Saturday, December 31, 2016
Friday, December 30, 2016
Thursday, December 29, 2016
Patriarch of Antioch John X Stirs Patriotism,Hope
His Beatitude John X,Patriarch of Antioch and All the East,has once more written a powerful Christmas message for his flock and indeed the whole Orthodox world looking on with interest.In it,the Patriarch firmly roots their faith in their homeland of the Levant,which is today defined as the Eastern Mediterranean and its countries and islands Israel;Palestine;Cyprus;Syria;Lebanon;part of Southern Turkey;and Jordan.His Beatitude also promises redemption from the horrendous suffering which they have felt there because of this faith.Here are some memorable excerpts:
With the mercy of God John X
The Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and all the East
To my brethren the pastors of the holy Antiochian Church
To my sons wherever they may be in this Apostolic See*
He came to lay His seal on our hearts so as to cling and adhere to Him and defend our homeland and get deeply rooted in it;to be rooted in our cities,villages and mountains,in the first land,the land of the church of Antioch that then spread the word "Christians" to the whole world.*
We are called to know that the hardest circumstances would not take out from our hearts and our ancestors' a confession other than we received and preserved.We are written down for the sake of Christ.And we received our baptism 2,000 years ago,so we do not need anybody to convert us to Christianity.*
The peace of Christ is first of all a consolation that cures our hardships;it is not a magical substance that takes away the yoke of suffering from us.
Our prayer on this blessed day is for peace in Syria,for settlement in Lebanon and for prosperity in the East.
Our prayer on this blessed day is for Palestine,for Iraq,and for every spot where people have undergone pain and suffering.For more than five years,the Christian Antiochian Church has been crucified by means of pain and suffering that have come out of barbarism,terror,violence and a stifling economic siege.For more than three years the world has been watching the Golgotha of this East,by that I mean bishops to be abducted,priests to be killed,and many other people to be displaced.But this pain and agony shall be broken by the dawn of the resurrection,and by the big stone of the empty tomb being rolled away no matter how long the Golgotha may last.*
With the mercy of God John X
The Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and all the East
To my brethren the pastors of the holy Antiochian Church
To my sons wherever they may be in this Apostolic See*
He came to lay His seal on our hearts so as to cling and adhere to Him and defend our homeland and get deeply rooted in it;to be rooted in our cities,villages and mountains,in the first land,the land of the church of Antioch that then spread the word "Christians" to the whole world.*
We are called to know that the hardest circumstances would not take out from our hearts and our ancestors' a confession other than we received and preserved.We are written down for the sake of Christ.And we received our baptism 2,000 years ago,so we do not need anybody to convert us to Christianity.*
The peace of Christ is first of all a consolation that cures our hardships;it is not a magical substance that takes away the yoke of suffering from us.
Our prayer on this blessed day is for peace in Syria,for settlement in Lebanon and for prosperity in the East.
Our prayer on this blessed day is for Palestine,for Iraq,and for every spot where people have undergone pain and suffering.For more than five years,the Christian Antiochian Church has been crucified by means of pain and suffering that have come out of barbarism,terror,violence and a stifling economic siege.For more than three years the world has been watching the Golgotha of this East,by that I mean bishops to be abducted,priests to be killed,and many other people to be displaced.But this pain and agony shall be broken by the dawn of the resurrection,and by the big stone of the empty tomb being rolled away no matter how long the Golgotha may last.*
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Friday, December 23, 2016
Thursday, December 22, 2016
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
Extremists in Decline:Pentagon Cites Losses by ISIL,al-Qaida
The tide is turning against the Islamist extremists of ISIL and al-Qaida,according to Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook,who briefed reporters on 19 December 2016.Over the weekend,the Libyan Government of National Accord announced the successful conclusion of the campaign to liberate the city of Sirte from the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant,Mr.Cook noted.It was the only city outside of Iraq and Syria under ISIL's control.US Africa Command carried out this mission with particular skill,especially limiting the risk of civilian casualties in carrying out airstrikes in Sirte,Mr.Cook pointed out.We will continue to keep a close eye on the remnants of ISIL in Libya and will continue to assist the GNA as appropriate going forward.*
In Iraq,Mr.Cook said,the Iraqi Security Forces continue to degrade ISIL in Mosul,where the ISF has cleared approximately 20% of the city.
In Syria,the Syrian Democratic Forces rebel group have reached the Euphrates River northwest of the ISIL stronghold of Raqqa,which is important as the SDF try to isolate ISIL within Raqqa.Importantly,the SDF is continuing to attract Arab fighters for continuing the fight against ISIL.*
And finally,on the progress of counterterrorism in Afghansitan,we previously announced on October 23 that a precision airstrike near Kunar,Afghanistan killed Faruq al-Qatani,the al-Qaida emir for Eastern Afghanistan.The Department has now determined that the same airstrike killed two additional senior al-Qaida leaders:Bilal al-Utaybi,who was al-Qatani's deputy;and Abd al-Wahd al-Junabi,a senior al-Qaida explosives expert.All three were actively involved in the planning and carrying out of acts of terror inside and outside Afghanistan.The deaths of these three senior leaders will significantly disrupt the group's ability to threaten the US,our interests and our allies,and highlights our continuing commitment to the counterterrorism mission in Afghanistan.This strike is further evidence that those who seek to do us harm are not beyond our reach,Peter Cook concluded at the Pentagon on Monday.
In Iraq,Mr.Cook said,the Iraqi Security Forces continue to degrade ISIL in Mosul,where the ISF has cleared approximately 20% of the city.
In Syria,the Syrian Democratic Forces rebel group have reached the Euphrates River northwest of the ISIL stronghold of Raqqa,which is important as the SDF try to isolate ISIL within Raqqa.Importantly,the SDF is continuing to attract Arab fighters for continuing the fight against ISIL.*
And finally,on the progress of counterterrorism in Afghansitan,we previously announced on October 23 that a precision airstrike near Kunar,Afghanistan killed Faruq al-Qatani,the al-Qaida emir for Eastern Afghanistan.The Department has now determined that the same airstrike killed two additional senior al-Qaida leaders:Bilal al-Utaybi,who was al-Qatani's deputy;and Abd al-Wahd al-Junabi,a senior al-Qaida explosives expert.All three were actively involved in the planning and carrying out of acts of terror inside and outside Afghanistan.The deaths of these three senior leaders will significantly disrupt the group's ability to threaten the US,our interests and our allies,and highlights our continuing commitment to the counterterrorism mission in Afghanistan.This strike is further evidence that those who seek to do us harm are not beyond our reach,Peter Cook concluded at the Pentagon on Monday.
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Monday, December 19, 2016
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Friday, December 16, 2016
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
Archbishop Anastasios of Albania Honoured in Holy Metropolis of Messinia
On Tuesday evening,13 December 2016,His Eminence Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Messinia,Greece (Kalamata),welcomed His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana,Durres and All Albania.The official reception was in front of the Cathedral of the Presentation of Our Lord to the Temple (Ypapanti) in Kalamata and attended by many clergy of the Holy Metropolis;civil authorities;and the faithful.Among the ecclesiastical dignitaries were His Eminence Metropolitan Gabriel of Leontopolis,Patriarchate of Alexandria;and Archimandrite Chrysostomos Papathanasiou,Director of the Office of the Archbishop of Athens.*
In his welcome,Metropolitan Chrysostomos praised the Archbishop on the key role he played in the reconstruction of the Church of Albania and his contribution to Inter-Orthodox,Inter-Christian and Inter-Faith Dialogue.For his part,Arhbishop Anastasios lauded Metropolitan Chrysostomos for his significant contributions in preparing and carrying out last summer's Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church.*
In a special City Hall ceremony,Kalamata Mayor Panagiotis Nikos and the City Council proclaimed His Beatitude an honourary citizen of Kalamata and presented him with the "Foteas" prize for his writings.*
Wednesday night at the University of the Peloponesse,Archbishop Anastasios will be given an honourary Doctorate of Humanities degree by the Faculty of Philology and Cultural Resources Management,University of the Peloponesse.
In his welcome,Metropolitan Chrysostomos praised the Archbishop on the key role he played in the reconstruction of the Church of Albania and his contribution to Inter-Orthodox,Inter-Christian and Inter-Faith Dialogue.For his part,Arhbishop Anastasios lauded Metropolitan Chrysostomos for his significant contributions in preparing and carrying out last summer's Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church.*
In a special City Hall ceremony,Kalamata Mayor Panagiotis Nikos and the City Council proclaimed His Beatitude an honourary citizen of Kalamata and presented him with the "Foteas" prize for his writings.*
Wednesday night at the University of the Peloponesse,Archbishop Anastasios will be given an honourary Doctorate of Humanities degree by the Faculty of Philology and Cultural Resources Management,University of the Peloponesse.
DOD Article:Developing Military Capabilities in the Heart of Europe
Developing Military Capabilities in the Heart of Europe: At the 7th Army Training Command in Grafenwoehr, Germany, the U.S. military works with NATO and partner-nation forces to develop the full-spectrum capabilities needed for a fight against a near-peer
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Saturday, December 10, 2016
Friday, December 9, 2016
Thursday, December 8, 2016
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Monday, December 5, 2016
Archbishop Ieronymos II Meets With Trump Foreign Policy Adviser Papadopoulos
On 1 December 2016,His Beatitude Archbishop Ieronymos II of Athens and All Greece met with George Papadopoulos,one of of US President-elect Donald Trump's foreign policy advisors,on the sidelines of the annual conference of KEDE,an organisation of Greek mayors,the Archdiocese of Athens said.Also present at the conference was His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America,the Ecumenical Patriarchate's exarch in the US.*
During their 30 minute meeting,Archbishop Ieronymos (Jerome) told Mr.Papadopoulos about the efforts the Church of Greece,Archdiocese of Athens and the "Send" were making to aid those affected by the economic crisis in Greece.His Beatitude emphasised that the Greek people cannot stand any more austerity policies,which,if they persist,will cause tragic consequences for Greece.
On the subject of Turkey,Archbishop Ieronymos expressed his deep concern about the provocative rhetoric coming out of Ankara recently and how this can affect Greco-Turkish relations and Turkey's entrance into the European mainstream,such as the European Union.
His Beatitude also asked Mr.Papadopoulos to convey his best wishes to the President-elect,Donald J Trump.*
Mr.Papadopoulos is a 2009 graduate of DePaul University in Chicago.In 2010,he received a Master's degree from the University of London.He is presently director of the international energy center at the London Center of International Law Practice.Previously,Mr.Papadopoulos was an advisor to presidential candidate Ben Carson and a research fellow at the conservative think tank the Hudson Institute in Washington.
In the course of his career,he has met with the President of Cyprus and Prime Minister of the UAE.Mr.Papadopoulos has been concentrating on what he believes is the emerging strategic partnership of Israel,Greece and Cyprus,particularly with regard to Israeli energy assets such as the mammoth Leviathin natural gas field in the Eastern Mediterranean.
In January 2014,Mr.Papadopoulos wrote that Israel and Greece's robust military relations have redrawn the political map of the region.The US would be wise to shift its policies and resources towards improving relations at all levels with its stalwart allies in the region,Israel,Greece and Cyprus,to counter the newly emergent Russian fleet and malignant jihadist forces operating around Israel's borders.*
In his separate meeting with Archbishop Demetrios of America at the KEDE conference,Archbishop Ieronymos discussed issues concerning the Church,the Greek people and the developments in the US,according to the Archdiocese of Athens.
