as affirmed by those in charge inside the building.
Metropolitan Herman issues statement on conflict in South Ossetia
0 Comments Published by georgy on at 11:20 PM.
"The hierarchs, clergy, and laity of the Orthodox Church in
"We pray that the political leaders, as they make their decisions, may care above all for the life and safety and well-being of their peoples. "We pray that the cessation of hostilities through a cease-fire will create the conditions for a peaceful settlement.
"We pray that all political leaders and political institutions may exhibit realism and sanity as they dedicate their efforts to a peaceful resolution of a conflict which is causing suffering to many people and which has dangerous implications for the relations among states in the Caucasus, in
"We thank Almighty God for the witness for peaceful relations between Russian and Georgia consistently given by the Patriarch of Moscow and the Patriarch of Georgia. May this witness be an effective avenue for the overcoming of violence and all threats to peace in the
His Beatitude has also sent letters of support to His Holiness, Patriarch Aleksy of Russia and His Holiness and Beatitude, Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia of Georgia. "The violent conflict between
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“Most people had to flee the fighting in South Ossetia and brought nothing more than the clothes on their backs,” said IOCC Georgia Program Manager Darejan Dzotsenidze. The Georgian government and the U.N. are currently registering some 23,000 people who fled the conflict and poured into Tbilisi. Those numbers are expected to increase.
IOCC released emergency funds to its Tbilisi and Moscow offices earlier this week to purchase food items such as pasta, rice, cereal, sugar and tea, and hygiene items including towels, soap and tooth paste. The collective centers where the displaced are housed often have two families in one room.
“Many of those who fled hid in basements and forests until they had to find food,” said Dzotsenidze. “Now they are saying, ‘please help me to get home – even if you give me a palace here, I would rather go home.’”
IOCC, which has worked on emergency and development projects in Russia and Georgia since the early 1990s, is working in partnership with the Georgian Orthodox Church in the affected areas of Georgia and with the Russian Orthodox Church in North Ossetia.
To help in providing emergency relief, call IOCC’s donation hotline toll-free at 1-877-803-4622, make a gift on-line at www.iocc.org, or mail a check or money order payable to “IOCC” and write “Conflict in the Caucasus” in the memo line to: IOCC, P.O. Box 630225, Baltimore, Md. 21263-0225.
IOCC, founded in 1992 as the official humanitarian aid agency of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA), has implemented over $275 million in relief and development programs in 33 countries around the world.
Romanian Patriarchate Suggests that the Dormition Should Become Annual Holiday
0 Comments Published by georgy on at 11:00 PM.
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After the individual committees met and discussed appropriate topics, each submitted a report to the convention body for final ratification. Particular emphasis was placed on increasing the membership of the UOL, and along those lines all members of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA are invited to join the UOL, and to form UOL chapters in those parishes which do not yet have a local UOL chapter.
During the convention the Business Sessions also included the approval of the 60th Annual Convention Minutes, review of the 2008 Annual Report and Audit Report, and review and approval of the 2007-2008 Financial Report, which also included the acceptance of the 2008-2009 budget. During the sessions (on Thursday and Friday) preteen activities were made available and coordinated by Cathy Bucharew (Philadelphia, PA). Wednesday evening concluded with the traditional Hospitality Night, with wine tasting hosted by the St. John’s Senior UOL chapter.
Thursday morning began with a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy which was celebrated by His Beatitude Metropolitan Constantine, who was assisted by His Eminence Archbishop Antony, His Grace Bishop Daniel and a number of clergy. Afterwards the convention delegates and guests were treated to a delicious Breakfast Buffet followed by Thursday’s Business Sessions.
Thursday Business Sessions included inspirational remarks by His Eminence Archbishop Antony. A presentation and update on “The UOL Fund to Furnish the Chapel at All Saints Camp” was made by Mrs. Irene Carman (Watertown, NY), who along with Pani Matka Mary Anne Nakonachny (Parma, OH) and Mrs. Diane Senedak (Youngstown, OH) chaired the committee to raise those funds. Mrs. Carman reported that over $160,000.00 was raised by the UOL for the iconography and furnishings in the Chapel, and with the approval of the convention body any money remaining after the Chapel is fully furnished will be used for the upkeep and maintenance of the Chapel.
On Thursday a check for over $6,900.00 was presented to the St. Andrew’s Society for soup kitchens in Ukraine, the proceeds from the UOL’s “Souper Bowl Sunday” fund-raising project. Following sessions on Thursday Night “A Taste of the Southern Tier” was held in the State Office Building (the tallest building in Binghamton), where Convention attendees were treated to Spiedies (the local delicacy), music and dancing and a trivia contest. The night was topped off by a great view of the fireworks at the stadium for Binghamton’s minor league baseball team.
Friday’s business sessions included inspirational remarks by His Grace Bishop Daniel, and by keynote speaker Father David Smith, who spoke on the theme of the Convention, “The Light of Christ Illumines All.” An enthusiastic presentation was made by Ginny Ulbricht and other members of the Senior and Junior UOL chapters from Youngstown, OH, for the 62nd UOL Convention which will be hosted by the Senior and Junior UOL chapters from Sts. Peter & Paul Church, Youngstown, OH and which will take place on July 22-26, 2009.
Friday night’s event was a “Rally with Friends, “ held in the hotel’s ballroom, and the band had everyone dancing until the very last song. Afterwards the Youngstown, OH Senior and Junior UOL chapters (hosts of the 62nd UOL Convention) held a wonderful hospitality event.
Saturday’s activities included a workshop on “Ukrainian Torte Making” and a presentation on the Holodomor. After Great Vespers the traditional Banquet and Ball was held, during which the old and new Senior and Junior Executive Boards were introduced, annual UOL awards were given out, and LSSK (Lynn Sawchuk-Sharon Kuzbyt) scholarships were presented to six worthy Junior UOL members. The UOL also presented MJSF (Metropolitan John Scholarship Fund) grants totaling over $15,000.00 to St. Sophia’s Seminary on behalf of our five full-time seminarians. Afterwards, the band once again had everyone dancing until the very last song, especially during the traditional and show-stopping “Kolomeyka.”
On Sunday the Senior and Junior UOL Presidents greeted the Hierarchs at St. John’s Church with thanks for their spiritual guidance during the Convention, and presented each with flowers. Parish representatives also greeted the Hierarchs with the traditional bread and salt.
Source:
http://www.uocofusa.org/news_080814_2.html
FAITHFUL OF UAOC IN COLOMBIA MARCH FOR FREEDOM OF HOSTAGES
0 Comments Published by georgy on at 10:42 PM.
MANIZALES, COLOMBIA: Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox clergy and faithful, joined tens of thousands of other Colombian citizens in a united march to protest the continued captivity of hostages held by leftist rebels, including FARC (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia - Armed Revolutionary Forces of Colombia). Similar marches took place throughout Colombian cities and in at least 40 countries around the world, as citizens observed the July 20th Colombian independence day
Respected and beloved Vladyka, with great joy, I want to tell you that for the first time, the Orthodox Church has made a public presence in
The marches are a statement of "no tolerance" to the guerrilla terrorists and follow a July 2 bloodless rescue mobilization effort by the Colombian government that freed 14 hostages, including 2002 presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt. Sgt. Julio Cesar Buitrago, a Colombian police officer also freed, suggested that the nation utilize its July 20th independence day with a march demanding the release of the remaining hostages, estimated by the government to be as high as 700. There were over 900,000 marchers in the capitol city of
Holding banners which read, "The Orthodox Church says no to captivity and yes to liberty" the UAOC faithful, led by Vladyka Odón also carried icons and the flags of
Vladyka Mykhayil, as Metropolitan of New York and
His Eminence, Metropolitan Mykhayil, inspired by the Colombian faithful's participation in this worldwide display of solidarity, made the following observations:
Patriarch Alexy blesses to raise funds for victims of humanitarian catastrophe in South Ossetia
0 Comments Published by georgy on at 10:37 PM.
The Department’s officials worked out a plan of measures, including fundraising, to help the victims. The patriarch blessed and backed up this good undertaking.
USD Account:
Beneficiary: BLAGOTVORITELNYI FOND "PRAVOSLAVNAYA HRISTIANSKAYA BLAGOTVORITELNOST"
Account No 40703840200100007714
Bank: FOREIGN ECONOMIC INDUSTRIAL BANK "VNESHPROMBANK"
SWIFT code: FECIRU MM
Correspondent Account No. 301-0104479-91-USD
Correspondent Bank ING
SWIFT code: BBRU BE BB
Source;
http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=dujour&div=174
The Russian Church compiles a special prayer for peace in the Caucasus
0 Comments Published by georgy on at 10:33 PM.
"Keep our people in love to each other, release of any hostility, take away all discords and temptations. Oh Lord, grant them harmony and good health, guard them against any sorrow, exasperation and sudden death, heal any enmity and anger implanted by the Satan," the prayer asks. Besides, Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia blessed to add some petitions asking God to deliver peoples of the Caucuses from "any hostility, disputes and internecine quarrel and grant them peaceful and prosperous life," protect them from afflictions with "peace and hosts of His angels," the Moscow Patriarchate website reports.
Source:
http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=5087
The Russian and Georgian Churches agrees to cure effects of military operations in South Ossetia jointly
0 Comments Published by georgy on at 10:32 PM.
The participants discussed tragic effects of the last week events and focused on the situation of peaceful population in the area of military conflict.
Source:
http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=5080
Source:
“The meaning of the church cannot be explained in its sanctity only, but in the realization of its mission, in which our youth should participate”
0 Comments Published by georgy on at 5:52 PM.
The conference is held under the auspices of His Holiness Aram I, who also presided over the opening ceremony and addressed the young delegates participating the conference from Armenian communities worldwide. The conference brought together over 100 young Armenians from the Eastern and Western prelacies of North America, Istanbul, Cyprus, Kuwait, the Arab Gulf countries, Tehran and Isfahan, Syria and Lebanon. The prelacies of Greece and Azerbaijan in Iran did not send representatives.
In his opening remarks the director of the Catholicosate of Cilicia’s Youth Department, Rev. Sahag Yemishian, underlined the unique character of the conference and its promising prospects. He wished that the conference participants would appropriately discuss the ideas and proposals expressed during the sessions with a view to plan new projects that would improve the lives of young Armenians.
