Orthodox Churches

Greek Minister of Education Kerameus’ “thank you” to the Church of Greece and all religious doctrines

The Minister of Education, Niki Kerameus, expressed her gratitude to the Greek Church, during today’s briefing on the progress of the pandemic and the gradual lifting of the measures.

Minister Kerameus thanked the Church of Greece “for the exceptionally responsible stance it showed in the implementation of the restrictive measures” and especially during the special for the Orthodox period of Easter. She reiterated the dates announced yesterday by the Prime Minister regarding the opening of places of worship. That is, from May 4, the temples will be open for individual prayer only, while from May 17, the faithful will be able to attend in the services under conditions that will follow the instructions of the National Committee for the Protection of Public Health.

Greece: Churches to open for individual prayer on May 4, for Divine Liturgy on May 17

“From May 4, the churches will be open for individual worship. From May 17, the faithful will be able to participate in the Divine Liturgy,” said Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in his address.

Restrictions on the movement of citizens will be lifted on May 4, but restrictions on travel to other prefectures remain in place for two weeks. The prime minister thanked all citizens for their stance.

Meeting of the Standing Holy Synod of the Church of Greece on Thursday, April 30

The Standing Holy Synod of the Church of Greece, of the 163rd Synodic Period, will meet on Thursday, April 30, 2020. The Holy Synod will deal with the issues on the agenda.

The opening of the churches is expected to be in the spotlight. It is recalled that the government’s plan is to open churches for individual prayer at first, while the places of worship will be opened to the congregation with specific protection rules and measures at a later stage.

Metropolitan Anthony: A real terror launched against the UOC

Met. Anthony noted that only a fluke saved the lives of 80 monks of the Holy Assumption Monastery during the fire and stressed the authorities' response to this.

On April 24, 2020, the UOC Chancellor, Metropolitan Anthony (Pakanich) of Boryspil and Brovary, commented on the fire in the Holy Assumption Monastery in Odessa and prior attacks on the temples and monasteries of the UOC. On his Facebook page, the hierarch called what was happening a real terror against the Church.

Romanian Orthodox Church marks 135th anniversary of autocephaly

On Saturday, the Romanian Orthodox Church marks its 135th anniversary of autocephaly. After Romania gained its state independence in 1877 and was declared a Kingdom in 1881, the prestige of the Romanian Orthodox Church increased, making necessary the formal recognition of its autocephaly, long denied by the Ecumenical Patriarchate.