In an interview with Ukrainian TV channel Priamyi,His Beatitude Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kiyiv and All Ukraine has laid out the schedule for the Tomos events in Constantinople:
5 January - His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Metropolitan Epifaniy will conduct a prayer service of thanksgiving in the Church of St.George at the Patriarchal compound,the Phanar.Then Patriarch Bartholomew will sign the Tomos of Autocephaly.
6 January - Patriarch Bartholomew and Metropolitan Epifaniy will concelebrate their first Divine Liturgy together as the First Among Equals and the first Primate in the history of the new autocephalous Church.After the solemn liturgy,Patriarch Bartholomew will present the Tomos to Metropolitan Epifaniy.*
A map showing how many parishes have transferred from the Moscow Patriarchate to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine has been posted on Google Maps.It currently shows that 25 parishes have changed their allegiance so far-even before the Tomos has been granted.There is a cluster around the Vinnitska Oblast with 10 parishes.The easternmost parish on the map is in Rubanivske,Dnipropetrovska Oblast,Ukraine;while the westernmost parish is in Minai,Zakarpatska Oblast,Ukraine.
The easiest way to find the map is to go to my Twitter page @Businessblogger.If you click on the church icons that are on the map,you can view the details about each parish in the Ukrainian language.*
The Patriarchate of Georgia says it has provisionally approved of the granting of autocephaly to Ukraine,but will not make a final decision until the Tomos is actually presented.
Saturday, December 29, 2018
Thursday, December 27, 2018
Thursday, December 20, 2018
Ukraine:Metropolitan Alexander Leaves Moscow Patriarchate for New Church
On 19 December 2018,old calendar St.Nicholas Day,His Eminence Metropolitan Alexander (Drabinko) of Pereyaslav-Khmelnitsky announced he was leaving the Moscow Patriarchate for the new Orthodox Church of Ukraine.The faithful in the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral applauded his statement:
Today,for the first time during the liturgy,I commemorated the Ecumenical Patriarch and His Beatitude the Metropolitan of Kiyiv Epifaniy,but unfortunately some of the parishoners and clerics did not accept my admission to the OCU,and therefore left the temple;but I hope they will return.*
Metropolitan Alexander was one of the two Moscow Patriarchate Metropolitans who attended the Unifying Council in Kyiv on 15 December.The other was Metropolitan Simeon of Vinnytsia.On 18 December,the cathedral parish council ruled that Metropolitan Alexander had the right to serve in the cathedral and remain its rector.
The Moscow Patriarchate convened a synod to depose and prohibit from serving Metropolitans Alexander and Simeon.
Today,for the first time during the liturgy,I commemorated the Ecumenical Patriarch and His Beatitude the Metropolitan of Kiyiv Epifaniy,but unfortunately some of the parishoners and clerics did not accept my admission to the OCU,and therefore left the temple;but I hope they will return.*
Metropolitan Alexander was one of the two Moscow Patriarchate Metropolitans who attended the Unifying Council in Kyiv on 15 December.The other was Metropolitan Simeon of Vinnytsia.On 18 December,the cathedral parish council ruled that Metropolitan Alexander had the right to serve in the cathedral and remain its rector.
The Moscow Patriarchate convened a synod to depose and prohibit from serving Metropolitans Alexander and Simeon.
Wednesday, December 19, 2018
Tuesday, December 18, 2018
Monday, December 17, 2018
Saturday, December 15, 2018
Unifying Council Successful in Ukraine
The new Orthodox Church of Ukraine was formed in Kyiv today as 192 delegates met at historic St.Sofia Cathedral.Two hierarchs from the Moscow Patriarchate participated.
Chaired by His Eminence Metropolitan Emmanuel of France, the Council elected Metropolitan Epifaniy of the former Kyiv Patriarchate as the first primate of the OCU.His title is His Beatitude Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine.*
The only incident so far was the arrest of two men carrying firearms in Kiyiv.The US Embassy in Kiyiv had issued an advisory for US citizens, but the day went tranquilly for the most part.The Embassy sent a congratulatory tweet to the OCU and Metropolitan Epifaniy.At the same time,it called for restraint in the days ahead,in order to ensure a smooth transition.
Chaired by His Eminence Metropolitan Emmanuel of France, the Council elected Metropolitan Epifaniy of the former Kyiv Patriarchate as the first primate of the OCU.His title is His Beatitude Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine.*
The only incident so far was the arrest of two men carrying firearms in Kiyiv.The US Embassy in Kiyiv had issued an advisory for US citizens, but the day went tranquilly for the most part.The Embassy sent a congratulatory tweet to the OCU and Metropolitan Epifaniy.At the same time,it called for restraint in the days ahead,in order to ensure a smooth transition.
Thursday, December 13, 2018
Bulletin:Date for Ukrainian Autocephaly Set;Security Service on High Alert for Unifying Council Blowback
According to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty,Archbishop Yevstratiy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Metropolia has announced that the Tomos of Autocephaly is to be granted by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on 6 January 2019 in Istanbul,which is Ukrainian Christmas Eve.The Tomos will be presented following a Divine Liturgy concelebrated by Patriarch Bartholomew and the newly elected Ukrainian Primate.
First will come the Unifying Council on Saturday 15 December 2018,where the charter of the new Church will be approved and its Primate elected.Patriarch Bartholomew will reportedly attend the Unifying Council at St.Sofia Cathedral in Kiev.The cathedral belongs to the Ukrainian government as a national heritage site.*
Meanwhile,the Ukrainian Security Service,the SBU,is warning of possible violent provocations orchestrated by the Kremlin this weekend in cities across Ukraine,intended to disrupt the Unifying Council or even as a pretext for repressive actions by the Putin regime.*
First will come the Unifying Council on Saturday 15 December 2018,where the charter of the new Church will be approved and its Primate elected.Patriarch Bartholomew will reportedly attend the Unifying Council at St.Sofia Cathedral in Kiev.The cathedral belongs to the Ukrainian government as a national heritage site.*
Meanwhile,the Ukrainian Security Service,the SBU,is warning of possible violent provocations orchestrated by the Kremlin this weekend in cities across Ukraine,intended to disrupt the Unifying Council or even as a pretext for repressive actions by the Putin regime.*
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
US,Greece Initiate Strategic Dialogue
The US and Greece are stepping up their relations by holding their first ever Strategic Dialogue from 13-14 December 2018 in Washington,D.C.According to a news release by the Embassy of the Hellenic Republic,the Strategic Dialogue has an agenda including:
Regional affairs and economy;
Defence and Security;
Rule of Law and combatting terrorism;
Commerce-Investment and Innovation;
Energy cooperation;
and People to People ties.*
The Greek delegation will be led by the Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs,Giorgos Katrougalos.On Thursday morning,there will be a first meeting with President Donald Trump's National Security Adviser,John Bolton.The two sides will also release a joint statement.
In the afternoon,Mr.Katrougalos will meet privately with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
On Friday,Mr.Katrougalos will meet with business leaders over a working breakfast,covering attracting business in such areas as energy;digital technology;start-ups;and innovation.
A number of Hellenic Republic deputy ministers are accompanying Mr.Katrougalos to focus on Economy and Development;Digital Policy,Telecommunications and Information;Environment and Energy;Citizen Protection;and Education.Admiral E.Apostolakis,Head of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff,will also participate in the Strategic Dialogue.*
The Strategic Dialogue represents the upgrading of Greek-American relations at all levels,while establishing systematic cooperation between the two sides on a wide range of issues,the Embassy of the Hellenic Republic said.*
In its Integrated Country Strategy,the US sees Greece as:
a pillar of stability in a complicated region.Its position in the Eastern Mediterranean in close proximity to the Balkans,the Black Sea region,North Africa and the Middle East elevates Greece's importance in addressing US national security and energy priorities.
By encouraging Greece to grow its role in the European energy sector and pushing education reform,Embassy Athens will combat global adversaries' attempts to exploit Greece's geopolitical importance and structural vulnerabilities to destabilize the region and incite anti-Western sentiment.
Regional affairs and economy;
Defence and Security;
Rule of Law and combatting terrorism;
Commerce-Investment and Innovation;
Energy cooperation;
and People to People ties.*
The Greek delegation will be led by the Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs,Giorgos Katrougalos.On Thursday morning,there will be a first meeting with President Donald Trump's National Security Adviser,John Bolton.The two sides will also release a joint statement.
In the afternoon,Mr.Katrougalos will meet privately with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
On Friday,Mr.Katrougalos will meet with business leaders over a working breakfast,covering attracting business in such areas as energy;digital technology;start-ups;and innovation.
A number of Hellenic Republic deputy ministers are accompanying Mr.Katrougalos to focus on Economy and Development;Digital Policy,Telecommunications and Information;Environment and Energy;Citizen Protection;and Education.Admiral E.Apostolakis,Head of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff,will also participate in the Strategic Dialogue.*
The Strategic Dialogue represents the upgrading of Greek-American relations at all levels,while establishing systematic cooperation between the two sides on a wide range of issues,the Embassy of the Hellenic Republic said.*
In its Integrated Country Strategy,the US sees Greece as:
a pillar of stability in a complicated region.Its position in the Eastern Mediterranean in close proximity to the Balkans,the Black Sea region,North Africa and the Middle East elevates Greece's importance in addressing US national security and energy priorities.
By encouraging Greece to grow its role in the European energy sector and pushing education reform,Embassy Athens will combat global adversaries' attempts to exploit Greece's geopolitical importance and structural vulnerabilities to destabilize the region and incite anti-Western sentiment.
Saturday, December 8, 2018
Thursday, December 6, 2018
New Developments From Ukraine:Details About the Unifying Council Revealed
Addressing a forum on Local Self-Government,Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has disclosed that the Unifying Council for the new Ukrainian Orthodox Church will take place on 15 December 2018 at Kiev's St.Sophia Cathedral,for centuries the centre of Ukraine's religious life.President Poroshenko also said that Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has sent letters to the hierarchs of the three extant Ukrainian Orthodox Churches,including the Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Moscow Patriarchate,inviting them to participate in the very important and historic Council.*
A recipient of the letter posted it on the Internet.The Council will be overseen by His Eminence Metropolitan Emmanuel of France,assisted by the Ecumenical Patriarchate's two exarchs to Ukraine.The delegates of the Council will be hierarchs,priests,monks and laity from the three churches.They will approve the charter for the new Church that was drafted by the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate,and elect the first Primate of the new Church.President Poroshenko will be present at the Council.*
Mr.Poroshenko told the forum that:
Now,colossal responsibility lies with the hierarchs of the Ukrainian churches-to hold the Council in peace,harmony,in the spirit of Christian love and patriotism,to elect the Primate who will go to Constantinople/Istanbul and receive the Tomos.
A recipient of the letter posted it on the Internet.The Council will be overseen by His Eminence Metropolitan Emmanuel of France,assisted by the Ecumenical Patriarchate's two exarchs to Ukraine.The delegates of the Council will be hierarchs,priests,monks and laity from the three churches.They will approve the charter for the new Church that was drafted by the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate,and elect the first Primate of the new Church.President Poroshenko will be present at the Council.*
Mr.Poroshenko told the forum that:
Now,colossal responsibility lies with the hierarchs of the Ukrainian churches-to hold the Council in peace,harmony,in the spirit of Christian love and patriotism,to elect the Primate who will go to Constantinople/Istanbul and receive the Tomos.
Wednesday, December 5, 2018
Tuesday, December 4, 2018
Friday, November 30, 2018
Thursday, November 29, 2018
Mattis: Actions in Ukraine Show Russia’s Word Cannot Be Trusted
Mattis: Actions in Ukraine Show Russia’s Word Cannot Be Trusted: Russia’s seizure of three Ukrainian ships in the Sea of Azov in contradiction to signed treaties and the Law of the Sea show that Russia cannot be counted on to keep its word, Defense Secretary James
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
Ecumenical Patriarchate Dissolves Western Europe Exarchate for Churches of the Russian Tradition
In a surprise move,the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate has dissolved its Western Europe Exarchate for Churches of Russian Tradition.According to a communique,at its meeting on 27 November 2018 in Constantinople,the Synod revoked its Tomos of 1999 that granted pastoral care and administration of Orthodox parishes of Russian tradition to an Archbishop-Exarch.
The communique explains:
This decision responds to the pastoral and spiritual needs of our time,with the greatest respect for canon law and our spiritual responsibility.
Indeed,the historical circumstances that led to its creation of such a structure in the aftermath of the Russian Revolution of October 1917,just a hundred years ago,have changed profoundly.*
It is through pastoral solicitude that the Ecumenical Patriarchate decided to integrate and connect the parishes to the different Holy Cities of the Patriarchate in the countries where they are located.Our Mother Church will continue to ensure and guarantee the preservation of their liturgical and spiritual tradition.*
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,the love of God the Father and the communion of the Holy Spirit always be with you,by the prayers of the Most Holy Mother of God and of all the saints.
Phanar,
November 27,2018*
Analysis:The former Exarchate had about 100 parishes serving around 100,000 Orthodox Christians in France,Belgium,the UK and other countries.It also was the home of institutions including the Orthodox Monastery of the Veil of Our Lady at Bussy-en-Othe,France and the celebrated St.Sergius Orthodox Theological Institute,which educated and formed the likes of Father Georges Florovsky,Olivier Clement,and Fathers Alexander Schmemann and John Meyendorff.
Basically,the parishes were becoming less ethnically Russian as many converts from diverse backgrounds increased in number.It no longer made pastoral sense to isolate them from the rest of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in an ethnic enclave.
Now the Russian tradition parishes in France,for example,will be integrated into the Metropolis of France alongside the Greek Orthodox parishes under His Eminence Metropolitan Emmanuel,while retaining their traditional liturgical practices and spirituality.
These parishes have existed parallel to the Moscow Patriarchate's structure in Western Europe.
The communique explains:
This decision responds to the pastoral and spiritual needs of our time,with the greatest respect for canon law and our spiritual responsibility.
Indeed,the historical circumstances that led to its creation of such a structure in the aftermath of the Russian Revolution of October 1917,just a hundred years ago,have changed profoundly.*
It is through pastoral solicitude that the Ecumenical Patriarchate decided to integrate and connect the parishes to the different Holy Cities of the Patriarchate in the countries where they are located.Our Mother Church will continue to ensure and guarantee the preservation of their liturgical and spiritual tradition.*
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,the love of God the Father and the communion of the Holy Spirit always be with you,by the prayers of the Most Holy Mother of God and of all the saints.
Phanar,
November 27,2018*
Analysis:The former Exarchate had about 100 parishes serving around 100,000 Orthodox Christians in France,Belgium,the UK and other countries.It also was the home of institutions including the Orthodox Monastery of the Veil of Our Lady at Bussy-en-Othe,France and the celebrated St.Sergius Orthodox Theological Institute,which educated and formed the likes of Father Georges Florovsky,Olivier Clement,and Fathers Alexander Schmemann and John Meyendorff.