During their 30 minute meeting,Archbishop Ieronymos (Jerome) told Mr.Papadopoulos about the efforts the Church of Greece,Archdiocese of Athens and the "Send" were making to aid those affected by the economic crisis in Greece.His Beatitude emphasised that the Greek people cannot stand any more austerity policies,which,if they persist,will cause tragic consequences for Greece.
On the subject of Turkey,Archbishop Ieronymos expressed his deep concern about the provocative rhetoric coming out of Ankara recently and how this can affect Greco-Turkish relations and Turkey's entrance into the European mainstream,such as the European Union.
His Beatitude also asked Mr.Papadopoulos to convey his best wishes to the President-elect,Donald J Trump.*
Mr.Papadopoulos is a 2009 graduate of DePaul University in Chicago.In 2010,he received a Master's degree from the University of London.He is presently director of the international energy center at the London Center of International Law Practice.Previously,Mr.Papadopoulos was an advisor to presidential candidate Ben Carson and a research fellow at the conservative think tank the Hudson Institute in Washington.
In the course of his career,he has met with the President of Cyprus and Prime Minister of the UAE.Mr.Papadopoulos has been concentrating on what he believes is the emerging strategic partnership of Israel,Greece and Cyprus,particularly with regard to Israeli energy assets such as the mammoth Leviathin natural gas field in the Eastern Mediterranean.
In January 2014,Mr.Papadopoulos wrote that Israel and Greece's robust military relations have redrawn the political map of the region.The US would be wise to shift its policies and resources towards improving relations at all levels with its stalwart allies in the region,Israel,Greece and Cyprus,to counter the newly emergent Russian fleet and malignant jihadist forces operating around Israel's borders.*
In his separate meeting with Archbishop Demetrios of America at the KEDE conference,Archbishop Ieronymos discussed issues concerning the Church,the Greek people and the developments in the US,according to the Archdiocese of Athens.
Saturday, December 3, 2016
Friday, December 2, 2016
GREETING BY HIS ALL-HOLINESS ECUMENICAL PATRIARCH ...
Panorthodox Synod : GREETING BY HIS ALL-HOLINESS ECUMENICAL PATRIARCH ...: Ecumenical Patriarchate GREETING By His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to the Delegation of the Church of Rome at the Th...
Thursday, December 1, 2016
Monastery Renovated in Occupied Cyprus:A message of hope on the feast day of St. Andrew - Hellenic American Leadership Council
A message of hope on the feast day of St. Andrew - Hellenic American Leadership Council: In what proved a historic occasion, hundreds of pilgrims gathered at the newly renovated St. Andrew’s monastery, off the tip of Cyprus’ Kapras peninsula this morning. Greek and Turkish Cypriots celebrated the feast day of St. Andrew and participated in … Continue reading →
Extensive photos of yesterday's Divine Liturgy for St.Andrew's Day in Constantinople presided by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and attended by Kurt Cardinal Koch of Switzerland - Τον ιδρυτή του Απόστολο Ανδρέα τίμησε το Οικουμενικό Πατριαρχείο|Amen.gr
Τον ιδρυτή του Απόστολο Ανδρέα τίμησε το Οικουμενικό Πατριαρχείο|Amen.gr: Με την αρμόζουσα πατριαρχική τάξη και συμφώνως με την παράδοση της Μεγάλης Εκκλησίας του Χριστού εορτάστηκε στο Φανάρι η εορτή του πολιούχου του, Αγίου Αποστόλου Ανδρέα του Πρωτόκλητου. Το πρωί της Τρίτης τελέστηκε Πατριαρχική και Συνοδική Θεία Λειτουργία στην οποία παρέστη και Αντιπροσωπεία της Εκκλησίας της Ρώμης υπό τον Καρδινάλιο Κούρτ Κοχ, ο οποίος μετέφερε μήνυμα του Πάπα Φραγκίσκου.
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Monday, November 28, 2016
St.Andrew's Day Festival at the Ecumenical Patriarchate,the Fanar in Constantinople/Istanbul - Kurt Cardinal Koch of Switzerland will represent the Vatican at the Divine Liturgy;there will also be a photo exhibition on Patriarch Bartholomew's 25 years as Patriarch and a reception for Greeks - St.Andrew is the patron saint of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and his day is 30 November - Φως Φαναρίου : ΤΟ ΠΡΟΓΡΑΜΜΑ ΤΟΥ ΕΟΡΤΑΣΜΟΥ ΤΗΣ ΘΡΟΝΙΚΗΣ ΓΙΟΡΤΗΣ ΣΤ...
Φως Φαναρίου : ΤΟ ΠΡΟΓΡΑΜΜΑ ΤΟΥ ΕΟΡΤΑΣΜΟΥ ΤΗΣ ΘΡΟΝΙΚΗΣ ΓΙΟΡΤΗΣ ΣΤ...: Η Αγία του Χριστού Μεγάλη Εκκλησία, το Οικουμενικό Πατριαρχείο, γιορτάζει, επί τη μνήμη του Αγίου Αποστόλου Ανδρέου του Πρωτοκλήτου τ...
Saturday, November 26, 2016
Extraordinary Statement From Alexandria Charts Progressive Course For Orthodox Christianity - Deaconesses approved
With one stroke of the pen,as it were,the Patriarchate of Alexandria has opened up new vocational vistas for Orthodox Christian women;confirmed the validity of the Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church;affirmed the sovereign power of the local Church over its own affairs;and endorsed the continuation along the ecumenical path established by the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the twentieth century.Consider these excerpts from the official account of this Church's recent Holy Synod meeting presided by His Beatitude Pope and Patriarch Theodoros II of Alexandria and All Africa:
The Holy Synod of the Alexandrian Throne met from 15-17 November at the Holy Patriarchal Centre of Alexandria.
The Alexandrian Patriarchate #8211 18/11/16
1.We express glory and praise to the Triune God,who deemed us worthy to participate in the Holy and Great Synod of the Orthodox Church last June.
2.The Synod in Crete was an extremely important event for the course of the Orthodox Church as it gave testimony of unity,testimony of responsibility and anxiety for the contemporary world.It was,is and will remain as a great miracle of "meeting and coexisting for this" for the Orthodox Churches and we believe that this new experience will gradually be decoded and will yield new fruits in the Orthodox world.Blessed are they who will taste of this fruit!
3.It confirmed that conciliarity is the pre-eminent expression of the ecclesiological consciousness of the Orthodox Church and at the same time is a dynamic response to the ardent preachers of introversion,exclusivity,racial prejudice and fundamentalism.We believe that in the near future,at the Synods which God willing will follow,imperfection and weaknesses of this Synod will be overcome.
4.We wholeheartedly thank the Most Holy President of the Great and Holy Synod,Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomaios,their Beatitudes the Primates and all who worked tirelessly for the realisation of the Synod amidst many adversities and challenges.
5.We consider as particularly important the conciliar consolidation of the ecclesiastical dispensation amidst various extremist and conservative positions,as opportunity is given to local churches to exercise their pastoral work in real time and in the particular sites and conditions.However,with regret we found that,despite the prophetic voices which were heard in the Synod and those during the pre-Synodal conferences,timidity and reluctance to understand "deviations" from earlier settings of the life of the Church as accuracy and not as dispensation,although this would have been the true affirmation of the mystery of Christ's incarnation today,in other words the living and salvific Revelation of God.The differing approaches to life in the Church are no deviations for us from Orthodox truth,but adaptation to African reality.
6.The Church of Africa will continue to participate actively in all the official inter-Christian and inter-religious dialogues,despite whichever difficulties and problems which arise from time to time.Besides our participation in the World Council of Churches,we are upgrading our activity in the Pan-African Council of Churches.At every moment we should humbly submit our testimony of the Orthodox faith,the fullness of Orthodox revelation which our Church preserves.Walking in the footsteps of Jesus,we must become instruments of reconciliation and to cultivate the peaceful coexistence of people,respecting and defending their national,racial and religious diversity.Together with the other Churches and Religions,we are called to work towards combating every systemic injustice,anything demonic,in whatever form it appears,which nullifies the lives of the critically injured and bleeding in our flock.
7.We feel that as a living and dynamic Church,we are emerging from within a growing and long-suffering world,we have a duty with courage and prophetic vision to formulate within ourselves the conditions for recruitment and the transformation of our world,and to place a proposition for hope,and life throughout it for all people,as well as resurrectional joy.We ask for the fervent prayers of the Body of our Church,clergy and laity,so that with the cooperation of everyone to build on the momentum of the Great Synod and to liberate those powers that will show the Church of Africa to be a prophetic presence,fearing the Lord and always open to the surprising action of the Most Holy Spirit.*
Fasting in African reality:As far as the issue of fasting is concerned,the decisions of the Synod will be announced to all the people in the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate shortly,by Patriarchal Encyclicals.*
Regarding the issue of the institution of Deaconesses,it was decided to revive this and a tripartite committee of Hierarchs was appointed for a detailed consideration of the subject.
The Holy Synod of the Alexandrian Throne met from 15-17 November at the Holy Patriarchal Centre of Alexandria.
The Alexandrian Patriarchate #8211 18/11/16
1.We express glory and praise to the Triune God,who deemed us worthy to participate in the Holy and Great Synod of the Orthodox Church last June.
2.The Synod in Crete was an extremely important event for the course of the Orthodox Church as it gave testimony of unity,testimony of responsibility and anxiety for the contemporary world.It was,is and will remain as a great miracle of "meeting and coexisting for this" for the Orthodox Churches and we believe that this new experience will gradually be decoded and will yield new fruits in the Orthodox world.Blessed are they who will taste of this fruit!
3.It confirmed that conciliarity is the pre-eminent expression of the ecclesiological consciousness of the Orthodox Church and at the same time is a dynamic response to the ardent preachers of introversion,exclusivity,racial prejudice and fundamentalism.We believe that in the near future,at the Synods which God willing will follow,imperfection and weaknesses of this Synod will be overcome.
4.We wholeheartedly thank the Most Holy President of the Great and Holy Synod,Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomaios,their Beatitudes the Primates and all who worked tirelessly for the realisation of the Synod amidst many adversities and challenges.
5.We consider as particularly important the conciliar consolidation of the ecclesiastical dispensation amidst various extremist and conservative positions,as opportunity is given to local churches to exercise their pastoral work in real time and in the particular sites and conditions.However,with regret we found that,despite the prophetic voices which were heard in the Synod and those during the pre-Synodal conferences,timidity and reluctance to understand "deviations" from earlier settings of the life of the Church as accuracy and not as dispensation,although this would have been the true affirmation of the mystery of Christ's incarnation today,in other words the living and salvific Revelation of God.The differing approaches to life in the Church are no deviations for us from Orthodox truth,but adaptation to African reality.
6.The Church of Africa will continue to participate actively in all the official inter-Christian and inter-religious dialogues,despite whichever difficulties and problems which arise from time to time.Besides our participation in the World Council of Churches,we are upgrading our activity in the Pan-African Council of Churches.At every moment we should humbly submit our testimony of the Orthodox faith,the fullness of Orthodox revelation which our Church preserves.Walking in the footsteps of Jesus,we must become instruments of reconciliation and to cultivate the peaceful coexistence of people,respecting and defending their national,racial and religious diversity.Together with the other Churches and Religions,we are called to work towards combating every systemic injustice,anything demonic,in whatever form it appears,which nullifies the lives of the critically injured and bleeding in our flock.