The opening ceremony became all the more exciting with the encouraging words of His Holiness Aram I- a hearty Pontifical message spoken to the Armenian youth. The young participants intently listened to the wise words of the Catholicos who, fully aware of present circumstances, inspired them to face all the challenges they encounter.
His Holiness welcomed the young Armenians that had come to Bikfaya from around the world and presented a thorough analysis of the difficulties that the Armenian youth face both at the global and national levels. Referring to the characteristics relevant to a person’s adolescent life, he underlined the importance of Christian formation and a purpose-goal life. His Holiness considered that the Church, as a source of morality, is a compass, a path leading to Christ, an institution that organizes social life based mutual respect of the laws governing society.
“In the life of present-day society, religion has started becoming an existential presence. In the past, particularly in the West, religion was an individual matter. Today, it is a matter of public concern. Inter-faith meetings are held today with utmost seriousness and uninterrupted continuity- a non-existing phenomenon in the past. The youth cannot remain indifferent towards this. However, where is the youth in all this?” wondered His Holiness.
In his message, the Pontiff stressed the importance of participation. “The youth and passivity are opposing concepts. The youth should be present in our collective life. Its role is not marginal; it is important, it is central. Look at today’s world and you will see that those occupying important position are mostly the youth. This is so because it is through your work that our life flourishes and develops. Otherwise, our collective life will become immobile like a swamp. Our church needs your fresh forces and minds,” he said.
In the last part of his speech, the Pontiff spoke about the dangers threatening the life of the youth. “We are becoming witness to mentalities and lifestyles that do not correspond to our traditions and are based on morally different perceptions. The youth is quickly affected by such phenomena. It is true that in the current world we cannot build up walls around ourselves or live in isolation. However, with the guidance of the Church the youth can find its true path, renewing the church in its mission and service. The meaning of the church cannot be explained in its sanctity only, but in the realization of its mission, in which our youth should participate,” His Holiness stressed.
The Pontiff’s message became a guideline for the conference. During the following session, Garo Hovhannessian delivered a presentation entitles: “Where is the Armenian youth in face of the challenges of the 21st century and how does he overcome them?” Hovhannessian stressed the concepts of national identity and the need for an understanding of national belonging among the youth. He made a call for reviewing the concept of “culture” and underlined the importance of preserving the Armenian Language for the preservation of Armenian identity. Referring to the contribution expected from the youth, he said: “In our history we have not had a period when we’ve had so many of our youngsters enrolled in universities. However, we feel the lack of man force everywhere today. Degrees have no meaning if they do not contribute to our highest national interests and to the realization of our primary goals.”
Following the lecture, the participants were divided into workshops to discuss more deeply the issues at hand and prepare brief reports of the ideas and thoughts expressed. The workshops became serious discussions, healthy criticism, fiery debates and attempts to reach the truth through the exchange of viewpoints.
One of the sessions was dedicated to the exchange of information on the experiences of the youth living in different geographic locations and communities. The session was also rich in relevant topics with young Armenians providing information about their respective communities and environments, explaining their concerns and the obstacles they face. The dangers threatening the life of the youth were also discussed with a view to seek preventive measures.
The conference started with the morning service, at the end of which spiritual contemplation was performed by Rev. Magar Ashkarian. After the day-long sessions, the participants attended the Evening Mass in the St. Mary Monastery.
Source:
http://www.armenianorthodoxchurch.org/v09/doc/Conferences/Youth/eng.htm#2
Held under the auspices of His Holiness Aram I, the conference convenes under the theme “The Armenian youth in the face of the challenges of the 21st century.” It will feature lectures by the President of Haigazian University, Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian, Lecturer at the University of Geneva, Dr. Joe Pirri, historian Garo Hovhannesian and other prominent intellectuals.
A committee responsible for organizing the conference limited the number of participants- young Armenians from communities worldwide- to 110 to ensure the effectiveness of discussions and a result-oriented conference.
The delegates will discuss serious issues affecting the Armenian youth today through a series of lectures and group discussions over the next three days. Community representatives will convene round tables on previously assigned topics, following which small groups will discuss the issues at hand in depth and present summaries of their conclusions.
The conference will be a podium to shed light on the concerns and conflicts that Armenian youth face in present times particularly in the Diaspora. All the proposals made by the conference will be passed on to His Holiness who will take them into consideration while formulating the Catholicosate’s future projects and table them for discussion by National General Assembly to be held in early December this year.
Eastern Rite Catholic Church in India imposing new treats on His Holiness Catholicose of the East and on the Malankara (Indian) Orthodox Church
1 Comments Published by georgy on Thursday, August 14 at 11:54 PM.
I would like to invite the attention of Holy Primates Holy Synods members, Bishops, Priests, Monks, Nuns and memebers of the Orthodox Churches World Wide.
I would like to invite the Special attention of the Holy Synod, Priest, Managing Committee members, Monks, Nuns, all memebers of the Malankara (Indian) Orthodox Church to this issue.
Kindly read the following
Relationship between Malankara Orthodox Church(Indian Orthodox Church) and Malankara Catholic Rite (Eastern Rite Catholic Church in India)
There have been some tensions between the two Churches since the origin of the Malankara Catholic Rite in 1930 when Archbishop Mar Ivanious joined the Roman Catholic Church. During the past three years the tension are on the hike even though it is not been exhibited publicly. This was especially after the declaration of the Malankara Catholic Rite that their primate has been elevated to the Position of 'Catholicose' in the year 2005, along with the elevation of their Church to the Archie- Episcopal Status by the Holy See. This has caused further confusions for the Orthodox Church of the East.
The Malankara Orthodox Church had an enquiry with the Vatican on the issue. The Holy See responded that 'Catholicose' title has not been granted to the Major Archbishop of the Malankara Catholic Rite. This has been clearly mentioned in the letter (PRONT N: 2581/2005/h) send to the Malankara Orthodox Church from the Holy See by His Eminence Cardinal Walter Casper dated on 18 June 2005. But it seems that the declarations from the Holy See are not at all applicable to the Malankara Catholic Rite and her Leadership. Many a times they have used the title 'Catholicose' along with Major Archbishop, to address the Primate of the Malankara Catholic Church in news papers, public forum, official documents of the Church, magazines, Church publication etc.
The Issue
The New Malankara Metropolitan
Check the following link
http://www.catholicate.net/major_archbishop.html
http://www.malankara.net/about.php?id=75
International Home page
http://www.syromalankara.org/church/the-hierarchy.html
All the above websites claim the following
MORAN MOR BASELIOS CLEEMIS CATHOLICOS is the
Successor of the Apostolic See of St. Thomas in India
Malankara Metropolitan
Major Archbishop-Catholicos
of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church
Major Archbishop of Trivandrum
As accepted worldwide there is only one Successor to the Apostolic See of St Thomas and that is His Holiness Catholicose of the all East and Malankara Metropolitan who is the Supreme Primate of the Malankara Orthodox Church. The present Catholicose of the East and Malankara Metropolitan is His Holiness Moran Mor Baseluis Marthoma Dydimos I. Then how can His Grace BASELIOS CLEEMIS claim that he is enthroned on the Throne of St.Thomas?
As per the doctrines, faith and believes of the Roman Catholic Church, there is only one Apostolic Throne and that is the Throne of St. Peter His Holiness Pope is enthroned on throne of St. Peter. Then how can be there another throne in the Roman Catholic Church which belongs to St.Thomas?
Many a times the Priest and lay men of the Malankara Catholic Rite has used the title 'His Holiness BASELIOS CLEEMIS CATHOLICOS' at several public forums and meetings. There is only one His Holiness in the Roman Catholic Church and that is His Holiness Pope Himself, then how can there be another His Holiness along with His Holiness Pope?
The IOC leadership and members must act against this.
Some may feel that the above statement is of less importance as its just part of some website or what will happen if they write something in a website. No this is a problem indeed. This is kind of slow poisoning by the Reethu.
Earlier they claimed the throne of Malankara and now they claim the throne of St Thomas. Very shortly all Kalpana by the Major Archbishop will carry the title 'Successor of St Thomas'.
Remember the recent books; a statement from Vatican does not address the Reethu Major Archbishop as Catholicose.
It's high time we do something.
This is no joke.. Consider this as a serious issue. And we must show the right sense and courage to act against these atrocities
If proper communications from Devalokam are send to Vatican as well as to other concerned person's these nonsense acts by the Malankara Reethu can be put to an end.
Also Consider the following
I do have some questions for the Malankara Catholic Rite.
1. The People and the Malankara Catholic Prelates claim the H B Baselious Clemis Can Use the title 'Catholicose'. But what about the letter issued by the Holy See (PRONT N: 2581/2005/h) which Cleary mentions that 'no Catholicose' title has been issued to the Head of Malankara Catholic rite. Decisions taken by the Holy See is normally applicable to all rites, but what is very special to the Malankara Catholic Rite? Is the Malankara Catholic rite above the Holy See?
2. There is only one His Holiness in the Roman Catholic Church and that is His Holiness Pope Himself. Then How does anther 'HIS HOLINESS' possible in one of most tiny rites in the Roman Catholic Church?? The Malankara Catholic Rite has publicly displayed boards at Trivandrum and elsewhere addressing their Primate as His Holiness!! Are they still under the Control of Rome or does HB Baselious Cleemis considered above the status of His Holiness Poe by the rest of the Roman Catholic rites and members?? What about the Status of His Eminence Cardinal and Major Archbishop Mar Varkey Vithayathil and Archbishop His Grace Most. Rev.Dr. M. Soosa Pakiam??? Are they both above below His Holiness Pope or HB Baselious Cleemis???
3. In the recent books, notes, documents issued by Vatican it has been clearly mentioned that the title of the Primate of the Malankara Catholic rite is Major Archbishop, nothing more or nothing less!!!
4. According to the beliefs and traditions of the Roman Catholic Church there is one Apostolic Throne and that is the Throne of St.Peter and His Holiness Pope is enthroned on it. The how can be another Throne (Throne of St Thomas) in the Same Roman Catholic Church?? How can His Beatitude Baselius Cleemis Enthroned on the Apostolic Throne of St.Thomas???
5. The title Catholicose of the all East has been granted by the Jerusalem Synod. The First Catholicose of the East was St.Thomas Himself. The Present Catholicose of the East is His Holiness Baselius Marthoma Dydioms I who is the 90th successor to the throne of St Thomas. Then how can His Beatitude Baselius Cleemis claim that he is enthroned on the Apostolic Throne of St.Thomas???
