| Speech by Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, Chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate " s Department of External Church Relations at the OSCE high-level meeting " Preventing and Responding to Hate Incidents and Crimes against Christians "/Православие.Ru Speech by Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, Chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate " s Department of External Church Relations at the OSCE high-level meeting " Preventing and Responding to Hate Incidents and Crimes against Christians " Mr. Chairman, dear participants in the meeting! The Russian Orthodox Church considers it to be an important and timely initiative of Lithuania, the current chairman of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), to hold a special meeting dedicated to the position of Christians in the OSCE region. We value highly also the endeavours of the Holy See, which has taken an active part in organizing the event. We believe that the time has come to discuss openly the violation of the rights of Christians and respond to this challenge through our common efforts. For decades now the encroachment upon of the rights of religious minorities has been widely discussed on the European continent. Yet, practice shows that the position of the majority, which is comprised of traditional Christians in almost all the OSCE participating states, is far from being the best guarantee of their rights. The most convincing example of this was the way the European Court of Human Rights conducted the Lautsi v. Italy case on the question of the presence of crucifixes in Italy " s schools. The resolution of this problem in favour of Christians was possible thanks only to the united efforts of a whole number of countries that spoke out against the Court " s original decision. Among the countries united in support of Christian identity in Europe were Russia, Armenia, Bulgaria, Greece, Lithuania, Malta, and others. This was an unprecedented for our times fact of multilateral cooperation on the grounds of common Christian values. |
| Horrific Violence Against Christians in Egypt and Syria Caught on Video November 5, 2013 Antti Korkeakivi, the head of the department of indigenous people and minorities at the United Nations has said that " serious violations against Christians in Egypt and Syria " have been recorded. " The challenge before us is a great one, especially if we look at the data relating to those violations, which date back to 2011, " Korkeakivi told Mideast Christian News. He pointed out the need to discuss the plight of religious minorities and the need to have security forces monitor the situation more closely. Korkeakivi called upon Copts and civil organizations to file complaints to the U.N. in order to act in accordance with the international treaties ratified by Egypt in this regard. " The international organization asked the Egyptian government to allow its special rapporteur on the affairs of minorities and indigenous people to visit Cairo, to witness the suffering of Copts. Yet, the government didn " t respond, " U.N. Official, Dolores Infante, told Mideast Christian News. There has also been talk that any monetary help going to the Middle East and North Africa should be in exchange for the guarantee of the safety of Christians. According to Moscow News, Boris Balashov, of the Russian Orthodox Church, stated, " It " s important to take realistic measures to face the persecution of Christians, which continues to spread across the Middle East. " " In 2011, the European Parliament had decided that any aid to countries where Christians " rights are violated, whether monetary or humanitarian aid, should be made in exchange for guarantees of the safety of its Christian citizens, " Balashov added. He stated that Christians suffer various forms of harassment and violations across the Middle East and North Africa, pointing out, " International media is ignoring the matter. " Assyrian International News Agency 7 ноября 2013 г. ... Смотри также Комментарии Мы в соцсетях Подпишитесь на нашу рассылку |
