International

New smartphone app opens famed Greek Monasteries to the world

Locked-down would-be tourists who are longing to visit Greece can still enjoy the magnificent views of the Meteora monasteries and even walk alongside the monks of Mount Athos using a new app called “VR Pilgrim.” Just by using their own smartphone, tourists can enjoy 360-degree views of two of Greece’s most spectacular sites, the Meteora…

May 26, 2020Sorin Ioniţe

Virtual tour of the monasteries on Mount Athos available online

Women and those unable to travel have the possibility to visit online the Holy Mount Athos. A website has made available the virtual panoramas of the Mount’s 20 monasteries. Panoramas of more sketes and cells and those of three caves will become available soon. The virtual tours can be found on the website Mountathos360.com, where…

May 3, 2020Ștefana Totorcea

Holy Fire has descended in Church of Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem

The Holy Fire has descended in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem entered the church a little after 1:00 PM, and after vesting and processing thrice around the Lord’s Tomb, he entered the Tomb itself at 1:45 PM. The Holy Light descended at about 1:50 PM,…

Apr 18, 2020Sorin Ioniţe

CROCEU: Covid-19 is a critical occasion for Europe to prove solidarity

The Committee of the Representatives of the Orthodox Churches to the European Institutions (CROCEU) has published a press release on the Coronavirus pandemic and its consequences on social, political and spiritual level. They say it is a great trial and also a unique opportunity to prove solidarity and change our lives. The CROCEU members present…

Apr 13, 2020Ștefana Totorcea

Archbishop Elpidophoros about people with autism: Let us support and encourage our brothers

On the occasion of World Autism Awareness Day, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America sent a message. As he highlighted on his twitter account, “On #WorldAutismAwarenessDay let us all take care to support and encourage our brothers and sisters with autism, and especially in this time of the Covid-19 pandemic, ensure the security of their rights and…

Apr 3, 2020Gheorghe Anghel

Archbishop of Albania about making hope, courage and positive attitude contagious in this pandemic

Archbishop Anastasios recommends us to spread the hope in Christ and show a positive attitude, based on prayer and love during the coronavirus pandemic, which affects both physical and mental health. His Beatitude reassures the faithful and reminds them that „the crucified and resurrected Christ offered to His disciples peace and freedom from fear, promising…

Apr 2, 2020Gheorghe Anghel

Bulgarian Metropolitan of Lovech blesses city from overlooking heights

While a number of hierarchs have been blessing their respective cities and provinces from above on plane and helicopter rides, His Eminence Metropolitan Gabriel of Lovech, one of the most authoritative hierarchs of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, took to the rocky heights overlooking the city to pray for and bless his city and flock. On…

Apr 2, 2020Sorin Ioniţe

Patriarch of Alexandria inaugurates new ecclesiastical museum of Monastery of Saint Savvas

On March 29, the Fourth Sunday of the Great Lent, Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa presided over the Orthros and the Divine Liturgy at the Holy Patriarchal Monastery of St. Savvas the Sanctified in Alexandria, Orthodox Times informs. He also performed the memorial service for the repose of the soul of his…

Apr 1, 2020Gheorghe Anghel

US Assembly of Bishops launches Covid-19 Resource Centre for Orthodox Christians

The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA announces a resource center for clergy and faithful during the Covid-19 pandemic.  The Resource Center includes updated news from the various jurisdictions as well as practical guidelines and resources for families, ministry leaders, parish leadership, and everyone. The Center can be accessed here and will be updated…

Mar 31, 2020Iulian Dumitraşcu

Monks in Mount Athos and Meteora unite their prayers against coronavirus

A vigil was held on Mount Athos in a wholesome atmosphere of respect for our Most Holy Lady, Virgin Mary, and Saint Charalambos concerning the coronavirus pandemic. As the coronavirus has become a scourge worldwide, the Orthodox Church said a special prayer of Metropolitan of Edessa for the protection of the faithful. On Friday evening,…

Mar 30, 2020Gheorghe Anghel

Mt. Athos to hold vigils and processions against coronavirus

Holy Mount Athos is closed to pilgrims until the end of March, but its monasteries continue prayer and religious services even more fervently. The governing Holy Community of Mount Athos has urged all churches and sketes on its territory to hold cross processions and officiate All-Night Vigils to the Mother of God, who is the…

Mar 27, 2020Ștefana Totorcea