6. The Vatican Has recognized the Supreme Primate of the Malankara Orthodox Church as the 'Catholicose of the Apostolic Throne of St.Thomas and Malankara Metropolitan'. Vatican Codex clearly mentions the head of Orthodox Church in India as the Metropolitan and all the Gate of India(Metropolitan on the throne of St.Thomas
Online Evidence: (CNEWA (Catholic Near East Welfare Association Website- A Papal Agency for humanitarian and Patrol Support )
http://www.cnewa.us/ecc-bodypg-us.aspx?eccpageID=9&IndexView=toc
Check below what the Holy See has mentioned about the title of the Primate of the Syr-Malankara Church.
http://www.cnewa.us/ecc-bodypg-us.aspx?eccpageID=66&IndexView=toc
It has been clearly mentioned that the title is - Major Archbishop of Trivandrum of the Syro-Malankars.
The claims made by the Malankara Catholic Rite is illegal and unacceptable at any cost. Orthodoxy Beyond Limits take this opportunity to condemn the illegal acts of the Malankara Catholic Rite.
It is always better to remember the following
"You may fool some people some time
You may fool some people all the time,
But you cannot fool all people all the time"
Thanks
George Alexander
Chairman
Orthodoxy Beyond Limits Forum (OBL)
Albanian Orthodox Church
With the blessing of Archbishop Anastas, the Children’s Office in collaboration with the Protagonist’s school organized an English Camp. Approximately 45 children from this school, the Children’s Home of Hope and some schools in
Source:
The Romanian Patriarch Asks for Prayer for Peace in the Caucasus
0 Comments Published by georgy on at 11:38 PM.
In his address at the Saint Pantaleon in Lacul Sarat, Braila County, on August 10 2008, His Beatitude expressed his hope that the two sides involved in the conflict, two countries with an Orthodox majority, will return to the negotiations table within the spirit of Christ's love:
'In the Caucasus, between the armies of two countries which have Orthodox majorities, there is currently a war. We pray for peace, understanding, and for Christ our Savior, the Lord of Peace, to enlighten the leaders of Christian people, in such a way that they become peacemakers and solve problems peacefully, through dialog, through reciprocal understanding, remembering that each of our deeds can bring joy or sorrow, can bring life or death.'
At the same time, His Beatitude Daniel, Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church, has renewed his appeal for charity towards those stranded by the floods which recently hit our country. His Beatitude thinks that this is a spiritual duty of each believer.
Source:
Thirteen year since the fall of Krajina – parastos in Canberra
0 Comments Published by georgy on at 11:31 PM.
Their sacrifice has not been forgotten. On Monday, the 4th of August 2008, the Serbs of Canberra gathered at St. Sava Monastery in Hall to remember the struggle, suffering and defeat of the Krajina Serbs and to pray for their departed souls. Following the regular evening Vespers (Vecernje), a parastos was served by Father Ilija Dragosavljevic of Sv. Sava Church in Farrer and Father Seraphim of Sv. Sava Monastery. The service was highly emotional and moving, with all present gathered closely around the Zito and Kolac, including just as many children and young adults as the parents and elders. The active involvement of children in the service, with boys serving in the altar and young girls singing in the choir, shows us that the soldiers and civilians of Krajina did not die in vain, and that their memory will be eternal in the hearts and minds of Serbs all over the world. This idea was reflected in the speeches of Father Ilija and Father Seraphim, who spoke in Serbian and English respectively.
Following the church service, the people gathered in the small hall on Monastery grounds for a banquet in honour of the fallen, as well as a small "academy", organised by Mr. Sreta Dragicevic. Mr. Dragicevic gave a talk about the struggle of Serbs during the war in Krajina and the struggle of all Serbs for justice and truth. In the breaks between his talk, he introduced a young girl who was part of the exodus as a 4 year-old child, Marijana Miljus. Marijana recited two heart warming poems about the land, its people and their heartache at being separated from their hearth (ognjiste).
The gathering continued long after the banquet and academy had finished, with a mixture of the conversation and discussions of adults and the shouting and laughter of the playful children resonating throughout the hall. As Father Ilija mentioned after the parastos, whether or not the children fully understand why this day was remembered, they do understand that it has great importance and will slowly learn the reasons as they grow older. With this knowledge, they will continue to gather each year on the 4th of August just as we have this year, and ensure that the memory of the fall of Serbian Krajina and the long, historical struggle of its people for the Honourable Cross and Golden Freedom, will not be forgotten.
Source:
International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) has mobilized staff in its
“The numbers of those displaced by this conflict will increase every day,” says IOCC Regional Director George Antoun. “Their needs are basic and pressing: food, water, shelter, blankets and medical care,” he continued. IOCC has released funds to assist those who have been affected and is issuing an emergency appeal for additional support.
IOCC’s first humanitarian mission was to
To help in providing emergency relief, call IOCC’s donation hotline toll-free at 1-877-803-4622, make a gift on-line at www.iocc.org, or mail a check or money order payable to “IOCC” and write “Conflict in the Caucasus” in the memo line to: IOCC, P.O. Box 630225, Baltimore, Md. 21263-0225.
IOCC, founded in 1992 as the official humanitarian aid agency of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA), has implemented over $275 million in relief and development programs in 33 countries around the world.
Media: Contact Ms. Amal Morcos at 410-243-9820 or (cell) 443-823-3489.
Source:
http://www.iocc.org/news/8-11-08georgia.aspx
“We regret the loss of life on all sides and the escalation of this long standing conflict,” said International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) Chairman of the Board Alexander Machaskee. “IOCC stands ready to offer unconditional assistance to all who have been caught in the crossfire, and we fervently pray for those affected and an immediate cessation of hostilities,” he continued. IOCC has released emergency funds and mobilized its staff to respond to the growing refugee crisis through its local partners.
The presence of Russian troops in South Ossetia represents a major acceleration of this long term conflict that dates back to 1992 when separatists ended a war with Georgia and achieved a de facto autonomy.
IOCC’s first humanitarian mission was to Russia in 1992. It began providing emergency humanitarian relief to Georgia in 1994 when more than a quarter of a million people were displaced due to separatist fighting.
To help in providing emergency relief, call IOCC’s donation hotline toll-free at 1-877-803-4622, make a gift on-line at www.iocc.org, or mail a check or money order payable to “IOCC” and write “Conflict in the Caucasus” in the memo line to: IOCC, P.O. Box 630225, Baltimore, Md. 21263-0225.
IOCC, founded in 1992 as the official humanitarian aid agency of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA), has implemented over $275 million in relief and development programs in 33 countries around the world.
Source:
http://www.iocc.org/news/8-8-08georgia.aspx
will hold an akathist prayer service honoring the saint at 7 p.m. Aug. 27 at St. Innocent Orthodox Church, 23300 W. Chicago Road, Redford.St. Moses the Black is the Orthodox Christian patron saint of African-Americans. He was a 4th-century Ethiopian slave and gang leader who repented his sinful life and became a monastic in the Egyptian desert, known for his humility, wisdom and power over demons.
An akathist is a hymn that recalls the life of a saint, a holy event, or one of the persons of the Holy Trinity. The service on the 27th will include an akathist to St. Moses. The service is open to the public free of charge. There will be an informal discussion of the life of St. Moses following the service. Refreshments will be served.
For further information, call Sharon Gomulka, secretary of the Detroit chapter, at (248) 477-6411, or Robert Mitchell, chapter president, at (313) 866-8630.
Founded in 2007, the Detroit Metropolitan Chapter is the first regional chapter of the Brotherhood of St. Moses the Black (http://www.mosestheblack.org/), a national organization of African-American Orthodox Christians. Its mission is to bring the faith of Orthodox Christianity to African Americans and others of African descent.
Source:
Orthodox Peace Fellowship to hold North American Conference in September
0 Comments Published by georgy on at 11:01 PM.
His Eminence, Archbishop Lazar, retired Archbishop of
For additional information or to register, send an e-mai to opfnorthamerica@gmail.com.
Source:
www.oca.org
UKRAINIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH OF THE
USA
Every year, as the Church celebrates the feast of All Saints, the roads to All Saints Ukrainian Orthodox Camp in Emlenton, PA see a multitude of cars bringing the youth of the Church to their Camp. This year would not be so different from the past years, if it were not for a wonderful and spiritually rewarding event in the life of the faithful – the consecration of the newly constructed Chapel of St. Thomas the Holy Apostle on the camp grounds. It has been a long time dream of generations of campers, clergy and the camp staff to erect a permanent chapel, where the youth can worship God and be instructed in the precepts of the our Faith.
Various committees have worked throughout the years searching for the ways and means to build the chapel. It was not until three years ago that a generous donor approached Metropolitan Constantine offering to donate the funds necessary for the construction of a permanent home of worship for the youth from our parishes all around the USA and Canada who spend part of their summer vacation time at All Saints Camp participating in various encampments of the Consistory’s Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, directed by Natalie Kapeluck-Nixon: Church School Camp, Teenage Conference, Mommy/Daddy and Me. In addition to these programs there are many other events that take place at the Camp during camping season, bringing the faithful closer to God and instructing them in the rich traditions of their Ukrainian heritage.Source:
http://www.uocofusa.org/news_080626_1.html
Council of Bishops of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA
Dearly beloved Clergy and Faithful of our Holy Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA:
GLORY TO JESUS CHRIST!
As you most assuredly have heard by now, major flooding has once again occurred in Western Ukraine during the last days of July, 2008. The damage estimates have already surpassed the two billion dollar mark and will probably increase. According to the United States Embassy in Kyiv, 36 people have died as the result of the flooding and more than 40,000 homes have been damaged or destroyed completely. People are suffering and in desperate need of assistance.
We are hereby asking all our parishes, parish and Central Church organizations, along with the entire membership of our Church, to contribute to a special Ukraine Flood Victim Fund. The monies collected will be funneled through the U. S. Embassy in Kyiv, which is working closely with Ukrainian relief organizations to assist Ukrainian citizens in peril.
Please find it in your heart to contribute to this fund by immediately sending your donations to:
Ukraine Flood Victim Fund
P. O. Box 495
South Bound Brook, NJ 08880
Needless to say, time is of essence. The relief organizations in Ukraine have been doing an admirable job in reaching the victims of the flooding with that aid that has been provided by the U.S. Government and other governments and agencies, but as we all know, these funds are not without limits. Other resources, such as donations from you, the faithful and clergy of our UOC of the USA, are an absolute necessity.
