| A Living Tradition continues: The celebration of Theophany in Mexico City MEXICO CITY, MEXICO Theophany in Mexico At the invitation of His Eminence, Archbishop Alejo of Mexico City, His Eminence, Archbishop Benjamin of San Francisco and the West concelebrated services marking the Great Feast of Theophany at the Cathedral of the Ascension here on January 6, 2013. In what has become a decades old “Living Tradition,” clergy and faithful alike filled the cathedral for the celebration of the festal Divine Liturgy and the Great Blessing of Water. “For many years, His Eminence, the late Archbishop Dmitri of Dallas—who is well loved by the local clergy and people—made it a point to visit Mexico City at this time of year to strengthen the ties that unite the Exarchate with the rest of the Orthodox Church in America,” said Archbishop Benjamin. “Especially moving this year was the appearance of local faithful dressed in traditional costumes representing the Three Kings, whose visit to the new-born Christ is celebrated throughout Mexico on the same day.” Children especially relish the “Fiesta de los Reyes Magos”—the Feast of the Three Kings—during which the Magi, rather than Saint Nicholas or “Santa Claus,” visit them, laden with toys, candy and other gifts. On the eve of the feast, children leave their newly cleaned shoes out for the Three Kings to fill. At the conclusion of the Great Blessing of Water, commemorating the Baptism of Our Lord in the Jordan, the children took great delight in the gifts they received from the hierarchs, “on behalf of” the Magi! The celebration also marked the 41st anniversary of the establishment of what today is the Orthodox Church in America’s Diocese of Mexico, which traces its origins to the early 20th century, curiously through what was known as the Mexican National Catholic Church. Distinct from the nation’s Roman Catholic Church, the Mexican National Church emerged during the Revolution, when antagonisms against the Roman Catholic Church were aroused in reaction to its historic association with the Spanish colonialists. Some of the first laws of the new Mexican Republic were antireligious. In 1917, all Church properties were nationalized, many churches were closed, monasteries were abolished and the communities dispersed, and clergymen were required to obtain licenses to function—measures not unlike those imposed at the same time as a result of the Russian Revolution. Several attempts were made to establish a “national church.” In 1926, a Roman Catholic priest, with government support, was made head of the Independent Old Catholic Church of North America, and the Mexican National Catholic Church was founded. |
| In 2015, Sretensky Stavropegic Monastery in Moscow began construction on a new cathedral dedicated to the New Martyrs of Russia. The church is near completion, according to schedule, and will soon be consecrated at a solemn Liturgy. His Holiness Patriarch Kirill has finalized the date of the consecration, and the monastery abbot, Bishop Tikhon of Egorievsk, has made a formal announcement concerning this important event and another liturgical event scheduled next week, which will initiate the solemnities. Many are waiting with great expectation for this day, and soon it will be here. OrthoChristian.com will be posting more coverage of this history in the making. Dear brothers and sisters! When we began building the church in honor of the Resurrection of Christ and the New Martyrs, we were preparing to celebrate the first Divine service in it on the one-hundredth anniversary of the tragic events of Russian unrest. On March 2, 1917 (March 15, new style) the conspirators forced the Tsar-Passion Bearer Nicholas II into abdication. One hundred years later we are meeting this day with reflection upon our history, reflection upon the path we have traversed, and with glorification of the New Martyrs and Confessors of Christ the Savior. His Holiness Patriarch Kirill has blessed the consecration of the new church to take place on the feast of the Ascension, May 25, 2017. This day will mark the tenth anniversary of the reunification of the Russian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate and the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia. It was precisely on Ascension ten years ago that the document of canonical communion was signed. But His Holiness the Patriarch has also blessed us to celebrate the first Liturgy on March 15 as scheduled, on the portico of the new cathedral, on a spot specially constructed for the Divine service under the open sky. March 15, the day of the “Reigning” Icon of the Mother of God, falls on a Wednesday of Great Lent, and therefore there will be a Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts. According to the tradition of Sretensky Monastery, Wednesday Lenten liturgies are served in the evening, at 6:00 PM. |
| Unique cave monastery complex of 12th-13th centuries in Georgia to be conserved Vardzia, July 10, 2014 Vardzia is the cave monastery complex of the 12th-13th centuries in the valley of the Kura river, situated about 70 kilometers south of the town of Borjomi. This is an outstanding monument of medieval Georgian architecture. The three-day international seminar, dedicated to the development of plans for conservating the Vardzia cave monastery complex in the Samche-Javaheti region, began on July 9 at the nature reserve. The seminar is organized by the National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation of Georgia and the Ministry of Culture and Monument Protection of Georgia. “The primary aim of the National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation of Georgia is to stop the rockslides in the unique cave complex and prolong the life of the historical site. In order to save Vardzia, Georgian specialists should unite and work out the (still