One of the most highly respected churchmen in Greece,His Eminence Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Messinia,who,in addition to his pastoral leadership,is an author and professor of theology in the University of Athens,has expressed misgivings about Church participation in the big rally planned for 4 February 2018 on the issue of current negotiations by the Greek government with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.The negotiations seek to resolve outstanding disagreements between the neighbouring nations,particularly the use of the name "Macedonia" itself,which is also used by a province of Northern Greece.Here are some of his recent remarks on the subject:
Recently,on the occasion of the resurgence of diplomacy to resolve the bilateral disputes between Greece and the FYROM (irredentism,naming,erga omnes,and others that are equally serious and perhaps not public),there is also a lot of discussion about the organisation of rallies and the position of the Church of Greece against them.The storm of statements,suggestions,incitements,ecclesiastical turbulence suggests,or rather confirms,that-unfortunately-and despite any clarifying approaches of the Holy and Sacred Synod of 26 January,we move to the dangerous limit of secularism and its devotion to our ecclesiastical ethos.And I will be more specific:
The Church of Greece,indeed,has in the past organised rallies and invasions,and although one could argue that at that time both the reason and the way of their organisation gave it some justification,however,they "redeemed" them several decades later,as being too expensive.It is not unjust to the historical accuracy if I assert that the reward "benefit" was fairly low in relation to the "struggle" and the damage quite high in relation to its aspirations.
In the current circumstances,however,the organisation of rallies is completely different and alien to the whole institution of the Church.Their organisation is moving in a turbulent environment,exploiting the indisputable and immovable position of the Greek people on the non-use of the name "Macedonia" for the neighbouring state of Skopje.That is why I dare to raise some questions and concerns in good faith:
Who are the "unscheduled" organisers of rallies?Presidents of organisations and groups who obviously represent a portion of the people.Is it allowed,therefore,to stand by the Church as a "therapist" next to them?Do we forget that the Church expresses the whole and not the part,with which it cannot be identified?
Who are the "unknown" co-organisers,who seek to use the institutional Church and "grab" it for the satisfaction of their own political desires,alibis and aspirations?*
I think,as everyone else,I respect the desire of every Greek citizen to participate in any rally to express in the most dynamic way the popular will for the specific issue of naming.But should the institution of the Church be sought,and indeed with the presence of its bishops?Such an expression is purely a secular perception of the functioning of the ecclesiastical body itself with the "things of this world" when this secularisation even entails,albeit inconspicuous for some,the protestantising of our ecclesiastical morality,so that we risk being eclipsed and degenerating into a "therapist" of various groups,often of unknown ideology,placement and principles,but also intended purposes.*
I therefore consider that any enthusiastic tendencies should be limited in order to preserve the institutional role of the Church in society.*
Let us take a little more thought and consider the future of the institution,not the evolution and satisfaction of our personal aspirations and visions!!
Messinia Chrysostomos +
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Tuesday, January 30, 2018
Saturday, January 27, 2018
Friday, January 26, 2018
Thursday, January 25, 2018
Wednesday, January 24, 2018
Johannesburg:Patriarch of Alexandria Visits First Women's Monastery in South Africa
His Beatitude Pope and Patriarch Theodoros II of Alexandria and All Africa arrived in South Africa on 19 January 2018 for a momentous pastoral visit,encompassing the 50th anniversary celebration of the Metropolis of Good Hope (1968-2018) and missionary journeys to Namibia and Zambia.*
On the first afternoon of his spiritual sojourn,His Beatitude visited the new Monastery of Sts.Nicholas of Myra,Nekatarios of Aegina and Paisios of Mt.Athos.It is the first Orthodox monastery for women in South Africa.Founded by His Eminence Metropolitan Seraphim,currently of Zimbabwe and Angola,and under the spiritual guidance of the Very Rev.Archimandrite Apostolos (Apostolakis),who has also founded women's monasteries in Kenya and Tanzania,there are five nuns in the fledgling sisterhood.