We hope to hear from you very soon. Thank you and God bless you for your kindness and for reaching out to those in need. This is our calling – from Christ Himself: “What you do for the least of these…you do for Me.”
May the blessing of our Lord remain with all of you!
+Constantine, Metropolitan
+Antony, Archbishop
+Daniel, Bishop
Source:
http://www.uocofusa.org/news_080808_1.html
Source:
Over 500 representatives of youth organizations assembled near the European Union representation in Moscow on Saturday to pray for Georgia to stop aggression against South Ossetia. The prayer service was addressed to St. George - the heavenly protector of the
"We believe Saakashvili betrays Orthodoxy when he strikes Orthodox peoples together," the interviewee of the agency said. Nashi, Molodaya Gvardiya and Mestniye movements also took part in the event. The participants prayed under slogans: "
Source:
http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=5068
Ilia II urges Tbilisi and Tskhinvali to peaceful settlement
0 Comments Published by georgy on at 10:33 PM.
"Georgian authorities stand for peaceful settlement of the conflict and are ready to carry out the policy of peace. I hope the Ossetian party will not exacerbate the situation. Centuries-old friendship and family relations bond Georgian and Ossetian people and what is most important we united with Christian faith and must live peacefully without blood," Ilia II's statement says.
Source:
http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=5062
Referring to the appeal of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II of Georgia who urged to peace, Patriarch Alexy also turned his "ardent call" to those "who are blind with enmity": "Stop! Don't let more blood shed! Don't let today's conflict boil over! Show wisdom and courage: come to negotiating table to respect traditions, outlook and hopes of Georgian and Ossetian people."
The Patriarch has stated the Russian Orthodox Church is ready to unite its efforts with the
Source:
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Congratulated Catholicos Patriarch of All Georgia on Angel’s Day
0 Comments Published by georgy on Friday, August 8 at 10:45 PM.
Source:
Source:
Session of the Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church was held on August 5, 2008
0 Comments Published by georgy on at 6:29 PM.
JOURNAL No 60
The Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in its session presided over by His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr of Kyiv and All Ukraine, CONSIDERED the information of His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr of Kyiv and All Ukraine on the festivities dedicated to the 1020th anniversary of the Baptism of Rus. Reference. Between July 25 -28, 2008 in accordance with the Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Journal № 42 of May 31, 2007) the festivities dedicated to the 1020th anniversary of the Baptism of Rus were held. Taking part in the festive events were His All Holiness Archbishop of Constantinople - New Rome Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia, His Beatitude Archbishop Hieronymos of Athens and All Greece, His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana and All Albania, representatives of the Churches of Alexandria, Antioch, Jerusalem, Georgia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Poland, Czech lands and Slovakia and the Orthodox Church of America. On July 25 President of Ukraine Victor Yushchenko signed Decree № 668/2008, stipulating the establishment of the new state holiday - Day of the Baptism of Rus, which is to be celebrated annually on July 28, on the commemoration day of the Holy Equal to the Apostles Prince Vladimir. This Decree is a response to the initiative which has been more than once expressed by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. On July 27at St. Vladimir's Hill His All Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew, His Holiness Patriarch Alexy and His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr of Kyiv and All Ukraine together with the representatives of the other local Orthodox Churches celebrated the Divine Liturgy. President of Ukraine Victor Yushchenko and other state officials were present at the Divine Liturgy. The same day, July 27, at the residence of His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr the negotiations between the Patriarchs of Constantinople and Moscow were held n the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, which was an important step for the development of relations of the two local Churches. The Patriarch emphasized that overcoming the Ukrainian church schisms should be carried out consistently in the canonical way. On July 27in the evening His All Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch departed to Istanbul. On July 28, the commemoration day of the Holy Equal to the Apostles Prince Vladimir His Holiness the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexy II, His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana and All Albania and His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr of Kyiv and All Ukraine in concelebration of the representatives of the local Orthodox Churches, episcopate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, hierarchs from Russia, Belarus, Moldova (about 150 bishops) celebrated the Divine Liturgy in the Cathedral square in front of the Cathedral of Holy Dormition of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. On July 28 in the evening the Solemn Academy dedicated to the 1020th anniversary of the Baptism of Kyivan Rus was held in the National Palace Ukraine, where His Holiness Patriarch Alexy and His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr made greeting speeches. On July 28 in the night His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II departed to Moscow. RESOLVED:1. To praise the Lord for His mercy to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and the Ukrainian people, which revealed in the worthy celebration of the 1020th Anniversary of the Baptism of Kyivan Rus. 2. To express gratitude to His All Holiness Archbishop of Constantinople - New Rome the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, His Holiness the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia ALexy I, His Beatitude Archbishop Hieronymos of Athens and All Greece, His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana and All Albania, and representatives of other Local Orthodox Churches, who took part in the festive events and confirmed the unity of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church with the Orthodox world community. 3. To express gratitude to the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr of Kyiv and All Ukraine for his firm stance in assertion of unity, canonical foundations of being and activity of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the framework of organizing and holding the festivities dedicated to the 1020th anniversary of the Baptism of Rus. 4. To express satisfaction of the concelebration of the Holy Patriarchs Bartholomew and Alexy with the Primates and representatives of other local Orthodox Churches, testifying to the unity of Universal Orthodoxy. 5. To express satisfaction of the negotiations between the Holy Patriarch Bartholomew and Alexy held at the residence of the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. 6. To welcome the initiatives of the Most Holy Patriarchs as for overcoming church splits in Ukraine. To call on the archpastors, pastors and all faithful children of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and also those who, as we believe, stay temporarily stay out of the walls of the Church of Christ to promote the quickest possible restoration of the unity of the Ukrainian Orthodoxy on the principles of canon law and in the spirit of Christian love. 7. To send the letter of gratitude to President of Ukraine Victor Yushchenko for the support of the initiative of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and for establishment of the state holiday "Day of the Baptism of Kyivan Rus-Ukraine".8. To express gratitude to the Synodal Jubilee Committee with the Most Reverend Mytrophan, Archbishop of Bila Tserkva and Bohuslav, as well as to all the state agencies, church and public leaders, private persons who had taken part in preparation of the festivities.
JOURNAL № 61
The Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in its session presided over by His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr of Kyiv and All Ukraine, CONSIDERED the information of His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr of Kyiv and All Ukraine on the tragic consequences of inundation in the western regions of Ukraine.RESOLVED:1. To pray unto the Lord for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for the health of the victims of the natural disaster. 2. To express compassion to the relatives of the deceased. 3. To send the telegrams of condolence to the heads of Regional Administrations of the areas damaged by natural disaster. 4. To appeal to the Hierarchs, clergy and the faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church to provide possible financial and material aid to the victims. To appoint responsible for fulfillment the Most Reverend Onuphry, Metropolitan of Chernivtsi and Bukovyna and Chairman of Department for Charity and Social Ministry of the UOC archdeacon Sergiy Kosovkyi.
JOURNAL № 62
The Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in its session presided over by His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr of Kyiv and All Ukraine, CONSIDERED the report of the Most Reverend Ephraim, Archbishop of Kryvyi Rih and Nikopol, Head of the Synodal Department for Religious Education and Catechization on the approval of the following composition of the Synodal Department for Religious Education and Catechization:1. The Most Reverend Ephraim, Archbishop of Kryvyi Rih and Nikopol, Head of the Synodal Department for Religious Education and Catechization;2. The Most Reverend Ilariy, Bishop of Sumy and Okhtyrka - Deputy Head of Голови;3.Archpriest Anatoly Zatovskyi, clergymen of the Diocese of Kyiv, Head of All Ukraine Pedagogical Fellowship;4. Achimandrite Jonah (Cherepanov), Deputy Abbot of St. Jonas' Holy Trinity Monastery in Kyiv;5. Archpriest Dionysy Martyshym, teacher of the Kyiv Theological Academy and Seminary;6. Archpriest Volodymyr Rovynskyi, clergyman of the Diocese of Volodymyr-Volynskyi;7. Archpriest Igor Kovrovskyi, clergyman of the Diocese of Bila Tserkva;8. Archpriest Andriy Tkachov, clergyman of the Diocese of Kyiv;9. Archpriest Roman Kanyuka, clergyman of the Diocese of Kryvyi Rih;10. Archpriest Olexander Miroshnichenko, clergyman of the Diocese of Zaporizhzhya;11. Archpriest Olexander Popov, clergyman of the Diocese of Severodonetsk;12. Archpriest George Kholodyuk, clergyman of the Diocese of Vinnytsia;13. Archpriest Igor Ermolenko, clergyman of the Diocese of Dnipropetrovsk;14. Hegumen Aristarkh (Lebedev), teacher of the Kyiv Theological Academy and Seminary - Secretary of the Department;15. Hegumen Longuin (Chernukha), member of the All Ukraine Pedagogical Fellowship, teacher of the Kyiv Theological Academy and Seminary;16. Hegumen Nikolai (Pochtovyi), clergyman of the Kyiv Diocese.RESOLVED: to approve the abovementioned composition of the Synodal Department for Religious Education and Catechization.
JOURNAL № 63
The Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in its session presided over by His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr of Kyiv and All Ukraine, CONSIDERED the report of the Most Reverend Ephraim, Archbishop of Nikopol and Kryvyi Rih on retirement of the Abbess of St. Michael's Convent of Dniprodzerzhynsk of the Diocese of Kryvyi Rih Hegumeness Tavifa (Gurenko) for health reasons, and on appointment of nun Iuliania (Zagorulko) to the office of the Abbess of the Convent with elevation to the rank of hegumeness and imposition of the pectoral cross according to the post.RESOLVED: 1. To remove Hegumeness Tavifa (Gurenko) from the office of the Abbess of St. Michael's Convent of Dniprodzerzhynsk of the Diocese of Kryvyi Rih for health reasons;2. To appoint the Abbess of St. Michael's Convent of Dniprodzerzhynsk of the Diocese of Kryvyi Rih nun Iuliania (Zagorulko) to the office of the Abbess of the Convent with elevation to the rank of hegumeness and imposition of the pectoral cross according to the post.