7.We feel that as a living and dynamic Church,we are emerging from within a growing and long-suffering world,we have a duty with courage and prophetic vision to formulate within ourselves the conditions for recruitment and the transformation of our world,and to place a proposition for hope,and life throughout it for all people,as well as resurrectional joy.We ask for the fervent prayers of the Body of our Church,clergy and laity,so that with the cooperation of everyone to build on the momentum of the Great Synod and to liberate those powers that will show the Church of Africa to be a prophetic presence,fearing the Lord and always open to the surprising action of the Most Holy Spirit.*
Fasting in African reality:As far as the issue of fasting is concerned,the decisions of the Synod will be announced to all the people in the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate shortly,by Patriarchal Encyclicals.*
Regarding the issue of the institution of Deaconesses,it was decided to revive this and a tripartite committee of Hierarchs was appointed for a detailed consideration of the subject.
Friday, November 25, 2016
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
Kaliningrad:Russia's Power Play in the Baltic Sea Region
The small Russian outpost of Kaliningrad on the Baltic Sea coastline between Poland and Lithuania has become,over the past decade,something of a flash point in East/West relations as Russia progressively militarised it.Continuing this trend,on Monday 21 November 2016,the Russian Interfax news agency announced that Russia has deployed its new Bastion mobile anti-ship missile to Kaliningrad,joining the Iskander-M short range nuclear capable ballistic missile and S-400 long range anti-aircraft missile already there.This has raised eyebrows in both NATO headquarters in Brussels and in the corridors of Washington.*
Since 2008,when it invaded and annexed 20% of the Republic of Georgia's territory,Russia has been bolstering its missile,naval infantry and artillery brigades.It has increased troop numbers in Belarus and Armenia.Indeed,in October 2016,Russia assigned two Buyan-class corvettes armed with nuclear-capable Kalibr cruise missiles (NATO code name Sizzler) to its Baltic Fleet,and has also deployed the Bastion system to Syria.Russia as well declined to withdraw its troops from Moldova;annexed Crimea from Ukraine;and fomented conflict in Eastern Ukraine.*
The Russian buildup of radars on the Baltic coastline,as well as the plethora of missile systems in addition to the expanded forces noted above,points to an anti-access/area denial strategy on Moscow's part toward NATO,seeking to hinder NATO's activity in the region and crimp any attempt at reinforcement of the Baltic states during a crisis.*
Small wonder that,in light of Moscow's pressure,Norway is now accepting US Marine Corps rotations on its previously off-limits territory;while NATO partners Finland and Sweden are steadier participants in NATO exercises,raising the topic of their possible membership in the Alliance more than ever before.
Since 2008,when it invaded and annexed 20% of the Republic of Georgia's territory,Russia has been bolstering its missile,naval infantry and artillery brigades.It has increased troop numbers in Belarus and Armenia.Indeed,in October 2016,Russia assigned two Buyan-class corvettes armed with nuclear-capable Kalibr cruise missiles (NATO code name Sizzler) to its Baltic Fleet,and has also deployed the Bastion system to Syria.Russia as well declined to withdraw its troops from Moldova;annexed Crimea from Ukraine;and fomented conflict in Eastern Ukraine.*
The Russian buildup of radars on the Baltic coastline,as well as the plethora of missile systems in addition to the expanded forces noted above,points to an anti-access/area denial strategy on Moscow's part toward NATO,seeking to hinder NATO's activity in the region and crimp any attempt at reinforcement of the Baltic states during a crisis.*
Small wonder that,in light of Moscow's pressure,Norway is now accepting US Marine Corps rotations on its previously off-limits territory;while NATO partners Finland and Sweden are steadier participants in NATO exercises,raising the topic of their possible membership in the Alliance more than ever before.
His Grace Bishop Kirill of Erithrae,new auxiliary bishop of the Metropolis of Smyrna in the Ecumenical Patriarchate,served his first archieratical Divine Liturgy,experiencing the full ritual of his episcopal rank on 19 November 2016. - Ο Επίσκοπος Ερυθρών Κύριλλος στο Πατριαρχικό Ιδρυμα της Ανθούσας, μεταξύ των γόνων της Ιωνίας|Amen.gr
Ο Επίσκοπος Ερυθρών Κύριλλος στο Πατριαρχικό Ιδρυμα της Ανθούσας, μεταξύ των γόνων της Ιωνίας|Amen.gr: Το Σάββατο 19 Νοεμβρίου ο Θεοφ. επίσκοπος Ερυθρών Κύριλλος, βοηθός επίσκοπος του Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχη, τέλεσε τη πρώτη του αρχιερατική λειτουργία στο Πατριαρχικό Ίδρυμα της Ανθούσας της Ᾱττικής, στο οποίο είναι από δε�%B
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
Sunday, November 20, 2016
Saturday, November 19, 2016
Friday, November 18, 2016
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Pentagon Official:Fighting Will Intensify as Battle of Mosul Progresses Inward
Iraq's elite counterterrorism troops,the Iraqi Special Operations Forces (ISOF),have entered the eastern side of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant northern stronghold of Mosul,said press operations director Captain Jeff Davis,US Navy,on 15 November to reporters at the Pentagon.ISOF has 18,000 troops in three brigades,and is part of the Iraqi Counterterrorism Service.They're clearing those eastern neighbourhoods of Mosul city,doing this in a deliberate and incremental manner so as to safeguard the civilian population as much as possible.It may be one-third cleared in terms of acreage,but it's not one-third clear in terms of challenge and task ahead,because as they get closer to the center of the city,it's going to get dense and more fierce in the fighting,Captain Davis warned.*
According to a 16 November press conference by US Air Force Colonel John Dorrian,spokesman for Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve in Baghdad,the Iraqi Security Forces continue to make progress in clearing Daesh (the Arab term for ISIL) from Mosul and have seen the fierce resistance they have planned for and we have been talking about for months.This is neighbourhood to neighbourhood fighting,particularly in the East,and the ISF have moved deliberately and have exercised a lot of restraint to protect civilian life.Daesh has done the opposite,taking human shields and dressing as ISF,then arresting civilians who respond positively to them.*
Iraqi Major General Maan al-Saadi said Wednesday that his counterterrorism forces are making headway in the Aden district of the city,400 kilometers north of Baghdad.He also warned of the presence of Daesh booby-traps and hidden IEDs there,al Sumaria TV reported in Arabic.*
ISIL has banned the use of cell phones and confiscated satellite TV dishes to hinder civilian comprehension of the liberation campaign.It has also been executing suspected civilian collaborators with the ISF and putting their bodies on display.Some 5-6,000 ISIL fighters are facing about 100,000 ISF,Kurdish and Shiite paramilitary fighters.OIR coaltion airpower and artillery strikes have been particularly helpful in clearing the ISIL Islamist extremist militants from the outlying areas of greater Mosul and the roads into the city.
According to a 16 November press conference by US Air Force Colonel John Dorrian,spokesman for Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve in Baghdad,the Iraqi Security Forces continue to make progress in clearing Daesh (the Arab term for ISIL) from Mosul and have seen the fierce resistance they have planned for and we have been talking about for months.This is neighbourhood to neighbourhood fighting,particularly in the East,and the ISF have moved deliberately and have exercised a lot of restraint to protect civilian life.Daesh has done the opposite,taking human shields and dressing as ISF,then arresting civilians who respond positively to them.*
Iraqi Major General Maan al-Saadi said Wednesday that his counterterrorism forces are making headway in the Aden district of the city,400 kilometers north of Baghdad.He also warned of the presence of Daesh booby-traps and hidden IEDs there,al Sumaria TV reported in Arabic.*
ISIL has banned the use of cell phones and confiscated satellite TV dishes to hinder civilian comprehension of the liberation campaign.It has also been executing suspected civilian collaborators with the ISF and putting their bodies on display.Some 5-6,000 ISIL fighters are facing about 100,000 ISF,Kurdish and Shiite paramilitary fighters.OIR coaltion airpower and artillery strikes have been particularly helpful in clearing the ISIL Islamist extremist militants from the outlying areas of greater Mosul and the roads into the city.
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Monday, November 14, 2016
Saturday, November 12, 2016
Patriarch Irenej of Serbia Visits Cyprus
On the evening of 9 November 2016,His Holiness Patriarch Irenej of Serbia arrived at Larnaka,Cyprus on a weeklong irenic visit to the Mediterranean nation.He and his entourage were greeted at the airport by His Beatitude Archbishop Chrysostomos II of New Justiniana and All Cyprus,as well as members of the Cypriot Holy Synod.
Accompanying Patriarch Irenej are His Eminence Metropolitan Dr.Porfirije of Zagreb-Llubjana;His Grace Bishop Irenej of Backa;His Grace Bishop Justin of Zica;Archpriest Yejan Jovanovic;Hierodeacon Ermolaj;and Protodeacon Igor Davidovic.*
Numerous hierarchs,clergy and faithful attended a solemn doxology service for the distinguished guests in the Church of St.John the Theologian.Afterwards,the two Primates of autocephalous Orthodox Churches held talks in the Archdiocese of Cyprus' Synodal chambers.Both Primates had participated in the Holy and Great Synod of the Orthodox Church last summer in Crete.
Accompanying Patriarch Irenej are His Eminence Metropolitan Dr.Porfirije of Zagreb-Llubjana;His Grace Bishop Irenej of Backa;His Grace Bishop Justin of Zica;Archpriest Yejan Jovanovic;Hierodeacon Ermolaj;and Protodeacon Igor Davidovic.*
Numerous hierarchs,clergy and faithful attended a solemn doxology service for the distinguished guests in the Church of St.John the Theologian.Afterwards,the two Primates of autocephalous Orthodox Churches held talks in the Archdiocese of Cyprus' Synodal chambers.Both Primates had participated in the Holy and Great Synod of the Orthodox Church last summer in Crete.
Friday, November 11, 2016
Thursday, November 10, 2016
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
Monday, November 7, 2016
Saturday, November 5, 2016
Hillary Clinton's Position Paper on Hellenic Issues - Hellenic American Leadership Council
Hillary Clinton's Position Paper on Hellenic Issues - Hellenic American Leadership Council: Hillary Clinton has released her position paper on Hellenic issues. We await Donald Trump’s position paper on these important issues as well, and will post his response when and if it becomes available.
Friday, November 4, 2016
Thursday, November 3, 2016
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
Monday, October 31, 2016
Hundreds Attend Serbian Orthodox Royal Wedding
The Serbian royal family continues to set an example for the people of their predominantly Orthodox Christian country,having their marriages blessed by God in a church,according to the ancient and holy tradition of their nation.*
His Royal Highness Prince Mihailo Karadjorjevic,30,and Miss Ljubica Ljubisavljevic of Belgrade were married on 24 October 2016 in the Church of St.George,Oplenac.The sacrament was presided by His Grace Bishop Irenej of the Eastern Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church in America;His Grace Bishop Pahomije of Vranje;and Father Petar Lukic,dean of Saborna Cerkva,Belgrade.More than 300 guests attended.*
Besides Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine and their children,Prince Philip and Alison,other distinguished guests included Speaker of the National Parliament Ms.Maja Gojkovic and Ambassador of the United Kingdom in Serbia Mr.Denis Keefe.Following the service,the Crown Prince and Princess hosted a reception for invited guests at the White Palace.*
Prince Mihailo is a lobbyist for Serbian interests in the world.Princess Ljubica has a master's degree in Pharmacy and works in marketing,as well as writing columns on health and skin care.
His Royal Highness Prince Mihailo Karadjorjevic,30,and Miss Ljubica Ljubisavljevic of Belgrade were married on 24 October 2016 in the Church of St.George,Oplenac.The sacrament was presided by His Grace Bishop Irenej of the Eastern Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church in America;His Grace Bishop Pahomije of Vranje;and Father Petar Lukic,dean of Saborna Cerkva,Belgrade.More than 300 guests attended.*
Besides Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine and their children,Prince Philip and Alison,other distinguished guests included Speaker of the National Parliament Ms.Maja Gojkovic and Ambassador of the United Kingdom in Serbia Mr.Denis Keefe.Following the service,the Crown Prince and Princess hosted a reception for invited guests at the White Palace.*
Prince Mihailo is a lobbyist for Serbian interests in the world.Princess Ljubica has a master's degree in Pharmacy and works in marketing,as well as writing columns on health and skin care.