Basically,the parishes were becoming less ethnically Russian as many converts from diverse backgrounds increased in number.It no longer made pastoral sense to isolate them from the rest of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in an ethnic enclave.
Now the Russian tradition parishes in France,for example,will be integrated into the Metropolis of France alongside the Greek Orthodox parishes under His Eminence Metropolitan Emmanuel,while retaining their traditional liturgical practices and spirituality.
These parishes have existed parallel to the Moscow Patriarchate's structure in Western Europe.
Tuesday, November 27, 2018
Monday, November 26, 2018
Saturday, November 24, 2018
Archieratical Vespers of St.Iakovos Tsilakis - presided by His Eminence Archbishop Varnavas at Church of the Lifegiving Fountain in Ampelokipoi,Athens - the first observance of the newly-canonised St.Iakovos Tsaliki's feast day - Αρχ. Εσπ. Οσ.Ιακώβου Τσαλίκη-Ι. Ν. Ζωοδόχου Πηγής Αμπελοκήπων 21-11...
Thursday, November 22, 2018
Wednesday, November 21, 2018
Constantinople Update:Ecumenical Patriarchate Reaffirms Ukraine Plan;Patriarch Bartholomew to Visit Korea
On 19 November 2018,the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople said that,in preparing for the next meeting of the Holy and Sacred Synod from 27-29 November,it reiterates its sacred decision to grant the Tomos of Autocephaly to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.The communique also states that:
While the preparation process for the Holy Council (SOBOR) of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine is underway,the concrete date within December 2018,will be presented for the confirmation and announcement by the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
From the Chief Secretariat
of the Holy and Sacred Synod*
It was announced today by the Ecumenical Patriarchate's Orthodox Metropolis of Korea that His All-Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew will make his 4th Official Visit to Korea from 3-8 December 2018.He will serve the Vespers of St.Nicholas on 5 December at the Cathedral in Seoul and the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy there the following day.Also on 6 December,HAH will participate in the Korean Salvation Army's Campaign of Love and will visit the Homeless.
On Friday 7 December,Patriarch Bartholomew will attend the International Symposium on the Environment:Ecology,Theology and Human Dignity in the Orthodox Christian Tradition,which will be held at the Grand Hilton Seoul.*
Analysis:So the date of the Unifying Council of the new Orthodox Church of Ukraine will not be 22 November 2018,but sometime in December.Meanwhile,Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is not obsessed by Ukraine,but will continue with his normal schedule of pastoral visitations,environmental conferences and so on.
While the preparation process for the Holy Council (SOBOR) of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine is underway,the concrete date within December 2018,will be presented for the confirmation and announcement by the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
From the Chief Secretariat
of the Holy and Sacred Synod*
It was announced today by the Ecumenical Patriarchate's Orthodox Metropolis of Korea that His All-Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew will make his 4th Official Visit to Korea from 3-8 December 2018.He will serve the Vespers of St.Nicholas on 5 December at the Cathedral in Seoul and the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy there the following day.Also on 6 December,HAH will participate in the Korean Salvation Army's Campaign of Love and will visit the Homeless.
On Friday 7 December,Patriarch Bartholomew will attend the International Symposium on the Environment:Ecology,Theology and Human Dignity in the Orthodox Christian Tradition,which will be held at the Grand Hilton Seoul.*
Analysis:So the date of the Unifying Council of the new Orthodox Church of Ukraine will not be 22 November 2018,but sometime in December.Meanwhile,Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is not obsessed by Ukraine,but will continue with his normal schedule of pastoral visitations,environmental conferences and so on.
Thursday, November 15, 2018
Wednesday, November 14, 2018
Bulletin:Ukrainian Church Council Date Set as Metropolitan Emmanuel Sent to Oversee Preparations
Informed sources report a number of new developments in the process of forming the new autocephalous Ukrainian Orthodox Church.Firstly,on 15 November 2018,His Eminence Metropolitan Emmanuel of France will arrive in Ukraine to oversee final preparations for the Uninfying Council that will organise the new Church and elect its first Primate.The new Primate will not be titled "Patriarch."Nor will Metropolitan Filaret,formerly Patriarch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Kiev Patriarchate,or Metropolitan Makariy,formerly head of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church,be on the ballot.At the Ecumenical Patriarchate's request,they have written letters withdrawing themselves from the process.Indeed,they will not even attend the Unifying Council,in order to prevent divisions from forming around them.
Speculation on the first Primate of the new Church centers on Archbishop Job (Getcha) of Telmessos and Archbishop Daniel of Pamphilon (Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the USA).Both are hierarchs of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.Archbishop Daniel was born in Ukraine;while Archbishop Job was born in Montreal,Canada of Ukrainian descent.*
The Unifying Council will be tightly managed.By the time it begins,the texts of both the Charter of the new Church and the Tomos of Autocephaly will have been completed.Furthermore,while the new Church will be independent,the Ecumenical Patriarchate must approve at least the first Primate.In addition,the Government of Ukraine must convey twenty farmsteads claimed by the Ecumenical Patriarchate.*
Analysis:If these initial reports are borne out,the new Ukrainian Orthodox Church will be a very disciplined body from its inception.The Ecumenical Patriarchate is being firm and cautious in its approach,as indeed it has been from the beginning of the autocephaly process.It fosters humility as the surest pathway to success.
Speculation on the first Primate of the new Church centers on Archbishop Job (Getcha) of Telmessos and Archbishop Daniel of Pamphilon (Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the USA).Both are hierarchs of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.Archbishop Daniel was born in Ukraine;while Archbishop Job was born in Montreal,Canada of Ukrainian descent.*
The Unifying Council will be tightly managed.By the time it begins,the texts of both the Charter of the new Church and the Tomos of Autocephaly will have been completed.Furthermore,while the new Church will be independent,the Ecumenical Patriarchate must approve at least the first Primate.In addition,the Government of Ukraine must convey twenty farmsteads claimed by the Ecumenical Patriarchate.*
Analysis:If these initial reports are borne out,the new Ukrainian Orthodox Church will be a very disciplined body from its inception.The Ecumenical Patriarchate is being firm and cautious in its approach,as indeed it has been from the beginning of the autocephaly process.It fosters humility as the surest pathway to success.
Panorthodox Synod Holodomor Anniversary in Ukraine : PATRIARCH BARTHOLOMEW APPEALED TO UKRAINIANS ON TH...
Panorthodox Synod : PATRIARCH BARTHOLOMEW APPEALED TO UKRAINIANS ON TH...: Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew made an appeal to the Ukrainian people on the eve of the 85th anniversary of the Holodomor in Ukraine. ...
Thursday, November 8, 2018
Wednesday, November 7, 2018
In Greece,Church-State Relations to Begin New Chapter - revised
Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and His Beatitude Archbishop Ieronymos II of Athens and All Greece have,in a joint TV appearance from the Maximos Mansion in Athens on 6 November 2018,announced agreement on amendments to Church-State relations in the Hellenic Republic of Greece.The package of constitutional reforms,which was presented to Archbishop Ieronymos and the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece by Mr.Tsipras,will allow the State to become officially neutral in religion;while still affording the Church of Greece a special and officially-recognised role in the life of the nation.
As in the US and other western democracies,the State will not be linked to any particular faith;yet it will recognise that the nation is overwhelmingly Greek Orthodox in orientation (about 98%).As such,it will continue to closely associate with the Church on many levels.While clergy will no longer be part of the civil service,a fixed annual grant of 230 million dollars will be made by the State to cover clergy salaries for the current number of clergy,which is about 10,000;the amount is adjustable based on the average annual salary in the civil service;but,if more clergy are added,the subsidy amount would not increase.Also,the substantial portfolio of Church property claimed by the State before 1939 will now have a fund for the use of the property,with obligations for the fund split evenly between Church and State;and the Church agrees not to file claim to the property.*
On a cultural level,prayer will still begin each school day,and a blessing will still be given by the Church for a new session of Parliament.Religious education will still be provided in the schools.*
Prime Minister Tsipras explained that:
This meeting is the culmination of a dialogue that has gone on for several years,and the common goal was to deal with historical upheavals and the rationalisation of Church-State relations.We are not hiding them,but trying to find a creative way to overcome them.*
For his part,Archbishop Ieronymos said:
This agreement transmits our intention to go one step further in respecting each other.We will move on to a spirit of autonomy and cooperation,making the Church a better servant of the people.*
Analysis:As is to be expected,there are voices of dissent against the agreement both within and outside of the clergy.Yet it seems that,realistically,this is as good a deal for the Church of Greece as it can get in this world of rapid change,and in a Greece striving for unity with its EU partners and NATO Allies,and its place within the broader global community as well.
As in the US and other western democracies,the State will not be linked to any particular faith;yet it will recognise that the nation is overwhelmingly Greek Orthodox in orientation (about 98%).As such,it will continue to closely associate with the Church on many levels.While clergy will no longer be part of the civil service,a fixed annual grant of 230 million dollars will be made by the State to cover clergy salaries for the current number of clergy,which is about 10,000;the amount is adjustable based on the average annual salary in the civil service;but,if more clergy are added,the subsidy amount would not increase.Also,the substantial portfolio of Church property claimed by the State before 1939 will now have a fund for the use of the property,with obligations for the fund split evenly between Church and State;and the Church agrees not to file claim to the property.*
On a cultural level,prayer will still begin each school day,and a blessing will still be given by the Church for a new session of Parliament.Religious education will still be provided in the schools.*
Prime Minister Tsipras explained that:
This meeting is the culmination of a dialogue that has gone on for several years,and the common goal was to deal with historical upheavals and the rationalisation of Church-State relations.We are not hiding them,but trying to find a creative way to overcome them.*
For his part,Archbishop Ieronymos said:
This agreement transmits our intention to go one step further in respecting each other.We will move on to a spirit of autonomy and cooperation,making the Church a better servant of the people.*
Analysis:As is to be expected,there are voices of dissent against the agreement both within and outside of the clergy.Yet it seems that,realistically,this is as good a deal for the Church of Greece as it can get in this world of rapid change,and in a Greece striving for unity with its EU partners and NATO Allies,and its place within the broader global community as well.
Monday, November 5, 2018
Saturday, November 3, 2018
Panorthodox Synod : UKRAINE AND THE ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE SIGNED AN ...
Panorthodox Synod : UKRAINE AND THE ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE SIGNED AN ...: The Presidential Administration of Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew signed the Agreement &qu...
Historic agreement signed by President Petro Poroshenko and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on Cooperation during the process of granting Ukraine autocephaly,ensuring a smooth transition to an independent Ukrainian Orthodox Church was signed on 3 November 2018 in Constantinople.Порошенко та Варфоломій підписали історичну угоду про створення незалежн...
Thursday, November 1, 2018
Wednesday, October 31, 2018
President Edogan Invites Patriarch Bartholomew to Airport Opening
On 29 October 2018,His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew attended the opening of the Istanbul New Airport,which is replacing the Ataturk Airport as the Turkish capital's main airport.Patriarch Bartholomew was invited to the ceremony by President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan.He was accompanied by the Chief Secretary of the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate,Archimandrite Joachim (Billis).
Earlier in the year,Patriarch Bartholomew had a long sought-after private audience with Mr.Erdogan at the presidential palace in Istanbul.At that time,the leader of the Orthodox Christian world presented a list of requests for the Turkish authorities to consider.*
The new airport will be phased into operation,starting with just a handful of Turkish Airlines flights to destinations within Turkey and Northern Cyprus.This will dramatically increase by full completion in 2028,when up to 200 million passengers a year will be served by the gargantuan enterprise,which is more than double the traffic at the current largest airport in the world,Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta.*
In his address,President Erdogan emphasised that the airport will become a hub,not only for the region,but the world.
Besides Patriarch Bartholomew,the event was attended by dignitaries such as the Emir of Qatar,Sheikh Tamin bin Hamad Al Thani,and President of Sudan Omar al-Bashir.There were also officials from Albania;the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia;Moldova;Pakistan;and Serbia at the gala occasion.
Earlier in the year,Patriarch Bartholomew had a long sought-after private audience with Mr.Erdogan at the presidential palace in Istanbul.At that time,the leader of the Orthodox Christian world presented a list of requests for the Turkish authorities to consider.*
The new airport will be phased into operation,starting with just a handful of Turkish Airlines flights to destinations within Turkey and Northern Cyprus.This will dramatically increase by full completion in 2028,when up to 200 million passengers a year will be served by the gargantuan enterprise,which is more than double the traffic at the current largest airport in the world,Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta.*
In his address,President Erdogan emphasised that the airport will become a hub,not only for the region,but the world.
Besides Patriarch Bartholomew,the event was attended by dignitaries such as the Emir of Qatar,Sheikh Tamin bin Hamad Al Thani,and President of Sudan Omar al-Bashir.There were also officials from Albania;the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia;Moldova;Pakistan;and Serbia at the gala occasion.
Thursday, October 25, 2018
Wednesday, October 24, 2018
Ceremony Reaffirms Enduring Ties Between Jerusalem and Constantinople
Despite the recent belligerence of Moscow,the bonds between the Patriarchates of Jerusalem and Constantinople were unequivocally reaffirmed as the Ecumenical Patriarchate's foremost lay associate,Mr.Panteleimon Vigkas,was honoured by the Jerusalem Patriarchate at an evening ceremony on 22 October 2018 in its Metochion,or ecclesiastical embassy,on the Bosporus in Istanbul,Turkey.At the Metochion's Church of St.George Neochori,His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople invested Mr.Vigkas,who holds the title Archon Chartophilakas of the Great Church of Christ,with the honour Crusader of the Panaghian Tomb,rewarding Mr.Vigkas for his Merit of Mercy to the Holy Sepulchre on behalf of His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem and All Palestine.*
Representing the Jerusalem Patriarchate was His Eminence Archbishop Nektarios of Anthidona,Greece,Commissioner of the Holy Sepulchre.Patriarch Bartholomew also presided at the Vespers of St.James the Brother of God,First Bishop of Jerusalem,at the Metochion Church that evening.*
Mr.Vigkas is seldom far from Patriarch Bartholomew's side.He serves as President of the Imvros Educational and Cultural Association,which celebrates the heritage of Imvros,Patriarch Bartholomew's home island,now known as Gokceada,Turkey.
Representing the Jerusalem Patriarchate was His Eminence Archbishop Nektarios of Anthidona,Greece,Commissioner of the Holy Sepulchre.Patriarch Bartholomew also presided at the Vespers of St.James the Brother of God,First Bishop of Jerusalem,at the Metochion Church that evening.*
Mr.Vigkas is seldom far from Patriarch Bartholomew's side.He serves as President of the Imvros Educational and Cultural Association,which celebrates the heritage of Imvros,Patriarch Bartholomew's home island,now known as Gokceada,Turkey.
Monday, October 22, 2018
Patriarchal Divine Liturgy at the Holy Monastery of the Panagia Gonia in Kolymbari,Crete with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew,Archbishop Anastasios of Albania,Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem and Archbishop Chrysostomos II of Cyprus - 3 October 2018 - Πατριαρχική Θεία Λειτουργία Ιερά Μονή Παναγίας Γωνιάς Κολυμπάρι ...
