Many ask: what does it mean to be a Christian? This is what we read in the 3d century manuscript known as ‘A Letter to Diognetus’ and ascribed to St. Justin the Martyr: ‘there is something extraordinary about their lives. They live in their own countries as though they were only passing through. They play their full role as citizens, but labor under all the disabilities of aliens. Any country can … [Read more...]
Metropolitan Hilarion: Christianity is a religion of the people of spirit
February 11, 2010 Posted by: 1 Comment
The DECR Chairman: “We vigorously oppose atheism perceived as a ‘common denominator’ of all religions”
January 25, 2010 Posted by: Leave a Comment
We vigorously oppose atheism perceived as a ‘common denominator’ of all religions, as secular politicians sometimes try to present it, saying, ‘There are differences among religions; therefore, let us proceed from atheistic prerequisites so that no religion feels offended.’ This position is absolutely false and unacceptable to us. We state that traditional religions have much more in common rather … [Read more...]
“The Pope Is the First Among the Patriarchs.” Just How Remains to Be Seen
January 25, 2010 Posted by: Leave a Comment
ROME, January 25, 2010 – This evening, with vespers in the basilica of Saint Paul's Outside the Walls, Benedict XVI is closing the week of prayer for Christian unity. There are some who say that ecumenism has entered a phase of retreat and chill. But as soon as one that looks to the East, the facts say the opposite. Relations with the Orthodox Churches have never been so promising as they … [Read more...]
Russian Orthodox Church opens seminary in France
January 6, 2010 Posted by: Leave a Comment
H/T: Byzantine, TX The Russian Orthodox Church has opened its first seminary outside the former Soviet Union - in a small French town outside Paris. The institution is starting modestly but has big ambitions: to serve Russia's growing diaspora and foster closer ties between Eastern and Western Christian churches. It is a bitterly cold afternoon, but the large stone building in the heart of … [Read more...]
Met. Jonah: Why I signed the Manhattan Declaration
December 28, 2009 Posted by: 1 Comment
Met. Jonah explains why he signed the Manhattan Declaration. H/T Peter and Helen Evans Interviewer: Why did you sign the Manhattan Declaration? Met. Jonah: ...I believe in the same basic principles that are enunciated in the Manhattan Declaration. I believe also that many of them are the basic teachings of the Church regarding human life and how we are supposed to live -- first … [Read more...]