4+ week, 1+ day ago (364+ words) Important decisions were made during the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church, which convened yesterday, October 30, under the chairmanship of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow at the Patriarchal and Synodal Residence in the Danilov Monastery, Moscow. Legoyda reported that the Synod heard Patriarch Kirill's account of his recent primatial visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan. He added that the Synod also emphasized the continued active participation of the Russian Orthodox Church in the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, as well as in the Secretariat and Working Group of the Congress. The goal, he noted, is to strengthen interreligious relations, mutual understanding, and friendship among peoples and faiths. The Synod also reviewed the Patriarch's recent visits to dioceses within Russia, including the Kolomna and Rostov dioceses. Among the key administrative topics discussed was the organization and governance of…...

1+ week, 4+ day ago (160+ words) The Feast of St James, the Brother of our Lord, was celebrated on Thursday, 23rd October 2025, at the Cathedral of the Dormition of the Theotokos in Wood Green, marking also the name day of Bishop Iakovos of Claudiopolis. Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain was prayerfully present in the Holy Altar, accompanied by the Archimandrite Nephon Tsimalis, Chancellor of the Archdiocese. Several presbyters from London and beyond concelebrated with Bishop Iakovos, honouring this blessed and joyful occasion. Following the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Nikitas elevated the Reverend Protopresbyter Panagiotis Dik to the rank of Confessor, granting him the Church's blessing to hear the confessions of the faithful in the Sacrament of Repentance. In turn, Mr Konstantinos Banias was ordained Reader, beginning his ministry in the service of the Church. A warm and hospitable reception followed in the St Barnabas Hall,…...

2+ week, 20+ hour ago (311+ words) With the blessing of Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia, a spiritual event was held on 14 November 2025 in the crypt of the Church of Saint Sava in Vra'ar, on the occasion of the feast of the Holy Unmercenaries and Wonderworkers Cosmas and Damian, protectors of doctors, pharmacists, and all medical personnel. The academy, organized by the Missionary Office of the Church of Saint Sava, was attended by Patriarch Porfirije, Bishop Tikhon of Moravica (Vicar Bishop), numerous clergy, as well as a great number of doctors, pharmacists, healthcare workers, students, and faithful. Following the opening hymn performed by the Choir of the Church of Saint Sava under the artistic direction of Dr. Katarina Stankovi, moderator Biljana Obradovi welcomed everyone who had gathered to jointly honor Saints Cosmas and Damian and to give thanks to God for all who serve humanity in the field…...

21+ hour, 11+ min ago (233+ words) Following the joint pilgrimage on Friday of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Pope Leo XIV in Nicaea to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council, today, Saturday, November 29, shortly before 14:30 Greek time, the Pope, accompanied by his entourage, arrived at the Ecumenical Patriarchate, where he was welcomed by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. The two primates entered together the Patriarchal Church of Saint George, where a Doxology is being celebrated. Present at the service are Patriarch Theodore of Alexandria, hierarchs of the Churches of Constantinople and Rome, as well as representatives of the diplomatic corps. The ceremony for the signing of the Joint Declaration is scheduled to follow in the Throne Hall of the Patriarchal House. After the declaration is signed, the hierarchs from both sides, along with the members of the papal delegation, will be formally presented before the two primates…...

1+ week, 2+ day ago (254+ words) The relations between the Russian Church and the State "serve the good and prosperity of our people and our beloved homeland," said Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, on 20 November 2025, during his meeting with President Vladimir Putin who paid him a visit to personally extend his congratulations on the Patriarch's birthday. The meeting underscored both the close relationship between the Russian state and the Russian Orthodox Church, and the President's appreciation for the Patriarch's decades-long service to the spiritual and social life of the nation. President Putin opened the conversation by expressing heartfelt congratulations: "Your Holiness, you do so much for the Orthodox world, for the Russian people, for all of Russia in your service to our country," he said. "You devote so much energy and strength " I know this. And on your birthday, I want to wish you health, so that…...