Accompanying Patriarch Theodoros to the Monastery were His Eminence Metropolitan Damaskinos of Johannesburg and Pretoria;His Grace Bishop Nikodemos of Nitria;the Reverend Protopresbyter Athenodoros Papaevripiadis,Exarch of the Patriarchate of Alexandria to Cyprus;His Excellency Mr.Eleftherios Kouvaritakis,Ambassador of Greece to South Africa and the Honourable Consul General of Greece Mr.Ioannis Hatzandonakis,both of Crete,and several other dignitaries.*
Following Vespers,His Beatitude enthroned as the first Abbess of the Monastery Nun Orthodoxia,herself a native of Crete.Patriarch Therodoros observed that:
Monasticism is not a contempt of the world;but a challenge for reform in Christ,for transfiguration and its salvation.In days to come,the Monastery will be a point of attraction for many young and spiritual people from South Africa and missions in general,who will come to know the ideals of Orthodox Monasticism,contributing to their promotion in the field of African Orthodoxy and becoming a vital and hopeful presence for contemporary humanity.*
The Monastery is located on a verdant hill,in the quiet and scenic haven of Hartbeespoort,about an hour from Johannesburg.*
Afterwards,His Beatitude celebrated the anniversary with the clergy and laity,many of them being of Greek descent,of the Metropolis of Good Hope,including His Eminence Metropolitan Sergios of the Cape of Good Hope.The Patriarch emphasised that it is essential to pass on the Hellenic heritage,the Greek language and culture,to the children.
His Beatitude also visited and blessed some missionary centres in the Capetown area,where both Greek and South African flags were proudly displayed.
On the first afternoon of his spiritual sojourn,His Beatitude visited the new Monastery of Sts.Nicholas of Myra,Nekatarios of Aegina and Paisios of Mt.Athos.It is the first Orthodox monastery for women in South Africa.Founded by His Eminence Metropolitan Seraphim,currently of Zimbabwe and Angola,and under the spiritual guidance of the Very Rev.Archimandrite Apostolos (Apostolakis),who has also founded women's monasteries in Kenya and Tanzania,there are five nuns in the fledgling sisterhood.
Accompanying Patriarch Theodoros to the Monastery were His Eminence Metropolitan Damaskinos of Johannesburg and Pretoria;His Grace Bishop Nikodemos of Nitria;the Reverend Protopresbyter Athenodoros Papaevripiadis,Exarch of the Patriarchate of Alexandria to Cyprus;His Excellency Mr.Eleftherios Kouvaritakis,Ambassador of Greece to South Africa and the Honourable Consul General of Greece Mr.Ioannis Hatzandonakis,both of Crete,and several other dignitaries.*
Following Vespers,His Beatitude enthroned as the first Abbess of the Monastery Nun Orthodoxia,herself a native of Crete.Patriarch Therodoros observed that:
Monasticism is not a contempt of the world;but a challenge for reform in Christ,for transfiguration and its salvation.In days to come,the Monastery will be a point of attraction for many young and spiritual people from South Africa and missions in general,who will come to know the ideals of Orthodox Monasticism,contributing to their promotion in the field of African Orthodoxy and becoming a vital and hopeful presence for contemporary humanity.*
The Monastery is located on a verdant hill,in the quiet and scenic haven of Hartbeespoort,about an hour from Johannesburg.*
Afterwards,His Beatitude celebrated the anniversary with the clergy and laity,many of them being of Greek descent,of the Metropolis of Good Hope,including His Eminence Metropolitan Sergios of the Cape of Good Hope.The Patriarch emphasised that it is essential to pass on the Hellenic heritage,the Greek language and culture,to the children.
His Beatitude also visited and blessed some missionary centres in the Capetown area,where both Greek and South African flags were proudly displayed.
Saturday, January 20, 2018
Thursday, January 18, 2018
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
NATO:Sweden Extends Enhanced Partnership - conscription reinstituted
In 2014 at the NATO Wales Summit,Sweden and four other NATO partners were granted enhanced status.They were offered a more flexible and individualised relationship with the Alliance,over and beyond other partnership formats.This took place in the context of Russia illegally annexing Crimea and intervening in Eastern Ukraine.