JOURNAL № 64
The Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in its session presided over by His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr of Kyiv and All Ukraine, CONSIDERED the report of Archimandrite Philaret (Zverev), Chairman of Liturgical Theological Commission to the Holy Synod of the UOC on approval of the draft of the Work Concept of Liturgical Theological Commission to the Holy Synod of the UOC.RESOLVED: to approve the presented draft of the Work Concept of Liturgical Theological Commission to the Holy Synod of the UOC.
On 105th Anniversary of Discovery of Relics of St. Seraphim of Sarov His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr celebrated Divine Liturgy in St. Panteleimon
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Consecration of the New Church and Monastic Complex at the 'St. Anna' Skete in Sinaia
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Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Eastern America - Diocesan Day 2008
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With the blessing of His Grace Bishop Mitrophan of Eastern America the 2008 Diocesan Day celebration was held on Sunday August 3, 2008. Special guest and con-celebrant at the Holy Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Sunday morning was His Grace Bishop Longin of the New Gracanica Diocese, assisted by nineteen diocesan clergy and five deacons. Four clergy were also in attendance and not serving, including Rev. Zivojin Jakovljevic, the director of the camp who led the children's choir during the liturgy. Mother Ana and Sister Anastasija from Monastery Marcha also attended the diocesan event.Bishop Mitrophan delivered the homily following the Divine Liturgy addressing the children in particular as Shadeland continues to have a very exciting part in the hearts of children. Using a spiritually edifying story the bishop pointed out to the children, as well as to all the faithful in attendance that morning, the need for every Christian to protect not only their physical bodies but more importantly their souls from corruption and eternal punishment.The traditional Program put on by the campers was held that afternoon in the newly built pavilion. Bishop Mitrophan, in his remarks at the beginning of the program, pointed out the work that was done in Shadeland this year which included the church, the new pavilion as well as the house still under construction to be used next year for the mothers who help in the kitchen during the season. OCA, other autocephalous Churches, represented at celebration of 1020th Anniversary of the Baptism of Kyivan Rus'
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Concelebrating the Divine Liturgy were His All-Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople; His Holiness, Patriarch Aleksy II of Moscow and All Rus'; His Beatitude, Archbishop Hieronimos II of Athens and All Greece; His Beatitude, Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana and All Albania; and His Beatitude, Metropolitan Vladimir of Kyiv and All Ukraine; as well as numerous hierarchs from Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Moldova, and the autocephalous churches. Ukrainian President Victor Yuschenko also was present at the service.
After the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Seraphim offered greetings on behalf of His Beatitude, Metropolitan Herman. This monument was erected in 1853. The magnificent figure of the holy prince, holding a cross in his right hand and a prince's cap in his left, is a Kyiv landmark, measuring 20.5 meters in height. Thousands of faithful from Kyiv, other regions in Ukraine, and abroad gathered for the Divine Liturgy, which was broadcast on large screens placed in various parts of the adjacent park. The Divine Liturgy was also broadcast live by several TV channels. Other members of the OCA delegation included Archimandrite Zacchaeus, OCA Representative to the Moscow Patriarchate, and Archpriests Vladimir Alexeiev and Oleg Kirillov.
OCA Holy Synod discusses Town Hall Meetings, Special Investigating Committee, during teleconference
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PATRIARCHAL CON-CELEBRATION OF THE TWO PATRIARCHS OF ALEXANDRIA AND GEORGIA
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On 2nd August 2008 (20th July according to the local typikon), in great ecclesiastical splendour, the two Venerable Primates of Alexandria and Georgia concelebrated in the packed Cathedral, known as the Church of the Holy Cross, where the sheep-skin cloth of the Prophet Elijah is treasured. Before the end of the Divine Liturgy, in which the Members of the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Georgia participated, as did His Eminence Gregory of Cameroon and His Grace Damaskinos of Ghana, His Beatitude Theodoros II, addressed His Beatitude Ilia II, who was celebrating his name day, and spoke of the multifaceted work which he has completed during his thirty year tenure as Patriarch and awarded him the highest honour of the Alexandrian Patriarchate, the Great Cross of St Mark, together with Hierarchal pectoral crosses. His Beatitude Ilia, thanked His Beatitude for the great honour, which he defined as an honour for the Georgian people. He emphaised the great significance of the visit of His Beatitude Theodoros II to the Church of Georgia, emphasizing especially that the “local Church of Iberia will always be dynamically present in the great Orthodox family of the world, keeping the tradition of the holy Fathers of our faith, from which it will never stray. We are all one Apostolic Church , which received its spiritual heritage from the Apostles Andrew, Simon the Canaanite, Matthias and Thaddeus… Your presence also signifies that the relations between the two Church have never been severed and today, you bring to us from Egypt , the blessings of the holy Alexandrian Patriarchs, the Great Theologians, the God-inspired Catechists and Ascetics of the desert, whose living continuation you are. You brought us peace and for this we thank you”. He than gave His Beatitude an icon of St Nicholas of traditional Georgian art. An official festival lunch followed. On the evening of the same day, the Venerable Primate of the Throe of St mark met the Members of the SAE council of the area in Tbilisi , with whom he discussed the situation and problems of the Greek Communities of Georgia. That night, the two Primates, together with His Excellency the President of Georgia, Mr. Mihail Saaksvili, and the Chairman of the Parliament Mr. David Bakradze, attended a concert hosted at the Tbilisi Opera in honour of His Beatitude.HIS BEATITUDE MEETS WITH HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRIME MINISTER OF GEORGIA
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His Holiness stressed the contribution of the Armenian community of Iran to the development of the country and expressed his satisfaction for the inclusion of three Armenian monasteries in Iran (including the Monastery of Saint Tate) in UNESCO’s list of international heritage sites. He praised the position of the Iranian government and the Ministry of Culture in particular towards Armenian sanctuaries.
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The First Hierarch's Letter of Condolence to the Widow of Aleksandr I. Solzhenitsyn
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It is with a sense of profound pain that I received the news of the repose of Aleksandr Isaievich Solzhenitsyn, who during the horrific years of the godless regime bore incredibly courageous witness to the truth, speaking out about the sufferings of our fellow Russians. Thanks to Aleksandr Isaievich, we who found ourselves in foreign lands we able to learn and understand those in lonely confinement, and with them all who were undergoing tribulation in our homeland, especially those imprisoned behind the icy walls of the all-embracing Soviet prison cell, persecuted for their faith and conscience.
Glory to God! through the prayers of the holy new-martyrs and confessors of Russia, Christ has risen in the hearts of many Russian people, the builders of that prison cell have been dispersed as enemies of God, and its icy walls have vanished "as wax melts in the presence of fire". Even there, the suffering confessors sensed our prayers, our participation. It fills our soul with joy that Aleksandr Isaievich, who always zealously testified to the sufferings of Russia, was able to witness the gradual spiritual rebirth of our nation, which began twenty years ago, in the year marking the millennial anniversary of the conversion of Russia to Christianity.
For his testimony, for his active love for our traditions and the ideals of Old Russia, for his priceless contribution toward the preservation and increase of our rich Russian culture, which was nurtured by the spirituality of our God-bearing nation, for his service to God and neighbor, we believe that the Lord will bless Aleksandr Isaievich with everlasting rest and peace, and you, dear Natalia Dmitrievna, and your whole family, with help from above, good health and length of days.
May his memory be eternal, and his rest with the saints!
With love in the Lord,
+Hilarion, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York,First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia 4 August 2008
Moscow, August 7, Interfax - Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia together with many other people prayed for the repose of Alexander Solzhenitsyn's soul. The Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church addressed those who came to the writer's funerals held in the Moscow Donskoy monastery, the Patriarchate's press service reports. Alexy II again expressed his condolences to the family of the late. "I kiss the late for the last time and pray to Master of life our Lord Jesus Christ to repose the His late servant Alexander in the heavenly dwellings," his address reads. The patriarch noted that Solzhenitsyn reflected on his future earthily decease "with Christian dignity and calmness... he believed death is a transition from temporary existence to life everlasting.""The Lord granted him power and courage to bear the cross of standing for truth, to work in the literary field for the memory of those who suffered for faith and truth in dark years of the last century but managed to live honestly and in good conscience," Patriarch Alexy writes.According to him, the whole Solzhenitsyn's life is "a worthy example of serving to truth, devotion to his vocation and God's given mission.""He spared no effort to make people know the truth about tragic but heroic past of our country. In his witness to truth, suffering for it, he stuck to his life principle: a word of truth conquers the world. His spiritual testament to the present and future generations is based on this conviction and adherence to truth," the Church primate believes and hopes the Lord will forgive "all transgressions both voluntary and involuntary of His late servant." Solzhenitsyn initiated many good undertakings and faced trials with dignity - Alexy II
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Educational Seminars Held in Cyprus for the Second Year
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The daily seminar lectures and workshops focus on proven methods of teaching history and Greek as a second language. Participating teachers also have the opportunity to visit historical and religious sites of Cyprus and meet some of the country’s leaders including Archbishop Chrysostomos of Cyprus and President Demetris Christofias.
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The Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem Computerizes Records
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The data, spread over more than 220 musty pages of three ancient "domars" (registers) maintained by the Patriarchate's scriptorium, was photographed by one of Jerusalem's leading artists, Garo Nalbandian.
Patriarchate sources revealed that the pages had become brittle and in several cases the running ink had made the painstaking handwritten script almost illegible.
Enshrined on computer CD-ROMs, the registers, which are primarily lists of the details of the births, marriages and deaths of the Armenian community of the Old City over the past 170 years, will now be permanently preserved for posterity within the Patriarchate archives.
The Patriarchate has also acceded to a request by the Kaghakatzi Armenian Family Tree project, which assisted in the rescue effort, to have a copy hosted on the project website, http://www.kaghakatzi.org
The information will be accessible to members of the Kaghakatzi community whose forebears appear in the registers.
The Project's participation in the rescue operation is part of its efforts to safeguard the history and culture of the members of the unique Kaghakatzi ("native dwelling") community of the Old City.
These efforts have resulted in the compilation of a database listing close to a hundred Kaghakatzi clans, covering more than 2400 names.
But only as far back as 1840.
What of those who went before?
Armenians have been living in Jerusalem even before the advent of Christianity - but documents or records attesting to their presence in the Holy Land around that era are hard to come by.
