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On the feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, August 28, 2026, Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia presided over the Divine Liturgy at Rakovica Monastery. Following the reading of the Holy Gospel, the Patriarch delivered a homily, emphasizing the Most Holy Theotokos’ complete trust in the will of God. “The Most Holy Theotokos is […]
Archbishop Elpidophoros of America joined religious leaders representing multiple faith traditions at the U.S. Department of Justice on August 27 for a high-level gathering focused on strengthening protections for houses of worship, safeguarding religious freedom and confronting religious hatred. The gathering, convened by the Appeal of Conscience Foundation and Assistant Attorney General for…
The divine Baptist, the Prophet born of a Prophet, the seal of all the Prophets and the beginning of the Apostles, the mediator between the Old and New Covenants, the voice of one crying in the wilderness, and the God-sent Messenger of the incarnate Messiah, was the forerunner of Christ’s coming into the world (Isaiah […]
Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III of All Georgia celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Patriarchal Cathedral of Sioni, on the occasion of the Feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos. On August 28th, the Orthodox Apostolic Church of Georgia celebrates one of the twelve Great Feasts of the Lord and the Theotokos, the Dormition of […]
Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa arrived by air in Chios shortly after 10 a.m. on Friday, beginning a multi-day visit to the island that will conclude on Tuesday, September 1st, and includes a particularly rich program of religious, cultural, and institutional events. Upon his arrival, the Patriarch of Alexandria was […]
New archaeological findings beneath the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem show striking similarities to the New Testament’s descriptions of the site where, according to Christian tradition, Jesus Christ was buried. Italian archaeologists have identified traces of an ancient burial landscape, including rock-cut tombs, cultivated land, and a garden, though the evidence does not […]
Patriarch Kirill of Moscow has expressed his sorrow over the tragic consequences of the floods that struck the Rasuwa region of Nepal. In messages to Nepal’s President Ram Chandra Poudel and Prime Minister Balendra Shah, the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church expressed his sincere condolences for the loss of human life and the extensive […]
On August 27, 2026, at the Holy Church of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Mark, Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia officiated a memorial service for the late Patriarch of Serbia, Germanos (Đorđe Đorić), marking thirty-five years since his blessed repose. On this occasion, the Primate of the Serbian Orthodox Church said in his homily: “We have […]
The 3rd Northcote Festival was held at the Holy Diocese of Chora, and it also served as the culminating anniversary event marking 35 years since the election and enthronement of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew (1991–2026). Archbishop Makarios of Australia, who declared the opening of the Festival’s events, spoke with gratitude about the Ecumenical Patriarch and […]
By Metropolitan Nektarios of Corfu, Paxos and Diapontian Islands Upon our return to Greece, following the transfer to Russia of the venerable relic of the right hand of Saint Spyridon for veneration by the devout Russian people, we consider it necessary, by way of an initial account, to set down some of our thoughts and […]
The Orthodox Church commemorates today Venerable Moses the Ethiopian of Scete and Martyrs Diomedes and Laurence. The Orthodox Church also celebrates the memory of Righteous Anna the Prophetess, daughter of Phanuel, who was rewarded for her faith and devotion to the Lord, as she saw the Infant Jesus Christ at the Temple of Jerusalem. He […]
On the morning of Thursday, 27 August 2026, the Service of the Lamentations of the Dormition of the Theotokos was observed at the Church of the Dormition in Gethsemane. For this service, the Patriarchal Entourage, under Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem departed from the Patriarchate at 7:30 a.m. and proceeded on foot along the Via Dolorosa, […]
At the invitation of Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Riley Barnes, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America visited the U.S. Department of State for a substantive and constructive meeting on issues of mutual concern. There was a warm discussion on the protection and advancement of religious freedom, the longstanding efforts and very […]
By IASONAS TSOLIS* “Madonna had many questions; she had metaphysical and spiritual concerns. She asked me many questions. I think something deep within her was touched —obviously, by the place she had come to visit.” With these words, the abbot of the Holy Monastery of Varlaam in Meteora, Archimandrite Fr. Benedict Zacharakis, describes Madonna’s visit […]
Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine reflected on the meaning of genuine Christian love in a social media post, emphasizing the need not only to share in the suffering of others but also to sincerely rejoice in their happiness and achievements. Drawing on the words of Saint Paul, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and […]
Traditionally the Phanouropita is baked on the feast of Saint Phanourios on August 27th, at which time it is brought to church for a blessing either the evening before during Vespers or on the day of the feast during the Divine Liturgy. This is done to thank the Saint for whatever miracle he has done […]
Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia will visit the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana, on September 12, 2026, on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the completion of the construction of the Holy Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius. The Diocese of Zagreb-Ljubljana and the Church Community of Ljubljana invite the faithful to take part in the welcome […]
