Orthodox Churches

The Holy Fire has descended in the church of the Holy Sepulcher

The Holy Fire has descended on Holy Saturday in the Church of the Lord’s Sepulcher in Jerusalem.

His Holiness Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem has passed on the Holy flame to the tens of thousands of pilgrims gathered in the church. Among them were representatives of the St. Andrew the First-Called foundation, who will bring the Holy Fire from Jerusalem to Moscow by airplane, reports RIA Novosti. 

Orthodox worshippers flock to Famagusta

Thousands of Greek Cypriots, most refugees, flocked to the Ayios Giorgos Exorinos church in Famagusta where they attended a Good Friday service at their historical place of worship for the first time in decades. The service, the first since 1957 at the church in the medieval town, should send a message of hope and reunification, said leaders of both major parties AKEL and DISY on their way to the thronged church and its courtyard.

Patriarch John X and Christian Prelates visit Christian Town of Maaloula

Patriarch John X of Antioch visited the Christian Town of Maaloula which has been recaptured by the Syrian government forces after driving rebels and terrorist. Several Christian leaders namely Jean Dionysius Yuhanon Kawaq (Director of the Patriarchal Office of the Syrian Orthodox Church), Patriarch Gregory Laham of Melkhite Greek Catholic Church several Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Islamic leaders joined Patriarch John X on the visit to Maaloula. Syrian army officers and other delegates were also present for the occasion.

Saturday of Lazarus at the Patriarchate of Jerusalem

I. In Bethany - On Saturday, the 30^th of March/11^th of April 2014, namely the Saturday of Lazarus, the raising of the righteous Lazarus “of the four days”, friend of Jesus, was commemorated in Bethany, at the Convent dedicated to Lazarus’ sisters, Mary and Martha, and at his tomb.

Belfries to be erected on Bright Week in Moscow on sites of the churches demolished in the 20th century

Throughout Bright week, Paschal (Easter) celebrations will take place in Moscow, organized with participation of the city administration.

Pedestrian areas, central squares and parks will become the main sites for festivities, reports Patriarchia.ru. The Paschal festival will open on the night before Pascha Sunday. Trade fairs will be held till 3 AM, and films dedicated to Pascha will be shown from large screens.