Even before Thaddeus and Bartholomew, the two apostles of Jesus of Nazareth who according to tradition brought Christianity to a heathen Armenia, a large number of the denizens of that rocky region had already set up home in Jerusalem, the sleepy village that had become a distant outpost of the empire carved out by Armenian emperor Tigranes II some 150 years before the birth of Jesus.
Tigranes invaded Syria and Palestine, extending his empire from the Caspian Sea to the Mediterranean, and left behind sizeable garrisons and colonies of Armenians to hold the fort and show the flag.
When in 301 AD King Tiridates adopted Christianity as Armenia's state religion, the epoch-making move gave added impetus to an enthusiastic influx of Armenians eager to chase the lodestone of rejuvenation in the new faith, in the city of the Christ.
The colonies endured and flourished. Caught up in the zeal of the new religion, the Armenian pilgrims laid down streets and put up houses, established churches and monasteries, and created mosaics and institutions. Out of that exuberance emerged a whole new compound, claiming over a quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem as its private enclave.
In the middle of that enclave, the Armenians crafted a magnificent church within a convent and there established the Holy See of St James, with Abraham later becoming its first patriarch.
The pilgrims were lavish in their largesse to the church and the Patriarchate soon became a major repository of Armenian treasures. The Armenians gave free rein to their creative spirit, giving the city its first printing press and photographic studio.
For over two millennia, the Patriarchate of St James has held and added to its variegated treasures, mementos of the caravan of Armenians who had lived, worked and died in the Old City of Jerusalem.
And during all that time, Patriarchate scribes continued to keep a running commentary of the lives of the community and the congregation, tracing their lineage, encrusting their names and memories into its venerable domars.
Although the genealogical records that have been unearthed so far go back only as far as 1840, there is uncertainty about the existence of any prior ones.
The current incumbent of the Holy See, Patriarch Torkom Manoogian, has almost single handedly streamlined the laborious archival system of the patriarchate of St James, propelling it into the IT age, but despite all his heroic efforts, there is still much left to do.
His fondest dream is to computerize the whole range of the Patriarchate's extensive archives, a job too daunting to even contemplate at the moment: a researcher could spend a lifetime delving into the Patriarchate's paper mountain, and still come short of sorting everything out.
There are countless numbers of ancient records languishing in one corner or other of the Patriarchate, but hardly anyone on the Patriarchate staff can spare the time or effort to research or catalogue or computerize them.
And few are qualified to undertake the job.
"It is true the patriarchate has more employees than there are able bodied men and women in the community,” Patriarchate sources say. "But what it requires is someone of the calibre of Archbishop Norayr Bogharian" (who spent years creating a definitive catalogue of the thousands of illustrated Armenian manuscripts owned by St James).
In the meantime, the Kaghakatzi Armenian Family Tree project continues to forge ahead with its mission, adding another batch of names to the database of genealogical information it has compiled.
The number of names now stands at over 2400. And still counting.
"There are still many gaps left to fill," the organizers say. "We need more information - we've barely scratched the surface. The Kaghakatzis thrived on custom and tradition, on anecdotes and tall tales, on escapades and adventure, on songs and jokes. On exquisite cuisine. On Khoren the Jamgotch's Sunday call to prayer. Our aim is to elicit these reminiscences and memories, and preserve them. And out there among Kaghakatzi descendants, there must still be truckloads of old photographs, pleading to be brought back to life."
" A-avodyan lov3s e /akovm," Khoren would sing, as he pounded the cobblestones lining the alleys of the Armenian Quarter. "In the morning, light has dawned."
If the Kaghakatzi Armenian Family Tree project has its way, that light will never wane.
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Pope Shenouda: Solve Abou Fana Crisis within 15 Days, No to Expatriate Copts’ Demonstrations
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Pope Shenouda III stressed the necessity of settling the Abou Fana crisis within 15 days for the sake of the country’s security and integrity.
Christian businessman Eid Labib reported the Pope’s refusal of the latest actions by expatriate Copts, who staged a series of demonstrations in several European countries in protest against what they considered as persecution of Copts in Egypt. Labib affirmed that the Pope described expatriate Copts’ conduct as individual and unacceptable.
Mr. Labib made these declarations on Sunday after his return from the US with his work team, which included Mr. Alaa Hasanin, an MP from a constituency close to the monastery, and counselor Hani Aziz, head of the Egyptians Abroad Union.He said that the Pope called on them to solve the monastery problem within 15 days so that expatriate Copts had no excuse to stage more demonstrations.
He also pointed out that the Pope had phoned Governor Ahmed Diaa Eddin to offer his condolences for the death of his sister’s son.Mr. Alaa said that the Pope had urged once more for the “real assaulters” - as he put it - mentioned in the investigations to be captured and for the monastery walls to be built quickly.
He added that the Pope stressed on the necessity to hold a meeting between the Governor and Malawi Bishop, Anba Demitrios, to bring their points of view closer and solve the problem.He also affirmed that the meeting would be held today and would discuss ways to legalize the situation of illegal occupiers and the possibility to hold a meeting behind closed doors between the two parties to end the conflict.
His Beatitude Daniel Urges Faithful to Pray and Perform Good Deeds during the Dormition Fast
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Now, when many of our neighbors are passing through difficult times following the unmerciful flooding of waters, and other problems and needs, we fatherly urge the clergy and faithful of our churches and monasteries that, each day during this fasting period, to read the Paraklisis or Service of Intercession to the Theotokos, to multiply the fruits of prayer, fasting and good deeds, with hope in the word of our Savior Jesus Christ: 'Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.' (Mark 11, 24)
Praying to 'the Mother of God, the joy of those grieved,' we should offer, during this time of spiritual enlightenment, through prayer and good deeds, the spiritual and material support, according to the possibilities of each of us, to our brothers who need our help, especially to those who were left stranded by the floods.
† Daniel
Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church
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HIS BEATITUDE THEODOROS II ARRIVES IN TBILISI IN GEORGIA
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On the same day, the Venerable Primate of the Alexandrian Church was officially welcomed to the Patriarchal Mansion of Tbilisi by His Beatitude Ilia II of All Georgia and the Members of the Holy Synod.
During his address His Beatitude Ilia II, mentioned the long ties which bind the two Patriarchal Thrones, as well as the personal bonds of their two predecessors, and emphasized the significance of the visit of His Beatitude for Georgia and the Georgian people. He also asked for the prayers of His Beatitude for the people of Georgia .
In his reply, His Beatitude Theodoros II, visibly moved said among other things: “I come as a humble pilgrim to the blessed land of Georgia , which is an Apostolic place, so that I may gain strength and blessing for the continuation for my missionary service on the much suffering African continent”. Finally, according to ancient Patriarchal custom, he gave a piece of the relics of the Apostle and Evangelist Matthew from the Patriarchal Sacristy in Alexandria , to bless the people of the local Church.
In honour of His Beatitude, the Choir of the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Tbilisi, sang ecclesiastical hymns of praise.
An official lunch was then hosted, attended by His Excellency the Minister of Culture Mr. Nikola Vatseveitsve, the Erudite Chairman of the Academy of ciences and the Mayor of Tbilisi, Mr. Mamouka Ahevelentiani.
That evening, the two Primates visited the National Centre of Manuscripts and they were taken on a conducted tour by the Manager of the Centre, Mr. Mpoympa Oyntava, where the most important of the 10,000 stored manuscripts are found. They also attended a presentation of the maintenance and restoration of these manuscripts. His Beatitude Theodoros II of Alexandria , expressed his gratitude for this guided tour and the information given, spoke of the recently renovated Patriarchal Library of Alexandria and invited the staff of the Centre to visit it, to study the Georgian manuscripts kept there.
Later, an official dinner was hosted by Mr. Mamouka Ahevelentiani, the Mayor of Tbilisi, in honour of His Beatitde, who, during his short speech in Greek, defined the visit of the Primate of the Alexandrian Church to the city of Tbilisi as a blessing.
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BURR RIDGE, IL [OCA Communications] -- On the evening of Thursday, July 24, 2008, Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church, Burr Ridge, IL, hosted the Chicago area Town Hall Meeting in preparation for the OCA's 15th All-American Council. His Eminence, Archbishop Job of Chicago and the Midwest was present for the meeting and OCA chancellor, Archpriest Alexander Garklavs, served as facilitator. Over 100 people took part in the meeting.
Echoing sentiments of other Town Hall Meetings, participants at the Burr Ridge meeting expressed feelings of hurt, broken trust and frustration over the financial mismanagement that took place at the OCA Chancery. They also called for increased transparency, a clearer understanding of the relationship between the central administration and the dioceses, honesty, the release of the Special Investigation reports, and a final answer to Archbishop Job's initial question, "Are the allegations true or false?"
Some participants spoke of the central Church administration being too large for a Church the size of the OCA. Others noted that problems arose decades ago when, in loosing vision, Church membership began to think that the OCA was much larger than it was in reality. "We started seeing what was in essence a lemonade stand as a 'Fortune 500' company," noted one participant. Some called for a downsizing of the administration and for moving the OCA chancery to another location.
Another comment expressed at the gathering, heard also at other Town Hall meetings, was that the OCA should give more priority to the pursuit of Orthodox administrative unity in North America. "If we're the local autocephalous Church, we should be at the forefront of unity," said one participant. A number of participants emphasized the importance of the OCA should be playing in North American Orthodoxy, and on the larger Orthodox landscape. "The OCA represents that pan-Orthodox inclusive vision of what the Church is to be," another participant said. "It is more important than ever to continue to represent that." Another participant said, "We have nothing to be afraid of. We have the strength and joy. Maybe part of the growing pains of having an Orthodox Church in this country is to grow out of what has happened."
In his remarks at the end of the meeting, Fr. Alexander Garklavs said that there is a clear need for the Church to have a central administration but that events of recent years demonstrate that the administration's relationship with the wider Church must be redefined. He also spoke with a sense of hope about the future of OCA: "God is driving us, guiding us into resolving these issues. There is no Orthodox Church that would have Town Hall meetings with a bishop and chancellor listening. With our ability to forgive, to pray, to commune together, God will lead us out of this time of trouble."