Saturday, October 29, 2016
Friday, October 28, 2016
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Monday, October 24, 2016
Sunday, October 23, 2016
Saturday, October 22, 2016
Friday, October 21, 2016
Thursday, October 20, 2016
Air Sovereignty in High Arctic Tested by US,Canadian Forces in NORAD Exercise
The Canadian Armed Forces and US Air National Guard are deploying and conducting air sovereignty operations in the far north and high Arctic during NORAD Exercise VIGILANT SHIELD 17,the bi-national organisation says.This is to demonstrate their joint capacity to detect,identify and meet possible threats in some of the Earth's most austere regions.Aircraft and personnel from the two countries will operate and support each other successfully at multiple forward operating locations,a key goal of VIGILANT SHIELD 17,according to Major Tristan McKee,Canadian Detachment Commander in Yellowknife,Northwest Territories.*
Those deployed to Yellowknife,NT are the F-15 Eagles and personnel of 142nd Fighter Wing,US Air National Guard,Portland,Oregon,with Canadian personnel and equipment primarily from 4 Wing Cold Lake,Alberta.The annual drills are a forum for NORAD to practice deploying to a variety of locations across vast distances,yet still support and achieve a complex set of missions and objectives.Other locations of the exercise include 5 Wing Goose Bay,Inuvik,Northwest Territories and Canadian Forces Station Alert,Nunavut.VIGILANT SHIELD 17 runs from 17-21 October 2016.*
Among the deployed assets in the drills are:CF-18 Hornet;CH-149 Cormorant;CC-130H Hercules;F-15 Eagle;F-22 Raptor;E-3 Sentry;KC-135 (USAF) Stratotanker with hundreds of maintainers and other aviation support personnel,as well as Canadian Army security forces.*
NORAD,the North American Aerospace Defense Command,is the bi-national command providing aerospace warning;aerospace control;and maritime warning in defence of North America.
Those deployed to Yellowknife,NT are the F-15 Eagles and personnel of 142nd Fighter Wing,US Air National Guard,Portland,Oregon,with Canadian personnel and equipment primarily from 4 Wing Cold Lake,Alberta.The annual drills are a forum for NORAD to practice deploying to a variety of locations across vast distances,yet still support and achieve a complex set of missions and objectives.Other locations of the exercise include 5 Wing Goose Bay,Inuvik,Northwest Territories and Canadian Forces Station Alert,Nunavut.VIGILANT SHIELD 17 runs from 17-21 October 2016.*
Among the deployed assets in the drills are:CF-18 Hornet;CH-149 Cormorant;CC-130H Hercules;F-15 Eagle;F-22 Raptor;E-3 Sentry;KC-135 (USAF) Stratotanker with hundreds of maintainers and other aviation support personnel,as well as Canadian Army security forces.*
NORAD,the North American Aerospace Defense Command,is the bi-national command providing aerospace warning;aerospace control;and maritime warning in defence of North America.
US Troop Killed, Another Injured in Insider Attack in Afghanistan
US Troop Killed, Another Injured in Insider Attack in Afghanistan: A U.S. service member was killed and another was injured in an insider attack Wednesday in Kabul, according to NATO.
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Monday, October 17, 2016
Sunday, October 16, 2016
Saturday, October 15, 2016
Photo album:His Eminence Metropolitan Anthimos of Thessalonica was honored with a plaque and testimonials at the blessing by water ceremony (agiasmos) opening the academic year at the University of Thessalonica's Holy Trinity Theological School on 13 October,attended by His Eminence Metropolitan Elpidophoros of Bursa and His Eminence Metropolitan Varnavas of Neapolis and Stavroupolis Η Θεολογική Σχολή Θεσαλονίκης τίμησε τον Παναγιώτατο Μητροπολίτη κ. Ανθιμο |Amen.gr
Η Θεολογική Σχολή Θεσαλονίκης τίμησε τον Παναγιώτατο Μητροπολίτη κ. Ανθιμο |Amen.gr: Παρουσία των Σεβασμιωτάτων Μητροπολιτών Νεαπόλεως και Σταυρουπόλεως κ. Βαρνάβα και Προύσσης κ. Ελπιδοφόρου, του Πρυτάνεως του Αριστοτελείου Πανεπιστημίου Θεσσαλονίκης κ. Περικλή Μήτκα, του Κοσμήτορα της Θεολογικής Σχολής κ. Μιλτιάδη Κωνσταντίνου, των Προέδρων των δύο Τμημάτων κκ. Παναγιώτη Σκαλτσή και Κωνσταντίνου Χρήστου, Ομοτίμων και εν ενεργεία Καθηγητών και φοιτητών της Σχολής, στο Παρεκλήσιο της Αγίας Τριάδος της Θεολογικής Σχολής πραγματοποιήθηκε, στις 13 Οκτωβρίου ημέρα Πέμπτη, επίσημη τελετή προς τιμή τοτ Παναγιωτάτου Μητροπολίτου Θεσσαλονίκης κ. Ανθίμου.
Friday, October 14, 2016
Thursday, October 13, 2016
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Panorthodox Synod : POPE FRANCIS APOSTOLIC VISIT TO GEORGIA - article by Ambassador Tamara Grdzelidze
Panorthodox Synod : POPE FRANCIS APOSTOLIC VISIT TO GEORGIA: ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE PERMANENT DELEGATION TO THE WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES 30 September–2 October 2016 By Tamara Grdzelidze...
The Afghan War:Taliban Still Raiding Provincial Capitals
Fifteen years after they were toppled from power in Afghanistan by US troops and their tribal allies,the Taliban militants,who facilitated the 9-11 attacks by harbouring al-Qaida terrorists, began an assault on Lashkar Gah,capital of Helmand Province in the country's south,early Monday morning with a car bombing that killed ten policemen and wounded four others.Afghan National Defence and Security Forces repulsed the raid,the Defence Ministry said,but more than 300 ANDSF commandos had to be deployed from Kabul and neighbouring provinces to mount a clearance operation in the oft-contested city where more than 100 US troops were specially deployed themselves in August to help prevent,or at least reverse,just such an occurrence.*
US enablers are in the area and will support as needed,a NATO spokesman said.Yesterday there were two airstrikes in Helmand.Both of those were in support of ANDSF.*
We have enough forces on the ground now,added Defence Ministry spokesman Mohammad Radmanish.Afghan Air Force and NATO's air support is also helping our forces.*
The Taliban have spent the current fighting season attacking a number of provincial capitals besides Lashkar Gah:Kunduz and Baghlan in the north;and Farah in the west as well.When finally driven out of a city,the Islamist extremists typically counterattack.In Kunduz,for example,the Taliban briefly controlled the city last year,but were driven away by ANDSF and NATO,only to lay siege to the city again-and again be forced out-a year later.On Tuesday,they also counterattacked in Farah and heavy clashes erupted.*
A number of Taliban raids have been focused on Lashkar Gah in the lead-up to Monday's foray.Roads from neighbouring districts have been heavily mined by the militants,who have full or at least effective control of nearly all of Helmand's 14 districts.*
Besides the Taliban,other Islamist extremists such as al-Qaida remnants and even the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant,or ISIL,have to be combatted from time to time in the mountainous nation.
US enablers are in the area and will support as needed,a NATO spokesman said.Yesterday there were two airstrikes in Helmand.Both of those were in support of ANDSF.*
We have enough forces on the ground now,added Defence Ministry spokesman Mohammad Radmanish.Afghan Air Force and NATO's air support is also helping our forces.*
The Taliban have spent the current fighting season attacking a number of provincial capitals besides Lashkar Gah:Kunduz and Baghlan in the north;and Farah in the west as well.When finally driven out of a city,the Islamist extremists typically counterattack.In Kunduz,for example,the Taliban briefly controlled the city last year,but were driven away by ANDSF and NATO,only to lay siege to the city again-and again be forced out-a year later.On Tuesday,they also counterattacked in Farah and heavy clashes erupted.*
A number of Taliban raids have been focused on Lashkar Gah in the lead-up to Monday's foray.Roads from neighbouring districts have been heavily mined by the militants,who have full or at least effective control of nearly all of Helmand's 14 districts.*
Besides the Taliban,other Islamist extremists such as al-Qaida remnants and even the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant,or ISIL,have to be combatted from time to time in the mountainous nation.
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Saturday, October 8, 2016
Friday, October 7, 2016
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
Monday, October 3, 2016
SecDef Carter Says More Troops Headed for Iraq - effort to liberate Mosul
On 28 September 2016,US Defense Secretary Ash Carter issued a statement on additional support for the anti-ISIL Operation Inherent Resolve:
In anticipation of the Mosul fight,the United States and the government of Iraq have agreed that additional US and coalition capabilities could help accelerate the campaign at this critical phase.At the request of myself and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dunford,and with the support and approval of Prime Minister Abadi,President Obama has authorised approximately 600 additional US troops to further enable Iraqi forces.The troops,in close coordination with the government of Iraq,will provide specific capabilities including logistics and maintenance support;train,advise and assist teams for ISF and Kurdish Peshmerga for the upcoming Mosul operation;and expanded intelligence resources to help disrupt ISIL'S terrorist network in Iraq and beyond.
The US will continue to stay in close contact with our Iraqi partners as efforts to retake Mosul progress,including the role that the international coalition can continue to play in helping the Iraqi government defeat ISIL.*
For example,On 23 September,US Army Lieutenant General Stephen J. Townsend,commander of Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve,visited Task Force Strike,101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Qayyarah West Airfield,Iraq.Soldiers with the Army's 320th Field Artillery Regiment have been supporting Iraqi Security Forces by executing fire missions against Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant militants with such weapons as the M777 Howitzer.The HiMARS artillery rocket system has also been used by US troops against ISIL in both Iraq and Syria.
In anticipation of the Mosul fight,the United States and the government of Iraq have agreed that additional US and coalition capabilities could help accelerate the campaign at this critical phase.At the request of myself and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dunford,and with the support and approval of Prime Minister Abadi,President Obama has authorised approximately 600 additional US troops to further enable Iraqi forces.The troops,in close coordination with the government of Iraq,will provide specific capabilities including logistics and maintenance support;train,advise and assist teams for ISF and Kurdish Peshmerga for the upcoming Mosul operation;and expanded intelligence resources to help disrupt ISIL'S terrorist network in Iraq and beyond.
The US will continue to stay in close contact with our Iraqi partners as efforts to retake Mosul progress,including the role that the international coalition can continue to play in helping the Iraqi government defeat ISIL.*
For example,On 23 September,US Army Lieutenant General Stephen J. Townsend,commander of Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve,visited Task Force Strike,101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Qayyarah West Airfield,Iraq.Soldiers with the Army's 320th Field Artillery Regiment have been supporting Iraqi Security Forces by executing fire missions against Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant militants with such weapons as the M777 Howitzer.The HiMARS artillery rocket system has also been used by US troops against ISIL in both Iraq and Syria.