The International Meeting of Orthodox Youth (ITO), the largest youth event organised by the Romanian Orthodox Church, will take place in Bucharest from 31 August to 3 September 2026 under the theme “Young People, the Family and Life in Christ”. With the blessing of Patriarch Daniel of Romania, this year’s gathering will bring together approximately […]
We know nothing for certain about the background of Saint Phanourius, nor exactly when he lived. Tradition says that when the island of Rhodes had been conquered by Moslems, the new ruler of the island wished to rebuild the walls of the city, which had been damaged in previous wars. Several ruined buildings were near […]
Photo: pomisna.info
Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine took part in the interfaith event “Prayer for Ukraine” at Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv on August 24, 2026, as the country marked the 35th anniversary of the restoration of its independence. The annual gathering was organized by the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations and brought […]
Patriarch John X of Antioch and All the East received a British delegation at the Patriarchal Residence in Damascus on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. The delegation included Barry Peach, the United Kingdom’s Special Representative for Syria, and David Hunt, Head of the Syria Department at the British Foreign Office. During the meeting, the Patriarch and […]
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who is on a private visit to Bodrum (Halicarnassus) in Asia Minor, visited the historic Church of Saint Nicholas in the city center on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. The church, which dates back to 1780, is currently undergoing restoration work. Patriarch Bartholomew was first welcomed at Bodrum City Hall by Mayor Tamer […]
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco is closely monitoring the rapidly developing wildfire in the Reno, Nevada area, where more than 15,000 acres have burned, and the fire is presently reported at 27% containment. Approximately 900 personnel are responding to the fire as emergency crews continue their efforts to protect lives and property. At […]
Negotiations between the Sinai Brotherhood and the Egyptian authorities over the future of the Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine in Sinai, and above all, over the legal framework that will govern its presence and operation going forward, have reached a particularly critical stage. The postponement of the announcement of the Egyptian Supreme Court’s ruling on […]
Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden and All Scandinavia welcomed Protopresbyter Mikko Leistola, a clergyman of the Orthodox Church of Finland, on the morning of August 25, 2026. With the blessing of his ruling Hierarch, Fr. Mikko kindly traveled to Stockholm to celebrate the wedding of two members of the Cathedral’s youth group at St. George Cathedral […]
With the blessing of Archbishop Makarios of Australia, on Monday, 24 August, the feast of the Translation of the Holy Relics of Saint Dionysios of Zakynthos, Bishop Christophoros of Kerasounta, Chancellor of the Holy Archdiocese, celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Church of Saint Dionysios in Central Mangrove, New South Wales, near the city of […]
Mr. Doros Venezis, the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the Kingdom of Sweden, paid his first official courtesy visit to the Headquarters of the Holy Metropolis of Sweden and All Scandinavia in Stockholm. Ambassador Venezis assumed his distinguished duties in August 2026. Ambassador Venezis was warmly welcomed by Metropolitan Cleopas of […]
The work of the committee searching for a new president for Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology – Hellenic College (HCHC) is proceeding steadily, and the process has already attracted a large number of distinguished candidates from higher education, ecclesiastical ministry, and organizational leadership. Following a thorough review of applications, the candidates who will […]
The great feast of the Dormition and Assumption of the Most Holy Theotokos was celebrated with particular splendor on Prinkipo, centered on the festively celebrating Cathedral Church of Panagia Eleousa. Elder Metropolitan Dimitrios of Prinkiponisia presided over the Great Vespers on the eve of the feast, Friday, August 14th, as well as the Divine Liturgy […]
Without any announcement being issued, the first day of the August session of the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece concluded today, Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at the Synodal Hall. The Holy Synod, presided over by Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece, addressed the items on the agenda, though no information was released […]
On Saturday, August 29, at the All-Holy Patriarchal Church of St. George in the Phanar, following the celebration of Vespers, at around 5:00 p.m., the service for the signing of the Acts of Canonization of those recently added to the Hagiology of the Orthodox Church will take place. The Acts will be signed by the […]
By Panikos Nikolaou, Theologian and Iconographer Above: a rare depiction of the dismissal of Saint Nephon II from the Patriarchal Throne of Constantinople, a moment of humiliation that would become part of his remarkable journey towards holiness. On August 24, corresponding to August 11 on the traditional ecclesiastical calendar, the Holy Monastery of Dionysiou on […]
Source: Metropolis of Syros
On the evening of Friday, 21 August, second- and third-generation members of the Greek community attended a specialised seminar and workshop at the Parish of Saint Savvas the New of Kalymnos in Sydney. There, the Parish Priest, Fr Savas Pizanias, taught them how to prepare sacred Koliva for the departed. Through this initiative, children and […]
Patriarch Ioannis X of Antioch and All the East received the Greek Ambassador to Syria, Emmanouil Kakavelakis, at the Patriarchal Residence in Damascus. The Greek Ambassador was accompanied by Consular Attaché Anna Aravantinou.