In his closing remarks, His Eminence, Archbishop Job said that he felt confident in the stance that the Diocese of the Midwest has taken in response to the revelations of financial mismanagement in the OCA central administration. He also thanked all participants for their input, stating that all the voices of all members of the Church's "royal priesthood" were of value. "These Town Hall meetings are so important," His Eminence said. "We could give a blue print for world Orthodoxy on how to solve difficult problems. We are experiencing conciliarity. That is a good thing. What we are doing tonight is the work of the whole Church. It is an exciting time. Yes it has been difficult. But it is all worthwhile. I thank you for support prayers and love."
The next Town Hall meetings will take place on Thursday, July 31, 2008, at St. John the Forerunner Orthodox Church in Indianapolis, IN, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Intercession of the Holy Virgin Church, Carnegie, PA, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
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www.oca.org
The donation is designated for the NYC 9/11 Unmet Needs Roundtable, which addresses the needs of victims, survivors, families, and recovery workers affected by the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
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www.oca.org
IOCC aids Iraqi Families in conflict-ridden Sadr City
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BALTIMORE, MD [IOCC] -- International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), the Baltimore-based humanitarian aid organization, announces a new grant that will provide food and emergency supplies to vulnerable families living in Sadr City, one of the poorest and most densely populated districts of Baghdad. The approximately $400,000 grant, awarded to IOCC by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), will assist approximately 2,400 vulnerable families in this predominantly Shiite area, the site of continuous heavy fighting between insurgents and multi-national forces.
The aim of IOCC's latest program to assist Iraqis affected by the war is to provide families with high protein foods to reduce malnutrition rates as well as hygiene supplies for at least three months. One in four children under five years of age in Iraq is chronically malnourished.
The residents of Sadr City who will benefit from the distribution include low income families, single-headed households, orphans, the elderly, invalids, and internally displaced persons (IDPs).
"The effects of war and the general economic slowdown exacerbated by 12 years of economic sanctions have adversely affected Iraq's food security," says George Antoun, IOCC's Regional Director. More than 60% of Iraqi families are entirely dependent on the government's food ration program, however the Iraqi government has announced plans to end the program for some citizens this year.
IOCC has previously worked in Sadr City and will cooperate with local authorities in the distribution. IOCC's most recent aid to Iraq included a distribution of food and hygiene supplies in early 2008 to 3,000 families living in Baghdad and Mosul.
IOCC, founded in 1992 as the official humanitarian aid agency of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA), has implemented over $275 million in relief and development programs in 33 countries around the world. IOCC is a member of Action by Churches Together (ACT) International.
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http://www.oca.org/news/1603
New Parish of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia
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With the blessing of the ever-memorable Metropolitan Laurus, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, at the decision of the Diocesan Council, a directive, dated 15 February 2008, was received authorizing the inauguration of a new parish and the building of a new church, dedicated to Saint John of Shanghai & San Francisco, in the town of Framingham.
The Directive reads, in part: "We believe that our decision will be beneficial to the Russian Orthodox community…"
With God's help, a wonderful plot of land was found (house included), and over the course of a month, through the labors of the parishioners, the renovation of the ground floor was accomplished. Attention was first devoted, of course, to providing a temporary church: the iconostasis was constructed, the altar-table…
The following morning (July 5th), the Divine Liturgy was celebrated, followed by a service of supplication and a church procession.
About forty parishioners attended the Divine Liturgy, half of whom, some twenty individuals, received Holy Communion.
Father Roman preached a sermon rich in content and spiritually beneficial, sincerely congratulated the parishioners on the remarkable occasion, and expressed his thanks to all who had made their contributions toward the construction work on the church and his desire that love and mutual understanding thrive within the parish.
The celebration concluded with a festal meal.
Fourth Meeting of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the West Coas
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BISHOP MAXIM HOSTS THE 4TH MEETING OF THE CANONICAL BISHOPS IN THE WEST COST
On Wednesday, July 30th, 2008, the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the West Coast held their fourth meeting at the Diocesan Headquarters of the Western American Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Alhambra, California. In attendance were In His Eminence, Metropolitan GERASIMOS (Greek), His Grace, Bishop JOSEPH (Antiochian), His Grace, Bishop BENJAMIN (OCA), and His Grace, Bishop MAXIM (Serbian) along with Fr. John Constantine (St. George Greek Orthodox Church), Rev. Great Economos Michel Najim (St. Nicholas Antiochian Cathedral), Archdeacon George Shishim (Assistant to His Grace, Bishop JOSEPH). Archpriest Ian MacKinnon, (Chancellor OCA), V. Rev. Michael Senyo (Holy Virgin Mary OCA Cathedral), and V. Rev. Nikola Ceko (Saint Steven's Serbian Cathedral).
Tuesday, October 28, 2008, Pan Orthodox Celebration of St. Paul Julilee
Sunday, November 23, 2008, IOCC Meeting, St. Steven's Cathedral, LA
Sunday of Orthodoxy 2009, St. Nicholas Antiochian Cathedral, Los Angeles
Wendesday, January 21, 2009, Meeting of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the West, to be held in San Francisco
ARMENIAN CHURCHES OF IRAN INCLUDED IN THE LIST OF UNESCO
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The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) this year officially registered the Monastery of Saint Tate in the Armenian Diocese of Azerbaijan (Iran) in its list of internationally recognized heritage sites. Included in the same list are the Monastic complex of Saint Stephanos and the Saint Asdvadzadzine Chapel of Dzor Dzor. On this occasion His Holiness Aram I in a letter to the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran welcomed “this great spiritual and cultural achievement and the important role of the Islamic Republic of Iran in this respect”.
Speaking about the importance of these religious sites, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I said: “Among these historically valuable religious structures, the Monastery of Saint Tate has a special importance and meaning for our people and church. It is where one of the first Apostles that brought Christianity to the Armenian nation, Saint Tateos, was martyred. The annual pilgrimage to Saint Tate is a centuries-old tradition for our people. On three occasions we have personally led the pilgrimage to Saint Tate”.
Considering the presence of these religious sites within the borders of the Islamic Republic of Iran “as a tangible expression of Christian-Muslim coexistence”, His Holiness emphasized the importance of deepening the dialogue of religions, cultures and civilizations.
PROSPECTS FOR INCREASED COOPERATION BETWEEN THE CATHOLICATE OF CICILIA AND THE GREEK CYPROTIC CHURCHES
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His Holiness Aram I recently met with the Spiritual Head of the Greek Church in Cyprus, Chrysostomos II, during his official visit to Cyprus. The Pontiff arrived to the Archbishop’s headquarters with his procession and was received at its entrance by Archbishop Chrysostomos himself. Accompanying His Holiness were Pontifical Vicar to Cyprus, Archbishop Varoujan Hergelian, Hagop Ateshian from the Central National Committee, Vartkes Mahdessian from the Armenian community of Cyprus, Dr. Antranig Ashdjian, chairman of the National Committee, Sebouh Tavitian, chairman of the Diocesan Committee, and Rev. Father Torkom Donoyan as Staff Bearer.
The meeting served as an opportunity for the further strengthening of the brotherly bonds between the heads of the two churches, already long-time acquaintances to one another. The prospects for the development of cooperation between the Catholicosate of Cilicia and the Greek Orthodox Church of Cyprus were discussed, including cooperation at the local level between the latter and the Armenian Prelacy.
His Holiness and the Archbishop talked about the activities of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC). As President of the Council the Pontiff talked about its future projects and the agenda of the MECC Executive Council’s important meeting in Cyprus in September. The two spiritual leaders also spoke about the meeting of the Saint Egidio organization in Cyprus in October, to which His Holiness Aram I is invitied. The two sides exchanged gifts at the end of the meeting.
Archbishop Chrysostomos organized a luncheon on honor of the Armenian Pontiff. The members of the Catholicos’ delegation and Bishops from the Greek Cypriot Synod were also present.
HIS HOLINESS ARAM I VISITS THE TURKISH OCCUPIED PARTS OF CYPRUS
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In the context of his official visit to Cyprus, His Holiness Aram I visited the Turkish-occupied territories of Cyprus, to visit the old Armenian Prelacy, the Saint Asdvadzadzine church and the Monastery of St. Magar in the region. The Pontiff was accompanied by the Pontifical Vicar to Cyprus, Archbishop Varoujan Hergelian, Hagop Ateshian from the Central National Council, Sebouh Tavitian, Chairman of the Diocesan Council and Dr. Antranig Achdjian, chairman of the National Council.
In the Turkish part of Nicosia His Holiness first visited the building of the Prelacy and the Saint Asdvadzadine church, then the Melikian-Ouzounian School, where a monument dedicated to the memory of the Armenian Genocide victims has been destroyed. The once Armenian club has now been turned into a Turkish cultural club.
His Holiness and his companions then moved forward to the Monastery of St. Magar, which was in a state of almost total destruction. His Holiness toured all the sections of the historic Monastery. A monument erected on the occasion of the late Catholicos Sahag II Khabayian’s visit to the region in 1938 still survives.
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HIS HOLINESS ARAM I MEETS WITH THE PRESIDENT OF CYPRUS
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His Holiness Aram I paid an official visit to the President of Cyprus, His Excellency Demetris Christofias, on July 21. His Holiness was accompanied by the Pontifical Vicar in Cyprus Archbishop Varoujan Hergelian, Hagop Ateshian from the Central National Committee, Vartkes Mahdessian from the Armenian community of Cyprus, Dr. Antranig Ashdjian, chairman of the Armenian National Committee and Sebouh Tavitian, chairman of the committee.
The first ever meeting between President Christofias and the Armenian Pontiff included several items on its agenda. In the first instance, His Holiness congratulated the President on the occasion of his election. Discussions revolved around several issues of interest to the Armenian community of Cyprus. In light of the negotiations for the island’s unification, His Holiness talked about the Monastery of Magar, the old prelacy and the Armenian Quarter situated in the Turkish part of Cyprus. The Cypriot President explained to His Holiness the details of these negotiations.
Prior to his departure from Lebanon His Holiness held a phone conversation with the President of Lebanon, His Excellency Michel Suleyman, whose greetings the Pontiff later conveyed to the Cypriot President. The Pontiff and the President also talked about the internal situation of Lebanon and the prospects for the improvement of relations between the two churches. President Christofias spoke in praise about the Armenian community of Cyprus and welcomed the stabilization of political life in Lebanon. The centuries-old friendship between the Armenian and Greek people was another topic on the agenda.