According to Sweden's Ambassador to NATO,Hakan Malmqvist,writing in The NATO Review magazine:
The developments in 2014 brought defence and security planning back to the top of the political agenda.The deteriorating security environment and the need for NATO to focus on collective defence and the defence of Europe,underlined our mutual interest of working even closer together.The need to view the Baltic Sea as one strategic area became a natural driving force for our strategic cooperation.*
At the NATO Warsaw Summit of 2016,NATO emphasised the need to develop regular political consultations,shared situational awareness and joint exercises with Finland and Sweden.*
Our common challenges are greater and more complex than in decades.Regional powers and non-state actors are testing their strength against neighbours,other states,and international institutions.The threats are manifold and more complex.*
This year (2017),the Swedish government decided to reactivate the national conscription system.Conscription for both men and women will start from the 1st of January 2018 and the plan is to enlist/enroll approximately 4,000 recruits the first year.*
In 2016,the government of Sweden adopted a "Memorandum of Understanding on Host Nation Support."This MoU with NATO is to ensure that Sweden,as a host nation,can provide effective support for military activities on Swedish territory in connection with exercises,crises or military operations in Sweden and in our vicinity.*
The positive assessment of our first years as an EOP has now resulted in an extension of this status for another 3 years.I am convinced that we can continue to develop our cooperation further.While based on mutual interests and shared values,we must take into account political and military restrictions distinguishing partner and Allied nations.We are eager to consult with the Allies and NATO officials on possible next steps and priorities.
According to Sweden's Ambassador to NATO,Hakan Malmqvist,writing in The NATO Review magazine:
The developments in 2014 brought defence and security planning back to the top of the political agenda.The deteriorating security environment and the need for NATO to focus on collective defence and the defence of Europe,underlined our mutual interest of working even closer together.The need to view the Baltic Sea as one strategic area became a natural driving force for our strategic cooperation.*
At the NATO Warsaw Summit of 2016,NATO emphasised the need to develop regular political consultations,shared situational awareness and joint exercises with Finland and Sweden.*
Our common challenges are greater and more complex than in decades.Regional powers and non-state actors are testing their strength against neighbours,other states,and international institutions.The threats are manifold and more complex.*
This year (2017),the Swedish government decided to reactivate the national conscription system.Conscription for both men and women will start from the 1st of January 2018 and the plan is to enlist/enroll approximately 4,000 recruits the first year.*
In 2016,the government of Sweden adopted a "Memorandum of Understanding on Host Nation Support."This MoU with NATO is to ensure that Sweden,as a host nation,can provide effective support for military activities on Swedish territory in connection with exercises,crises or military operations in Sweden and in our vicinity.*
The positive assessment of our first years as an EOP has now resulted in an extension of this status for another 3 years.I am convinced that we can continue to develop our cooperation further.While based on mutual interests and shared values,we must take into account political and military restrictions distinguishing partner and Allied nations.We are eager to consult with the Allies and NATO officials on possible next steps and priorities.
Saturday, January 13, 2018
Friday, January 12, 2018
Thursday, January 11, 2018
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
Bulgarian Patriarch Visits Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew,Reopens Iron Church
According to the Press Office of the Ecumenical Patriarchate,His Holiness Patriarch Neophytos of Bulgaria visited His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople on 7 January 2018.Both Churches had observed Christmas on 25 December.This brief journey of Patriarch Neophytos was focused on the reopening of the Bulgarian Exarchate in Constantinople's St.Stephen's Church,the so-called Iron Church.*
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew welcomed the Bulgarian Primate to the Great Church of Christ with fraternal affection:
We welcome you to the Mother Church with much love and honour and cordiality.We rejoice because we encounter you at this time of the New Year,which we hope will be full of divine blessings for you personally,Your Holiness,and for the Holy Church of Bulgaria.We are delighted that your arrival in Constantinople is on the occasion of a very gratifying event such as the major renovation of the nearby St.Stephen's Church.This is a very big event for our city,for our Ecumenical Patriarchate,for the dear Bulgarian parish,and for all the Orthodox.We glorify God and wish that He will give us more such pleasant events and happy reunions.*
