Orthodox Churches

Round-Table Conference on ‘The Heritage of Holy Rus’ and Challenges of the Modern World’

On 22 January 2015, the round-table conference on ‘The Heritage of Holy Rus’ and Challenges of the Modern World’ took place at the State Duma of the Russian Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation.

More than 40% of Russian residents visited holy places at least once in their lives

According to the latest survey carried out by the All-Russian Center for the Study of Public Opinion, 41% of Russian residents at least once in their lives have visited holy sites, such as churches with saints’ relics, wonder-working icons as well as holy wells and other places, reports TASS.

According to the respondents, going on pilgrimages, they are prompted, first of all, by faith and a desire to become closer to God (51% of those asked). Others were impelled by grief, the need of help (8%) or urge to pray for forgiveness of their sins (7%). Some people in visiting holy places find an opportunity to broaden their horizons (16% of the respondents).

Patriarch of Alexandria Theodor II meets with South African President

The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa intends to implement a program to help the fight against AIDS in South Africa, according to Patriarch Theodoros’ statement during his meeting with the country’s president, Jacob Zuma.

The two men met at the presidential residence in Pretoria and Patriarch Theodoros promised that the patriarchate would contribute significantly in providing vulnerable groups of people with clean drinking water.

Celebrating the Baptism of Christ on the Jordan River

It was simply a most glorious celebration of the Epiphany on the Jordan River today according to the Old Julian calendar.

There were hundreds of priests, nuns and thousands of people from all walks of life coming to the precious site where over 2,000 years ago “…the heavens were opened unto Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him…” (Matthew 3:13-17)  It was so wonderful to see many local people in addition to internationals for this grand celebration.

Hundrends of pilgrims visit St. Paisios’ tomb in Thessalonica

 A great number of faithful Orthodox Christians travel to Thessalonica to the tomb of St. Paisios the Athonite, who canonized on January 13, 2015 by the Ecumenical Patriarchate, in order to pay respect and pray.

Approximately 1.500 pilgrims visit the Greek Monastery of Saint John the Theologian every week, a number which is expected to increase within the coming months. Visitors arrive from many areas of Greece and from the whole world, especially from Russia.

Pope Theodoros II visits the renovated Hospital of the Patriarchate in Heliopolis

  On 15 January 2015, His Beatitude Theodoros II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, accompanied by His Eminence Nicodimos Metropolitan of Memphis, the Chairman of the Hellenic Community of Cairo Mr. Christos Kavalis and the Very Reverend Archimandrite Michael Zakis, visited the renovated Hospital of the Patriarchate in Heliopolis in Cairo.

His Beatitude inspected the renovated patient wards, blessed the new technological equipment of the Hospital, particularly those for cardiac incidents and in conclusion, congratulated the Director, the doctors and the nursing staff, wishing them all the best for the new year.

Source: ОСР