The Ministry for Internally Displaced Persons of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia organized an international camp on the Greek island of Rhodes for young people aged 11 to 15 who have been displaced from Abkhazia. The initiative was supported by the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Ministry of Culture of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara. Alongside […]
A group of pilgrims from Trikala visited the Centre of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Lithuania, where they had an opportunity to learn more closely about the presence and ministry of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the country and about the pastoral, spiritual and missionary work of the Exarchate. During these days, the Patriarchal Exarch of Lithuania, […]
The consecration of the Church of Saints Raphael, Nicholas and Irene in Athelstone, Adelaide, was celebrated with ecclesiastical splendor and in an atmosphere of spiritual joy and emotion on Saturday, August 22. The Consecration Service was presided over by Archbishop Makarios of Australia, who also celebrated the first Divine Liturgy at the newly consecrated Holy […]
Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia received the newly ordained clergy of the Archdiocese of Belgrade-Karlovci at the Patriarchal Palace in Belgrade on August 21, 2026. The meeting took place in a cordial atmosphere, with the Serbian Patriarch offering paternal guidance to the new priests and deacons. Patriarch Porfirije reminded them of the significance of the gift […]
August 22 has been designated by the United Nations General Assembly as the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief. The day is dedicated to those who have suffered persecution and attacks because of their religious beliefs, with particular emphasis on members of religious communities and minorities. It […]
On Thursday, 21 August 2026, Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem received: Alexandre Stutzmann, Ambassador of the European Union to Israel, accompanied by his Secretary. He expressed his gratitude to the Patriarch for the trust shown towards him and for the excellent cooperation during the years of his service. In turn, the Patriarch thanked him for […]
The Martyrs Agathonicus, Zoticus, Theoprepius, Acindynus, Severian, Zeno and others accepted death for Christ during the reign of the emperor Maximian (284-305). The Martyr Agathonicus was descended from the illustrious lineage of the Hypasians, and he lived at Nicomedia. Well versed in Holy Scripture, he converted many pagans to Christ, including the most eminent member […]
Metropolitan Prodromos of Rethymno and Avlopotamos welcomed a group of clergy, theology professors and students from the Orthodox Church of Ukraine to the Monastery of Saint Irene in Rethymno on Thursday, August 20, 2026. The Ukrainian delegation is currently staying at the Orthodox Academy of Crete as part of an educational program. The group was […]
Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine, Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, presided over a prayer service for Ukraine on August 21, 2026, at St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Cathedral in Kyiv. Joining the Metropolitan in prayer were Archpriest Vitaliy Danchak, members of the monastic brotherhood, People’s Artist of Ukraine Oksana Bilozir, and participants in […]
Photo: Patriarchate of Bulgaria
Greek Ambassador to Albania L. Komini visited Korçë on August 19, holding a series of meetings with representatives of local organizations and Metropolitan Anastasios of Korçë. As part of her visit, the Greek Ambassador toured the “Seferis” building, which houses the Consulate General of Greece in Korçë. Together with Consul General Asterios Bouzias, she met […]
Attention is turning to Cairo ahead of Sunday, August 23, when Egypt’s Court of Cassation is expected to issue its final ruling in the case concerning the property status of the historic Monastery of Saint Catherine at Mount Sinai. The development is also considered significant for Greek-Egyptian relations, as Athens and Cairo have yet to […]
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew attended the Divine Liturgy at the Chapel of Saint Tryphon in Schoinoudi, Imbros, on Thursday, August 20, 2026. The service was celebrated under the presidency of Metropolitan Kyrillos of Imbros and Tenedos. Members of the Board of Directors of the Imbrian Union of Macedonia-Thrace, which funded the restoration of the chapel, joined […]
The Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord was solemnly celebrated at the Monastery of St Demetrius of Thessaloniki in Saki, Poland, on August 18–19. The celebrations began with an All-Night Vigil presided over by Bishop Warsanofiusz of Siemiatycze, with the participation of numerous clergy. At 11 p.m., an Akathist to St Demetrius, the patron […]