Thursday, October 18, 2018
Former Yugoslav Republic Takes First Step to NATO Membership
There were smiles all round at NATO's new headquarters in Brussels,Belgium today,18 October 2018,as the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia began Accession Talks with NATO,the first formal step in the process of applying for Alliance membership.The talks will run for two days.*
FYROM uses the name Macedonia,which is also the name of a province in Northern Greece.FYROM not only claims the name,but also the same heritage as the Greeks in that province,tracing it back to the Greek king Alexander the Great and his Macedonian Empire.This posture angers many Greeks,who see it as a threat to Greek sovereignty.
Nonetheless,the Greek SYRIZA party now in power,led by Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras,considers the dispute a hindrance to the development of both FYROM and Greece,as well as a danger to European stability.Thus the Greek government entered into successful negotiations with FYROM and they reached agreement on a new name in June 2018:North Macedonia.*
The Brussels talks are headed by FYROM's Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Radmila Sekerinska-Jankouska and NATO Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy Alejandro Alvargonzalez.They include detailed discussion of the political,legal and military requirements for NATO membership.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg explained:
Once all the constitutional changes on the new name are completed,we can sign the Accession Protocol.
FYROM uses the name Macedonia,which is also the name of a province in Northern Greece.FYROM not only claims the name,but also the same heritage as the Greeks in that province,tracing it back to the Greek king Alexander the Great and his Macedonian Empire.This posture angers many Greeks,who see it as a threat to Greek sovereignty.
Nonetheless,the Greek SYRIZA party now in power,led by Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras,considers the dispute a hindrance to the development of both FYROM and Greece,as well as a danger to European stability.Thus the Greek government entered into successful negotiations with FYROM and they reached agreement on a new name in June 2018:North Macedonia.*
The Brussels talks are headed by FYROM's Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Radmila Sekerinska-Jankouska and NATO Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy Alejandro Alvargonzalez.They include detailed discussion of the political,legal and military requirements for NATO membership.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg explained:
Once all the constitutional changes on the new name are completed,we can sign the Accession Protocol.
Wednesday, October 17, 2018
Tuesday, October 16, 2018
Monday, October 15, 2018
His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople and His Holiness Patriarch Irenej of Serbia with His Eminence Metropolitan Varnavas of Neapolis and Stavroupolis at commemorations of the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I - 29 September 2018,Greece Ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης στην λιμνοθάλασσα Καλοχωρίου και στην Εστί...
Sunday, October 14, 2018
Thursday, October 11, 2018
Ukrainian Orthodox Church Reunited to Constantinople,Restored to Communion - but the process continues
His Eminence Metropolitan Emmanuel of France,flanked by the Ecumenical Patriarchate's two exarchs to Ukraine,Archbishop Daniel of Pamphilon and Bishop Ilarion of Edmonton,read a press release today in the Phanar,the Patriarchate of Constantinople's compound in Istanbul,Turkey.It said that,by decree of the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate,the Patriarchate,the Mother Church,has been reunited with the two schismatic Ukrainian Orthodox groups.Their hierarchy and faithful have been restored to canonical status and readmitted to communion with the Orthodox Church.*
In addition,the Patriarchate has re-established its metochion,or representative church,in the Ukrainian capital Kiev,which had customarily existed there and in other major Ukrainian cities;while the agreement that,by the exercising of ekonomia,had allowed the Patriarchate of Moscow to ordain the Metropolitan of Kiev,has been canceled.
All concerned were admonished to behave in a peaceful,non-confrontational manner.
The decision to grant autocephaly,or independence,was reaffirmed;yet,as His Eminence Metropolitan Arsenios of Hungary noted,the actual granting of a Tomos of Autocephaly has been postponed until the appropriate time.*
Analysis:The aspiring Church must now hold an assembly and elect a primate,someone who can receive such an important document as a Tomos of Autocephaly.
In addition,the Patriarchate has re-established its metochion,or representative church,in the Ukrainian capital Kiev,which had customarily existed there and in other major Ukrainian cities;while the agreement that,by the exercising of ekonomia,had allowed the Patriarchate of Moscow to ordain the Metropolitan of Kiev,has been canceled.
All concerned were admonished to behave in a peaceful,non-confrontational manner.
The decision to grant autocephaly,or independence,was reaffirmed;yet,as His Eminence Metropolitan Arsenios of Hungary noted,the actual granting of a Tomos of Autocephaly has been postponed until the appropriate time.*
Analysis:The aspiring Church must now hold an assembly and elect a primate,someone who can receive such an important document as a Tomos of Autocephaly.
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
Bulletin:Ukraine Announcement Imminent - surprises are still possible,if unlikely
The Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople convened in Istanbul on 9 October 2018 and has reached its decision on autocephaly,or independence,for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.It will be announced in a press release tomorrow,11 October.*
For several weeks,it has been made clear by hierarchs of the Patriarchate that autocephaly has been the preferred option of His All-Holiness Paatriarch Bartholomew.Last Sunday,His Eminence Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey,who is a member of the Holy and Sacred Synod of Constantinople,published an encyclical letter to his flock informing them that autocephaly was about to be conferred to Ukraine.This intention had been frankly shared with key Orthodox Church leaders in a series of high level meetings.There were also meetings with Ukrainian government officials,particularly President Petro Poroshenko,who is up for re-election.
Analysis:Public opinion polls show the majority of Ukrainians favour autocephaly;but the revanchist Putin regime in Russia and the closely allied Patriarchate of Moscow have sternly rejected the proposal,which would significantly weaken their power and prestige.*
There is little doubt what the announcement will be;but you can never be entirely sure until it is actually made.There could be a nuanced approach that would dissatisfy many Ukrainians,such as granting autonomy now and autocephaly at some point in the future.
For several weeks,it has been made clear by hierarchs of the Patriarchate that autocephaly has been the preferred option of His All-Holiness Paatriarch Bartholomew.Last Sunday,His Eminence Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey,who is a member of the Holy and Sacred Synod of Constantinople,published an encyclical letter to his flock informing them that autocephaly was about to be conferred to Ukraine.This intention had been frankly shared with key Orthodox Church leaders in a series of high level meetings.There were also meetings with Ukrainian government officials,particularly President Petro Poroshenko,who is up for re-election.
Analysis:Public opinion polls show the majority of Ukrainians favour autocephaly;but the revanchist Putin regime in Russia and the closely allied Patriarchate of Moscow have sternly rejected the proposal,which would significantly weaken their power and prestige.*
There is little doubt what the announcement will be;but you can never be entirely sure until it is actually made.There could be a nuanced approach that would dissatisfy many Ukrainians,such as granting autonomy now and autocephaly at some point in the future.
Friday, October 5, 2018
Thursday, October 4, 2018
Wednesday, October 3, 2018
Colder As She Goes:Britain's New Defence Arctic Strategy
In the face of a Russia that is reopening Cold War era bases in the Arctic and increasing the number of submarine patrols in the area,not to mention violating British sovereignty by conducting a chemical weapons attack on British soil,killing an innocent British citizen in the process,Great Britain's Minister of Defence,Gavin Williamson,is presenting a new Defence Arctic Strategy to the Conservative Party and the British public.
Beginning in 2019,the UK will deploy 800 Royal Marine and British Army commandos to a new base in Northern Norway,close to the border with Russia,every winter for at least 10 years.They will operate with US and Dutch Marines at the outpost,as well as Norwegian troops,drilling to increase their capacity for Arctic warfighting.
Mr.Williamson explained:
We will not let Russia rewrite the outcome of the Cold War.*
Before addressing his concerns to the Conservative Party Conference,Mr.Williamson revealed that:
We see Russian submarine activity very close to the level that it was at the Cold War,and it's right that we start responding to that...This threat has really come back to the fore.If we want to be protecting our interests in what is effectively our own backyard,this is something we need to be doing.*
The US had previously announced that,at Norway's request,it was more than doubling the number of Marines deployed on rotation to Norway from about 330 to 700,and extending the bilateral agreement with Norway for another five years.*
Russia has criticised both moves,saying they are unnecessary and will only increase tensions in the Arctic.
Beginning in 2019,the UK will deploy 800 Royal Marine and British Army commandos to a new base in Northern Norway,close to the border with Russia,every winter for at least 10 years.They will operate with US and Dutch Marines at the outpost,as well as Norwegian troops,drilling to increase their capacity for Arctic warfighting.
Mr.Williamson explained:
We will not let Russia rewrite the outcome of the Cold War.*
Before addressing his concerns to the Conservative Party Conference,Mr.Williamson revealed that:
We see Russian submarine activity very close to the level that it was at the Cold War,and it's right that we start responding to that...This threat has really come back to the fore.If we want to be protecting our interests in what is effectively our own backyard,this is something we need to be doing.*
The US had previously announced that,at Norway's request,it was more than doubling the number of Marines deployed on rotation to Norway from about 330 to 700,and extending the bilateral agreement with Norway for another five years.*
Russia has criticised both moves,saying they are unnecessary and will only increase tensions in the Arctic.
Saturday, September 29, 2018
Panorthodox Synod : THE ORTHODOX CHURCH IN UKRAINE WILL BECOME INDEPEN...
Panorthodox Synod : THE ORTHODOX CHURCH IN UKRAINE WILL BECOME INDEPEN...: Sergey Chapnin , a prominent Russian expert on ecclesiastical matters, explains the intricacies of granting autocephaly to the Ukra...
Thursday, September 27, 2018
Wednesday, September 26, 2018
A Leftist and A Man of Ancient Faith
Manolis Glezos,who just turned 96,is a longtime leftist politician,activist and World War II resistance fighter.He came to prominence when,on 30 May 1941,he and his friend Apostolos Santas lowered the Nazi flag which German troops had raised at the Acropolis alongside the Greek flag.He was arrested by the German occupation forces on 24 March 1942,imprisoned and tortured,and contracted tuberculosis in consequence.What is more,Italian occupation forces arrested him again on 21 April 1943,jailing him for an additional three months.*
Indeed,Mr.Glezos was arrested numerous times in the Cold War era that followed as well,given the anti-left sentiment of the authorities at that time.The Soviet Union put him on a postage stamp and gave him the Lenin Prize.He spent a total of 11 years and four months in prison,plus four years and six months in exile.
As a member of the Democratic Left Party,or EDA,he was elected to his first seat in the Hellenic Parliament while imprisoned.He went on to serve several more times under EDA,the Pan-Hellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) and,most recently,the Coalition of the Radical Left (SYRIZA),which is currently in power.In 2014,he was elected to the European Parliament.*
Mr.Glezos has received a number of honourary degrees from the likes of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens,among others.Besides politics,he has worked in civil engineering,inventing a flood and erosion control system that utilises a series of small dams.*
In 2015,Mr.Glezos met with His Beatitude Archbishop Ieronymos II of Athens and All Greece.It was a surprising moment for the Archbishop when Mr. Glezos made an unusual request for a leftist politician:
When I die,you will take charge of me,and you will do an ecclesiastical funeral.You will not let other people get involved in this issue.*
Archbishop Ieronymos inscribed a book for him:
2 September 2015,the day of revelation to me...Because all that we said was a revelation to me.*
They also discussed the migration crisis,something which appalled Mr.Glezos,and he confided to Archbishop Ieronymos that he in fact loved and respected the faith of his fathers.*
Indeed,Mr.Glezos was arrested numerous times in the Cold War era that followed as well,given the anti-left sentiment of the authorities at that time.The Soviet Union put him on a postage stamp and gave him the Lenin Prize.He spent a total of 11 years and four months in prison,plus four years and six months in exile.
As a member of the Democratic Left Party,or EDA,he was elected to his first seat in the Hellenic Parliament while imprisoned.He went on to serve several more times under EDA,the Pan-Hellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) and,most recently,the Coalition of the Radical Left (SYRIZA),which is currently in power.In 2014,he was elected to the European Parliament.*
Mr.Glezos has received a number of honourary degrees from the likes of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens,among others.Besides politics,he has worked in civil engineering,inventing a flood and erosion control system that utilises a series of small dams.*
In 2015,Mr.Glezos met with His Beatitude Archbishop Ieronymos II of Athens and All Greece.It was a surprising moment for the Archbishop when Mr. Glezos made an unusual request for a leftist politician:
When I die,you will take charge of me,and you will do an ecclesiastical funeral.You will not let other people get involved in this issue.*
Archbishop Ieronymos inscribed a book for him:
2 September 2015,the day of revelation to me...Because all that we said was a revelation to me.*
They also discussed the migration crisis,something which appalled Mr.Glezos,and he confided to Archbishop Ieronymos that he in fact loved and respected the faith of his fathers.*
Monday, September 24, 2018
Friday, September 21, 2018
Thursday, September 20, 2018
On 14 September 2018,the Exaltation of the Cross was observed in Casablanca,Morocco.Presiding was His Eminence Metropolitan Meletios of Carthage (Patriarchate of Alexandria).ΣΤΟΝ ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟ ΑΜΠΕΛΩΝΑ ΤΗΣ ΑΦΡΙΚΗΣ: ΥΨΩΣΗ ΤΙΜΙΟΥ ΣΤΑΥΡΟΥ ΣΤΗΝ ΚΑΖΑΜΠΛΑΝΚΑ. 2018
ΣΤΟΝ ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟ ΑΜΠΕΛΩΝΑ ΤΗΣ ΑΦΡΙΚΗΣ: ΥΨΩΣΗ ΤΙΜΙΟΥ ΣΤΑΥΡΟΥ ΣΤΗΝ ΚΑΖΑΜΠΛΑΝΚΑ. 2018: Meletios Carthagenis https://www.facebook.com/MeletiosofCarthage?tn-str=*F
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
Saturday, September 15, 2018
Thursday, September 13, 2018
Panorthodox Synod : THE PRIMACY OF THE SEE OF CONSTANTINOPLE IN THEORY...
Panorthodox Synod : THE PRIMACY OF THE SEE OF CONSTANTINOPLE IN THEORY...: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Lewis Patsavos The Primacy of the See of Constantinople within the Orthodox Church is based o...
