Source: Ekathimerini.com Manolis Kostidis The Turkish government has decided to start long-term maintenance and repairs of the former Orthodox Christian cathedral of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, which was converted into a mosque, after scientists discovered significant damage both inside and outside the 6th century Byzantine monument. Some experts are discussing a lengthy project that might take decades to complete. However, there is concern among some circles in Turkey who suspect that there may be political expediency behind this decision, so that Hagia Sophia is closed for a long period of time and does not function as a mosque. Political analysts…
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Source: Orthodox Youth and Young Adult Ministries PDF of OYM Ministries Flyer for Parishes With approximately 60% of youth leaving the church once they become adults, it’s vital for everyone – clergy, lay leaders, parents, and other caring adults – to work together in helping our young people find joy in Christ and become full participants in the life of the Church. The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops has designated September 24, 2023, as Orthodox Youth & Young Adult Ministries (OYM) Sunday. See the Assembly’s OYM Sunday Encyclical by Bishop Thomas, OYM’s episcopal liaison. (PDF of Encyclical available here) OYM comes alongside parishes, priests, parents,…
Source: Orthodox Times The National Hellenic Museum (NHM) in Chicago’s Greektown neighborhood is hosting the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America’s centennial exhibit Legacy, Renewal & Unity: Celebrating 100 Years of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, from September 16, 2023, through February 11, 2024. Last year, members of the Greek Orthodox church and community came together to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Archdiocese (1922-2022), the legacy of the church and the breadth of the organization’s impact. The exhibit was designed to help people from both within and outside of the Greek community understand and celebrate the history of the…
Source: The National by Anjana Sankar New facility to cater for increase in worshippers The St George Orthodox Cathedral building in Mushrif was demolished in September last year. A foundation stone was laid for the new one and construction started in December. Church authorities said nearly 40 per cent of the building work is complete. Meanwhile, regular services are being held in a purpose-built hall next to the construction site. Rev Father Eldho Paul, the vicar at St George’s, told The National that worshippers will be able to pray in the new cathedral by May next year. With an estimated cost of…
Source: Christian Network Europe The Latvian state broadcaster refuses to broadcast Orthodox worship services any longer. It implemented the ban after nuns prayed for the Russian Patriarch Kirill. The broadcaster, LTV discovered the prayer for Kirill during the recording of an Orthodox service at a branch of the Riga Holy Trinity Sergius Convent in Valgunda, Jauns writes. Praying for the Russian Patriarch is controversial because of his support for the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In response, LTV decided to stop streaming all Orthodox church services. According to LTV editor-in-chief Sigita Roque, praying for Kirill contradicts the values of the LTV but also…
Source: Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, National Commander of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, has established a new Archon Engagement Committee: Women In Orthodoxy. This much-needed new committee is designed to foster the full inclusion of women in the life of the Church. Dr. Limberakis explained: “At this point in the life of our Church and Omogeneia, it is imperative that we support the greater participation of women in the life of the Church. The WORD was established by our Lord and Savior and evangelized by the Four Evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, but the…
Source: Orthodox Christian Laity View the PDF of the Letter here Orthodox Christian Laity (OCL) launched several important initiatives in 2023. “Orthodoxy In Action” Presentations OCL sponsored four Orthodoxy In Action presentations via Zoom which may be viewed on OCL’s YouTube Channel (https://bit.ly/OCL-Youtube). (1) At the first presentation on January 29, George Matsoukas (OCL Executive Director Emeritus and Board Member) represented OCL and related his experiences at the International Orthodox Theological Association (IOTA) Mega Conference held in Volos, Greece, from January 12-14, 2023. (2) On February 26, Ken Liu, Executive Director of Orthodox Youth and Young Adult Ministries (OYM)(https://theoym.org/), focused…
Source: The National Herald HIMARA – The imprisoned mayor of the town of Himara in Albania, Fredi Beleri, who is of Greek descent, expressed his warm gratitude to Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana, Durres, and all Albania for the visit he made to the prison to converse with him. Archbishop Anastasios, who had requested permission from the Albanian authorities sometime earlier, received the ‘green light’ to visit Beleri. They had a particularly constructive conversation, and the Archbishop presented Beleri with an icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, in a deeply symbolic gesture, given the difficult period he is experiencing in a…
Source: The Greek Reporter By Philip Chrysopoulos A Greek Orthodox priest in the Sepolia area of Athens who baptized Giannis Antetokounmpo together with his brother Alexandros on October 28, 2012, spoke recently about his relationship with the NBA star and his family. Antetokounmpo developed a special relationship many years ago with Father Evangelos Ghanas, a beloved priest at Agios Meletios Church. Even the date of the NBA star’s baptism was deliberate, as he chose to be baptized Greek Orthodox on “OXI Day,” Greece’s second most important national holiday. Antetokounmpo’s patriotism and respect for the Greek flag have often been remarked upon; for example, when…
Source: St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary We are preparing to enter the fast before the Dormition of Our Most Holy Lady, the Mother of God. St Symeon of Thessalonica writes that the Dormition Fast “was established in honor of the Mother of God the Word; who, foreknowing her repose, ascetically labored and fasted for us as always, although she was holy and immaculate and had no need for fasting.” St Vladimir’s Seminary invites you to join us in prayer, meditation, and fasting during this time. To help you along this journey, we would like to give you this gift. A…
Source: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Throughout the Archdiocese, there are new parishes in need of liturgical items such as censers, chalice sets, baptismal fonts, kouvouklia, and more. There are also many established parishes that have several of these items, some of which are never used. The Department of Stewardship, Outreach and Evangelism is working with the parishes to match up those that have with those that need in order to provide these basic liturgical items for only the cost of delivery. Items Needed See a listing of the items needed at parishes and missions of the Archdiocese Items…
Source: Orthodox Youth & Young Adult Ministries (OYM) “Orthodox Youth & Young Adult Ministries (OYM), the official youth and young adult ministry of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America, exists to equip and support clergy, parents, and ministry workers to meet the needs of young people so that they can know Jesus Christ and be empowered with a faith that makes a difference. OYM seeks a motivated and purpose-driven Communications and Development Officer. The Officer will be responsible for conveying OYM’s vision and mission while coordinating OYM’s annual fundraising and communications efforts. The Officer will help…