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Archimandrite Sevastianos Skordallos Elected Bishop of Zela

December 3, 2011 Leave a Comment
Bishop-elect Sevastianos (GOA photo)

NEW YORK – The Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople elected unanimously today the Chief Secretary of the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, Very Reverend Archimandrite Sevastianos Skordallos Bishop of Zela. He was chosen from a list of three candidates whose names were submitted to the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate by the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. The newly elected bishop will … [Read more...]

Recording Captures Enthusiasm of Orthodox Christian Youth

December 3, 2011 Leave a Comment
From My Youth

Source: Orthodox Church in America SAN DIEGO, CA [OCA] Two historic recordings of American Orthodox liturgical singing, made in the early 1970s by the Saint John’s Girls Octet of Warren, OH, have been re-released on a single CD, titled “From My Youth: An American Orthodox Journey,” according to Musica Russica, a leading publisher of Orthodox sheet music and CDs. The two re-mastered vinyl LPs, “From My Youth” and “New Valaamo,” include 25 tracks and feature a number of … [Read more...]

16th AAC Raises Over $6K for SS. Martha and Mary Maternity Home

December 3, 2011 Leave a Comment
Ss. Mary and Martha Maternity Home

Source: Orthodox Church in America SYOSSET, NY [OCA] A total of $6,300.00 collected during liturgical services at the recent 16th All-American Council of the Orthodox Church in America has been donated to Saints Martha and Mary Home, Escondido, CA. “As in past years, donations received at All-American Councils were earmarked for a charity within the host diocese,” said Archpriest Eric Tosi, OCA Secretary. “His Grace, Bishop Benjamin, requested that the funds be donated to Saints … [Read more...]

Ecumenical Patriarch Highlights Freedom of Religion and Minority Rights

December 1, 2011 Leave a Comment
Participants of the consultation on freedom of religion with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople, Archbishop Alois Kothgasser and Metropolitan Gennadios of Sassima.

Source: World Council of Churches In a presentation to a gathering of experts on religious freedom and religious rights of minorities, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I said there must be respect for the “inherent rights of all human beings and their aspiration and rights of religious freedom should be important components to sustain tolerance among all God’s creation.” Bartholomew made his comments on 30 November at a consultation in Istanbul, Turkey, called Freedom of Religion … [Read more...]

Editorial: 20th Anniversary of Patriarch Bartholomew’s Enthronement

November 30, 2011 Leave a Comment
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew

Source: The National Herald | By Peter Marudas Like his predecessors, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew during his twenty year tenure has had to confront two fundamental challenges: the survival of the Patriarchate in a generally hostile Turkish environment, and his relations with the other independent Orthodox Churches including the administration of his own flock dispersed in Western Europe, parts of Greece, North and South America, and Australia. His All Holiness has certainly made progress … [Read more...]

Egypt Christians Urge Prayers Ahead Of Elections Amid Deadly Violence

November 28, 2011 Leave a Comment
Some 70,000 Christians have gathered for massive all-night prayer rally in Cairo, organizers said.

Source: BosNewsLife CAIRO, EGYPT (BosNewsLife)-- Christians in Egypt "request prayers" amid concerns about deadly violence and political uncertainty, ahead of the country's first parliamentary elections since the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak in February. The call for prayer, monitored by BosNewsLife Sunday, November 27, came amid reports that 70,000 believers already gathered for an all-night prayer vigil in one of the poorest areas of Cairo, the capital. Organizers described the … [Read more...]

O Little Church in Bethlehem – Basilica Decays as Sects Squabble Over Who Pays

November 28, 2011 Leave a Comment
Church of the Nativity

Source: The Independent | Catrina Steward When it comes to fixing the church roof, rarely has it been so difficult to reach agreement as at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. But, after a centuries-old stand-off between rival religious sects, it looks as if the reputed birthplace of Jesus may finally get the renovation it so badly needs. With Palestine's recent admission to Unesco, the body responsible for protecting historic sites, the Palestinian Authority hopes to win recognition … [Read more...]

Almost 300,000 People Venerated the Belt of the Mother of God in Moscow, over 2 Million People in Russia

November 27, 2011 Leave a Comment
Vladimir Putin, Russian Prime Minister, venerating the belt of the Mother of God

Source: Interfax Moscow, November 28, Interfax - About 285 thousand people venerated the Belt of the Holy Virgin during its stay in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, Headquarters for its stay in the capital told Interfax-Religion. Tens of thousands of believers stand in the line to the church. Average time of waiting for access to the church is 24 hours. Not only Muscovites, but people from regions came to venerate the shrine. 691 buses with pilgrims have arrived at the cathedral for … [Read more...]

What Wasn’t Said

November 23, 2011 Leave a Comment
Vice President Joe Biden with Archbishop Demetrios (photo © Dimitrios Panagos/GOA)

Source: The National Herald Archbishop Demetrios and Vice President Biden had a lengthy discussion at the Archdiocese last week, as we reported. Oddly enough, they didn't go in front of the TV cameras to make a statement, as is customary. The main topic of discussion revolved around issues dealing with the Ecumenical Patriarchate. That's all well and good. The Greek-American community has a duty to do whatever possible to make sure that the Patriarchate is able to exist and operate … [Read more...]

Rev. George Papadeas Dead at 93

November 23, 2011 Leave a Comment
george-papadeas

Source: The National Herald | Theodore Kalmoukas BOSTON, MA – One of the most prominent Greek Orthodox priests in the United States, Protopresbyter George Papadeas, has died at the age of 93. Papadeas was a loving husband, a caring father and grandfather, a prolific writer and author, and a TNH contributor. In a phrase, he was the best of the best. Even at 93 he would drive halfway across Florida – from South Daytona to Ocala – to conduct liturgies and administer sacraments. He … [Read more...]