Patriarch Bartholomew went on to say:
I look forward to our further communication during the luncheon offered by the dear Bulgarian community,together with the Prime Minister of Bulgaria,to whom I will wish a blessed and successful Presidency of the European Union this semester.These are our wishes for the progress and visibility of Bulgaria,and I repeat them to Your Holiness and your dear entourage.*
Patriarch Neophytos was accompanied by the Metropolitans Gavriil of Roussos,Naoum of Loftsos and Kiprianos of Stara Zagora,as well as other clergy.Following their meeting,the two Primates went to the Bulgarian Exarchate in Sisli,Istanbul,where they prayed at the Church of St.John of Rila.Afterwards,they attended the official luncheon to mark the restoration of St.Stephen's Church.*
St.Stephen's was one of a number of pre-fabricated cast iron churches that were an architectural trend of the nineteenth century.It is one of the few iron churches surviving to this day,but had fallen into a decrepit condition.*
On 8 January 2018,President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey and Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov attended the reopening of St.Stephen's on its 120th anniversary.The restoration project began in 2011.It was financed by the Metropolitan Municipality of Istanbul (four million dollars) and the Government of Bulgaria (250,000 dollars).*
The Bulgarian Orthodox Church has about 6.5 million members in Bulgaria and some 1.5-2 million members in the diaspora.It is the most ancient of the Slavic Orthodox Churches,with its official origin in the conversion of Prince Boris I in 865.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew welcomed the Bulgarian Primate to the Great Church of Christ with fraternal affection:
We welcome you to the Mother Church with much love and honour and cordiality.We rejoice because we encounter you at this time of the New Year,which we hope will be full of divine blessings for you personally,Your Holiness,and for the Holy Church of Bulgaria.We are delighted that your arrival in Constantinople is on the occasion of a very gratifying event such as the major renovation of the nearby St.Stephen's Church.This is a very big event for our city,for our Ecumenical Patriarchate,for the dear Bulgarian parish,and for all the Orthodox.We glorify God and wish that He will give us more such pleasant events and happy reunions.*
Patriarch Bartholomew went on to say:
I look forward to our further communication during the luncheon offered by the dear Bulgarian community,together with the Prime Minister of Bulgaria,to whom I will wish a blessed and successful Presidency of the European Union this semester.These are our wishes for the progress and visibility of Bulgaria,and I repeat them to Your Holiness and your dear entourage.*
Patriarch Neophytos was accompanied by the Metropolitans Gavriil of Roussos,Naoum of Loftsos and Kiprianos of Stara Zagora,as well as other clergy.Following their meeting,the two Primates went to the Bulgarian Exarchate in Sisli,Istanbul,where they prayed at the Church of St.John of Rila.Afterwards,they attended the official luncheon to mark the restoration of St.Stephen's Church.*
St.Stephen's was one of a number of pre-fabricated cast iron churches that were an architectural trend of the nineteenth century.It is one of the few iron churches surviving to this day,but had fallen into a decrepit condition.*
On 8 January 2018,President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey and Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov attended the reopening of St.Stephen's on its 120th anniversary.The restoration project began in 2011.It was financed by the Metropolitan Municipality of Istanbul (four million dollars) and the Government of Bulgaria (250,000 dollars).*
The Bulgarian Orthodox Church has about 6.5 million members in Bulgaria and some 1.5-2 million members in the diaspora.It is the most ancient of the Slavic Orthodox Churches,with its official origin in the conversion of Prince Boris I in 865.
Tuesday, January 9, 2018
Monday, January 8, 2018
The Archaeology News Network: Turkey restoring 452 historic Byzantine church ico...
The Archaeology News Network: Turkey restoring 452 historic Byzantine church ico...: Experts in Turkey have been restoring 452 pieces of historical Byzantine church icons, which date back to 17th century. AA Photo Turk...
Saturday, January 6, 2018
Mystras,Greece - The last cradle of the Byzantine Empire - photo essay
Mystras - The last cradle of the Byzantine Empire: A photo tour of the Castle Town of Mystras, the last Byzantine Emperor’s fatherland and an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Thursday, January 4, 2018
Wednesday, January 3, 2018
Shop Talk:Julian Calendar Christmas
Out of regard for my readers in Eastern Europe,and all those belonging to associated Churches,who are observing Christmas on January 7,I shall continue to post Christmas material.
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