Sunday, October 2, 2016
Saturday, October 1, 2016
Friday, September 30, 2016
Thursday, September 29, 2016
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
Allied Spirit V:NATO Land Exercise Stresses Interoperablility
NATO Exercise Allied Spirit V is underway at the Hohenfels Training Area,Germany.It runs from 26 September to 15 October 2016 and involves some 2520 troops from eight countries.Besides the US,participants include Belgium;Canada;the Czech Republic;Germany;Italy;Lithuania;and the UK.*
The US Army is leading the drills,sending soldiers from the 2nd Cavalry;12th Combat Aviation Brigade;and the 40th Infantry Division California Army National Guard,Louisiana Army National Guard and Pennsylvania Army National Guard.Allied Spirit prepares forces in Europe to tactically interoperate and tests communications security among NATO Allies and partners.*
Lithuania's "Iron Wolf" Brigade is commanding Brigade HQ at Hohenfels,which is the US Army Training Command's facility.The multinational unified land operations promote both the interoperability and the integration of the participating forces as they confront the simulated aggressors.*
The drills are the follow-on to Allied Spirit IV,which took place in January 2016.
The US Army is leading the drills,sending soldiers from the 2nd Cavalry;12th Combat Aviation Brigade;and the 40th Infantry Division California Army National Guard,Louisiana Army National Guard and Pennsylvania Army National Guard.Allied Spirit prepares forces in Europe to tactically interoperate and tests communications security among NATO Allies and partners.*
Lithuania's "Iron Wolf" Brigade is commanding Brigade HQ at Hohenfels,which is the US Army Training Command's facility.The multinational unified land operations promote both the interoperability and the integration of the participating forces as they confront the simulated aggressors.*
The drills are the follow-on to Allied Spirit IV,which took place in January 2016.
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Monday, September 26, 2016
Sunday, September 25, 2016
His Grace Bishop Kirill of Erythrae Consecrated in Smyrna/Izmir,Turkey as Auxiliary Bishop to His Eminence Metropolitan Bartholomew of Smyrna at St.Voukolos' Church on 25 September 2016 - photo album of historic event - ΦΩΤΟ: Η Χειροτονία του Επισκόπου Ερυθρών Κυρίλλου από τον Οικουμενικό Πατριάρχη στη Σμύρνη|Amen.gr
ΦΩΤΟ: Η Χειροτονία του Επισκόπου Ερυθρών Κυρίλλου από τον Οικουμενικό Πατριάρχη στη Σμύρνη|Amen.gr: Πλήθος πιστών συμμετείχε στην Πατριαρχική Θεία Λειτουργία που τελέστηκε στον Ι.Ν.Αγίου Βουκόλου Σμύρνης κατά την οποία τελέστηκε η χειροτονία του Επισκόπου Ερυθρών Κυρίλλου (Συκή), βοηθού του Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχη Βαρθολομαί�
His Eminence Bartholomew Enthroned as First Metropolitan of Smyrna/Izmir,Turkey in nearly a century - photo album of historic event attended by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Συγκίνηση στην ενθρόνιση του νέου Μητροπολίτη Σμύρνης Βαρθολομαίου (ΦΩΤΟ-VIDEO)|Amen.gr
Συγκίνηση στην ενθρόνιση του νέου Μητροπολίτη Σμύρνης Βαρθολομαίου (ΦΩΤΟ-VIDEO)|Amen.gr: Ιστορικές στιγμές έζησαν όσοι βρέθηκαν το απόγευμα του Σαββάτου στην πόλη της Σμύρνης, όπου ενθρονίστηκε ο πρώτος Μητροπολίτης της, μετά την μικρασιατική καταστροφή.
Saturday, September 24, 2016
Friday, September 23, 2016
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
Assisi Hosts Pope and Patriarchs on World Day of Prayer for Peace
Their Holinesses Pope Francis,Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew,Syriac Orthodox Patriarch Aphrem II,His Grace Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and other religious leaders gathered at Assisi,Italy for the World Day of Prayer for Peace in the Basilica of St.Francis.On a day blessed with clear and sunny skies,the leaders paused to reflect on the numerous wars and conflicts afflicting the world today and beseech God for an end to them.Their was a special emphasis on the Middle East in general and Syria in particular,as well as on the case of the abducted Archbishops of Aleppo in Syria,Greek Orthodox Paul Yazigi and Syriac Orthodox Mor Yohanna Gregorius Ibrahim,who were kidnapped at gunpoint by unknown extremists more than three years ago.
The four hierarchs greeted a number of pilgrims in the cloisters of the Franciscan monastery before assembling with a congregation in the lower Basilica of St.Francis,where the saint is entombed,for a Christian prayer service.At the same time,Muslims and other believers assembled at separate locations to pray according to their own traditions.Finally,all assembled in the Basilica courtyard for final reflections.The Day of Prayer was preceded by a number of other peace discussions and events beginning on Monday.
At one point in the Christian prayer service,an alphabetised list of world conflict zones was read.Each location was remembered with the chant "Kyrie eleison,"which is "Lord have mercy" in Greek,and a candle was lit.From Afghanistan to Mexico,to Yemen and the Holy Land,dozens of violent regions were prayerfully recognised.
To conclude the Christian service,each of the four hierarchs participated in a four-part benediction,or blessing.
The four hierarchs greeted a number of pilgrims in the cloisters of the Franciscan monastery before assembling with a congregation in the lower Basilica of St.Francis,where the saint is entombed,for a Christian prayer service.At the same time,Muslims and other believers assembled at separate locations to pray according to their own traditions.Finally,all assembled in the Basilica courtyard for final reflections.The Day of Prayer was preceded by a number of other peace discussions and events beginning on Monday.
At one point in the Christian prayer service,an alphabetised list of world conflict zones was read.Each location was remembered with the chant "Kyrie eleison,"which is "Lord have mercy" in Greek,and a candle was lit.From Afghanistan to Mexico,to Yemen and the Holy Land,dozens of violent regions were prayerfully recognised.
To conclude the Christian service,each of the four hierarchs participated in a four-part benediction,or blessing.
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
Monday, September 19, 2016
Sunday, September 18, 2016
Photos of the funeral of Metropolitan Evgenios of Ierapytna and Sitia,Crete,who died of heart conditions in his sleep on Thursday 15 September 2016 at age 64 - Archbishop Irenaios of Crete presided and an Air Force honour guard participated. εξόδιος ακολουθία του μακαριστού Μητροπολίτη Ιεραπτύνης Ευγενίου|Amen.gr
Η εξόδιος ακολουθία του μακαριστού Μητροπολίτη Ιεραπτύνης Ευγενίου|Amen.gr: Ύστατο χαίρε στον Μακαριστό Μητροπολίτη Ιεραπύτνης και Σητείας Ευγένιο απηύθυνε σήμερα το Ορθόδοξο ποίμνιο στην Ιεράπετρα. Στον Ιερό Μητροπολιτικό Ναό Αγίου Γεωργίου Ιεράπετρας, τελούνται από το Σάββατο το πρωί αρχιερατικά συλλείτουργα ενώ στη 1 το μεσ
Saturday, September 17, 2016
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew held a Trisagion service for Metropolitan Evgenios of Ierapitna,Crete,who died suddenly on Thursday,in the Patriaral Church of St.George in Constantinople/Istanbul - photo Τρισάγιο υπέρ αναπαύσεως του μακαριστού Μητροπολίτου Ιεραπύτνης από τον Οικουμενικό Πατριάρχη (ΦΩΤΟ)|Amen.gr
Τρισάγιο υπέρ αναπαύσεως του μακαριστού Μητροπολίτου Ιεραπύτνης από τον Οικουμενικό Πατριάρχη (ΦΩΤΟ)|Amen.gr: Τρισάγιο υπέρ αναπαύσεως της ψυχής του μακαριστού Μητροπολίτη Ιεραπύτνης και Σητείας κυρού Ευγενίου τέλεσε σήμερα ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος στον Πάνσεπτό Πατριαρχικό Ναό του Αγίου Γεωργίου στο Φανάρι.
Photo:His Eminence Metropolitan Evgenios of Ierapitna,Crete,dies suddenly on 15 September at age 64,probably of a heart attack,shocking the Church and Mother Church of Constantinople - funeral on Sunday -Εκοιμήθη ο Μητροπολίτης Ιεραπύτνης Ευγένιος - Σοκ στην τοπική Εκκλησία|Amen.gr
Εκοιμήθη ο Μητροπολίτης Ιεραπύτνης Ευγένιος - Σοκ στην τοπική Εκκλησία|Amen.gr: Εκοιμήθη αιφνιδίως το βράδυ της Πέμπτης ο Μητροπολίτης Ιεραπύτνης Ευγένιος, 64 ετών, ο οποίος κατά τις πρώτες πληροφορίες υπέστη καρδιακό επεισόδιο.
Friday, September 16, 2016
Pope Francis Receives Priceless Gift From Patriarch of Moscow
On 15 September 2016,His Holiness Pope Francis met at the Vatican with His Eminence Metropolitan Ilarion of Volokolamsk,Chairman of the External Church Relations Department of the Russian Orthodox Church.Before their meeting,Metropolitan Ilarion presented Pope Francis with a special gift from His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia.It is a relic of St.Seraphim of Sarov,the spiritual luminary of nineteenth century Russia.The relic is encased in a golden,egg-shaped reliquary,which the Pope promptly genuflected to and kissed.He asked Metropolitan Ilarion,who is in Rome as Head of the Russian Delegation to The Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue Between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church,to convey to Patriarch Kirill his gratitude and brotherly love.*
During their meeting,the two hierarchs discussed the state of relations between the Orthodox and Catholic Churches following the historic first meeting between Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill in Havana,Cuba last February.They also reviewed the suffering of Christians in the Middle East,stressing the need for more joint actions to alleviate it.His Eminence told the pontiff about the initiatives the Moscow Patriarchate has taken to provide aid to Syria and praised the Pope for his own peace efforts in the region.On the cultural front,the Pope and the Metropolitan noted that the Church of Rome and the Moscow Patriarchate have exchange study tours for Russian Orthodox and Catholic theology students underway.
During their meeting,the two hierarchs discussed the state of relations between the Orthodox and Catholic Churches following the historic first meeting between Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill in Havana,Cuba last February.They also reviewed the suffering of Christians in the Middle East,stressing the need for more joint actions to alleviate it.His Eminence told the pontiff about the initiatives the Moscow Patriarchate has taken to provide aid to Syria and praised the Pope for his own peace efforts in the region.On the cultural front,the Pope and the Metropolitan noted that the Church of Rome and the Moscow Patriarchate have exchange study tours for Russian Orthodox and Catholic theology students underway.
Thursday, September 15, 2016
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
US Global Strike Assets Help Intensify NATO Exercise
Two US Air Force B-1B Lancer supersonic bombers from the 459th Bomb Group,Dyess Air Force Base,Texas,and a B-52H Stratofortress bomber were sent to RAF Fairford,England recently to participate in Exercise Ample Strike 16 in the Czech Republic.The strategic,nuclear-capable aircraft are part of US Global Strike Command.They were deployed in support of the NATO drills for JTACs,or Joint Terminal attack Controllers,that involved 1500 military personnel from 16 NATO Allies and partners.The troops were trained in realistic,complex and demanding scenarios.Besides JTACs,who call in and guide close air support for ground forces,Ample Strike also trains aircrews and commanders of ground forces.*
The training was conducted for both day and nighttime operations,improving interoperability.For example,a Czech ground commander communicated with a Finnish JTAC;a convoy waited for close air support during an improvised attack;simulated mortar attacks were carried out;and US Army AH-64 Apache attack helicopters from 12th Air Combat Brigade in Katterbach,Bayern,Germany visited a forward fueling station.*
The presence of the heavy US bombers underlined the seriousness of the warfighting drills,which thereby had at their call some of the world's most powerful,flexible and long-ranging weapon systems from US Global Strike Command.They were an unmistakable message of assurance and deterrence from NATO to the most advanced,belligerent and determined potential adversaries,such as Russia,China,Iran and North Korea.