non-existent) document on preservation of Vardzia. This document will serve as a start of preparation of the plan for control of the cave monastery complex,” reports the Ministry of Culture. The special guest of the seminar was president of the Scientific Advisory Council of the Italian Ministry for the Environment, UNESCO consultant, assistant to the president of the International consortium on landslides Claudio Margottini. The ensemble was constructed mainly between 1156 and 1203, during the reign of George III and his daughter queen Tamar at the southwestern border of Georgia. The monastery complex played an important role in the country’s political and cultural life. It was used also for the purpose of defence – there is a secret tunnel in the eastern part that goes down to the river. Hundreds of rooms and passages between them were built inside the mountain, which stretched 800 meters along it, up to 50 meters deep, and 8 stories high. Among the rooms were refectories, cells, storage areas, and wine cellars. The Vardzia monastery complex has 15 churches. The Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God is situated in the center; there are unique frescoes on the church walls (depicting, among others, George III and Queen Tamar). The frescoes depicting the Dormition of the Mother of God, the Ascension of the Lord, and the Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus Christ are of a great historical and artistic value. |
| Metropolitan Tikhon concludes archpastoral visit to the Diocese of Mexico Source: OCA Natalya Mihailova 14 January 2016 His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon began his archpastoral visit to the Orthodox Church in America’s Diocese of Mexico City on the evening of Thursday, January 7, 2016. Metropolitan Tikhon and Archbishop Alejo bless the faithful after the Sunday Liturgy at the Cathedral of the Ascension. His Eminence, Archbishop Alejo of Mexico City, accompanied by diocesan clergy and staff, welcomed Metropolitan Tikhon; Archpriest Eric G. Tosi, OCA Secretary; and Archdeacon Joseph Matusiak at the city’s airport. Also part of the OCA’s official delegation was Archpriest Antonio Perdomo, Rector of Saint George Church, Pharr, TX. A member-at-large of the Metropolitan Council , Father Antonio has for many years been actively involved in the Diocese of Mexico’s missionary efforts and serves as liaison to the Diocese of Mexico. Metropolitan Tikhon was hosted at a reception at the residence of His Eminence, Metropolitan Antonio [Chedraoui] of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of Mexico, Central America and Venezuela on Friday, January 8. Metropolitan Antonio presented a panagia in honor of the 50th anniversary of his consecration to the episcopacy to Metropolitan Tikhon, who in turn presented an icon of Saint Sergius of Radonezh, patron of the OCA Chancery chapel, to Metropolitan Antonio. The cathedral choir sang the responses at Vespers and the Sunday Liturgy. Archbishop Alejo updated Metropolitan Tikhon on the Diocese’s ongoing mission efforts and its relationship with the broader Mexican society. After enjoying a luncheon with Archbishop Alejo and the Mexico City clergy on Saturday, January 9, Metropolitan Tikhon attended Great Vespers at the Cathedral of the Ascension. At the conclusion of the service, he and Archbishop Alejo welcomed a procession of faithful from a neighboring Roman Catholic community in honor of the Magi. For the Mexican faithful, the Theophany season not only marks the Baptism of Our Lord, but also incorporates the local commemoration of the visit of the Magi—the “Fiesta de los Reyes Magos” [Feast of the Three Kings]. The elaborate and festive procession, which featured floats, marching bands, fireworks, and men dressed as the Magi, paused at the cathedral entrance, seeking a blessing from Metropolitan Tikhon and Archbishop Alejo. |
| Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New York Headed the Rite of Nomination of Archimandrite Nicholas (Olhovsky) as Bishop Of Manhattan and All-Night Vigil on the 20 th Anniversary of the Glorification of St John of Shanghai and San Francisco San Francisco, June 28, 2014 On Saturday, June 28, 2014, the rite of nomination of Archimandrite Nicholas (Olhovsky) as Bishop of Manhattan took place at San Francisco’s Cathedral of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow.” The service was performed by His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New York along with the members of the Council of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia and other visiting bishops attending the celebration of the 20 th anniversary the glorification of St John of Shanghai and San Francisco the Miracle-worker. Wearing their mantles, as Metropolitan Hilarion was donned in the minor episcopal vestments, the archpastors took their places on the cathedra set in the middle of the cathedral. After the customary short moleben, Archimandrite Nicholas read the following sermon: Your Eminence, Vladyko! Your Eminences, Your Graces, Honorable Fathers Pastors, and God-loving People of God! During these days of joy, as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the canonization of St John of Shanghai and San Francisco, you, divinely-wise and holy hierarchs, are calling me to the highest form of service in the vineyard of Christ. It is with fear, trepidation, anxiety and piety that I approach the Mystery of my episcopal consecration. In opening the annual council of Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville in 1959, its abbot, Archbishop Averky (Taushev) of blessed memory, in his keynote address, said to the brethren that “our main goal is the salvation of souls.” These words apply not only to the podvigi of the monastics, but to the service of archpastors and pastors. “And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19), said the Lord, calling the first Apostles. Upon His Ascension to heaven, the Lord, blessing the Apostles, said: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). As we read in the Gospel according to Mark: “And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following” (Mark 16:20). The Apostles, receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit, formed their first community of believers in Christ, the first Church. By descending upon them, the Holy Spirit sanctified and confirmed them. That is how the Kingdom of God was established upon the earth for the salvation of all mankind. |