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
Eastern Europe Update:Ecumenical Patriarch Addresses Synaxis;Exarchs Appointed
On Monday,3 September 2018,speaking before the Synaxis of the Hierarchs of the Ecumenical Throne at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Istanbul,Turkey,His All-Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew elucidated the position of the Ecumenical Patriarchate on the issue of autocephaly (independence) for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.Here are some excerpts:
In times of greater or lesser historical challenge,our Patriarchate-faithful to its vocation and ministry-neither says nor does anything unrelated to the incarnate Word.Its mission is not comprised of imposing some new ecclesiological principles but preserving truths of faith,precious traditions and inspired patristic teachings established many centuries ago.*
As the First Throne of Orthodoxy,the Ecumenical Patriarchate exercises a prophetic ministry,extending the mystery of the Catholic Church in Christ Jesus throughout the world in each era.*
The Ecumenical Patriarchate bears the responsibility of settling matters in ecclesiastical and canonical order because it alone has the canonical privilege as well as the prayer and blessing of the Church and the Ecumenical Councils to carry out this supreme and exceptional duty as a nurturing Mother and birth-giver of Churches.If the Ecumenical Patriarchate denies its responsibility and removes itself from the Inter-Orthodox scene,then the Local Churches will proceed "as sheep without a shepherd" (Matt.9.36),expending their energy in ecclesiastical initiatives that conflate the humility of faith and the arrogance of power.*
In the matter of Ukraine,the Ecumenical Patriarchate has appointed two exarchs,or legates,announcing on 7 September 2018 that:
Within the framework of the preparations for the granting of autocephaly to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine,the Ecumenical Patriarchate has appointed as its exarchs in Kiev His Excellency Archbishop Daniel of Pamphlion from the United States,and His Grace Bishop Ilarion of Edmonton from Canada,both of whom are serving the Ukrainian Orthodox faithful in their respective countries under the Ecumenical Patriarchate.*
Both exarchs were born in Ukraine.
Analysis:The Ecumenical Patriarchate indeed exercised the functions mentioned above in the twentieth century in Eastern Europe by,for example,granting a Tomos of autocephaly to both the Orthodox Church of Poland and the Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia.Now it serves a new century at a time of war in Eastern Europe instigated by the Putin regime in Russia,with the same leading ministry,in all its holiness and sincerity,as the Great Church of Christ in Constantinople that it has always been,bravely asserting the religious freedom of a Ukraine so long repressed by its mighty and sinister neighbour to the East.
In times of greater or lesser historical challenge,our Patriarchate-faithful to its vocation and ministry-neither says nor does anything unrelated to the incarnate Word.Its mission is not comprised of imposing some new ecclesiological principles but preserving truths of faith,precious traditions and inspired patristic teachings established many centuries ago.*
As the First Throne of Orthodoxy,the Ecumenical Patriarchate exercises a prophetic ministry,extending the mystery of the Catholic Church in Christ Jesus throughout the world in each era.*
The Ecumenical Patriarchate bears the responsibility of settling matters in ecclesiastical and canonical order because it alone has the canonical privilege as well as the prayer and blessing of the Church and the Ecumenical Councils to carry out this supreme and exceptional duty as a nurturing Mother and birth-giver of Churches.If the Ecumenical Patriarchate denies its responsibility and removes itself from the Inter-Orthodox scene,then the Local Churches will proceed "as sheep without a shepherd" (Matt.9.36),expending their energy in ecclesiastical initiatives that conflate the humility of faith and the arrogance of power.*
In the matter of Ukraine,the Ecumenical Patriarchate has appointed two exarchs,or legates,announcing on 7 September 2018 that:
Within the framework of the preparations for the granting of autocephaly to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine,the Ecumenical Patriarchate has appointed as its exarchs in Kiev His Excellency Archbishop Daniel of Pamphlion from the United States,and His Grace Bishop Ilarion of Edmonton from Canada,both of whom are serving the Ukrainian Orthodox faithful in their respective countries under the Ecumenical Patriarchate.*
Both exarchs were born in Ukraine.
Analysis:The Ecumenical Patriarchate indeed exercised the functions mentioned above in the twentieth century in Eastern Europe by,for example,granting a Tomos of autocephaly to both the Orthodox Church of Poland and the Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia.Now it serves a new century at a time of war in Eastern Europe instigated by the Putin regime in Russia,with the same leading ministry,in all its holiness and sincerity,as the Great Church of Christ in Constantinople that it has always been,bravely asserting the religious freedom of a Ukraine so long repressed by its mighty and sinister neighbour to the East.
Friday, September 7, 2018
How a potential Chinese-built airport in Greenland could be risky for a vital US Air Force base
How a potential Chinese-built airport in Greenland could be risky for a vital US Air Force base: What is China really buying with its investments in Greenland?
Thursday, September 6, 2018
Tuesday, September 4, 2018
Kirill and Bartholomew at odds over Ukraine
Kirill and Bartholomew at odds over Ukraine: The Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch has defended his right to settle church disputes in Ukraine, after meeting Patriarch Kirill of Russia to discuss demands for an autocephalous, or self-governing Ukrainian church.
Monday, September 3, 2018
Friday, August 31, 2018
Bulletin:Ecumenical Patriarch Tells Patriarch Kirill Autocephaly for Ukraine Is Our Decision to Make
According to a number of sources,on 31 August 2018,His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia met with Ecumencial Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople for two and a half hours in a brotherly spirit at the Phanar,the Patriarchal enclave in Istanbul.Accompanied only by a translator and His Eminence Metropolitan Ilarion of Volokolamsk,Chairman of the Department of External Church Relations,he spoke privately with Patriarch Bartholomew and His Eminence Metropolitan Emmanuel of France.
In the course of the meeting,Patriarch Kirill suggested holding a scientific conference to reveal the sources of the Ecumenical Patriarchate's decision to grant autocephaly to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.He also suggested a dialogue on the topic.
Patriarch Bartholomew stood firm:
Thank you,but the decision on autocephaly was the Ecumenical Patriarchate's to make and they are moving forward with it.
In the event,the small delegation of the Russian Orthodox Church left immediately after the talks,foregoing a dinner invitation.They made no statement.*
Metropolitan Emmanuel of France reportedly said that the decision was made in April.The same process is underway for other cases.The Synaxis of Hierarchs of the Ecumenical Throne meets from 1-3 September,but lacks the authority to implement the decision.Only the Holy and Sacred Synod can implement it,and their next meeting is in October.*
Patriarch Kirill got to greet several of the Ecumenical Patriarchate hierarchs who had arrived for the Synaxis,including His Eminence Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey and His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America.
In the course of the meeting,Patriarch Kirill suggested holding a scientific conference to reveal the sources of the Ecumenical Patriarchate's decision to grant autocephaly to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.He also suggested a dialogue on the topic.
Patriarch Bartholomew stood firm:
Thank you,but the decision on autocephaly was the Ecumenical Patriarchate's to make and they are moving forward with it.
In the event,the small delegation of the Russian Orthodox Church left immediately after the talks,foregoing a dinner invitation.They made no statement.*
Metropolitan Emmanuel of France reportedly said that the decision was made in April.The same process is underway for other cases.The Synaxis of Hierarchs of the Ecumenical Throne meets from 1-3 September,but lacks the authority to implement the decision.Only the Holy and Sacred Synod can implement it,and their next meeting is in October.*
Patriarch Kirill got to greet several of the Ecumenical Patriarchate hierarchs who had arrived for the Synaxis,including His Eminence Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey and His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America.
Wednesday, August 29, 2018
New Metropolitan,Auxiliary Bishop Named in Constantinople - updated
The Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople elected His Grace Bishop Theodoritos of Nazianzos as Metropolitan of Laodicea,Turkey on 29 August 2018.At the same time,it also elected the Very Rev. Archimandrite Paisios Larentzakis as an Auxiliary Bishop of the Holy Metropolis of Austria with the title Apameia.He will serve under the leadership of His Eminence Metropolitan Arsenios of Austria.*
Born in 1948,Bishop Theodoritos (Polyzogopoulos) is a native of Athens.He received B.A. degrees in Theology (1972) and Philosophy (1976) from the University of Athens and a Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Manchester (1979).*
On 9 September 1972,His Grace was ordained to the diaconate in Athens;on 17 September of that year,to the holy priesthood in London;and,on 18 March 2000,he was consecrated to the episcopacy at the Church of St.George in Constantinople.
Bishop Theodoritos served mainly in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain (Ecumenical Patriarchate) at Cambridge;Manchester;St.Nicholas Shepherd's Bush,London;and also at St.Paraskevi,Athens.
In addition,His Grace taught Ancient Greek Philosophy;Theology;and Christian Ethics at Athens College,a coed private preparatory school in the Athens suburb of Psychiko,Greece. *
Archimandrite Paisios has been serving as Protosynkellos (Chancellor) of the Metropolis of Austria.As Bishop of Apameia,he will be assigned to Budapest,Hungary.Hungary is donating real estate to the Ecumenical Patriarchate and being generally cordial to the Orthodox Church.
Born in 1948,Bishop Theodoritos (Polyzogopoulos) is a native of Athens.He received B.A. degrees in Theology (1972) and Philosophy (1976) from the University of Athens and a Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Manchester (1979).*
On 9 September 1972,His Grace was ordained to the diaconate in Athens;on 17 September of that year,to the holy priesthood in London;and,on 18 March 2000,he was consecrated to the episcopacy at the Church of St.George in Constantinople.
Bishop Theodoritos served mainly in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain (Ecumenical Patriarchate) at Cambridge;Manchester;St.Nicholas Shepherd's Bush,London;and also at St.Paraskevi,Athens.
In addition,His Grace taught Ancient Greek Philosophy;Theology;and Christian Ethics at Athens College,a coed private preparatory school in the Athens suburb of Psychiko,Greece. *
Archimandrite Paisios has been serving as Protosynkellos (Chancellor) of the Metropolis of Austria.As Bishop of Apameia,he will be assigned to Budapest,Hungary.Hungary is donating real estate to the Ecumenical Patriarchate and being generally cordial to the Orthodox Church.
Thursday, August 23, 2018
Photos of the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy at the ruins of the Panagia Faneromeni Monastery in the Cyzicos area of Asia Minor (Turkey) Φως Φαναρίου : Η ΠΑΤΡΙΑΡΧΙΚΗ ΛΕΙΤΟΥΡΓΙΑ ΣΗΜΕΡΑ ΣΤΗΝ ΦΑΝΕΡΩΜΕΝΗ ΚΥ...
Φως Φαναρίου : Η ΠΑΤΡΙΑΡΧΙΚΗ ΛΕΙΤΟΥΡΓΙΑ ΣΗΜΕΡΑ ΣΤΗΝ ΦΑΝΕΡΩΜΕΝΗ ΚΥ...: Ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος τέλεσε σήμερα, Πέμπτη 23 Αυγούστου 2018, για τέταρτη συνεχή χρονιά την Θεία Λειτουργία για ...
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
Patriarch Bartholomew Departs for Asia Minor Service
His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has departed from Imbros,Turkey (Gokceada) for the Cyzicos,Asia Minor area of Turkey,where he will celebrate the Divine Liturgy of the Leave-taking of the Dormition of the Theotokos on 23 August 2018.The service will be held in the ruins of the historic nineteenth century Holy Monastery of the Panagia Faneromeni icon,14 kilometers NE of Artaki (Erdek,Turkey).The icon is traditionally held to have been painted by the Apostle and Evangelist Luke.*
Artaki itself is 10 kilometers NW of the ancient city of Cyzicos,which was destroyed by an earthquake in 1063.At that time,Artaki became the see of the Diocese of Cyzicos.The Bishop of Cyzicos had the title "Supreme Exarch of All the Hellespont" and the diocese was fifth in rank of the dioceses of the Ecumenical Throne.In 1905,it was elevated to fourth in rank.*
This will be the fourth time the Turkish authorities have permitted the Divine Liturgy to be celebrated at Panagia Faneromeni.Concelebrating with Patriarch Bartholomew will be His Eminence Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Chalkida,Greece and His Eminence Metropolitan Meletios of Kathagenis (Patriarchate of Alexandria).
Artaki itself is 10 kilometers NW of the ancient city of Cyzicos,which was destroyed by an earthquake in 1063.At that time,Artaki became the see of the Diocese of Cyzicos.The Bishop of Cyzicos had the title "Supreme Exarch of All the Hellespont" and the diocese was fifth in rank of the dioceses of the Ecumenical Throne.In 1905,it was elevated to fourth in rank.*
This will be the fourth time the Turkish authorities have permitted the Divine Liturgy to be celebrated at Panagia Faneromeni.Concelebrating with Patriarch Bartholomew will be His Eminence Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Chalkida,Greece and His Eminence Metropolitan Meletios of Kathagenis (Patriarchate of Alexandria).
Friday, August 17, 2018
Thursday, August 16, 2018
Tuesday, August 14, 2018
Monday, August 13, 2018
Thursday, August 9, 2018
Wednesday, August 8, 2018
Constantinople Update:Patriarch Kirill to Visit Ecumenical Patriarchate - plus the Synaxis of the Hierarchs of the Ecumenical Throne
The Chief Secretary of the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate has issued a communique informing us that,on 31 August 2018,His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia,in accordance with his own wishes,will visit the Ecumenical Patriarchate with his entourage to discuss matters of mutual interest.The meetings with His All-Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople and the competent bodies will be conducted with a view to unity.*
Following Patriarch Kirill's visit,the Synaxis of the Hierarchs of the Ecumenical Throne,led by Patriarch Bartholomew,will commence.In another communique,the Chief Secretary says that,before the start of the Synaxis,the hierarchs will worship together on 1 September,the Ecclesiastical New Year of the Orthodox Church,invoking the grace of God for a blessing on the Holy Church and for the peace of the whole world,through the prayers of the Panagia Pammakaristos,referring to the Byzantine mosaic icon of the Most Holy Theotokos that survived the Ottoman onslaught of the fifteenth century and beyond,and is today enshrined in the Patriarchal Church of St.George in the Phanar,the Patriarchal complex in Istanbul.1 September is also the feast day of this icon.
The purpose of the Synaxis,which will run from 1-3 September,is to exchange views on ecclesiastical topics and enhance the bonds with the Mother Church,the communique explains.
Following Patriarch Kirill's visit,the Synaxis of the Hierarchs of the Ecumenical Throne,led by Patriarch Bartholomew,will commence.In another communique,the Chief Secretary says that,before the start of the Synaxis,the hierarchs will worship together on 1 September,the Ecclesiastical New Year of the Orthodox Church,invoking the grace of God for a blessing on the Holy Church and for the peace of the whole world,through the prayers of the Panagia Pammakaristos,referring to the Byzantine mosaic icon of the Most Holy Theotokos that survived the Ottoman onslaught of the fifteenth century and beyond,and is today enshrined in the Patriarchal Church of St.George in the Phanar,the Patriarchal complex in Istanbul.1 September is also the feast day of this icon.
The purpose of the Synaxis,which will run from 1-3 September,is to exchange views on ecclesiastical topics and enhance the bonds with the Mother Church,the communique explains.
Saturday, August 4, 2018
Thursday, August 2, 2018
Wednesday, August 1, 2018
Patriarch Bartholomew Summons Hierarchs of the Ecumenical Throne for Synaxis
The Hierarchs of the Ecumenical Throne have been called into session (Synaxis) by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople,the Ecumenical Patriarchate announced in a press release.The Patriarchate's bishops from around the world will gather in Constantinople from 1-3 September 2018,in accordance with the decision to have a full meeting every three years.The last such assembly was held in September 2015.*
The hierarchs will discuss topics relating to the Mother Church,as well as current affairs in the wider Orthodox world.The last Synaxis was attended by some 140 bishops meeting in the Hagia Triados,the Church of the Holy Trinity on Taksim Square,Istanbul.The nineteenth century church in memorable Byzantine Revival architecture is still in parish use today.*
Analysis:Gathering under this church's single dome and two bell towers,the hierarchs of the Great Church of Christ will recharge their ministry together,having assembled from as far afield as the Ukrainian Orthodox Churches of the USA and Canada,the Orthodox Church of Finland and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain.