| Tweet Нравится In Greece discrimination against those in same-sex “marriages” to be criminally prosecuted Athens, November 15, 2016 There are plans to protect same-sex “marriages” in Greece by law within the framework of the bill “On Protection of Rights of Minorities” which is designed to put an end to constant legal actions and sanctions of the European Union, reports AgionOros . As part of a whole series of innovations, it is intended to equate so-called “cohabitation” with marriage. Furthermore, all labor laws along with rights to family allowance and other benefits will be guaranteed to cohabiting couples (including same-sex couples). Those who discriminate against others on the grounds of religious affiliation or sexual preference will be punishable by six months to three years of imprisonment and a fine of 1,000 to 5,000 euros. Metropolitan Nikolaos of Phthiotis has directed sharp criticism towards the new bill: “Such destruction of the foundations, and this stench and perversion will finally destroy our society. Can social life really be built on lechery and an unnatural life? The Church will take on the work of informing and warning the people. We will tell you what they [the rulers] are preparing because they are preparing something else.” According to the hierarch, in this situation “we should stick to the Tradition. We will speak the truth about genuine marriage. And what are cohabitation and same-sex unions? All of this came from Europe – and we are well aware of the morals of its rulers and lawmakers.” Translated by Dmitry Lapa Pravoslavie.ru 16 ноября 2016 г. Подпишитесь на рассылку Православие.Ru Рассылка выходит два раза в неделю: Предыдущий Следующий Смотри также Greek metropolitan: “How have we come down to this? Instead of rising against disgraceful sodomy, the court has summoned a bishop of the Most High God!” Greek metropolitan: “How have we come down to this? Instead of rising against disgraceful sodomy, the court has summoned a bishop of the Most High God!” Metropolitan Jeremiah of Gortys has supported Metropolitan Alexander of Mantineia and Kynouria who was to appear before the court for his criticism of sodomy. Metropolitan of the Greek Orthodox Church to appear before court for sharp remarks concerning sodomy Metropolitan of the Greek Orthodox Church to appear before court for sharp remarks concerning sodomy In April 2016 the metropolitan of Mantineia spoke out sharply against Greek Parliament’s adopting of the law on free cohabitation: “Worst of all is that Parliament voted for laws which call perversion and depraved couplings of people of the same sex marriage.” Комментарии © 1999-2016 Православие.Ru |
| Предыдущий Следующий Смотри также Greek hierarchs’ protest grows against anti-Christian sex education Greek hierarchs’ protest grows against anti-Christian sex education Protest and unrest is growing in Greece against new directives coming down from the Ministry of Education to “eradicate sexual prejudice” and “homophobia and transphobia” through a new leftist education program. Met. Seraphim of Piraeus protests sexual propaganda in Greek schools Met. Seraphim of Piraeus protests sexual propaganda in Greek schools An open letter of Metropolitan Seraphim of Piraeus to Greek Minister of Education Konstantinos Gavroglou regarding a recent directive on sexual education has appeared on Romfea. Archbishop Ieronymos: ‘Our Houses Are Burning and We are Singing Archbishop Ieronymos: “Our Houses Are Burning and We are Singing” Athens Archbishop Ieronymos addressed Greek Parliamentary Speaker Nikos Voutsis on Monday during the blessing ceremony at the start of the national assembly’s opening session. “Our houses are burning and we are singing, our ship is sinking and sinking for us all. There is great agony for everyone,” he said. Current Education Minister is new Nero, bishops of Church of Greece say Current Education Minister is new Nero, bishops of Church of Greece say Metropolitan Paul of Sisanion and Siatista has compared the behavior of the current Greek Education Minister with that of the notorious Roman Emperor Nero: “Nero set Rome on fire and accused Christians of this crime so as to avoid the people’s wrath. Likewise, Mr. Nikos Filis, who holds the primary responsibility for society’s moral degradation is accusing the Orthodox Church of everything.” Greek Church comes out against cancellation of morning prayers in school Greek Church comes out against cancellation of morning prayers in school Orthodoxy is the state religion in Greece; ninety-eight percent of its citizens belong to the Greek Orthodox Church. At the same time, the constitution guarantees freedom of religion for all citizens. Greek Parliament legalizes same-sex civil partnerships Greek Parliament legalizes same-sex civil partnerships Greece " s parliament has overwhelmingly approved legislation legalizing civil partnerships for gay couples, two years after the country was condemned by a European human rights court for discrimination. Комментарии © 1999-2016 Православие.Ru |