| Youth, pastoral conferences reflect growth of Mexican Diocese Source: OCA Natalya Mihailova 07 July 2016 Two significant events in the life of the Orthodox Church in America’s Diocese of Mexico occurred during the month of June 2016. Photo: http://oca.org/ Nearly 100 youth and young adults gathered on June 1 for the diocese’s youth conference. Representing several parishes and missions, the youth enjoyed worshipping together, engaging in discussions and inspiring talks, and sharing fellowship with their peers. His Eminence, Archbishop Alejo addressed them on the essentials of Christian life and the challenges they face in today’s world. The gathering also served to network the younger faithful, some of whom are from remote areas of the country. One week later, on June 9—the Great Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord—the diocese’s clergy gathered at Mexico City’s Cathedral of the Ascension for their seventh pastoral conference. After the celebration of the festal Divine Liturgy marking the cathedral’s patronal feastday, Archbishop Alejo welcomed the diocese’s clergy and monastics while encouraging them “to boldly proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the land.” The clergy spoke enthusiastically of the growth experienced in their respective communities and shared ideas for ongoing missionary work and the strengthening of the diocese’s mandate. In response, the clergy fully embraced the establishment of a Department of Pastoral and Liturgy Life, chaired by Archbishop Alejo, to respond to the ongoing pastoral and liturgical needs of the diocese’s faithful. Also established was a Department of Administration, comprised of an administrator and treasurer, in part to ensure the ongoing economic growth of the diocese. A third body—the Department of Vocational and Spiritual Life—also was established to oversee the vocational, educational and psychological needs of the diocese. This department will be headed by priests who will oversee the educational needs of the diocese and attend to the psychological wellbeing of the faithful in a confidential manner. Archbishop Alejo stressed the importance of vigilance “to respond quickly and decisively to matters dealing with sexual abuse or impropriety, which will not be tolerated.” |
| A Pannikhida is Served Over the Grave of Archimandrite Antonin (Kapoustin) admin 11 April 2013 April 10, 2013 A Pannikhida is Served Over the Grave of Archimandrite Antonin (Kapoustin) in Holy Ascension Convent on the Mt of Olives on the Anniversary of His Death April 6 (24 o.s.), 2013, was the anniversary of the death of the eminent Chief of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem, founder of Russian Palestine, Archimandrite Antonin (Kapoustin), who headed the mission from 1865-1894. Over the course of 29 years of service in the Holy Land, he acquired a massive amount of real estate, including sites of historical Old and New Testament importance. The servant of Russian Palestine was buried in the cathedral he founded at Holy Ascension Convent on the Mt of Olives in Jerusalem. On April 6, 2013, after Divine Liturgy, a pannikhida was performed over his grave by the Chief of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, Hieromonk Roman (Krassovsky). Source: Synod.com Tweet Donate Share Code for blog A Pannikhida is Served Over the Grave of Archimandrite Antonin (Kapoustin) admin April 10, 2013 A Pannikhida is Served Over the Grave of Archimandrite Antonin (Kapoustin) in Holy Ascension Convent on the Mt of Olives on the Anniversary of His Death April 6 (24 o.s.), 2013, was the anniversary of the death of the eminent Chief of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in ... Since you are here… …we do have a small request. More and more people visit Orthodoxy and the World website. However, resources for editorial are scarce. In comparison to some mass media, we do not make paid subscription. It is our deepest belief that preaching Christ for money is wrong. Having said that, Pravmir provides daily articles from an autonomous news service, weekly wall newspaper for churches, lectorium, photos, videos, hosting and servers. Editors and translators work together towards one goal: to make our four websites possible - Pravmir.ru, Neinvalid.ru, Matrony.ru and Pravmir.com. Therefore our request for help is understandable. |