The training was conducted for both day and nighttime operations,improving interoperability.For example,a Czech ground commander communicated with a Finnish JTAC;a convoy waited for close air support during an improvised attack;simulated mortar attacks were carried out;and US Army AH-64 Apache attack helicopters from 12th Air Combat Brigade in Katterbach,Bayern,Germany visited a forward fueling station.*
The presence of the heavy US bombers underlined the seriousness of the warfighting drills,which thereby had at their call some of the world's most powerful,flexible and long-ranging weapon systems from US Global Strike Command.They were an unmistakable message of assurance and deterrence from NATO to the most advanced,belligerent and determined potential adversaries,such as Russia,China,Iran and North Korea.
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Monday, September 12, 2016
Photo album of the historic consecration to the episcopacy of Archimandrite Bartholomew Samaras at the Patriarchal Church of St.George in Constantinople/Istanbul,Turkey - Bishop Bartholomew will soon be enthroned as the Metropolitan of Smyrna/Izmir,Turkey,the first one in nearly a century - Συγκίνηση στη Χειροτονία του Μητροπολίτη Σμύρνης, του πρώτου ύστερα από 94 χρόνια (ΦΩΤΟ)|Amen.gr
Συγκίνηση στη Χειροτονία του Μητροπολίτη Σμύρνης, του πρώτου ύστερα από 94 χρόνια (ΦΩΤΟ)|Amen.gr: Με λαμπρότητα και μεγαλοπρέπεια τελέστηκε σήμερα στον Πάνσεπτο Πατριαρχικό Ναό του Αγίου Γεωργίου, στο Φανάρι, από τον Οικουμενικό Πατριάρχη Βαρθολομαίο και Αρχιερείς η χειροτονία του μέχρι τώρα Αρχιγραμματέα της Αγίας και Ιεράς Συνόδου και νέου Μητροπολίτου Σμύρνης Βαρθολομαίου.
Sunday, September 11, 2016
Saturday, September 10, 2016
Metropolitan Maximos of Selymvria celebrates the Nativity of the Theotokos with Metropolitan Panteleimon of Maroneias and Komotinis,who is one of the younger and more dynamic hierarchs of the Ecumenical Throne - photo album - Μητροπολίτης Σηλυβρίας κοντά στους Σηλυβριώτες της Κομοτηνής|Amen.gr
Ο Μητροπολίτης Σηλυβρίας κοντά στους Σηλυβριώτες της Κομοτηνής|Amen.gr: Κοντά στους καταγώμενους εκ Φαναρίου Σηλυβρίας ενορίτες του Ι.Ν. Γενεσίου της Θεοτόκου Μεγάλου Κρανοβουνίου, στην Κομοτηνή, βρέθηκε ο Μητροπολίτης Σηλυβρίας Μάξιμος. Ο Μητροπολίτης Μάξιμος προεξήρχε της πανηγύρεως του Ι.Ναού ενώ είχε την ευκαιρία να συλλειτουργήσει με τον άξιο Ποιμενάρχη, Μητροπολίτη Μαρωνείας και Κομοτηνής Παντελεήμονα, εκ των νεοτέρων και δυναμικών Ιεραρχών του Οικουμενικού Θρόνου.
Patriarch John X of Antioch to the Middle East Council of Churches-excerpts from his address
On 6 September 2016,His Beatitude Patriarch John X of Antioch and All the East spoke to the general assembly of the Middle East Council of Churches in Amman,Jordan.The MECC is,in turn,a member of the World Council of Churches.At the general assembly,Patriarch John was elected President of the Orthodox Churches which belong to the Council.There are others who serve as Presidents of the Oriental Orthodox;Catholics;and Evangelicals in the Council.For example,His Holiness Patriarch Aphrem II of the Syriac Orthodox Church is President of the Oriental Orthodox.Patriarch John spoke eloquently of their deeply troubled region and of the Middle East Council of Churches' role within it:
We are here to raise our voices against everything done against Christians-and against others,too-in every spot of the East.We are fully aware of what happened to them in Iraq.And we understand the situation in Syria.
We are here to make our cry reach far of our people in Aleppo,Mhardeh and others.What is going on will not make us neglect our land;but it will rather urge us to defend it.We are here to address the whole world in regard to the existence of Christians in the East.We say:we do not appeal to protection;we demand peace.*
The Council is a pattern of open minds through which Eastern Christianity confronts every endeavour to close minds with the protection and sustenance of the Church-civilised heritage of each of its components.We are called to activate the voice of the Council and strengthen it to be continuously the voice for Eastern Christianity at the present time.*
May the Lord bless this East and its countries and give it with the rest of the world a flow of His light and fill the hearts of the participants in this meeting with His abundant and divine mercy,Patriarch John prayed.
We are here to raise our voices against everything done against Christians-and against others,too-in every spot of the East.We are fully aware of what happened to them in Iraq.And we understand the situation in Syria.
We are here to make our cry reach far of our people in Aleppo,Mhardeh and others.What is going on will not make us neglect our land;but it will rather urge us to defend it.We are here to address the whole world in regard to the existence of Christians in the East.We say:we do not appeal to protection;we demand peace.*
The Council is a pattern of open minds through which Eastern Christianity confronts every endeavour to close minds with the protection and sustenance of the Church-civilised heritage of each of its components.We are called to activate the voice of the Council and strengthen it to be continuously the voice for Eastern Christianity at the present time.*
May the Lord bless this East and its countries and give it with the rest of the world a flow of His light and fill the hearts of the participants in this meeting with His abundant and divine mercy,Patriarch John prayed.
Thursday, September 8, 2016
Patriarch Bartholomew to Visit Croatia,Mark Jasenovac Death Camp Anniversary
His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew will visit Zagreb,Croatia this weekend to open a Scientific Conference on the theme of New Martyrs:Polyperspective II on Friday 9 September.The conference is being held at the Serbian Orthodox Grammar School "Katerina Kantakuzina Brankovic."It will bring together experts on this subject matter from such countries as Poland,Russia,Croatia,Israel and Serbia,including historians,sociologists and theologians.*
Patriarch Bartholomew will also on Friday visit the site of the fascist death camp Jasenovac,where about 100,000 Serbs,Jews,Gypsies and anti-fascist ethnic Croats and Muslims were executed from 1941-45 by the fascist and genocidal Ustase regime,which was propped up by Axis powers Germany and Italy.The patriarch will then attend Vespers at the Church of St.Prophet Elijah in Mlaka village with the assembled hierarchs and conference participants.*
On Saturday 10 September,His All-Holiness and His Holiness Patriarch Irinej of Serbia will concelebrate the hierarchal Divine Liturgy for the 75th Anniversary of the suffering of the Holy Martyrs of Jasenovac with hierarchs of the Russian Orthodox Church,Polish Orthodox Church and Romanian Orthodox Church at the Church of the Nativity of St.John the Baptist in Jasenovac.*
Following the liturgy,Patriarch Bartholomew will bless the renovated Bishop's Palace in Pakrac,which is the diocesan headquarters for the Bishop of Slavonia and conference chairman,His Grace Bishop Jovan of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
Patriarch Bartholomew will also on Friday visit the site of the fascist death camp Jasenovac,where about 100,000 Serbs,Jews,Gypsies and anti-fascist ethnic Croats and Muslims were executed from 1941-45 by the fascist and genocidal Ustase regime,which was propped up by Axis powers Germany and Italy.The patriarch will then attend Vespers at the Church of St.Prophet Elijah in Mlaka village with the assembled hierarchs and conference participants.*
On Saturday 10 September,His All-Holiness and His Holiness Patriarch Irinej of Serbia will concelebrate the hierarchal Divine Liturgy for the 75th Anniversary of the suffering of the Holy Martyrs of Jasenovac with hierarchs of the Russian Orthodox Church,Polish Orthodox Church and Romanian Orthodox Church at the Church of the Nativity of St.John the Baptist in Jasenovac.*
Following the liturgy,Patriarch Bartholomew will bless the renovated Bishop's Palace in Pakrac,which is the diocesan headquarters for the Bishop of Slavonia and conference chairman,His Grace Bishop Jovan of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
Saturday, September 3, 2016
Revised:Two New Bishops of the Ecumenical Patriarchate Selected - restoring the Metropolis of Smyrna,aka Izmir,Turkey
In a move to restore a lost Metropolis of Asia Minor,two new hierarchs of the Great Church of Christ at Constantinople have been recommended by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and approved by the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.They are the Very Rev. Archimandrite Bartholomew Samaras,who will be consecrated to the episcopacy and enthroned as the new Metropolitan of Smyrna;and the Very Rev. Archimandrite Kirill Sikis,who will be consecrated as the new Bishop of Erythrae and serve as the auxiliary bishop to the Metropolitan of Smyrna.*
Father Bartholomew will be consecrated on 11 September and enthroned on 24 September;while Father Kirill will be consecrated on 25 September by several hierarchs of the Patriarchate and the Church of Greece in St.Voukolos' Church,recently restored after being shuttered for 93 years.*
Father Bartholomew has been serving as Chief Secretary of the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Secretary to the President of the Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church.Father Kirill has worked tirelessly to bring back the Church's presence in Smyrna/Izmir.Both men are highly regarded for their devotion to the Church and their loyalty to His All-Holiness personally.*
The consecrations have a great deal of significance in that they are part of an effort to restore a Metropolis in Asia Minor that was destroyed during a Greco-Turkish war in the early part of the twentieth century that ended with a massacre of Greek and Armenian citizens by the Turks.The project is consonant with a general theme of Patriarch Bartholomew's growing legacy of promoting the restoration and conservation of every Church institution,land and building that has fallen in the struggle of Christian Byzantium to survive Islamic rule.
Father Bartholomew will be consecrated on 11 September and enthroned on 24 September;while Father Kirill will be consecrated on 25 September by several hierarchs of the Patriarchate and the Church of Greece in St.Voukolos' Church,recently restored after being shuttered for 93 years.*
Father Bartholomew has been serving as Chief Secretary of the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Secretary to the President of the Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church.Father Kirill has worked tirelessly to bring back the Church's presence in Smyrna/Izmir.Both men are highly regarded for their devotion to the Church and their loyalty to His All-Holiness personally.*
The consecrations have a great deal of significance in that they are part of an effort to restore a Metropolis in Asia Minor that was destroyed during a Greco-Turkish war in the early part of the twentieth century that ended with a massacre of Greek and Armenian citizens by the Turks.The project is consonant with a general theme of Patriarch Bartholomew's growing legacy of promoting the restoration and conservation of every Church institution,land and building that has fallen in the struggle of Christian Byzantium to survive Islamic rule.
Friday, September 2, 2016
Thursday, September 1, 2016
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
US Strategic and Nuclear Forces:Building Up to the Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent
On 29 July 2016,the US Air Force issued Request for Proposals notices for both the Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) and the Long-Range Standoff Missile (LRSO).The programmes,regarded as critical because other nations have already upgraded their own strategic and nuclear forces,will provide tens of billions of dollars of new business for the major defence contractors through 2075.Boeing,Lockheed Martin and Northrup Grumman have already expressed interest in bidding on the two GBSD contracts expected to be awarded by the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017.It is unknown whether BAE Systems,Orbital ATK and SpaceX are also interested in the competition.*
It is believed the Air Force is looking to build about 642 new intercontinental ballistic missiles,a one-for-one replacement of the Minuteman III plus test missiles,and link them to modernised silos and launch control systems.*
The Minuteman III flight systems in use today were fielded the late 1990s and early 2000s with an intended 20-year lifespan,the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center Public Affairs said.The current Minuteman III system will face increased operational and sustainment challenges until it can be replaced.The Air Force is focused on developing and delivering an integrated weapon system,including launch and C2 segments.The new GBSD system will meet existing national requirements,while having the adaptability and flexibility to affordably address changing technological and threat environments through 2075.Deployment is projected to begin in the late 2020s.*
The Minuteman III will have a difficult time surviving in the active anti-access/area denial environment that we will be dealing with in the 2030 and beyond time period,added General Robin Rand,Commander of US Global Strike Command,to the House Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee in March.