| Archive Prayers for consolidation of peace are offered in the Patriarchate of Antioch 3 March 2022 year 14:19 Members of the Synod of the Orthodox Church of Antioch pray and hope that “the spiritual and historical ties between the Russian and Ukrainian peoples, which have emerged from the same baptismal font, would contribute to resolving the conflict, achieving of reconciliation, and consolidating of peace”, reads the communiqué on the results of the Synod session held in Balamand, Lebanon, on March 2, 2022. The Antiochian hierarchs also prayed to the Lord for inspiring the authorities to adopt the language of dialogue to spare human casualties and destruction. They expressed their sympathy to the shepherds and believers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church led by His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufriy “during this difficult time for the Ukrainian people.” The Holy Synod again called for immediate release of the abducted in April 2013 leaders of Christian communities of Aleppo – Metropolitan Paul of Aleppo and Alexandretta, the Antiochian Orthodox Church, and Metropolitan Youhanna Ibrahim of Aleppo, the Syrian Church of the East. Sympathy and support to His Beatitude Patriarch John X and Patriarch Ignatius Zakka I Iwas was expressed back then by His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia who called upon the leaders of different countries and international organizations to do anything possible for release of the abducted Christian leaders of Aleppo. Utmost concern for the destiny of the Christian hierarchs kidnapped in Syria was expressed by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and by the deputies of the Russian State Duma. His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia and Pope Francis voiced their request for making every effort to ensure the hierarchs’ prompt liberation in the Joint Declaration issued at their meeting in Havana in 2016. The Synod of the Orthodox Church of Antioch denounced the international silence over this issue lasting many years. The participants in the session reflected upon the recent developments in the Orthodox Church and the crisis that threatens Orthodox unity. They stressed the necessity to take decisions by consensus in the family of Local Churches. “Consensus and unanimity guarantee the unity of the Orthodox Church,” the Synod stated. Consideration has been given to a number of other topics. DECR Communication Service /Patriarchia.ru Календарь ← 7 December 2023 year |
| According to statistics, clothing and food aid to women often contributes to preventing abortions or the refusal of children. It is estimated that 1,552 women in twenty-three cities changed their mind and did not have abortions thanks to guaranteed clothing and food aid. Translated by Dmitry Lapa Pravoslavie.ru 30 сентября 2016 г. Подпишитесь на рассылку Православие.Ru Рассылка выходит два раза в неделю: Предыдущий Следующий Смотри также Address of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia for International Day for Protection of Children Address of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia for International Day for Protection of Children " I am convinced that one of our most important steps for overcoming this problem is timely and comprehensive help for women finding themselves in a crisis situation. The Church is taking the most active and dynamic role in resolving this question, organizing special shelters and humanitarian centers to which pregnant women and those already with children can turn, including for financial support. Even a little help can convince a woman to refuse an abortion or the decision to leave her child in the maternity ward. " Alexander Shchipkov: we will keep struggling for removal of abortions from the system of mandatory medical insurance Alexander Shchipkov: we will keep struggling for removal of abortions from the system of mandatory medical insurance Earlier, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, speaking in the State Duma and the Council of the Federation, more than once called for the removal of abortions from the system of mandatory medical insurance. BREAKING: Georgia House passes bill to give pro-life women’s centers up to million a year BREAKING: Georgia House passes bill to give pro-life women’s centers up to million a year Funding a pro-life outreach allows legislators “to talk about something not so heinous and terrible, but talk about something that is very, very good.” Комментарии Greg Gniewkowski 30 сентября 2016, 16:00 Please look up Heartbeat International for pregnancy support services also. My wife works for their Toledo, Ohio office. They work tirelessly to provide support to women with unplanned pregnancies and to end abortions everywhere. © 1999-2016 Православие.Ru |