1+ week, 4+ day ago (97+ words) Last Sunday, November 16, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America presided over the Divine Liturgy at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Jamaica, New York. Photos: Orthodox Observer/Dimitrios Panagos Archbishop of America presided over liturgy at St. Demetrios Church Last Sunday, November 16, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America presided over the Divine Liturgy at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Jamaica, New York. Follow OrthodoxTimes.com on Google News and learn all the news about Orthodoxy in Greece and worldwide. All the latest developments in the Orthodox world, society and humankind, at the moment they happen, at OrthodoxTimes.com...

3+ week, 3+ day ago (197+ words) The newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Greece, Kimberly Guilfoyle, expressed her desire to learn more about the Greek Orthodox Church, noting that she is a deeply religious person. On November 4, 2025, in a formal ceremony held at the Presidential Mansion, Guilfoyle presented her credentials to the President of the Hellenic Republic, Konstantinos Tassoulas, officially [] The newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Greece, Kimberly Guilfoyle, expressed her desire to learn more about the Greek Orthodox Church, noting that she is a deeply religious person. On November 4, 2025, in a formal ceremony held at the Presidential Mansion, Guilfoyle presented her credentials to the President of the Hellenic Republic, Konstantinos Tassoulas, officially assuming her duties as the 25th U.S. Ambassador to Greece. The ceremony took place in the Hall of Credentials, followed by a private 45-minute meeting between President Tassoulas and the new Ambassador. During the cordial discussion, Ambassador Guilfoyle…...

1+ week, 4+ day ago (155+ words) On Friday afternoon, November 14, 2025, a splendid event was held in the Marasleios School hall to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of Metropolitan Apostolos's episcopal ministry. Metropolitan Anthimos of Alexandroupolis opened the event with a heartfelt address full of love and esteem for Elder Derkoi. A thirty-minute tribute video was then shown, featuring distinguished clergy'led by the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew'and laypeople who spoke warmly about the work and character of Metropolitan Apostolos. The Ecumenical Patriarch himself spoke first. The children's traditional choir of the Archive of Musicological and Folklore Tradition "Chronis Aidonidis'affectionately called the "Little Nightingales by our Patriarch'performed at the event. Accompanied by traditional instruments, the choir added an exceptional musical touch to the evening. Notably, the choir traveled by road from Alexandroupolis with their music teachers and several parents specifically for this occasion. After the event concluded, a reception prepared…...

2+ week, 1+ day ago (171+ words) On Friday, November 14, 2025, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew prayed in the Holy Sanctuary of the Metropolitan Church of Therapia during the Tri-Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, which was held in honor of the thirtieth anniversary of Metropolitan Elder Apostolos of Derkoi's episcopal ministry. Metropolitan Apostolos presided over the Divine Liturgy, assisted by Metropolitans Anthimos of Alexandroupolis and Joachim of Prousa. Priests from the Metropolis of Derkoi, as well as from Greece and Cyprus, also participated. After the conclusion of all addresses, the Ecumenical Patriarch offered heartfelt congratulations and warm good wishes to Metropolitan Elder Apostolos of Derkoi. After the Divine Liturgy, the Ecumenical Patriarch held a brief meeting with the group of pilgrims from Ukraine, whom he blessed and encouraged to continue their prayer and their just struggle for the restoration of peace and justice in their homeland, so harshly tested by war....

3+ day, 17+ hour ago (189+ words) The Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation ERT will broadcast live the historic encounter between Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Pope Leo XIV, taking place at the Phanar and in Nicaea of Bithynia. From Thursday, November 27, to Sunday, November 30, ERTnews will adjust its programming to provide minute-by-minute coverage of all developments surrounding the significant visit and full schedule of the two primates of the Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches. This meeting carries profound symbolism for all of Christianity, taking place 1,700 years after the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea in Bithynia, where in 325 AD the Christian Creed'the "Pistevo'was formulated. The public broadcaster's news channel, through special programs and live reports from Constantinople correspondent Elvira Krithari, as well as dispatched journalists Pierros Zannetakos, Fanis Papathanasious and Valeria Dolapsaki, will illuminate the deep spiritual and theological significance of this historic event and of Pope Leo XIV's visit…...