President Trump launched Holy Week with a Palm Sunday message, pledging to defend the Christian faith. He and First Lady Melania joined Christians in commemorating Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, emphasizing the significance of Holy Week’s events, culminating in Easter.
RELIGION
Greek Orthodox Religion
On Palm Sunday, April 13, 2025, the Orthodox and Catholic Churches celebrate Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, marking the start of Holy Week. This joyous occasion allows the rare consumption of fish during the strict fasting of Great Lent, symbolizing blessing and moderation. Traditions, like the Corfu procession and children’s songs, highlight the day’s significance.Palm Sunday 2025: Celebrating Jesus’ Entry and the Tradition of Eating Fish
On the Saturday before Holy Week, the Orthodox Church commemorates a major feast of the year, the miracle of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ when he raised Lazarus from the dead after he had lain in the grave four days.
The beloved Metropolitan of Kydonia and Apokoronas, Damaskinos (Papagiannakis), passed away today after a prolonged battle with health issues, leaving behind a legacy of tireless devotion and spiritual service to his flock until his final days.
Popular radio host Grigoris Arnautoglou criticized journalist Maria Antoná’s choice of short shorts in Instagram photos taken on the steps of Panagia of Tinos, sparking debate about decorum at religious sites. Speaking on Sfera Radio 102.2, he remarked, “It’s better for ladies to be dressed more decently,” while noting the broader trend of oversharing online.
A terrorist attack was thwarted at the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George in Bludan, Syria, on April 6, 2025, when extremists from al-Jolani’s militia attempted to burn the church and detonate explosives before the Divine Liturgy. Miraculously, the fire extinguished itself, and the bombs failed to explode, an event many attribute to Saint George’s intervention.
Negotiations between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Turkey’s Ministry of Education are advancing towards the potential reopening of Halki Theological Seminary by 2026. Seen as a gesture of goodwill, this move could shift Turkey’s international standing amidst growing criticism over human rights. However, its implications extend beyond Greek-Turkish relations, raising questions about the role of religion in Turkish diplomacy.
The Akathist Hymn is a profound, devotional poem or chant that praises the Holy Mother…
The Archbishop of Cyprus, Georgios, lambasted Cypriot MEP Feidias Panayiotou, accusing him of acting as…
Archaeologists from Sapienza University have unearthed remnants of a 2,000-year-old garden beneath Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre, supporting the Gospel of John’s depiction of Jesus’ burial site near a garden around 33 AD. The discovery, including olive trees and grapevines, intensifies debate over the true location of the resurrection tomb.
Turkish nationalists are calling for Archbishop Elpidophoros to lose his citizenship and be barred from Turkey after he referred to the Ecumenical Patriarchate and used “Constantinople” during a White House event, sparking accusations of anti-Turkish sentiment.
Justice Minister Giorgos Floridis unveiled a new draft law on April 1, 2025, set for a parliamentary vote, which abolishes the special statute of limitations for clergy crimes and bans surrogacy for same-sex couples by redefining eligibility criteria.
When Mary was only twelve years old, she left her parents and departed to Alexandria,…
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has sparked controversy after revealing a tattoo featuring the Arabic word “kafir,” meaning “disbeliever” or “infidel.” The tattoo, visible under his arm, joins other symbols representing his Christian faith and military service, including a Jerusalem Cross. Critics argue the tattoos reflect divisive symbolism, while supporters defend them as expressions of defiance against terrorism. The debate continues amidst Hegseth’s ongoing visit to U.S. troops in Guam and Hawaii.
Armenia, a nation deeply rooted in Christian heritage, faces a pivotal moment as it navigates complex geopolitical tensions and cultural challenges. Following Azerbaijan’s military offensive in 2023, which led to the displacement of over 100,000 ethnic Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh, the region remains fraught with uncertainty. As peace talks progress, Armenia’s historical pivot toward the West and steps to join the European Union mark a significant shift from its longstanding ties with Russia. These developments raise pivotal questions about Armenia’s cultural identity, security, and its place on the international stage.
On Saturday, March 29, 2025, Archbishop Ioannis of Tirana, Durres, and All Albania, aged 69, was enthroned at the packed Orthodox Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in Tirana. The ceremony marked a significant moment for the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania, with Ioannis stepping into leadership as only the second prelate since the collapse of the communist regime—and the first Albanian-born archbishop since 1967
The 86th annual Greek Independence Day Parade will take place this Sunday on Fifth Avenue in New York, featuring over 120 groups, 52 floats, and 15 bands. Organized by the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York, the event will honor Greek heritage with distinguished guests and honorees, including actor Christoforos Papakaliatis and Olympian Pyrros Dimas, as it marches from 64th to 79th Street led by the Evzones.
A scientific study crowns “Sophia” as the world’s most beautiful name, praised for its melodic sound and deep meaning. Rooted in the Greek word for “wisdom,” Sophia carries a legacy of virtue, history, and global appeal—from ancient philosophy to the iconic Agia Sophia.
For centuries, the location of the Ark of the Covenant, believed by some to contain…