| Tweet Нравится Primate of Greek Church: planned eradication of Orthodox and Greek national identity underway Athens, November 3, 2016 His Beatitude Ieronymos II, Archbishop of Athens and All Greece The Archbishop of Athens again stressed that at the meeting between the hierarchy of the Church of Greece and the Greek government, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras guaranteed that in this academic year new textbooks would not be used for teaching religious studies, and the subject would be reformed only by agreement with the Church, reports AgionOros . Greek Education Minister Nikos Filis, who also was present at the meeting, declared that he would adhere to this position as well. “The problem is that Mr. Filis is an inconsistent person: he says one thing in the evening and another thing in the morning. Naturally it is very difficult to expect good results from cooperation with him,” the archbishop noted. The Primate of the Church of Greece emphasized that in a situation where “the foundation of our education, traditions and history are being overthrown,” the Church has a right to raise its voice and to uphold its standpoint. Commenting on the building of a mosque in Athens, Archbishop Ieronymos II said: “What will this mosque be like? Will it be a place of prayer or teaching? It will give cause for an inner conflict in the Muslim world. We must be watchful.” Speaking on the danger of the Islamization of Greece, the head of the Church of Greece said: “This is an attempt to change the identity of Greece, by the centers of powers known to us. Our country is on the path of de-Christianization and elimination of the Greek identity. Those who are not aware of this peril are in a state of blissful ignorance, while those implementing this plan are gleefully rubbing their hands.” Translated by Dmitry Lapa Pravoslavie.ru 7 ноября 2016 г. Подпишитесь на рассылку Православие.Ru Рассылка выходит два раза в неделю: Предыдущий Следующий Смотри также Archbishop Ieronymos criticizes policy of de-Christianization of Greece Archbishop Ieronymos criticizes policy of de-Christianization of Greece “You have sold out and continue to sell out Greece’s treasures, you give away our railroads, our ports, but our homeland and Orthodoxy we will not give up. |
| Tweet Нравится To successfully fight abortion the government must lead, says Deputy Milonov Moscow, October 31, 2016 State Duma Deputy Vitaly Milonov believes that the fight against abortion should be waged on the state level, reports Interfax . “For starters, the government should give people a clear understanding of what the abortion procedure really is: it’s not a cosmetic operation, not preventative, not for recovery—it’s the termination of human life!” said the deputy in an interview published in “Parliamentary Gazette” on Friday. Milonov is convinced that the artificial termination of pregnancy was included in the list of services covered under mandatory health insurance by “some mistake.” “What’s the policy of obligatory medical insurance? It’s a guarantee that the state medical fund takes upon itself the function of healing people. But abortion is not healing, but quite the opposite: it’s harm to a woman’s health and the ending of a baby’s life,” he said. In his opinion, the state simply is not in the right to pay for services for women who want to kill their own child. “So why don’t we kill the elderly? There’s more reasons for that: they’re useless, they’re a liability, they smell, they get a small pension, they take up room in the apartment, they only have a short time left,” added Milonov. Translated by Jesse Dominick Pravoslavie.ru 31 октября 2016 г. Подпишитесь на рассылку Православие.Ru Рассылка выходит два раза в неделю: Предыдущий Следующий Смотри также Main cause of abortions is loss of genuine meaning of life, priest believes Main cause of abortions is loss of genuine meaning of life, priest believes Fr. Alexei has noted that over fifty percent of families at the Holy Trinity parish where he serves have many children. “For the majority of them it was a tough decision to have three-five children. However, when a person overcomes his fear and begins to trust God wholeheartedly, he becomes convinced that his decision was not in vain. And such families find genuine joy,” the priest explained. Metropolitan of Veroia: Law allowing abortion is destroying mankind Metropolitan of Veroia: Law allowing abortion is destroying mankind Our Local Church, and every Church of Christ has always stood against the legalization of abortion. And although the government has legalized abortion, we do not believe it is legitimate. We honor the law of God, and according to the law of God, abortion is murder. Inasmuch as this action is murder, it destroys human life, and the Church stands against it. " Russian stars sign petition to ban abortion Russian stars sign petition to ban abortion “I have seen how this act years later has crippled their lives. All of them—I have yet to meet an exception—have regretted it,” said Korchevnikov. Комментарии © 1999-2016 Православие.Ru |