The hierarchs will discuss topics relating to the Mother Church,as well as current affairs in the wider Orthodox world.The last Synaxis was attended by some 140 bishops meeting in the Hagia Triados,the Church of the Holy Trinity on Taksim Square,Istanbul.The nineteenth century church in memorable Byzantine Revival architecture is still in parish use today.*
Analysis:Gathering under this church's single dome and two bell towers,the hierarchs of the Great Church of Christ will recharge their ministry together,having assembled from as far afield as the Ukrainian Orthodox Churches of the USA and Canada,the Orthodox Church of Finland and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain.
Tuesday, July 31, 2018
Saturday, July 28, 2018
Ukraine:Ecumencial Patriarchate Delegation Meets with President Poroshenko,Delivers Letter
A delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople met with President Petro Poroshenko of Ukraine in Kiev on 27 July 2018.The delegation was attending the 1030th anniversary celebrations of the baptism of Kievan Rus,ancient predecessor of the modern Ukrainian state,in 988.Representing the First Holy See of the Orthodox Church were His Eminence Metropolitan Emmanuel of France;His Eminence Archbishop Daniel of Pamphilon and the Western Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA (Ecumenical Patriarchate);and His Grace Bishop Ilarion of Edmonton and the Western Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada (Ecumenical Patriarchate).
At the meeting,Bishop Ilarion read a letter from Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to President Poroshenko,in which the Patriarch stated:
Recognising the high responsibility of the First Holy See Church of Constantinople,which never ceased,and did not reconcile to illegal and non-canonical situations that shocked the natural functioning of the Orthodox Church - during these crucial times,it took the initiative to restore the unity of the Orthodox believers of Ukraine,with the ultimate goal of granting autocephaly (independence) to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.*
By way of context,His All-Holiness recalled:
The newly baptised nation came under the spiritual guidance,unrestrained care and church cover of the Church of Constantinople through the creation of the Metropolis of Kiyiv and All Rus,which became the 60th Metropolis of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.*
For his part,President Poroshenko noted that:
This is an historical moment for Ukraine and the Ukrainian Church,to return to the fold of the Mother Church.*
Additionally,Metropolitan Emmanuel made a strong statement of support for autocephaly:
We are proud to be here today to celebrate this anniversary,which is at a very important moment,since the decision of the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate has paved the way for a new era.The Mother Church already passed the ruling on April 20 of this year - namely,to begin the procedure for achieving the ultimate goal:to provide autocephaly to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.*
The Ecumenical Patriarchate cannot remain blind and deaf to the appeals that have been repeated for more than a quarter of a century.Sons of the Ukrainian Church and its leaders have the right to their place among the Churches.*
We are sure that the Ecumenical Patriarchate is on your side.You will not be orphaned,because the Mother Church will find a way to become involved in your progress,your success,your growth in the faith of Christ.*
Analysis:It could not be plainer that autocephaly for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is desired by the Ecumenical Patriarchate,yet the timing remains a complete mystery.Many observers thought this anniversary would be the occasion for the issuance of a tomos of autocephaly.
At the meeting,Bishop Ilarion read a letter from Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to President Poroshenko,in which the Patriarch stated:
Recognising the high responsibility of the First Holy See Church of Constantinople,which never ceased,and did not reconcile to illegal and non-canonical situations that shocked the natural functioning of the Orthodox Church - during these crucial times,it took the initiative to restore the unity of the Orthodox believers of Ukraine,with the ultimate goal of granting autocephaly (independence) to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.*
By way of context,His All-Holiness recalled:
The newly baptised nation came under the spiritual guidance,unrestrained care and church cover of the Church of Constantinople through the creation of the Metropolis of Kiyiv and All Rus,which became the 60th Metropolis of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.*
For his part,President Poroshenko noted that:
This is an historical moment for Ukraine and the Ukrainian Church,to return to the fold of the Mother Church.*
Additionally,Metropolitan Emmanuel made a strong statement of support for autocephaly:
We are proud to be here today to celebrate this anniversary,which is at a very important moment,since the decision of the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate has paved the way for a new era.The Mother Church already passed the ruling on April 20 of this year - namely,to begin the procedure for achieving the ultimate goal:to provide autocephaly to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.*
The Ecumenical Patriarchate cannot remain blind and deaf to the appeals that have been repeated for more than a quarter of a century.Sons of the Ukrainian Church and its leaders have the right to their place among the Churches.*
We are sure that the Ecumenical Patriarchate is on your side.You will not be orphaned,because the Mother Church will find a way to become involved in your progress,your success,your growth in the faith of Christ.*
Analysis:It could not be plainer that autocephaly for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is desired by the Ecumenical Patriarchate,yet the timing remains a complete mystery.Many observers thought this anniversary would be the occasion for the issuance of a tomos of autocephaly.
Thursday, July 26, 2018
Wednesday, July 25, 2018
Tuesday, July 24, 2018
His Eminence Metropolitan Gavriil of Nea Ionia and Philadelphia,Greece - kampanokrousia: Ο Μητροπολίτης Νέας Ιωνίας και Φιλαδελφείας κ.κ. Γ...
kampanokrousia: The Metropolitan of Nea Ionia and Philadelphia Messrs. C : After a soul pain, we are watching the great tragedy that our country is experiencing in the last few hours, with the destructive fires affecting ...
Friday, July 20, 2018
Thursday, July 19, 2018
Eastern Europe Update:Patriarch of Bulgaria Backs Macedonian Church,While Ecumencial Patriarchate Meets with Patriarch Kirill
Speaking after services for St.Makrina on 18 July 2018 in Sofia,His Holiness Patriarch Neophytos of Bulgaria said he prays that,with God's help,the process for gaining autocephaly,or independence,for the Macedonian Orthodox Church will be facilitated,as it is a good undertaking:
We love our Macedonian brothers,and we shall be happy and joyful with them.*
His Holiness also believes that the Ecumenical Patriarchate will help resolve the issue of autocephaly for the Macedonian Orthodox Church,which is currently seen as uncanonical by the Orthodox world,Orthodox news website Romfea.gr noted.*
Earlier,on 9 July 2018,a delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate called on His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia at his official residence on Chisty Lane in Moscow.The delegates were His Eminence Metropolitan Emmanuel of France and His Eminence Metropolitan Bartholomew of Smyrna (Izmir,Turkey).Also attending from the Moscow Patriarchate Department of External Church Relations were chairman His Eminence Metropolitan Ilarion of Volokolamsk,and vice-chairman Archpriest Nikolai Balashov.
The talks were reportedly centered on the request by the Ukrainian government and the two uncanonical Ukrainian Orthodox Churches to the Ecumenical Patriarchate for autocephaly for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.Father Nikolai of the Moscow Patriarchate's DECR told the RIA-Novosti news agency that:
The parties found the meeting useful,and members of the delegation of the Church of Constantinople promised to convey to Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople and the Holy Synod of the Church of Constantinople the position of the Russian Orthodox Church that was expressed at the meeting.
Father Nikolai informed the Interfax-Religion news agency that :
In the meeting,the parties frankly and openly stated their positions on a number of issues that present mutual interest,including the situation in Ukraine.
We love our Macedonian brothers,and we shall be happy and joyful with them.*
His Holiness also believes that the Ecumenical Patriarchate will help resolve the issue of autocephaly for the Macedonian Orthodox Church,which is currently seen as uncanonical by the Orthodox world,Orthodox news website Romfea.gr noted.*
Earlier,on 9 July 2018,a delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate called on His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia at his official residence on Chisty Lane in Moscow.The delegates were His Eminence Metropolitan Emmanuel of France and His Eminence Metropolitan Bartholomew of Smyrna (Izmir,Turkey).Also attending from the Moscow Patriarchate Department of External Church Relations were chairman His Eminence Metropolitan Ilarion of Volokolamsk,and vice-chairman Archpriest Nikolai Balashov.
The talks were reportedly centered on the request by the Ukrainian government and the two uncanonical Ukrainian Orthodox Churches to the Ecumenical Patriarchate for autocephaly for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.Father Nikolai of the Moscow Patriarchate's DECR told the RIA-Novosti news agency that:
The parties found the meeting useful,and members of the delegation of the Church of Constantinople promised to convey to Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople and the Holy Synod of the Church of Constantinople the position of the Russian Orthodox Church that was expressed at the meeting.
Father Nikolai informed the Interfax-Religion news agency that :
In the meeting,the parties frankly and openly stated their positions on a number of issues that present mutual interest,including the situation in Ukraine.
Monday, July 16, 2018
Thursday, July 12, 2018
Wednesday, July 11, 2018
Tuesday, July 10, 2018
Monday, July 9, 2018
Friday, July 6, 2018
Thursday, July 5, 2018
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Speaks Again on the Ukrainian Issue
According to a news release by the Ecumencial Patriarchate,on 1 July 2018,following the 40-day memorial for His Eminence Metropolitan Evangelos of Perge,His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople,addressed the faithful on the topic of Ukraine:
Even today,if he (Metropolitan Evanagelos) were amongst us,he would have consented to the current and timely matter of settling the Ukrainian ecclesiastical problem for,as the Mother Church,it is reasonable to desire the restoration of unity for the divided ecclesiastical body in Ukraine,a faithful population of tens of millions,baptised and enlightened directly through the providence and missionary activity of our Ecumenical Throne.Besides,as in the past,the Church of Constantinople - while exercising its canonical rights and pastoral care - worked to successfully resolve difficult and complicated ecclesiastical problems,always guided by what is beneficial to the people of God and the preservation of Pan-Orthodox unity.
We should simply remember the Ecumenical Patriarchate's recent participation and support in the problems that afflicted the Churches of Jerusalem,Cyprus,Albania,and so on.In this spirit,the Great Church of Christ of Constantinople,speaking the truth in love,strives even today for the definitive resolution of the ecclesiastical issues in Ukraine.*
Let us not forget that Constantinople never ceded the territory of Ukraine to anyone by means of some ecclesiastical Act,but only granted to the Patriarch of Moscow the right of ordination or transfer of the Metropolitan of Kiev on the condition that the Metropolitan of Kiev should be elected by a Clergy-Laity Congress and commemorate the Ecumenical Patriarch.Listen to what is mentioned in this regard by the Tomos of autocephaly,which was granted by the Mother Church to the Church of Poland:"For it is written that the original separation from our Throne of the Metropolitan of Kiev and of the two Orthodox Churches of Lithuania and Poland which depend on it,and their annexation to the Holy Church of Moscow,in no way occurred according to the binding canonical regulations,nor was the agreement respected concerning the full ecclesial independence of the Metropolitan of Kiev,who bears the title of Exarch of the Ecumenical Throne."
In an interview with the Russian online publication Pravmir.ru,His Eminence Metropolitan Elpidophoros (Lambriniadis) of Bursa,Turkey (Ecumenical Patriarchate),recalled that:
the granting of autocephaly to the Local Churches for almost 1350 years has been subject to the exclusive jurisdiction and competence of the Ecumenical Patriarch and the Holy Synod of the Church of Constantinople.
The criterion and purpose for the Mother Church in this case is not autocephaly in itself,since it is not an end in itself.However,it is given preference from the ecclesiastical point of view as the best and most canonical solution at the moment,because only this can serve the unity of the Orthodox people of Ukraine,which,as you know,is completely disunited.*
Analysis:From everthing that's been said,it indeed seems that we are headed to the granting of autocephaly to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church,and perhaps also to the Macedonian Orthodox Church,in the near future.
Even today,if he (Metropolitan Evanagelos) were amongst us,he would have consented to the current and timely matter of settling the Ukrainian ecclesiastical problem for,as the Mother Church,it is reasonable to desire the restoration of unity for the divided ecclesiastical body in Ukraine,a faithful population of tens of millions,baptised and enlightened directly through the providence and missionary activity of our Ecumenical Throne.Besides,as in the past,the Church of Constantinople - while exercising its canonical rights and pastoral care - worked to successfully resolve difficult and complicated ecclesiastical problems,always guided by what is beneficial to the people of God and the preservation of Pan-Orthodox unity.
We should simply remember the Ecumenical Patriarchate's recent participation and support in the problems that afflicted the Churches of Jerusalem,Cyprus,Albania,and so on.In this spirit,the Great Church of Christ of Constantinople,speaking the truth in love,strives even today for the definitive resolution of the ecclesiastical issues in Ukraine.*
Let us not forget that Constantinople never ceded the territory of Ukraine to anyone by means of some ecclesiastical Act,but only granted to the Patriarch of Moscow the right of ordination or transfer of the Metropolitan of Kiev on the condition that the Metropolitan of Kiev should be elected by a Clergy-Laity Congress and commemorate the Ecumenical Patriarch.Listen to what is mentioned in this regard by the Tomos of autocephaly,which was granted by the Mother Church to the Church of Poland:"For it is written that the original separation from our Throne of the Metropolitan of Kiev and of the two Orthodox Churches of Lithuania and Poland which depend on it,and their annexation to the Holy Church of Moscow,in no way occurred according to the binding canonical regulations,nor was the agreement respected concerning the full ecclesial independence of the Metropolitan of Kiev,who bears the title of Exarch of the Ecumenical Throne."
In an interview with the Russian online publication Pravmir.ru,His Eminence Metropolitan Elpidophoros (Lambriniadis) of Bursa,Turkey (Ecumenical Patriarchate),recalled that:
the granting of autocephaly to the Local Churches for almost 1350 years has been subject to the exclusive jurisdiction and competence of the Ecumenical Patriarch and the Holy Synod of the Church of Constantinople.
The criterion and purpose for the Mother Church in this case is not autocephaly in itself,since it is not an end in itself.However,it is given preference from the ecclesiastical point of view as the best and most canonical solution at the moment,because only this can serve the unity of the Orthodox people of Ukraine,which,as you know,is completely disunited.*
Analysis:From everthing that's been said,it indeed seems that we are headed to the granting of autocephaly to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church,and perhaps also to the Macedonian Orthodox Church,in the near future.
Tuesday, July 3, 2018
Wednesday, June 27, 2018
Metropolitan Ignatios of Larissa,Greece Departs This Life in Miami - chaired committee on heresy
Word has been received of the passing of His Eminence Metropolitan Ignatios (Lappas) of Larissa and Tyrnavos,Greece .He died of a heart attack during liver transplant surgery on 26 June 2018 in Miami,Florida.He was 72.
Born in Salamina,Greece on the island of Salamis,the largest of the Saronic Islands,just 16 kilometers west of Athens,he was fatherless from an early age and endured crushing poverty;yet he rose from distressing origins to a high position within the Church of Greece.It was,as the title of his autobiography put it,"Like a Fairy Tale."*
Educated at the University of Athens,he began his studies as a student of law,then transferred to Theology.Meteorically,Metropolitan Ignatios was tonsured a monk on 17 January 1976;ordained a deacon on 22 January,and then a priest on 25 January of the same year.From 1976-94,he served in his hometown of Salamina and edited the youth magazine "The Talent."