| Archbishop Ieronymos Concludes His Visit to Russia The first visit of His Beatitude, Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece, to the Russian Orthodox Church took place from May 23 to 30, 2012. During the course of his official visit, Archbishop Ieronymos concelebrated the Divine Liturgy on the Feast of the Lord’s Ascension with His Holiness, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, in the Dormition Cathedral in the Kremlin. He also participated in the opening ceremony of the Days of Slavic Literature and Culture and attended a festive concert at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior’s Hall of Church Councils. On May 24, 2012, His Holiness, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, and His Beatitude, Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece, met with the Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Throne Hall of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. The Russian head of state greeted His Beatitude, Archbishop Ieronymos, saying: “I thank you for having found the time to come today, when we celebrate the name-day of our Patriarch and the Day of Slavic Literature and Culture. On such a day it is especially evident that we are united by deep spiritual roots.” President Putin expressed his confidence that the Primate would enjoy his stay in Russia. Archbishop Ieronymos thanked the President, remarking: “In accordance with church practice, I am paying an official peace visit to His Holiness, the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia. We chose the present day because it is the great Christian feast of the Lord’s Ascension and also the day on which Sts. Cyril and Methodius are commemorated. We wanted to celebrate together the name-day of His Holiness, Patriarch Kirill.” During his visit to St. Petersburg, His Beatitude and those with him visited the St. Petersburg Theological Academy and Seminary. The Rector, Bishop Ambrose of Gatchina, welcomed His Beatitude at the entrance to the Academy along with teachers and students. His Beatitude viewed the Chapel of St. John the Theologian, where he venerated the Tsarskoe Selo Icon of the Sign. |
| UNESCO " s decision on the Kremlin monasteries not yet received, the Federal Protective Service of Russia says/Православие.Ru UNESCO " s decision on the Kremlin monasteries not yet received, the Federal Protective Service of Russia says Moscow, June 3, 2015 In 2014 the Russian Federation’s President Vladimir Putin proposed to examine a possibility of restoration of the Chudov Monastery and the Ascension Convent that was blown up in 1929-1930 – later on their site the administrative “Building 14” appeared, reports TASS. Moscow has not yet received a UNESCO decision regarding a possible restoration of the Chudov Monastery and the Ascension Convent on the territory of the Moscow’s Kremlin, reported on Tuesday official representative of the Federal Protective Service, Doctor of Historical Sciences, Sergei Devyatov to the journalists. “As far as I know, UNESCO experts visited the Kremlin in December 2014, but no distinct resolution has been made yet,” he said, launching the book, The Moscow Kremlin, the Monuments and Shrines. S. Devyatov has stressed that the Moscow Kremlin is under the protection of UNESCO, so any reconstructions on its territory require negotiations. “The following question is currently being resolved: whether “the Building 14” is to remain within the Kremlin or the monastery and convent are to be restored,” noted the Federal Protective Service’s representative. According to TASS, in his new monograph S. Devyatov relates the history of these monastic communities in detail and for the first time publishes their photographs and layout plans. Devyatov, referring to the researches’ results, noted that “a half of the areas of the monasteries are currently in the same condition as they were at the time of explosions.” This refers to the underground churches and other monastic buildings. He has admitted that the surviving archives contain relatively little materials on the monastery and convent. “But the archive search is progressing very actively,” he accentuated. |
| Act of Canonical Communion signed in Moscow The Act of Canonical Communion between the Russian Orthodox Church in Russia and abroad was signed at Moscow " s Christ the Savior Cathedral on Thursday morning. admin 18 May 2007 The Act of Canonical Communion between the Russian Orthodox Church in Russia and abroad was signed at Moscow’s Christ the Savior Cathedral on Thursday morning. The historic document was signed by Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia and by First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia Metropolitan Laurus. The ceremony is being attended by President Vladimir Putin, several thousands Orthodox believers, including believers who have arrived from abroad, and about 500 journalists. The Christ the Savior Cathedral is decorated with white flowers – a traditional adornment used on the Ascension holiday to symbolize renewal. The signing of the Act of Canonical Communion symbolizes the return of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia into the fold of the Moscow Patriarchate and of the whole of the Orthodox world, which until recently did not recognize the Russian Church abroad. From now onwards, being part of the Mother Church, parishioners of the Russian Orthodox Church abroad will have the right to take communion at all of the world’s Orthodox churches, while its clergy gains the right to serve jointly with the hierarchs and clergy of all 15 local Orthodox Churches. The name of the Russian patriarch will now be mentioned in all services of the Russian Orthodox Church abroad before the name of the first hierarch. According to the Act of Canonical Communion, the Moscow Patriarchate recognizes the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia as “an indissoluble part of the local Russian Orthodox Church, but independent in pastoral, educational, administrative, managerial, property and civil matters,” and remaining “in canonical unity with the Fullness of the Russian Orthodox Church.” The Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia will as previously be run by its own Council of Bishops – “its supreme ecclesiastical, legislative, administrative, judiciary and controlling authority” convened by her First Hierarch in accordance with the Regulations. “This election is confirmed in accordance with the norms of the canonical law by the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia and by the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church.” |
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