| Albanian Church of St. Athanasius Suffers Two Attacks of Vandalism The church of St. Athanasius in the southern Albanian town of Dhërmi was recently attacked and vandalized two days in a row reports the press office of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania. On August 20th , during the festive period celebrating the Dormition of the Theotokos, municipality employees of Himara entered the church of St. Athanasius, removing icons and other sacred items and began to vandalize the building. The destruction took place without the knowledge of the Orthodox community or legal documentation, but carried the approval of local law enforcement. Once the destruction became known the faithful gathered at the church with their priest to protest and intervene to prevent any further damage to the holy building. The people expressed their indignation at such flagrant acts and boldly declared to defend their church against any such further attacks. They gathered again in the afternoon to protest. Again on Friday, August 21st a serious act of vandalism took place at the church of St. Athanasius when as-yet unidentified persons driving unmarked cars destroyed the cement floor of the temple. The priest was a witness to the vandalism and was almost seriously injured as the perpetrators fled the scene. Local Church authorities denounced the unprovoked action of destruction and blatant attempt to increase social conflict. The Orthodox faithful of Dhërmi were shocked by the acts of violence and have called upon the state to prosecute the offenders and intervene to stop any further attacks. The faithful are also outraged by the attitude of the media which is largely attempting to politicize and legitimize the acts of hatred. The acts of August 20th and 21st violates all possible laws considering that the church property belongs to the Orthodox community, and they especially violate Law no. 10057/22.01.2009/" On Ratification of the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Albania and the Orthodox Church of Albania” which guarantees the inviolability of places of worship and protects them against the state. The acts betray a profound lack of respect for non-Muslim religious communities and echoes the actions of the atheist Communists who first destroyed the church in 1972. The temple was rebuilt in 1992. The Orthodox Church of Albania condemns all such actions and calls upon its faithful to remain calm but resolute in defending their church and to pray for the repentance of the perpetrators. The Church has also vowed to rebuild the church of St. Athansius. 24 августа 2015 г. Смотри также Комментарии Мы в соцсетях Подпишитесь на нашу рассылку |
| Russian Orthodox Church gives Orthodox Encyclopedia to Iranian cultural center in Moscow Moscow, September 23, 2010 On September 22, 2010, Rev. Sergiy Zvonarev, DECR secretary for far-abroad countries, and D. Safonov, a DECR staff member, met with the director of the cultural representation at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Abuzar Ebrahimi Torkaman, to present him with a set of the Orthodox Encyclopaedia volumes as a special gift from the Orthodox Encyclopaedia Center. Father Sergiy explained the purpose of this edition and the work of the academic team working on it. Dr. Ebrahimi thanked him for the gift and told his guests about the publications on the Russian Orthodox Church and Russian sights he helped to prepare. He also spoke about many-volume publication projects devoted to Islam carried out at present in Iran. They also discussed the trip a Russian Orthodox delegation is to make to Teheran in October 2010 for the 7 th sessions of the Joint Russian-Iranian Commission for Dialogue. The session will discuss the theme ‘The role of religion in the life of the individual and society’. Father Sergiy spoke of the great importance attached in the Russian Church to interreligious dialogue including the Church’s dialogue with the Islamic community of Iran, which has lasted for already 15 years now. ‘Our dialogue does not depend on political changes. It is beyond politics. It is a guarantee of its sustainability’, he said, adding that in spite of the difficulties arising from the international sanctions imposed on Iran, the respectful dialogue between religious communities in the two countries can and must develop further. Using the experience of the Orthodoxy-Islam commission, the Russian Church seeks today to conduct dialogue with traditional Muslim communities in other countries as well, in Turkey and Egypt in particular. Dr. Ebrahimi agreed with the need to continue and deepen dialogue in the joint Russian-Iranian commission and stressed its importance for the two nations. DECR Communication Service 27 сентября 2010 г. ... Смотри также Комментарии Мы в соцсетях Подпишитесь на нашу рассылку |
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