His Eminence was consecrated to the episcopacy on 28 May 1994 and enthroned as Metropolitan of Larissa,capital of the Thessaly region,on 28 July of that year.*
On 6 June 2014 he was awarded the honourary title of Grand Commander of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre by His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem and All Palestine for his genuine love and support of the Jerusalem Patriarchate,which he expressed by his pilgrimages to the Holy Places accompanied by priests and laity from his Metropolis.*
In October of 2016,Metropolitan Ignatios,who was chairman of the Holy Synod's committee on heresy,chaired the 28th Pan-Orthodox Conference on Heresies and Para-Religions in Agrinio,Greece,which was entitled "Heretical and Occult Ideas of the Human Being and Human Rights."The conference was attended by more than a hundred representatives of the Local Orthodox Churches,including the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Moscow Patriarchate.It focused on false beliefs of such groups as the Mormons,Jehovah's Witnesses and Christian Scientists,especially distorted anthropology.The final document concluded that:
Anthropological deviations from the Orthodox teaching in many occult and heretical movements lead to negative consequences for individuals who profess them and for whole groups of people.
Born in Salamina,Greece on the island of Salamis,the largest of the Saronic Islands,just 16 kilometers west of Athens,he was fatherless from an early age and endured crushing poverty;yet he rose from distressing origins to a high position within the Church of Greece.It was,as the title of his autobiography put it,"Like a Fairy Tale."*
Educated at the University of Athens,he began his studies as a student of law,then transferred to Theology.Meteorically,Metropolitan Ignatios was tonsured a monk on 17 January 1976;ordained a deacon on 22 January,and then a priest on 25 January of the same year.From 1976-94,he served in his hometown of Salamina and edited the youth magazine "The Talent."
His Eminence was consecrated to the episcopacy on 28 May 1994 and enthroned as Metropolitan of Larissa,capital of the Thessaly region,on 28 July of that year.*
On 6 June 2014 he was awarded the honourary title of Grand Commander of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre by His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem and All Palestine for his genuine love and support of the Jerusalem Patriarchate,which he expressed by his pilgrimages to the Holy Places accompanied by priests and laity from his Metropolis.*
In October of 2016,Metropolitan Ignatios,who was chairman of the Holy Synod's committee on heresy,chaired the 28th Pan-Orthodox Conference on Heresies and Para-Religions in Agrinio,Greece,which was entitled "Heretical and Occult Ideas of the Human Being and Human Rights."The conference was attended by more than a hundred representatives of the Local Orthodox Churches,including the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Moscow Patriarchate.It focused on false beliefs of such groups as the Mormons,Jehovah's Witnesses and Christian Scientists,especially distorted anthropology.The final document concluded that:
Anthropological deviations from the Orthodox teaching in many occult and heretical movements lead to negative consequences for individuals who profess them and for whole groups of people.
Istanbul:Five-hour talks at the Phanar on the autocephaly of the Ukrainian Church
Five-hour talks at the Phanar on the autocephaly of the Ukrainian Church: A delegation of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) met Saturday with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at his residence in Constantinople, where they held a five-hour meeting regarding the autocephaly of the Ukrainian Church. Four members of the Standing Holy Synod of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) went to the Phanar to discuss the initiatives made for the issuing of the tomos of autocephaly and to report the UOC stance on this matter. The Ukrainian Bishops presented the current situation of the church life in Ukraine to His Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Participants in the meeting The UOC delegation included
Monday, June 25, 2018
24 June 2018 - Orthodox Mission in Africa:Greek Orthodoxy in Ghana (photos) - ΣΤΟΝ ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟ ΑΜΠΕΛΩΝΑ ΤΗΣ ΑΦΡΙΚΗΣ: Греческая православная миссия. Респ. Гана
ΣΤΟΝ ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟ ΑΜΠΕΛΩΝΑ ΤΗΣ ΑΦΡΙΚΗΣ: Греческая православная миссия. Респ. Гана: Anna Asamoah "Сегодня на службе Греческая православная миссия. Респ. Гана.24.06.18" https://www.facebook.com/anna...
Saturday, June 23, 2018
Friday, June 22, 2018
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
US Strategic Command:Space,Frontier and Front Line
US Air Force General John E. Hyten,Commander,US Strategic Command,gave the annual John Glenn Lecture at the Smithsonian National Air&Space Museum in Washington on 13 June 2018.Through its component commands,particularly US Air Force Space Command,STRATCOM leads the military effort to secure and sustain America's leadership in outer space.
General Hyten noted that:
When we have adversaries such as Russia and China that openly declare in their doctrine that they are going to build weapons to take away our space capabilities,we have to do something about it.So we're going to change.We're going to change the way we look at space.We're going to look at space,and we're going to define our future,and we're going to treat space as if it's a warfighting environment.There's no such thing as war in space;there's just war.
We have adversaries that are building weapons to take away our use of space,so we have to do something to prevent them from doing that.So we're going to build different systems;and different ways of doing business;and we're going to build operators that think about space as a warfighting domain;so that every adversary that looks at us will not try to contest us in that area,because,if they do,they'll realise that they'll lose.And that will prevent war from extending into space.We're taking measures so that any attack on our space architecture will be met in a manner,time and place of our choosing.That's what our current national security strategy says.We going to put a priority on building new capabilities to defend ourselves.Space superiority is not our birthright.Russia and China are both building weapons that are going to challenge us.*
This place pales in comparison to what we can actually do if we move out into space again.STRATCOM has kept the old Strategic Air Command's motto:"Peace is our profession.."There are two dots at the end of it.We do want peace;but we are ready if you cross the line.Because if you are ready,I do not think that they will ever cross that line.*
We have an amazing partnership with NASA.Both former director Charlie Bolden and new director Jim Bridenstine understand there's a critical role that we have to play,and we have to partner.How do we do that? If we don't treat space as a warfighting domain,war will move into space,and we won't be able to deal with it.The great news is that everybody's aligned on what we have to do to prevent that.That's the good news.I'm not going to tell you in this room exactly what we're doing,because that would kind of defeat the purpose;but just walk around this museum and you'll see all the things we're going to do,because it is the same problem we faced in the air a century ago,and now we have to figure out how to defend ourselves without creating debris.
You can't defend if everything's in the black;and we haven't decided as a nation.My job is to give input to that;but that will be a political decision for the President and Congress to together decide what is that going to be;and that will eventually show up in the budget,and the people will see it and talk about it,and then we'll go down that path.In all domains that we operate in,we will provide a strategic deterrent;and it starts with a nuclear capability,but it also involves space,and so we have to decide how we're going to deter in space,and that's why it's an important topic for conversation.*
Analysis:It's often conjectured that perhaps a lot of what we're planning in space warfighting is being tested on the Air Force's top secret space plane,the Boeing X-37B,which is a very long-duration flyer,staying up in space for years at a time.*
Boeing (BA)
General Hyten noted that:
When we have adversaries such as Russia and China that openly declare in their doctrine that they are going to build weapons to take away our space capabilities,we have to do something about it.So we're going to change.We're going to change the way we look at space.We're going to look at space,and we're going to define our future,and we're going to treat space as if it's a warfighting environment.There's no such thing as war in space;there's just war.
We have adversaries that are building weapons to take away our use of space,so we have to do something to prevent them from doing that.So we're going to build different systems;and different ways of doing business;and we're going to build operators that think about space as a warfighting domain;so that every adversary that looks at us will not try to contest us in that area,because,if they do,they'll realise that they'll lose.And that will prevent war from extending into space.We're taking measures so that any attack on our space architecture will be met in a manner,time and place of our choosing.That's what our current national security strategy says.We going to put a priority on building new capabilities to defend ourselves.Space superiority is not our birthright.Russia and China are both building weapons that are going to challenge us.*
This place pales in comparison to what we can actually do if we move out into space again.STRATCOM has kept the old Strategic Air Command's motto:"Peace is our profession.."There are two dots at the end of it.We do want peace;but we are ready if you cross the line.Because if you are ready,I do not think that they will ever cross that line.*
We have an amazing partnership with NASA.Both former director Charlie Bolden and new director Jim Bridenstine understand there's a critical role that we have to play,and we have to partner.How do we do that? If we don't treat space as a warfighting domain,war will move into space,and we won't be able to deal with it.The great news is that everybody's aligned on what we have to do to prevent that.That's the good news.I'm not going to tell you in this room exactly what we're doing,because that would kind of defeat the purpose;but just walk around this museum and you'll see all the things we're going to do,because it is the same problem we faced in the air a century ago,and now we have to figure out how to defend ourselves without creating debris.
You can't defend if everything's in the black;and we haven't decided as a nation.My job is to give input to that;but that will be a political decision for the President and Congress to together decide what is that going to be;and that will eventually show up in the budget,and the people will see it and talk about it,and then we'll go down that path.In all domains that we operate in,we will provide a strategic deterrent;and it starts with a nuclear capability,but it also involves space,and so we have to decide how we're going to deter in space,and that's why it's an important topic for conversation.*
Analysis:It's often conjectured that perhaps a lot of what we're planning in space warfighting is being tested on the Air Force's top secret space plane,the Boeing X-37B,which is a very long-duration flyer,staying up in space for years at a time.*
Boeing (BA)
Monday, June 18, 2018
"Healing Fear," a film about St.Luke the Surgeon,Archbishop of Simferopol in Crimea (+1961),in Russian with Greek subtitles (2013) - Παναγία Ιεροσολυμίτισσα : Ταινία «Θεραπεύοντας τον φόβο» 2013 Άγιος Λουκάς Σ...
Παναγία Ιεροσολυμίτισσα : Ταινία «Θεραπεύοντας τον φόβο» 2013 Άγιος Λουκάς Σ...: Παρακολουθήστε εδώ την ταινία «Θεραπεύοντας τον φόβο» (παραγωγή 2013) για τον Άγιο Λουκά Αρχιεπίσκοπο Συμφερουπόλεως και Κριμαίας τον ...
Friday, June 15, 2018
Thursday, June 14, 2018
Patriarch Bartholomew Makes Statement on Ukraine and Macedonia Issues - delegation consults Antioch and Serbia
On 11 June 2018,His All- Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople made remarks in the Patriarchal Church of St.George in Constantinople concerning the Patriarchate's responsibilities toward the uncanonical Orthodox Churches in Ukraine and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM):
The existence of a schism is not an argument in favour of leaving a whole nation outside the bounds of the Church's truth and canonicity with a pure conscience,denying our responsibility before God and history;but is rather an incentive for finding salvific and unifying solutions.When the Mother Church explores the paths of salvation for our brothers from Ukraine and Skopje (FYROM),it fulfills the apostolic duty.Our duty and responsibility is to bring these nations back to the truth and canonicity of the Church.Therefore what the Ecumenical Patriarchate has,it has for the benefit of the whole world,and offers it to all peoples without exception.Within this framework,inter-Christian dialogue is established,which carries out its work "in love and truth."*
Having visited the Church of Greece,as recounted in an earlier post by this blog,a delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate continued its consultations with other autocephalous (independent) Orthodox Churches on the state of affairs in Ukraine and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).On 5 June 2018,the delegation consisting of His Eminence Metropolitan Emmanuel of France and His Eminence Metropolitan Bartholomew of Smyrna (Izmir,Turkey) were received by His Holiness Patriarch Irinej of Serbia in Belgrade.According to the Serbian Orthodox Church,His Eminence Metropolitan Emmanuel thanked the Patriarch for the cordial audience,during which a conversation about the current relations of the Local Orthodox Churches was held.
For his part,Patriarch Irinej expressed his gratitude to Metropolitan Emmanuel for the visit and his efforts to establish close ties between the Patriarchate of Constantinople and the Serbian Orthodox Patriarchate.*
Also attending the audience from the Serbian Orthodox Church were His Grace Bishop Irinej of Backa and Father Deacon Aleksandar Prascevic,Head of the Office of the Patriarch.*
On 14 June 2018,His Beatitude Patriarch John X of Antioch and All the East received Metropolitans Emmanuel and Bartholomew at the Patriarchate's Lebanon headquarters.Also attending the audience were His Eminence Metropolitan Basilios (Mansour) of Akkar and Dependencies and His Eminence Metropolitan Ephraim (Kyriakos) of Tripoli,al-Koura and Dependencies.
The audience addressed General Orthodox affairs and the Ukraine case,the Patriarchate of Antioch said.
The existence of a schism is not an argument in favour of leaving a whole nation outside the bounds of the Church's truth and canonicity with a pure conscience,denying our responsibility before God and history;but is rather an incentive for finding salvific and unifying solutions.When the Mother Church explores the paths of salvation for our brothers from Ukraine and Skopje (FYROM),it fulfills the apostolic duty.Our duty and responsibility is to bring these nations back to the truth and canonicity of the Church.Therefore what the Ecumenical Patriarchate has,it has for the benefit of the whole world,and offers it to all peoples without exception.Within this framework,inter-Christian dialogue is established,which carries out its work "in love and truth."*
Having visited the Church of Greece,as recounted in an earlier post by this blog,a delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate continued its consultations with other autocephalous (independent) Orthodox Churches on the state of affairs in Ukraine and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).On 5 June 2018,the delegation consisting of His Eminence Metropolitan Emmanuel of France and His Eminence Metropolitan Bartholomew of Smyrna (Izmir,Turkey) were received by His Holiness Patriarch Irinej of Serbia in Belgrade.According to the Serbian Orthodox Church,His Eminence Metropolitan Emmanuel thanked the Patriarch for the cordial audience,during which a conversation about the current relations of the Local Orthodox Churches was held.
For his part,Patriarch Irinej expressed his gratitude to Metropolitan Emmanuel for the visit and his efforts to establish close ties between the Patriarchate of Constantinople and the Serbian Orthodox Patriarchate.*
Also attending the audience from the Serbian Orthodox Church were His Grace Bishop Irinej of Backa and Father Deacon Aleksandar Prascevic,Head of the Office of the Patriarch.*
On 14 June 2018,His Beatitude Patriarch John X of Antioch and All the East received Metropolitans Emmanuel and Bartholomew at the Patriarchate's Lebanon headquarters.Also attending the audience were His Eminence Metropolitan Basilios (Mansour) of Akkar and Dependencies and His Eminence Metropolitan Ephraim (Kyriakos) of Tripoli,al-Koura and Dependencies.
The audience addressed General Orthodox affairs and the Ukraine case,the Patriarchate of Antioch said.