Among developments of concern to the national security community would be both laser and microwave emissions countermeasures against the Minuteman III and other legacy strategic assets,and advanced detection capabilities of potential adversaries such as Russia and China.If the US cannot assure that its bombs and warheads will hit their targets,that changes the strategic stability outlook.*
With the flexibilty to receive modifications such as decoys and electronic countermeasures,the new ICBMs will be very modular so they can be readily upgraded against any countermeasures.*
Northrop Grumman has already been selected as prime contractor of the new Long- Range Strategic Bomber,the B-21.*
Lockheed Martin (LMT),Boeing (BA),Northrop Grumman (NOC)
It is believed the Air Force is looking to build about 642 new intercontinental ballistic missiles,a one-for-one replacement of the Minuteman III plus test missiles,and link them to modernised silos and launch control systems.*
The Minuteman III flight systems in use today were fielded the late 1990s and early 2000s with an intended 20-year lifespan,the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center Public Affairs said.The current Minuteman III system will face increased operational and sustainment challenges until it can be replaced.The Air Force is focused on developing and delivering an integrated weapon system,including launch and C2 segments.The new GBSD system will meet existing national requirements,while having the adaptability and flexibility to affordably address changing technological and threat environments through 2075.Deployment is projected to begin in the late 2020s.*
The Minuteman III will have a difficult time surviving in the active anti-access/area denial environment that we will be dealing with in the 2030 and beyond time period,added General Robin Rand,Commander of US Global Strike Command,to the House Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee in March.
Among developments of concern to the national security community would be both laser and microwave emissions countermeasures against the Minuteman III and other legacy strategic assets,and advanced detection capabilities of potential adversaries such as Russia and China.If the US cannot assure that its bombs and warheads will hit their targets,that changes the strategic stability outlook.*
With the flexibilty to receive modifications such as decoys and electronic countermeasures,the new ICBMs will be very modular so they can be readily upgraded against any countermeasures.*
Northrop Grumman has already been selected as prime contractor of the new Long- Range Strategic Bomber,the B-21.*
Lockheed Martin (LMT),Boeing (BA),Northrop Grumman (NOC)
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Monday, August 29, 2016
Sunday, August 28, 2016
Transfer of the Dormition of the Theotokos icon to Gethsemane,in accordance with tradition,on 25 August 2016 Η ΚΑΘΟΔΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΕΙΚΟΝΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΚΟΙΜΗΣΕΩΣ ΤΗΣ ΘΕΟΤΟΚΟΥ ΣΤΗ ΓΕΘΣΗΜΑΝΗ
Η ΚΑΘΟΔΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΕΙΚΟΝΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΚΟΙΜΗΣΕΩΣ ΤΗΣ ΘΕΟΤΟΚΟΥ ΣΤΗ ΓΕΘΣΗΜΑΝΗ
Saturday, August 27, 2016
Friday, August 26, 2016
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Rear Admiral Vasileios Theologitis decorated for his services as protector of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the sovereignty of Greek waters - His Beatitude Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III bestows the Cross of the Guardian of the Tomb of Christ on an Hellenic Navy officer in Haifa on 21 August 2016 Ο ΜΑΚΑΡΙΩΤΑΤΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΣΗΜΟΦΟΡΕΙ ΤΟΝ ΥΠΟΝΑΥΑΡΧΟΝ Κ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΙΟΝ ΘΕΟΛΟΓΙΤΗΝ
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Monday, August 22, 2016
Sunday, August 21, 2016
Saturday, August 20, 2016
Η ΕΟΡΤΗ ΤΟΥ ΑΓ ΙΩΑΝΝΟY Feast Day of St.Ioannis the New Chozevite - 10 August 2016 - Akathistos and Great Vespers - Patriarch of Jersalem Theophilos III
Η ΕΟΡΤΗ ΤΟΥ ΑΓ ΙΩΑΝΝΟΥ ΤΟΥ ΝΕΟΥ ΧΟΖΕΒΙΤΟΥ (1)
Friday, August 19, 2016
Thursday, August 18, 2016
Wednesday, August 17, 2016
The Orion Spacecraft:Shuttle-like Tiles,but Uniquely Distant Missions
About 10 technicians and quality inspectors with Arctic Slope Regional Corporation have begun bonding approximately 1300 thermal protection tiles onto panels of NASA's Orion spacecraft to preserve the capsule and its future crew through the reentry inferno.The workers,veterans of the Space Shuttle programme's tile-bonding process,will bond each silica tile to the nine Orion side panels or the forward bay cover.Orion also has a massive heat shield for protection.Before bonding,each tile is scanned for conformity with Orion prime contractor Lockheed Martin's design information for the particular tile.
The work,which will take several months to complete,is being done in the high bay of the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building,Kennedy Space Center,a facility serving as the preparatory nerve center for Orion's first mission atop the new Space Launch System rocket,Exploration Mission-1.This second uncrewed mission,following the successful first one on 5 December 2014 and scheduled for 30 September 2018,will see Orion sent far beyond where any other human-rated spacecraft has traveled before,some 40,000 miles above the Moon,on a three-week journey to gather spacecraft performance data and qualify Orion for the human spaceflight to occur on its next mission,EM-2 in 2023.The silvery-looking aluminised tiles will be installed on the Orion crew module before mating with the ESA Orion Service Module.
Beneath the silvery coating will be the same Toughened Uni-Piece Fibrous Insulation,or TUFI,used in the closing missions of the Space Shuttle era.Unlike the shuttle's tiles,however,Orion's will not be reusable,as salt water contaminates them upon splashdown.*
Orion's reentry to the Earth's atmosphere will be at about 25,000 miles an hour and 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit.While many of the tiles are a standard 8x8 inches;others are odd-shaped to fit around windows,thrusters and antennae.*
ASRC Federal delivers aviation,space and missile defence,base and range operations and maintenance services to the US Government.The company is owned by the Innupiaq people of Alaska's North Slope.*
Lockheed Martin (LMT)
The work,which will take several months to complete,is being done in the high bay of the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building,Kennedy Space Center,a facility serving as the preparatory nerve center for Orion's first mission atop the new Space Launch System rocket,Exploration Mission-1.This second uncrewed mission,following the successful first one on 5 December 2014 and scheduled for 30 September 2018,will see Orion sent far beyond where any other human-rated spacecraft has traveled before,some 40,000 miles above the Moon,on a three-week journey to gather spacecraft performance data and qualify Orion for the human spaceflight to occur on its next mission,EM-2 in 2023.The silvery-looking aluminised tiles will be installed on the Orion crew module before mating with the ESA Orion Service Module.
Beneath the silvery coating will be the same Toughened Uni-Piece Fibrous Insulation,or TUFI,used in the closing missions of the Space Shuttle era.Unlike the shuttle's tiles,however,Orion's will not be reusable,as salt water contaminates them upon splashdown.*
Orion's reentry to the Earth's atmosphere will be at about 25,000 miles an hour and 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit.While many of the tiles are a standard 8x8 inches;others are odd-shaped to fit around windows,thrusters and antennae.*
ASRC Federal delivers aviation,space and missile defence,base and range operations and maintenance services to the US Government.The company is owned by the Innupiaq people of Alaska's North Slope.*
Lockheed Martin (LMT)
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
Monday, August 15, 2016
Sunday, August 14, 2016
Saturday, August 13, 2016
Friday, August 12, 2016
Thursday, August 11, 2016
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
Air Force B-1B Lancer Strategic Bombers Deployed to Asia-Pacific
In support of the US Pacific Command's longstanding continuous bomber presence mission,several US Air Force B-1B Lancer supersonic strategic bombers were deployed to the US island of Guam on 6 August 2016 from Ellsworth Air Force Base,South Dakota.The B-1Bs are replacing B-52H Stratofortress bombers from Minot Air Force Base,North Dakota,after nearly 10 years of service in the USPACOM mission.*
With its large weapon capacity-the greatest in the bomber inventory-and exceptional standoff strike capability,the Lancers will pose a credible strategic power projection platform when forward-deployed for the stability and security of the Asia-Pacific region.*
According to US Global Strike Command,to which the bombers belong,the B-1B is a significant capability that enables our readiness and commitment to deterrence;provides assurance to our allies;and strengthens regional security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.The Lancers are being deployed on a routine strategic deterrence and regional training mission.*
The newly deployed bombers,members of the 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron,will be integrating their unique rapid response capability with regional allies and partners.Supported by some 300 Airmen from the 28th Bomb Wing,the Rockwell-built aircraft will be ready to deter aggression with a wide range of conventional and nuclear ordnance they can deliver at short notice over long distances.*
Rockwell Collins Inc (COL)
With its large weapon capacity-the greatest in the bomber inventory-and exceptional standoff strike capability,the Lancers will pose a credible strategic power projection platform when forward-deployed for the stability and security of the Asia-Pacific region.*
According to US Global Strike Command,to which the bombers belong,the B-1B is a significant capability that enables our readiness and commitment to deterrence;provides assurance to our allies;and strengthens regional security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.The Lancers are being deployed on a routine strategic deterrence and regional training mission.*
The newly deployed bombers,members of the 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron,will be integrating their unique rapid response capability with regional allies and partners.Supported by some 300 Airmen from the 28th Bomb Wing,the Rockwell-built aircraft will be ready to deter aggression with a wide range of conventional and nuclear ordnance they can deliver at short notice over long distances.*
Rockwell Collins Inc (COL)
Sunday, August 7, 2016
Saturday, August 6, 2016
Friday, August 5, 2016
Mini - documentary:Totally Stripped-ROLLING STONES IN AMSTERDAM.
Totally Stripped-ROLIING STONES IN AMSTERDAM.
The Vigil for St.Maria Magdalini at Simonopetra Holy Monastery,Mt.Athos presided by His Eminence Metropolitan Iosif of Prikonissos Η πανήγυρη της Αγίας Μαρίας της Μαγδαληνής στη Μονή Σίμωνος Πέτρας (ΦΩΤΟ)|Amen.gr
Η πανήγυρη της Αγίας Μαρίας της Μαγδαληνής στη Μονή Σίμωνος Πέτρας (ΦΩΤΟ)|Amen.gr: Το αγέρι στο Συγγιτικό κόλπο «χάιδευε» το βράδυ της Τετάρτης τις ακτές του Αγίου Όρους. Ερχόταν μάλλον από μακρυά γιατί έφερνε τη δροσιά της κορυφής του Άθω και τα αρώματα της αγριορίγανης και του θυμαριού, της φύσης ολάκερης της Ιεράς Χερσονήσου. Έτσι �%B
Thursday, August 4, 2016
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
Air Force F-35 Version Cleared for Combat - prepared for global threats
On 2 August 2016 at Joint Base Langley-Eustis,Virginia,US Air Force General Hawk Carlisle,commander,Air Combat Command,declared the Air Force's F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter to be combat ready.The general said the aircraft met all criteria for declaring initial operational capability:
airmen trained,manned and equipped to conduct basic close air support,interdiction and limited suppression/destruction of enemy air defences in a contested environment with an operational squadron of 12-24 aircraft;
the ability to deploy and conduct operational missions using program of record weapons and mission systems;
and having all logistics and operational elements in place.
