Browsing: Governance Top Stories

Source: Orthodox Times Metropolitan Philotheos of Thessaloniki addressed a range of issues, including the place of women in modern society, the growing problem of juvenile delinquency, especially among minors, whether the Church is conservative, and reactions to same-sex marriage. In an interview with the website voria.gr, Metropolitan Philotheos emphasized his approach to dealing with the faithful. “Every issue has its place. When I preach, I explain the Gospel and speak more instructively, but when I go out for coffee and socializing, I meet people in their daily lives,” he noted. He rejects the notion that the church is conservative while…

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Source: Orthodox Times Patriarch Daniel of Romania emphasized the powerful role of church music in fostering spiritual well-being as the 16th edition of the National Church Music Festival-Competition Praise the Lord took place this year, aligning with the theme of pastoral care for the sick and a commemorative year dedicated to healer saints. The festival held last Saturday evening underlined the therapeutic value of liturgical music for both singers and listeners and its profound influence on the soul. “Church music, rooted in biblical and hymnographic texts, embodies not only educational, community, and Eucharistic roles but also serves as a balm…

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Source: Orthodox Times Patriarch Theodore of Alexandria addressed the unlawful intrusion of the Russian Church into the African continent during his speech in Crete, where he was honored as an honorary citizen of the Municipality of Rethymno. He emphasized, “At the Patriarchate, though few, we are boundless in spirit, raising our voices against all forms of violence, injustice, and exploitation. We do not hesitate to condemn, with a resounding voice, the illicit intervention of the Russian Church, which has regrettably disregarded every principle of ecclesiastical law and order. Through secular methods and financial influence, it seeks to undermine what our Fathers…

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Source: Orthodox Times On Friday, October 25, 2024, in the Aula Magna “Teoctist Patriarch” of the Patriarchal Palace, under the chairmanship of Patriarch Daniel of Romania, the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church held a working session. Following the elections of the Romanian Orthodox Archbishop of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Romanian Orthodox Bishop of Ireland and Iceland, the Holy Synod adopted several decisions regarding pastoral care for Romanians in the country and abroad. Among these were the following: The year 2026 has been designated as “The Tribute Year of the Christian Family Pastorate” and “The Commemorative…

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Source: Peter Anderson, Seattle WA On October 22, 2024, the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate met at the Phanar.  The Ecumenical Patriarchate uses a 6-month rotation system for Synod members.  The members of the Synod as of the October 22 meeting are listed at https://orthodoxtimes.com/new-composition-of-holy-and-sacred-synod-of-the-ecumenical-patriarchate/#:~:text=In%20line%20with%20the%20standard,presidency%20of%20Ecumenical%20Patriarch%20Bartholomew.  The press release for the first day of this meeting is found at https://ec-patr.org/%ce%b1%ce%bd%ce%b1%ce%ba%ce%bf%ce%b9%ce%bd%cf%89%ce%b8%ce%ad%ce%bd-%ce%b3%ce%b9%ce%b1-%cf%84%ce%b9%cf%82-%ce%b5%cf%81%ce%b3%ce%b1%cf%83%ce%af%ce%b5%cf%82-%cf%84%ce%b7%cf%82-%ce%b1%ce%b3%ce%af%ce%b1-29/  This release includes the following statement:  “During the midday break of work, the Patriarch and the members of the holy body received with cordiality and honor the new Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, His Excellency Mr. Andrii Sybiha  and his colleagues, after…

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Source: Orthodox Church in America BURR RIDGE, IL [OCA]  Between October 21 and 24, 2024, a canonical procedures conference of the Orthodox Church in America was held in Burr Ridge, IL. The conference was hosted by His Eminence Archbishop Daniel of Chicago and the Midwest and took place at St. Peter and St. Paul Church. Earlier this year, the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church in America requested that the conference be held as part of the process of reviewing, revising, and further developing ecclesiastical court procedures across the various dioceses of the OCA. Daily sessions were led by His Eminence…

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Source: Peter Anderson, Seattle USA At the invitation of Pope Tawadros II, primate of the Coptic Church, a meeting was held last month between representatives of the Oriental Orthodox Churches (sometimes referred to as the Ancient Oriental Churches) and the Orthodox Churches.   In my opinion, this was an extremely important meeting, although it has received very little attention in the media.  As you know, the Oriental Orthodox Churches are those churches that did not accept the Council of Chalcedon (451) but accepted the prior three ecumenical councils.  The Orthodox Churches are those that did accept the Council and follow the…

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Source: International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) As Hurricane Helene has made landfall in the southeastern US, millions are being impacted by the storm’s devastation. Many individuals and families have been forced to evacuate their homes and find shelter, while many more find themselves in need of food and other essential items. IOCC staff have mobilized, with Frontline and Action Team members currently positioning themselves to respond to areas of greatest need. Your help is urgently needed. A gift to IOCC’s US Emergency Response Fund allows IOCC to mobilize aid quickly and effectively. Your generosity helps address immediate needs following crises…

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Source: Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA The Assembly of Bishops invites you to join them in Atlanta, Georgia from September 28-October 1, 2024, for the 13th annual Assembly of Bishops Meeting (AoB XIII). This special weekend will be filled with prayer, fellowship, and cultural performances showcasing the rich heritage of the Orthodox Christian faith. Vespers & Reception | September 28 at 6:00 p.m. St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Church 2045 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 Liturgy & Reception | September 29 at 8:00 a.m. Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation 2500 Clairmont Rd, Atlanta, GA…

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Source: Orthodox Christian Attorney Network The Orthodox Christian Attorney Network (OCAN) is pleased to announce its establishment as a formal nonprofit corporation, marking a significant milestone in its journey to minister to Orthodox attorneys and serve the Orthodox Church at large. Founded in 2017 as an informal group of Orthodox attorneys, OCAN has evolved into a network of legal professionals committed to integrating the Orthodox faith with their legal practice, strengthening the Orthodox Church, and inspiring service to others. In past years, OCAN’s national events have hosted federal judges, a U.S. congressman, and other prominent Orthodox attorneys. Recognizing the great…

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Source: Orthodox Church in America NEW YORK, NY [OCPM]  Applications are now officially open for the Certificate Program in Prison Ministry (Spring 2025 Cohort). Through the partnership of Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM) and St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary (STOTS), you are invited to experience the most comprehensive training in Orthodox prison ministry offered in the United States. Graduates of the Spring 2024 cohort are already beginning their local prison ministries. “This course was excellent,” says Nick Finzer. “My prison volunteer orientation and training is scheduled for October.” “I’ve just completed my first prison Bible study,” says Steve Stafford. “What a beautiful experience.…

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