Wednesday, June 13, 2018
Tuesday, June 12, 2018
Friday, June 8, 2018
Wednesday, June 6, 2018
Patriarch Bartholomew Gives Keynote Address at International Ecological Symposium
On 5 June 2018,His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew gave the keynote address at the International Ecological Symposium "Toward a Greener Attica:Preserving the Planet and Protecting its People" at the Acropolis Museum in Athens.The Symposium runs from 5-8 June in The Saronic Islands of Greece.Participating in the discussions are theologians,scientists,political and business leaders,and journalists worldwide.The aim of the Symposium is to explore the pressing environmental problems of the region and its lands;and to examine the connections between the ecology and economy-especially in the context of critical social and environmental challenges that we face today.*
Among those participating are:
Gayle Woloschak,Northwestern University;Juliet Eilperin,The Washington Post;Raj Patel,author and activist;His Eminence Metropolitan John of Pergamon (Ecumenical Patriarchate),eminent theologian;Constantine Triantafillou,International Orthodox Christian Charities;John Cardinal Olorunfemi Onaigekan,Roman Catholic Archbishop of Abuja,Nigeria;Rt.Rev. Marc Andrus,Episcopal Bishop,Diocese of California;Konstantina E. Botsiou,Associate Professor of Modern History and International Politics,University of the Pelopennese;Peter Bouteneff,St.Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary;Tamara Grdzelidze,Ambassador of the Republic of Georgia to the Holy See and the Sovereign Order of Malta;Sister Nectaria McLees,editor of Road to Emmaus:A Journal of Orthodox Faith and Culture,Serbian Orthodox nun;Marlise Simons,The New York Times; and Olav Fyske Tveit,General Secretary,World Council of Churches.*
Sponsors of the Symposium,besides the Ecumenical Patriarchate,include:
Holy Vatopedi Monastery,Mt.Athos,Greece;TITAN Company (Greece) S.A.;Southern New Hampshire University;IMERYS Industrial Minerals Greece S.A.;and Kyvernitis Travel S.A.*
Here are some of Patriarch Bartholomew's thoughts from his address:
The ecological crisis has revealed that our world constitutes a seamless whole,that our problems are universally shared.This means that no initiative or institution,no nation or corporation,neither science nor technology,are in a place to respond to the ecological crisis alone,without working closely together.*
The destruction of the natural environment can only be reversed through a radical change of our perspective towards nature that results from a radical change of our self-understanding as human beings.*
For the Orthodox Church,creation care-the preservation of nature and the protection of all people-emanates from the essence of our faith.Any kind of alienation between human beings and nature is a distortion of Christian theology and anthropology. *
May this symposium be an opportunity for inspiration,conversation and transformation.Our aim is to advance a collaborative response to the ecological crisis while advocating for a sustainable planet and socuial justice for humanity as a sacred legacy for all people,especially our children
Among those participating are:
Gayle Woloschak,Northwestern University;Juliet Eilperin,The Washington Post;Raj Patel,author and activist;His Eminence Metropolitan John of Pergamon (Ecumenical Patriarchate),eminent theologian;Constantine Triantafillou,International Orthodox Christian Charities;John Cardinal Olorunfemi Onaigekan,Roman Catholic Archbishop of Abuja,Nigeria;Rt.Rev. Marc Andrus,Episcopal Bishop,Diocese of California;Konstantina E. Botsiou,Associate Professor of Modern History and International Politics,University of the Pelopennese;Peter Bouteneff,St.Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary;Tamara Grdzelidze,Ambassador of the Republic of Georgia to the Holy See and the Sovereign Order of Malta;Sister Nectaria McLees,editor of Road to Emmaus:A Journal of Orthodox Faith and Culture,Serbian Orthodox nun;Marlise Simons,The New York Times; and Olav Fyske Tveit,General Secretary,World Council of Churches.*
Sponsors of the Symposium,besides the Ecumenical Patriarchate,include:
Holy Vatopedi Monastery,Mt.Athos,Greece;TITAN Company (Greece) S.A.;Southern New Hampshire University;IMERYS Industrial Minerals Greece S.A.;and Kyvernitis Travel S.A.*
Here are some of Patriarch Bartholomew's thoughts from his address:
The ecological crisis has revealed that our world constitutes a seamless whole,that our problems are universally shared.This means that no initiative or institution,no nation or corporation,neither science nor technology,are in a place to respond to the ecological crisis alone,without working closely together.*
The destruction of the natural environment can only be reversed through a radical change of our perspective towards nature that results from a radical change of our self-understanding as human beings.*
For the Orthodox Church,creation care-the preservation of nature and the protection of all people-emanates from the essence of our faith.Any kind of alienation between human beings and nature is a distortion of Christian theology and anthropology. *
May this symposium be an opportunity for inspiration,conversation and transformation.Our aim is to advance a collaborative response to the ecological crisis while advocating for a sustainable planet and socuial justice for humanity as a sacred legacy for all people,especially our children
Saturday, June 2, 2018
Thursday, May 31, 2018
Bulletin:Ecumenical Patriarchate Takes Up Another Request from Eastern Europe
Recently the Ecumenical Patriarchate agreed to consider a request from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church,backed by President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko and the Ukrainian Parliament,the Verkhovna Rada,to grant the autocephaly,or independence,of said Church.Now a similar request has been received from another Eastern European nation.
On 30 May 2018,the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate met under the Presidency of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.It subsequently issued a communique regarding a request from the Schismatic Church of Skopje,Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia,which was supported by a letter from the Prime Minister of FYROM,His Excellency Mr.Zoran Zaev.The Schismatic Church of Skopje asked the Ecumenical Patriarchate to take the initiative of returning this Church to canonical status under the name Archdiocese of Ohrid.*
The Holy and Sacred Synod has decided to seize this initiative and do what is necessary under the intangible conditions of the historic canonical powers and prerogatives of the primatial throne of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.*
Analysis:The Ecumenical Patriarchate under Patriarch Bartholomew is showing a great deal of strength in taking up these controversial issues at this time,putting itself on the line for troubled Orthodox Churches in need of legitimacy.It is making clear by deeds that it will not shy away from its pastoral obligations and canonical prerogatives,but will instead live up to its title,the Great Church of Christ.
On 30 May 2018,the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate met under the Presidency of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.It subsequently issued a communique regarding a request from the Schismatic Church of Skopje,Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia,which was supported by a letter from the Prime Minister of FYROM,His Excellency Mr.Zoran Zaev.The Schismatic Church of Skopje asked the Ecumenical Patriarchate to take the initiative of returning this Church to canonical status under the name Archdiocese of Ohrid.*
The Holy and Sacred Synod has decided to seize this initiative and do what is necessary under the intangible conditions of the historic canonical powers and prerogatives of the primatial throne of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.*
Analysis:The Ecumenical Patriarchate under Patriarch Bartholomew is showing a great deal of strength in taking up these controversial issues at this time,putting itself on the line for troubled Orthodox Churches in need of legitimacy.It is making clear by deeds that it will not shy away from its pastoral obligations and canonical prerogatives,but will instead live up to its title,the Great Church of Christ.
Wednesday, May 30, 2018
Panorthodox Synod : THE BIBLICAL BACKGROUND OF ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑ - Church, AND ITS LATER...
Panorthodox Synod : THE BIBLICAL BACKGROUND OF ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑ, AND ITS LATER...: The Biblical Background of ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑ, and its Later Application in Orthodox Ecclesiology Α paper presented by Prof. Emeritus Petros Va...
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
Thursday, May 24, 2018
New Orthodox Cathedral Based on Byzantine Architecture Opens in Warsaw
Warsaw's Orthodox Christians,as well as pilgrims from many other lands,gathered for the first Divine Liturgy in the Orthodox Church of Poland's new Agia Sophia Cathedral on 19 May 2018.The cornerstone of the sacred edifice had been laid and blessed by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople and His Beatitude Metropolitan Sava of Warsaw and All Poland on 5 December 2015.*
Concelebrating the service on Saturday,in addition to Metropolitan Sava,were His Eminence Archbishop Job of Telmessos (Ecumenical Patriarchate);His Eminence Metropolitan Ilarion of Volokolamsk (Moscow Patriarchate);His Grace Bishop Diodor of Yuzhnoe (Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Moscow Patriarchate);bishops of the Orthodox Church of Poland's Holy Synod;and numerous other clergy.Four Polish choirs chanted the Liturgy in the Cathedral modeled after its namesake,Agia Sophia in Constantinople.
Addresses marking the majestic event from Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia were read to the faithful,many of whom donated commemorative blocks placed in the Cathedral walls to affirm their faith and love for their forbearers.The Cathedral is dedicated to the memory of all those who suffered and died for the Orthodox faith,especially the neomartyrs of Poland.*
Besides the first Liturgy,the event marked the occasions of Metropolitan Sava's 80th birthday and 20th anniversary as Primate of Poland;and indeed,the 100th anniversary of Polish independence.A golden cross for the Cathedral's central dome was blessed,elevated and installed at the conclusion of the service.*
The Cathedral's iconography has not yet been written.
Concelebrating the service on Saturday,in addition to Metropolitan Sava,were His Eminence Archbishop Job of Telmessos (Ecumenical Patriarchate);His Eminence Metropolitan Ilarion of Volokolamsk (Moscow Patriarchate);His Grace Bishop Diodor of Yuzhnoe (Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Moscow Patriarchate);bishops of the Orthodox Church of Poland's Holy Synod;and numerous other clergy.Four Polish choirs chanted the Liturgy in the Cathedral modeled after its namesake,Agia Sophia in Constantinople.
Addresses marking the majestic event from Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia were read to the faithful,many of whom donated commemorative blocks placed in the Cathedral walls to affirm their faith and love for their forbearers.The Cathedral is dedicated to the memory of all those who suffered and died for the Orthodox faith,especially the neomartyrs of Poland.*
Besides the first Liturgy,the event marked the occasions of Metropolitan Sava's 80th birthday and 20th anniversary as Primate of Poland;and indeed,the 100th anniversary of Polish independence.A golden cross for the Cathedral's central dome was blessed,elevated and installed at the conclusion of the service.*
The Cathedral's iconography has not yet been written.
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Sunday, May 20, 2018
Presided by His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem and All Palestine,this is the ordination of the Very Rev. Archimandrite Christophoros to the episcopate on 19 May 2018.He is now Archbishop of Kyriakoupolis and Patriarchal Representative in Amman,Jordan.Η ΧΕΙΡΟΤΟΝΙΑ ΤΟΥ ΕΨΗΦΙΣΜΕΝΟΥ ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΟΥ ΚΥΡΙΑΚΟΥΠΟΛΕΩΣ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΦΟΡΟΥ
Thursday, May 17, 2018
Wednesday, May 16, 2018
Ecumenical Patriarchate's Ukraine Commission Meets with Archbishop of Athens
On 14 May 2018,the Commission on Ukraine of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople called on His Beatitude Archbishop Ieronymos II of Athens and All Greece at the Holy Synod of Greece's offices in Athens.The Commission members attending were two prominent theologians,His Eminence Metropolitan John of Pergamon and His Eminence Metropolitan Emmanuel of France;and His Eminence Metropolitan Bartholomew of Smyrna (Izmir,Turkey).For its part,the Holy Synod of Greece,besides Archbishop Ieronymos,were represented by His Eminence Metropolitan Symeon of Nea Smyrni,an expert on Patristics and Byzantine Theology;His Eminence Metropolitan Damaskenos of Didymoteichon and Orestiadis;and His Eminence Metropolitan Ignatios of Demetrias and Almyros,member of the Holy Synod's Committee for Inter-Orthodox and Inter-Christian relations. The purpose of the meeting was to brief the Church of Greece about the Ecumenical Patriarchate's evolving involvement in the question of the prospective autocephaly (independence) of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.Autocephaly has been officially requested by Ukrainian President Petro Porishenko and the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada (Parliament),as well as two of the three Orthodox jurisdictions in Ukraine,the Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Kiyivan Patriarchate and the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church.It's basically seen as a major step in Ukraine's evolution as a free and independent nation,spritually and culturally as well as politically.The third jurisdiction,the Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Moscow Patriarchate,is bitterly critical of the idea,saying,among other things,that it is a political tactic being used by President Poroshenko for the upcoming election.*
In the course of the dialogue in Athens,however,it reportedly emerged that His All-Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople is determined to proceed with granting autocephaly to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.Archbishop Ieronymos took a neutral position as,given the gravity of the issue,he wants to put it before the whole synod of the Church of Greece at its next assembly in October.*
The Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate meets again at the end of May,so a final decision on autocephaly for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church could come as early as then.
In the course of the dialogue in Athens,however,it reportedly emerged that His All-Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople is determined to proceed with granting autocephaly to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.Archbishop Ieronymos took a neutral position as,given the gravity of the issue,he wants to put it before the whole synod of the Church of Greece at its next assembly in October.*
The Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate meets again at the end of May,so a final decision on autocephaly for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church could come as early as then.
Friday, May 11, 2018
Thursday, May 10, 2018
Wednesday, May 9, 2018
Monday, May 7, 2018
Saturday, May 5, 2018
Friday, May 4, 2018
Panorthodox Synod :Ukrainian Autocephaly - FR. CYRIL HOVORUN INTERVIEW TO TORONTO-BASED UKETU...
Panorthodox Synod : FR. CYRIL HOVORUN INTERVIEW TO TORONTO-BASED UKETU...: UkeTube Ukrainian Video · Full Interview with Very Rev. Fr. Dr. @ Cyril Hovorun (Д-р Кирило Говорун), Acti...
Wednesday, May 2, 2018
Major Decision on Ukraine by the Ecumenical Patriarchate Could Be Near
On 22 April 2018,the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople issued a reply to a formal request by President Petro Poroshenko of Ukraine that autocephaly (independence) be granted to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.The President's request had been made both in person and by letter,with the approval of the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Parliament) and two of the three jurisdictions of Orthodox in Ukraine,the Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Kyivan Patriarchate and the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church.The Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Moscow Patriarchate is not in favour of the initiative.*
President Poroshenko had initially requested autonomy for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in 2016.The new request for autocephaly was made in earnest when the President was received by His All-Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew on 9 April 2018.The meeting lasted a lengthy 90 minutes and the seriousness of the agenda was reflected by the number and stature of the Patriarch's advisors who attended the animated and profound discussions:
His Eminence Metropolitan John of Pergamon,eminent theologian;
His Eminence Metropolitan Elpidoforos of Proussos (Bursa,Turkey);
His Eminence Metropolitan Bartholomew of Smyrna (Izmir,Turkey);
His Eminence Archbishop Job of Telmessos ,eminent theologian;and
the Very Rev.Archimandrite Joachim Billis,Chief Secretary of the Holy and Sacred Synod.