The F-35A will be the most dominant aircraft in our inventory because it can go where our legacy aircraft cannot and provide the capabilities our commanders need on the modern battlefield,General Carlisle added.*
Besides basic combat readiness,the aircraft provides great command and control functions through fused sensors,and it will provide pilots with unprecedented situational awareness of the battle space that will be more extensive than any single seat platform in existence,officials point out.*
Bringing the F-35A to initial combat readiness is a testament to our phenomenal airmen and the outstanding support of the Joint Program Office and our enterprise partners,according to Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James.This important milestone for our fighter force ensures the US,along with our allies and international partners,remains prepared to deter,deny and defeat the full spectrum of growing threats around the globe.*
The Air Force's first operational squadron of F-35As is the 388th Fighter Wing,Hill Air Force Base,Utah.They will fly and maintain the fifth generation fighter with Air Force Reservists from the 419th Fighter Wing at Hill.*
Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor for the F-35 and its three variants for the Air Force (F-35A),US Marine Corps (F-35B) and US Navy (F-35C),as well as allies and partners expressing an interest such as Great Britain,Australia and the Netherlands.*
Lockheed Martin (LMT)
airmen trained,manned and equipped to conduct basic close air support,interdiction and limited suppression/destruction of enemy air defences in a contested environment with an operational squadron of 12-24 aircraft;
the ability to deploy and conduct operational missions using program of record weapons and mission systems;
and having all logistics and operational elements in place.
The F-35A will be the most dominant aircraft in our inventory because it can go where our legacy aircraft cannot and provide the capabilities our commanders need on the modern battlefield,General Carlisle added.*
Besides basic combat readiness,the aircraft provides great command and control functions through fused sensors,and it will provide pilots with unprecedented situational awareness of the battle space that will be more extensive than any single seat platform in existence,officials point out.*
Bringing the F-35A to initial combat readiness is a testament to our phenomenal airmen and the outstanding support of the Joint Program Office and our enterprise partners,according to Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James.This important milestone for our fighter force ensures the US,along with our allies and international partners,remains prepared to deter,deny and defeat the full spectrum of growing threats around the globe.*
The Air Force's first operational squadron of F-35As is the 388th Fighter Wing,Hill Air Force Base,Utah.They will fly and maintain the fifth generation fighter with Air Force Reservists from the 419th Fighter Wing at Hill.*
Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor for the F-35 and its three variants for the Air Force (F-35A),US Marine Corps (F-35B) and US Navy (F-35C),as well as allies and partners expressing an interest such as Great Britain,Australia and the Netherlands.*
Lockheed Martin (LMT)
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
Monday, August 1, 2016
Saturday, July 30, 2016
Ecumenical Patriarchate Responds to Ukrainian Parliament,Sends Representative to Meet With President Poroshenko
The Ecumenical Patriarchate is intensifying its involvement in the issue of Orthodox Church unity in Ukraine:
First,it has established a special synodal commission to examine the Verkhovna Rada,or Ukkrainian Parliament,appeal for the Ecumenical Patriarchate to grant autocephaly to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.In a previous appeal,which the Ecumenical Patriarchate did not respond to,the Verkhovna Rada recently asked His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to issue a Tomos of Autocephaly and to recognise that the 1686 act transferring the Metropolitanate of Kiev to the jurisdiction of the Russian Orthodox Church in defiance of canon law was invalid.*
The good news for Ukraine is that "Orthodoxy without Moscow" (in light of the holding of the Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church despite Moscow's non-attendance) can undertake a sober and serious consideration of Ukraine's bid for autocephaly,wrote Ukrainian columnist Andrew Sorokowski.*
Second,on 29 July 2016,the Ecumenical Patriarchate sent a representative,His Eminence Archbishop Job of Telmessos,to Kiev for a meeting with the President of Ukraine,Petro Poroshenko.Mr.Poroshenko said he was grateful that the Mother Church of Constantinople is now attending to the issue of a single national Orthodox Church,referring to the special commission set up to look into the proposal for Ukrainian autocephaly,according to the Presidential Press Office.The President assured Archbishop Job that the Ukrainian authorities are united in their aspiration for a single national Orthodox Church and noted that the given issue is becoming increasingly topical against the backdrop of global challenges.We should help the believers implement their aspirations on the single Church.*
For his part,Archbishop Job conveyed the greetings of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the entire Mother Church of Constantinople.He assured the President that the Ecumenical Patriarch wants to help Ukraine.The two then discussed the role of state and Church in the prevention of the use of the religious factor for destabilisation of the situation in Ukraine.The President said the task of the government was not to give opportunities to provoke inter-religious and inter-confessional conflicts and expressed satisfaction with the recent work of the law enforcement bodies.*
Mr.Poroshenko also congratulated the Ecumenical Patriarchate on the successful holding of the Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church:
I think it has approved and strengthened the authority of His All-Holiness in the Orthodox world,Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko told the Patriarchal representative,His Eminence Archbishop Job of Telmessos.*
There are currently three Orthodox jurisdictions in Ukraine,the largest of which,and the only one of which is recognised by the other Orthodox Churches,is under the primacy of Metropolitan Onufry of the Patriarchate of Moscow and All Russia.The other two jurisdictions desire autocephaly.
First,it has established a special synodal commission to examine the Verkhovna Rada,or Ukkrainian Parliament,appeal for the Ecumenical Patriarchate to grant autocephaly to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.In a previous appeal,which the Ecumenical Patriarchate did not respond to,the Verkhovna Rada recently asked His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to issue a Tomos of Autocephaly and to recognise that the 1686 act transferring the Metropolitanate of Kiev to the jurisdiction of the Russian Orthodox Church in defiance of canon law was invalid.*
The good news for Ukraine is that "Orthodoxy without Moscow" (in light of the holding of the Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church despite Moscow's non-attendance) can undertake a sober and serious consideration of Ukraine's bid for autocephaly,wrote Ukrainian columnist Andrew Sorokowski.*
Second,on 29 July 2016,the Ecumenical Patriarchate sent a representative,His Eminence Archbishop Job of Telmessos,to Kiev for a meeting with the President of Ukraine,Petro Poroshenko.Mr.Poroshenko said he was grateful that the Mother Church of Constantinople is now attending to the issue of a single national Orthodox Church,referring to the special commission set up to look into the proposal for Ukrainian autocephaly,according to the Presidential Press Office.The President assured Archbishop Job that the Ukrainian authorities are united in their aspiration for a single national Orthodox Church and noted that the given issue is becoming increasingly topical against the backdrop of global challenges.We should help the believers implement their aspirations on the single Church.*
For his part,Archbishop Job conveyed the greetings of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the entire Mother Church of Constantinople.He assured the President that the Ecumenical Patriarch wants to help Ukraine.The two then discussed the role of state and Church in the prevention of the use of the religious factor for destabilisation of the situation in Ukraine.The President said the task of the government was not to give opportunities to provoke inter-religious and inter-confessional conflicts and expressed satisfaction with the recent work of the law enforcement bodies.*
Mr.Poroshenko also congratulated the Ecumenical Patriarchate on the successful holding of the Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church:
I think it has approved and strengthened the authority of His All-Holiness in the Orthodox world,Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko told the Patriarchal representative,His Eminence Archbishop Job of Telmessos.*
There are currently three Orthodox jurisdictions in Ukraine,the largest of which,and the only one of which is recognised by the other Orthodox Churches,is under the primacy of Metropolitan Onufry of the Patriarchate of Moscow and All Russia.The other two jurisdictions desire autocephaly.
Friday, July 29, 2016
Thursday, July 28, 2016
Wednesday, July 27, 2016
Massive Military Exercise Underway in Interior Alaska - shadows of a foreign power
While many North Americans are relaxing on vacation,the US and Canadian Armed Forces have been participating in Arctic Anvil 2016,a joint multinational exercise by troops from US Army Alaska's 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team;25th Infantry Division and UATF;196th Infantry Brigade's Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Capability;133rd Infantry Regiment,Iowa National Guard;and 1st Battalion,Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry.The drills,running from June to August,are being held in Alaska for the first time,with more than 8,000 soldiers and support personnel highlighting the importance of the Arctic lands to both nations.*
At the Donnelly Training Area near Fort Greely,Alaska,soldiers from the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Regiment,which is named for the daughter of a Governor General of Canada and is one of the three Regular infantry regiments in the Canadian Army,blended into the boreal forest landscape with heavily painted faces,branches and twigs disguising their helmets and Coyote light armoured vehicles,giving them an edge in reconnaissance collection.Later,PPCLI staged a sneak morning attack on the Iowa National Guard opposing force role-players.*
Live fire training added welcome authenticity to the wargames in the Yukon Training Area near Fort Wainwright.*
We get kind of the standard friction with information flow,communication,trying to get a good understanding of what's happening out in the battlefield,explained Lieutenant Colonel Bill Taylor,commander of the 1-52 Aviation Battalion.We have to see ourselves,what's going on with our aircraft,how to maintain them-we have friction with that.When you get out in the real world,things don't always work the way you would hope,Col.Taylor said.*
Members of the US Air Force's 41st Airlift Squadron,the Black Cats,out of Little Rock Air Force Base,Arkansas,delivered combat airlift for the exercise as part of their pre-deployment training.They landed a C-130J transport on a dirt landing strip at Ladd Army Airfield,getting prepared for the terrain of austere locations and navigating mountainous terrain;while at the same time appreciating the uncontested airspace of Interior Alaska and the more effective training it provides without the clutter of commercial flight patterns to deal with.*
The Iowa National Guard skillfully portrayed the enemy forces in the drills,as well as the scenario's host nation security forces and civilians.*
The size and complexity of this exercise is partly a response to the growing and unprecedented scale and sophistication of recent Russian drills in their own arctic environment.
At the Donnelly Training Area near Fort Greely,Alaska,soldiers from the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Regiment,which is named for the daughter of a Governor General of Canada and is one of the three Regular infantry regiments in the Canadian Army,blended into the boreal forest landscape with heavily painted faces,branches and twigs disguising their helmets and Coyote light armoured vehicles,giving them an edge in reconnaissance collection.Later,PPCLI staged a sneak morning attack on the Iowa National Guard opposing force role-players.*
Live fire training added welcome authenticity to the wargames in the Yukon Training Area near Fort Wainwright.*
We get kind of the standard friction with information flow,communication,trying to get a good understanding of what's happening out in the battlefield,explained Lieutenant Colonel Bill Taylor,commander of the 1-52 Aviation Battalion.We have to see ourselves,what's going on with our aircraft,how to maintain them-we have friction with that.When you get out in the real world,things don't always work the way you would hope,Col.Taylor said.*
Members of the US Air Force's 41st Airlift Squadron,the Black Cats,out of Little Rock Air Force Base,Arkansas,delivered combat airlift for the exercise as part of their pre-deployment training.They landed a C-130J transport on a dirt landing strip at Ladd Army Airfield,getting prepared for the terrain of austere locations and navigating mountainous terrain;while at the same time appreciating the uncontested airspace of Interior Alaska and the more effective training it provides without the clutter of commercial flight patterns to deal with.*
The Iowa National Guard skillfully portrayed the enemy forces in the drills,as well as the scenario's host nation security forces and civilians.*
The size and complexity of this exercise is partly a response to the growing and unprecedented scale and sophistication of recent Russian drills in their own arctic environment.
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