Given the shared historical experiences between the two nations, His Holiness stressed the importance of Cypriot support for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr presided over the Divine service dedicated to the feast of the Icon of Theotokos of Svyatogorsk
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Upon completion of the Divine Liturgy the liturgical procession with the Wonderworking Icon of Theotokos of Svyatogorsk started from the Cathedral of Holy Dormition and followed to the monument of the Mother of God, where the prayer service proclaiming "Many Years" was performed. Upon completion Metropolitan Clement of Kaluga and Borovsk addressed the Pilgrims. He congratulated those present on the feast of the Icon of Theotokos of Svyatogorsk and on the 1020th anniversary of the Baptism of Rus, and sent the blessing of His Holiness the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexy II to the orthodox flock of Donbass. Then the hierarchs, clergy and the pilgrims returned to the Cathedral of Holy Dormition where the liturgical procession concluded.
In conclusion the festive dinner was served for all guests.
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Solemn Academy and Concert in Palace “Ukraine” Concluded Official Programme of Baptism Anniversary Celebrations
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His Holiness the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexy II greeted those present and noted in his speech that "accepting the Holy Orthodoxy initiated the glorious history of our Church, defined the centuries-long ideal of the nations which received baptism in the Dnieper, shaped their consciousness and original spiritual image. It laid foundation for the development of writing, science, culture."
Having expressed satisfaction of the development and growth of the Ukrainian Church under the wise guidance of His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr, His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II congratulated His Beatitude on his name day.
Speaking of the religious situation in Ukraine, the Primate of the ROC, in particular, mentioned: "Being guided by the maternal Love, our Church wishes that those children of hers, who inconsiderately took their journey into a far country (Luke 15:13), returned to the father's house. But it might happen in accordance with the unshakeable laws of the Church".
"Concluding today the programme of the church celebrations in Kyiv, I would like to thank Your Beatitude, dear Vladyka Vladimir, from all my heart, as well as Your reliable assistants - hierarchs, clergy, monks and laity - for your love and hospitality, for the labours of preparation of the holiday you've taken. We also express deep gratitude to the representatives of publicity, to politicians, men of art, benefactors, journalists and all who contributed to successful conduction of festivities", said His Holiness and called to remember of unity and to preserve the precious indivisible inheritance, bequeathed by the Holy and Equal to the Apostles Prince Vladimir and the pious ancestors.
His Beatitude Volodymyr, Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine expressed the following hopes in his speech: "Let the Lord... gives us power, ability and confidence to strengthen faith in ourselves, to purify ourselves and to strive for coming unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:13).
The Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church thanked His Holiness the Patriarch Alexy II for his visit, for the prayers and his blessing, and expressed desire that His Holiness visited Ukraine more often.
The joint choir started the concert programme of the Kyiv Theological Academy and Seminary under the guidance of hegumen Roman (Pidlubnyak), who performed the canticles of the Holy Prince Vladimir and "O Russian Land". Then the overture of the opera "Taras Bulba" by Mykola Lysenko was performed by the State Academic Popular Symphonic Orchestra of Ukraine, and the choir of the Holy Trinity Jonah's Monastery (choirmaster - deacon Dmytro Bolgarskyi) sang Easter canticles of Byzantine chant. People's Artiste Volodymyr Gryshko performed arias from the opera "Ruslan and Liudmila" and "Cossacks in Exile".
After the archimandrite Sergiy Kosovskyi, head of the Synodal Department of Charity and Social Service of the UOC" pronounced "Many Years" to His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II, His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr and all the Orthodox Christians, His Holiness accompanied by His Beatitude and other hierarchs left the concert hall left the concert hall under applause.
The concert continued with performance of the National distinguished academic choir chapel "Dumka", of the Distinguished Artist of Ukraine Natalie Mykolayishin, the pianist Olga Zadorozhnyuk and other collectives and performers.
The same day in the evening His Holiness the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexy II returned to Moscow .
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Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I noted that "such talks are very useful for the sake of constructive dialogue especially if there are some problems between the fraternal Orthodox Churches". "We decided to work for improving relations between the two Orthodox Churches - that of Russia and of Constantinople, since we are both responsible for the unity of Orthodoxy", said His All Holiness the Patriarch of Constantinople-New Rome Bartholomew I. Also the Ecumenical Patriarch expressed hope that the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church would visit the Pan-Orthodox meeting which would be held in October 2008 in Istanbul.
His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia also supported idea of negotiations for solving the problems existing between the Churches." "Today the issues of controversy were claimed and we agreed that the delegations of our Churches must prepare certain developments in this connection. And we will make decisions corresponding with the interests of our Churches", he summed up.
Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations archimandrite Cyril (Hovorun) commented on the given meeting as follows: "The question of the Local Church is a great concern both of the state authorities and of the society; it is in the focus of attention of the entire Orthodox world, of the international community. To even more extent this issue is a great concern of the Church. We have spoken more then once of the need of ecclesiastic unity. This question was on the agenda of the Patriarchs' meeting. To my mind the main result achieved is that since now any steps aimed at overcoming splits in the Ukrainian Orthodoxy will be taken together. There will be no unilateral actions, no solely political initiatives. The cooperation between the Church and authorities, between the Churches in Ukraine and between the Churches at the Pan-Orthodox level will be improved. And this is the most obvious conclusion of the dialogue." "These negotiations really became a historical event for the relations between the two Churches, and in the newest history of the Orthodox Church in general. This dialogue can be called the most remarkable event among all the festivities on the occasion of the 1020th anniversary of the Baptism of Rus, These negotiations laid the foundation of the new stage of interrelations, of cooperation between the two greatest and the most influential Churches in the Orthodox world", stated head of the Department for External Church Relations.
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Representatives of Constantinople Patriarchate Received Awards from Primate of Ukrainian Orthodox Church
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Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine expressed his gratitude for the visit, for the sincere blessing, asked for the holy prayers and awarded all with certificates of honour of the Holy Synod and the anniversary orders of the 1020 years of the Baptism of Rus. The Ecumenical Patriarch and Archbishops also received Panagias and the priests were given pectoral crosses. The delegation members also received the film "Orthodox Churches and Monasteries of Ukraine" on the DVD (production of the TV Channel ‘Glas') and the disks "Ancient Russian Pascha" with records of the Choir of Holy Protection Church at the hospital of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.
The Ecumenical Patriarch thanked "for sincere hospitality and love during the visit", greeted once more on the feast of the Baptism of Rus: "This holiday reminds once again of the inextricable connections between Ukraine and Constantinople", noted His Holiness. "Ukraine has been forever in our hearts and now, after getting the orders it will be upon them", he summed up.
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KYIV. On St. Vladimir’s Hill Holy Patriarchs Celebrated Liturgy Dedicated to 1020th Anniversary of Baptism of Russia
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Concelebrating to the Ecumenical Patriarch were Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia, Archbishop Hieronymos of Athens and All Greece, Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana and All Albania, Metropolitan Volodymyr of Kyiv and All Ukraine, representatives of the Local Orthodox Churches. At the Liturgy that combined the Greek and Ukrainian traditions were praying and taking the Holy Communion the hierarchs of the Ukrainian and of the Russian Orthodox Churches, clergy of the Kyiv Diocese, Kyivans and guests of the capital. Among the high guests were president of Ukraine Victor Yushchenko (who soon left for the Ivano-Frankivsk region to support the victims of natural disaster), Secretary of the National Defence Council of Ukraine R.Bogatyriova, Minister of Defense Yuriy Ekhanurov, Head of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine A.Yatsenyuk. The Liturgy was accompanied by the singing of two choirs: the choir of the Kyiv Theological Academy and Seminary (choirmaster hieromonk Roman (Pidlubnyak)) and the Byzantine choir from Greece (under the guidance of L.Angelopoulos).
Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Metropolitan Volodymyr of Kyiv and All Ukraine noted in his address to all those present: "The split is an open and burning wound which cannot leave us indifferent. We hope for the solution of this problem. Our loving hearts are open for our brothers and we are ready to accept all of them". His Holiness the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexy II, addressing the clergy and the flock stated: "The Russian Orthodox Church has created all conditions for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, whose Primate is His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr, to fulfill her pastoral care of the Ukrainian nation. I am sure that this mission is fully compatible with preservation of the unity of Russian Orthodoxy". "The unity of Russian Orthodoxy cannot prevent full-flood life of the sovereign countries - successors of the Kyivan Rus. Our Church holds in respect their sovereignty and is interested in strengthening and welfare of their nations. She is open to the closest interrelation on the basis of the evangelic values with the authorities of every country where her flock lives', underscored the Primate of the ROC. In his sermon after the Liturgy Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I focused attention on the church unity and danger of splits. He noted that "the unity in Christ of the local as well as of the ecclesial body throughout the Œcumene cannot tolerate divisions or conflicts". "Any division of the ecclesial body offends its divine Head and renders the gifts of the Holy Spirit inoperative for those who are the cause of the division and those who are indifferent of it". The Ecumenical Patriarch stated that he Mother Church of Constantinople suffers together with the dearest daughter Church of Ukraine for the dangerous divisions of its ecclesial body and cares, as if it were her own body,", and assured that he for the speedy and full restoration of the desired and God-loving unity. On behalf of the Constantinople Church His All Holiness addressed all the participants of the long-term church confrontation in Ukraine with request "to consider each his own responsibilities and-in the name of God!-to act in sincerity, doing whatever is necessary for the peace and unity lest the evil, hardened in time, worsen with obvious repercussions for the spiritual and societal coherence of the Ukrainian people." Patriarch Bartholomew emphasized that "Our joy is complete because in this significant mystagogy rejoices and celebrates with us His Beatitude the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, our beloved brother and co-celebrant Alexei II. On the one had, his participation emphasizes the beneficial power that that baptism had for all; on the other hand, his personal experience during difficult times expresses the sacrificial struggles that are needed for the continuous confirmation of the divine gifts that flow from baptism to all the faithful.". Patriarch Bartholomew added that "his struggles in defence of baptism's divine gifts under extremely hostile and adverse circumstances during the time of atheism's prevalence are known to all and written indelibly in the memory of the martyred Russian people.". " His struggles are for our holy brother a testimonial account, and for us all an account of pride. Thus rightly we honor in his venerable person the holy Church of Russia because on account of this memorial mystagogy a great joy permeates both heavens and earth for the glory of the Triune Holy God and His holy Church. The Mother Church knows and recognizes all this, and for this reason she bears witness in honor of our beloved brother and co-celebrant Patriarch Alexei" .