Addressing the Verkhovna Rada on 19 April,Mr.Poroshenko said:
Having our own Church is an attribute of an independent nation.The state shouldn't interfere in religious affairs;furthermore,a foreign nation (Russia) doesn't have the right to interfere in the religious affairs of Ukraine.*
A letter from President Poroshenko to Patriarch Bartholomew containing the request was hand-delivered by an emissary on 20 April.On 22 April,the Ecumenical Patriarchate replied:
In accordance with the Divine and Sacred Canons,as well as centuries-old ecclesiastical order and Holy Tradition-the Ecumenical Patriarchate concerns itself with the preservation of Pan-Orthodox unity and the care for Orthodox Christians around the world-especially of the Ukrainian Orthodox Nation that has received the salvific Christian faith and holy baptism from Constantinople.Thus,as it is the true Mother Church,it examined matters pertaining to the ecclesiastical situation in Ukraine,as done in previous synodal sessions,and having received from ecclesiastical and civil authorities representing millions of Ukrainian Orthodox Christians-a petition that requests the bestowal of autocephaly,decided to closely communicate and coordinate with its sister Orthodox Churches concerning the matter.*
By way of historical context,the Ecumenical Patriarchate has in recent times granted a tomos (official recognition) of autocephaly to the Orthodox Church of Bulgaria in 1998 and the Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia in 2014;as well as a tomos of autonomy to the Estonian Apostolic Orthodox Church in 1996.As well.the Ecumenical Patriarchate received into its jurisdiction groups of Ukrainian Orthodox parishes in both the USA and Canada.These North American metropolises both strongly support autocephaly for the Orthodox Church in Ukraine.*
President Poroshenko has requested a decision on autocephaly by 28 July 2018,the 1030th anniversary of the baptism of Kyivan Rus,so it could come any time now.Some see the fact that the President has made such a public appeal is a sign that he believes the Ecumenical Patriarchate is leaning his way.*
There are also reports that the Ecumenical Patriarchate has been considering establishing metochia (embassy churches) in two Ukrainian cities such as Kyiv and Lviv.
President Poroshenko had initially requested autonomy for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in 2016.The new request for autocephaly was made in earnest when the President was received by His All-Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew on 9 April 2018.The meeting lasted a lengthy 90 minutes and the seriousness of the agenda was reflected by the number and stature of the Patriarch's advisors who attended the animated and profound discussions:
His Eminence Metropolitan John of Pergamon,eminent theologian;
His Eminence Metropolitan Elpidoforos of Proussos (Bursa,Turkey);
His Eminence Metropolitan Bartholomew of Smyrna (Izmir,Turkey);
His Eminence Archbishop Job of Telmessos ,eminent theologian;and
the Very Rev.Archimandrite Joachim Billis,Chief Secretary of the Holy and Sacred Synod.
Addressing the Verkhovna Rada on 19 April,Mr.Poroshenko said:
Having our own Church is an attribute of an independent nation.The state shouldn't interfere in religious affairs;furthermore,a foreign nation (Russia) doesn't have the right to interfere in the religious affairs of Ukraine.*
A letter from President Poroshenko to Patriarch Bartholomew containing the request was hand-delivered by an emissary on 20 April.On 22 April,the Ecumenical Patriarchate replied:
In accordance with the Divine and Sacred Canons,as well as centuries-old ecclesiastical order and Holy Tradition-the Ecumenical Patriarchate concerns itself with the preservation of Pan-Orthodox unity and the care for Orthodox Christians around the world-especially of the Ukrainian Orthodox Nation that has received the salvific Christian faith and holy baptism from Constantinople.Thus,as it is the true Mother Church,it examined matters pertaining to the ecclesiastical situation in Ukraine,as done in previous synodal sessions,and having received from ecclesiastical and civil authorities representing millions of Ukrainian Orthodox Christians-a petition that requests the bestowal of autocephaly,decided to closely communicate and coordinate with its sister Orthodox Churches concerning the matter.*
By way of historical context,the Ecumenical Patriarchate has in recent times granted a tomos (official recognition) of autocephaly to the Orthodox Church of Bulgaria in 1998 and the Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia in 2014;as well as a tomos of autonomy to the Estonian Apostolic Orthodox Church in 1996.As well.the Ecumenical Patriarchate received into its jurisdiction groups of Ukrainian Orthodox parishes in both the USA and Canada.These North American metropolises both strongly support autocephaly for the Orthodox Church in Ukraine.*
President Poroshenko has requested a decision on autocephaly by 28 July 2018,the 1030th anniversary of the baptism of Kyivan Rus,so it could come any time now.Some see the fact that the President has made such a public appeal is a sign that he believes the Ecumenical Patriarchate is leaning his way.*
There are also reports that the Ecumenical Patriarchate has been considering establishing metochia (embassy churches) in two Ukrainian cities such as Kyiv and Lviv.
Monday, April 30, 2018
Thursday, April 26, 2018
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
Patriarch Bartholomew Gets Surprise Audience with Turkish President Erdogan in Ankara
On 25 April 2018,His Excellency Recep Tayyip Erdogan,President of Turkey,granted a longstanding request by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople for a substantive discussion on pressing matters.Received at the presidential palace in the Turkish capital,Ankara,Patriarch Bartholomew was able to submit,in spoken word and on paper,a list of problems currently faced by the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Greek community in Turkey.
The meeting,which surprised the media-including this blog-lasted 35 minutes.
It began with His All-Holiness thanking Mr.Erdogan,who has fashioned himself into a political strongman of late,for all he has done so far for the Patriarchate and the Greeks,such as allowing the resumption of services at the historic Soumela Monastery in Trabzon,Turkey.In what was described as a good atmosphere,the audience progressed to Mr.Erdogan showing great interest in what the Patriarch had to say about the Greek Orthodox community's plight in the vast sea of Muslims that is Turkey today.*
At one point,President Erdogan summoned the General Director for Foundations,Mr.Adnan Ertem,into the room and instructed him to take action on His All-Holiness' list of needs that fall within his purview.*
Following their private conversation,Patriarch Bartholomew invited his entourage into the chamber to meet the President:
His Eminence Metropolitan Elpidoforos of Proussos (Bursa,Turkey);the Very Rev.Archimandrite Joachim (Billis),Chief Secretary of the Holy and Sacred Synod;Mr.Panteleimon Vigas,a leading Archon,or lay advisor,of the Ecumenical Patriarchate;and Mr.Giorgios Papaliaris,Deputy Chairman of the Association for Support of Roman Community Institutions.*
The meeting indicates that perhaps Mr.Erdogan now feels confident enough to grant some requests for the Orthodox Christian community and heritage sites,which,after all,bring untold travel and tourism dollars into Turkey.This would tend to burnish his reputation within the European Union and NATO.
The meeting,which surprised the media-including this blog-lasted 35 minutes.
It began with His All-Holiness thanking Mr.Erdogan,who has fashioned himself into a political strongman of late,for all he has done so far for the Patriarchate and the Greeks,such as allowing the resumption of services at the historic Soumela Monastery in Trabzon,Turkey.In what was described as a good atmosphere,the audience progressed to Mr.Erdogan showing great interest in what the Patriarch had to say about the Greek Orthodox community's plight in the vast sea of Muslims that is Turkey today.*
At one point,President Erdogan summoned the General Director for Foundations,Mr.Adnan Ertem,into the room and instructed him to take action on His All-Holiness' list of needs that fall within his purview.*
Following their private conversation,Patriarch Bartholomew invited his entourage into the chamber to meet the President:
His Eminence Metropolitan Elpidoforos of Proussos (Bursa,Turkey);the Very Rev.Archimandrite Joachim (Billis),Chief Secretary of the Holy and Sacred Synod;Mr.Panteleimon Vigas,a leading Archon,or lay advisor,of the Ecumenical Patriarchate;and Mr.Giorgios Papaliaris,Deputy Chairman of the Association for Support of Roman Community Institutions.*
The meeting indicates that perhaps Mr.Erdogan now feels confident enough to grant some requests for the Orthodox Christian community and heritage sites,which,after all,bring untold travel and tourism dollars into Turkey.This would tend to burnish his reputation within the European Union and NATO.
Photos of the 25 April 2018 meeting of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey at the presidential palace in Ankara.Ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης συναντά τον Πρόεδρο της Τουρκικής Δημοκρατίας στην Άγκυρα|Amen.gr
Ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης συναντά τον Πρόεδρο της Τουρκικής Δημοκρατίας στην Άγκυρα|Amen.gr: H A. Θ. Παναγιότης, ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος, συναντήθηκε σήμερα, Τετάρτη, 25 Απριλίου, με τον Εξοχ. Πρόεδρο της Τουρκικής Δημοκρατίας κ. Ρετζέπ Ταγίπ Ερντογάν.
Tuesday, April 24, 2018
Monday, April 23, 2018
Thursday, April 19, 2018
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
Patriarch Bartholomew Hosts Many Balkan Visitors,Making Candid Remarks on Recent Controversies
Between 10-11 April 2018,His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople received a series of visitors from the Balkans.On 10 April arrived the President of Bosnia and Herzegovina,His Excellency Mladen Ivanic.Mr.Ivanic and Patriarch Bartholomew reviewed the issues of the day for about thirty minutes.
This session was followed about an hour later by a private meeting between His All-Holiness and the President of FYROM,the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia,Gjeorge Ivanov,along with his wife and son,as well as some of his colleagues and the FYROM Ambassador to Turkey.As before,many important issues were gone over;while,at the same time,there was an exchange of Paschal greetings and gifts.
At both meetings with the Balkan leaders,Patriarch Bartholomew was joined by His Eminence Metropolitan Gennadios of Sassima,a well-known theologian;His Eminence Metropolitan Elpidoforos of Bursa,Turkey;and the Very Rev.Archimandrite Joachim (Billis),Chief Secretary of the Holy and Sacred Synod.*
On 11 April,His All-Holiness addressed a number of professors and students from the St.Clement of Ohrid Theological Seminary in Skopje,FYROM,who were on a visit to Constantinople and Thessaloniki,Greece.Deploring the Church of Bulgaria's recent effort to grant autocephaly to the Macedonian Orthodox Church,which no other autocephalous Orthodox Church recognises,Patriarch Bartholomew admitted:
I am thinking about this because I want to be perfectly honest with you.This action of the sister Church of Bulgaria was wrong.It does not help.It complicates things.The Mother Church of all the Balkan peoples is Constantinople.That is what the true history says.What is being discussed is a fictitious mother.And Bulgaria cannot introduce you to canonicity,or normal relations with the other Churches.There must be direct,honest and sincere inter-Orthodox relations.
Every time a Synaxis of Orthodox Primates is convened either here or in Chambesy,the Ecumenical Patriarchate's attempt is to put all subjects on the table and to discuss them with honesty and sincerity.*
The Patriarch made an open invitation to the FYROM theological educators and students:
Know that we love you,and come whenever you want in this beautiful and historic City,where are the Courtyards of the Mother Church,from which you,and all the Balkan peoples,received baptism and the light of Christianity.Therefore,every time you come here to us in Istanbul,you do not have to feel that you are strangers,that you are guests;but that you are at home.
We have high hopes for you and for your ministry in the Church in the future.These are true despite the fact that there are currently problems between your country and Greece,and between your Church and all other Orthodox Churches.Precisely,we count on the new generation of theologians and clergy,which can help strengthen relations of neighbouring peoples and between the Orthodox Churches.Today,our generation,the older generation,will do everything we can to improve the situation,especially our Ecumenical Patriarchate,which has the coordinating role in the transcendental things-and after our generation,you will take over and you will continue,cultivate and augment these good relations between our peoples and our Churches.*
Following his moving address,His All-Holiness distributed with his blessing to the FYROM pilgrims books on the history of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the official texts of the Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church in Crete in 2016;Easter eggs and holy keepsakes.They were also invited to dine with the Patriarch in the Patriarchal refectory.
This session was followed about an hour later by a private meeting between His All-Holiness and the President of FYROM,the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia,Gjeorge Ivanov,along with his wife and son,as well as some of his colleagues and the FYROM Ambassador to Turkey.As before,many important issues were gone over;while,at the same time,there was an exchange of Paschal greetings and gifts.
At both meetings with the Balkan leaders,Patriarch Bartholomew was joined by His Eminence Metropolitan Gennadios of Sassima,a well-known theologian;His Eminence Metropolitan Elpidoforos of Bursa,Turkey;and the Very Rev.Archimandrite Joachim (Billis),Chief Secretary of the Holy and Sacred Synod.*
On 11 April,His All-Holiness addressed a number of professors and students from the St.Clement of Ohrid Theological Seminary in Skopje,FYROM,who were on a visit to Constantinople and Thessaloniki,Greece.Deploring the Church of Bulgaria's recent effort to grant autocephaly to the Macedonian Orthodox Church,which no other autocephalous Orthodox Church recognises,Patriarch Bartholomew admitted:
I am thinking about this because I want to be perfectly honest with you.This action of the sister Church of Bulgaria was wrong.It does not help.It complicates things.The Mother Church of all the Balkan peoples is Constantinople.That is what the true history says.What is being discussed is a fictitious mother.And Bulgaria cannot introduce you to canonicity,or normal relations with the other Churches.There must be direct,honest and sincere inter-Orthodox relations.
Every time a Synaxis of Orthodox Primates is convened either here or in Chambesy,the Ecumenical Patriarchate's attempt is to put all subjects on the table and to discuss them with honesty and sincerity.*
The Patriarch made an open invitation to the FYROM theological educators and students:
Know that we love you,and come whenever you want in this beautiful and historic City,where are the Courtyards of the Mother Church,from which you,and all the Balkan peoples,received baptism and the light of Christianity.Therefore,every time you come here to us in Istanbul,you do not have to feel that you are strangers,that you are guests;but that you are at home.
We have high hopes for you and for your ministry in the Church in the future.These are true despite the fact that there are currently problems between your country and Greece,and between your Church and all other Orthodox Churches.Precisely,we count on the new generation of theologians and clergy,which can help strengthen relations of neighbouring peoples and between the Orthodox Churches.Today,our generation,the older generation,will do everything we can to improve the situation,especially our Ecumenical Patriarchate,which has the coordinating role in the transcendental things-and after our generation,you will take over and you will continue,cultivate and augment these good relations between our peoples and our Churches.*
Following his moving address,His All-Holiness distributed with his blessing to the FYROM pilgrims books on the history of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the official texts of the Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church in Crete in 2016;Easter eggs and holy keepsakes.They were also invited to dine with the Patriarch in the Patriarchal refectory.
Thursday, April 12, 2018
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
Saturday, April 7, 2018
Friday, April 6, 2018
Thursday, April 5, 2018
Wednesday, April 4, 2018
Patriarch Bartholomew Hosts Large Group from Catholic Diocese of Rome - strongly reaffirms Catholic-Orthodox dialogue
In Istanbul on 3 April 2018,His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople,leader of the millions of Orthodox Christians worldwide,received a group of 70 Catholic priests from the Diocese of Rome.The priests,led by His Excellency Archbishop Angelo de Donatis,Papal Vicar for the Diocese,are on a pilgrimage to Christian sites in Turkey.
Patriarch Bartholomew stated that:
Even though it is slow,the path of our Holy Church is irreversible,because God wants it,and we must be her witnesses in a world that is losing its interest in God.*
On his relations with His Holiness Pope Francis,His All-Holiness reflected:
Our meetings,our common perseverance in finding all possible ways to resolve the unresolved issues between our Churches,have been marked by great mutual respect;trust;and mutual Christian love.We are sure that,when the times are ripe,our Churches will know with humility and willingness to put together a common project.
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