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…...

3+ week, 4+ 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…...

1+ day, 18+ hour ago (196+ words) Like the other religious communities of the country, the Orthodox Church of Albania participated in the celebrations marking the 113th anniversary of Albania's independence (19122025). Doxologia services were held in the cathedral churches across the country: in Tirana, where Archbishop Ioanis presided; in Gjirokast'r, led by Metropolitan Nathaniel; in Fier, by Metropolitan Nicholas; in Berat, [] Like the other religious communities of the country, the Orthodox Church of Albania participated in the celebrations marking the 113th anniversary of Albania's independence (19122025). In his message, Archbishop Ioannis emphasized the shared responsibility of all citizens for the well-being and progress of the nation, stating: "We must be good stewards of this country that God has entrusted to us. We thank God for everything He has given us, but along with His gifts, He has also given us responsibility. This responsibility belongs to everyone. Each person, in his…...

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....

1+ week, 5+ 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, 4+ day ago (303+ words) With ecclesiastical grandeur and deep spiritual emotion, the memory of Saint Arsenios the Cappadocian was celebrated at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Footscray. The Great Festive Hierarchical Vespers were held on Sunday, November 9, and the Matins and Hierarchical Divine Liturgy were celebrated on Monday, November 10. Bishop Eumenios of Chora presided over [] With ecclesiastical grandeur and deep spiritual emotion, the memory of Saint Arsenios the Cappadocian was celebrated at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Footscray. The Great Festive Hierarchical Vespers were held on Sunday, November 9, and the Matins and Hierarchical Divine Liturgy were celebrated on Monday, November 10. Bishop Eumenios of Chora presided over the services, representing Archbishop Makarios of Australia. Archbishop Makarios sent his paternal blessing and heartfelt wishes to the celebrating community. In his sermon, the Bishop spoke emotionally and profoundly about the saint's spiritual message,…...

1+ week, 3+ day ago (187+ words) On 20 November 2025, Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia sent a congratulatory letter to Patriarch Kirill of Moscow on the occasion of his birthday. In the letter, he writes, among other things: "We extend to you our heartfelt and fraternal wishes on your birthday, praying from the depths of our hearts that you may receive every [] On 20 November 2025, Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia sent a congratulatory letter to Patriarch Kirill of Moscow on the occasion of his birthday. In the letter, he writes, among other things: "We extend to you our heartfelt and fraternal wishes on your birthday, praying from the depths of our hearts that you may receive every true blessing from God and from all people. We particularly wish you health, strength, wisdom, and joy, so that you may continue'now as ever'with God-inspired discernment and courage to shepherd the flock of God…...

2+ week, 2+ day ago (199+ words) A group of Orthodox youth from Gjirokast'r made a spiritual pilgrimage to the local Metropolis, participating in a series of liturgical and cultural activities designed to strengthen their connection to the Church's life and heritage. They attended the Divine Liturgy at the Church of the Archangels, celebrated by Metropolitan Nathanail of Gjirokast'r. The young pilgrims [] A group of Orthodox youth from Gjirokast'r made a spiritual pilgrimage to the local Metropolis, participating in a series of liturgical and cultural activities designed to strengthen their connection to the Church's life and heritage. They attended the Divine Liturgy at the Church of the Archangels, celebrated by Metropolitan Nathanail of Gjirokast'r. The young pilgrims also visited other historic churches of the city, admiring their architecture and the beauty of their interior iconography. During their visit, the youth met with Metropolitan Nathanail, who welcomed them…...

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...