’We cannot breathe, the Patriarchate is dying,’ says patriarch ASLI AYDINTAŞBAŞ ISTANBUL - Milliyet Thursday, December 24, 2009 Following criticism of his controversial statement to a U.S. television network describing his community’s problems, Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew says his comments were emphasized, but the serious problem of opening Halki seminary needs to be … [Read more...]
Wave of Clergy Killings in Russia
December 24, 2009 Posted by: Leave a Comment
Source: Voice of America Peter Fedynsky | Moscow 23 December 2009 The second murder of a Russian priest in as many months has prompted a call by the Orthodox Church for Russians to think about their country's spiritual and moral condition. The killings follow more violence this year directed against Muslim clerics in Russia's troubled Caucasus region. Tuesday's shooting death of … [Read more...]
Before the Manhattan Declaration: ‘A Letter from America’s Religious Leaders in Defense of Marriage’
December 22, 2009 Posted by: 11 Comments
Given the vitriol, smug arrogance, and sectarian sentiment with which some Orthodox Christians have greeted Orthodox Christian participation in the Manhattan Declaration, let us review the 2006 letter below which was signed by Archbishop Demetrios and Metropolitan Herman. In fact -- and this may be upsetting to some readers so brace yourself -- Archbishop Demetrios was bookended on this list by … [Read more...]
Battle looming over icons and prayers in Greek schools
December 22, 2009 Posted by: Leave a Comment
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MbEL-C7ypU[/youtube] The head of the Greek Orthodox Church has warned the country's new socialist government that it faces a major battle over removing religious symbols from schools. The European Court in Strasbourg has ordered Italy to take down crucifixes from its classrooms, and Greece's Justice Minister has acknowledged that it may have to follow … [Read more...]