The Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem condemned attacks on pilgrims during the Holy Fire ceremony on April 19, 2025, accusing Israeli police of turning the city into a “militarized zone” and blocking access to holy sites. The Patriarchate called for peace and justice in the Holy Land.
Tag: Orthodox Christianity
Greece’s Foreign Ministry has expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences following deadly Russian missile strikes on the Ukrainian city of Sumy during Palm Sunday. Calling for an immediate ceasefire, Athens condemned the violence and voiced support for Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict.
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
In a bold move, 29 Greek artists and academics have demanded the temporary withdrawal of their works from the National Gallery in Athens, protesting the delayed re-exhibition of artworks vandalized by far-right MP Nikos Papadopoulos on March 10, 2025. The pieces, part of the “Seduction of the Strange” exhibition, were targeted for allegedly offending Orthodox Christian beliefs. Despite assurances from Director Syrago Tsiara that the works will return within a month, the artists’ open letter accuses the gallery of undermining constitutional protections for artistic freedom, intensifying a cultural clash that has gripped Greece.
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.
Each year on March 25, Greeks worldwide celebrate Greek Independence Day, marking the 204th anniversary of the 1821 uprising against Ottoman rule. This national holiday honors the start of a fierce struggle that ended four centuries of oppression under the Ottoman Empire. From the fall of Constantinople in 1453 to the decisive Battle of Navarino in 1827, Greece’s journey to freedom was shaped by resilience, resistance, and international support. Today, parades and flag-waving from Athens to the global diaspora celebrate a legacy of courage and the enduring spirit of a nation reborn
On March 10, 2025, Nikos Papadopoulos, a doctor and MP with the faith-driven Niki party, damaged artworks at the National Gallery, calling them disrespectful to Orthodoxy. This heartfelt act has rekindled attention on Niki, a grassroots movement tied to church communities, as it seeks its place among Greece’s far-right voices. While some cheer, others wonder if it risks sparking a contest of passion in a crowded political field.
March 25 is a dual celebration for Greece, marking both the start of the 1821 Revolution against Ottoman rule and the religious feast of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. This significant day, officially established in 1838 by King Otto, honors the Greek struggle for independence and the Orthodox faith, uniting national pride with spiritual reverence.
Dimitris Natsios, President of the NIKI party, staunchly defends MP Nikos Papadopoulos after his actions…
Lent is a 40 day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving leading up to Easter. It is one of the most important periods in the Orthodox calendar, often described as a time of preparation and an opportunity to go deeper with God. The first Saturday of Lent includes the commemoration of various saints and events, enhancing its significance within the liturgical calendar.
With the arrival of Monday, March 3rd, Orthodox Christians worldwide commence Great Lent, known in Greek as ‘Kali Sarakosti.’
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople reaffirmed Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence, declaring it “non-negotiable” during a Mass in Istanbul marking the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion. He emphasized that any future peace deal must include Ukraine as an equal participant, while praising President Zelenskyy for his relentless defense of Ukraine. Family members of missing Ukrainian soldiers, including Tetiana Tantsiura, attended the Mass, expressing hope for the return of their loved ones.
All Souls’ Saturday (Psychosavvato) in the Orthodox Christian tradition commemorates the departed faithful, particularly on the Saturdays before Meatfare Sunday and Pentecost. These days involve memorial services, cemetery visits, sharing kollyva, and giving alms, all in hopes of the departed’s resurrection and God’s mercy.
The funeral of Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania was held in Tirana, with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew presiding over the ceremony. Dignitaries from Greece and Albania, including Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, attended to pay their respects. Anastasios was hailed as a visionary leader who revitalized the Orthodox Church in Albania, fostering interfaith dialogue and strengthening ties between Greece and Albania.
Most of John’s relics were looted from Constantinople by crusaders in 1204 and taken to Rome, but some of his bones were returned to the Orthodox Church on 27 November 2004 by Pope John Paul II. Since 2004 the relics have been enshrined in the Church of St. George, Istanbul.
Thousands of faithful gathered at the Cathedral of Athens to bid a heartfelt farewell to Archbishop Anastasios of Albania, whose relic departed today, accompanied by solemn ceremonies and high-ranking clergy. The beloved hierarch, celebrated for reviving the Church of Albania after decades of persecution, will lie in state in Tirana before his funeral on Thursday, marking the end of an extraordinary spiritual legacy that transcended borders.
Novak Djokovic attended the Christmas liturgy at St. Nicholas Church in Brunswick, Melbourne, on January 7, where he joined the local Serbian community in receiving the sacred holy bread. This gesture highlighted his deep connection to his faith and heritage, leaving a meaningful impression on those present.
Epiphany, a public holiday in Greece, commemorates Jesus Christ’s baptism and the revelation of the Holy Trinity. The Blessing of the Waters ceremony, a key tradition, involves swimmers diving for a cross. While many celebrate on January 6th, some Orthodox churches observe it on January 19th due to calendar differences.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew presided over the Epiphany celebrations at the Church of St. George in Phanar, Istanbul, which included a solemn Divine Liturgy and the traditional blessing of the waters in the Keratian Gulf. The event drew large crowds from Greece, Romania, Ukraine, and other Orthodox regions, with prominent attendees such as Nikos Androulakis and Akis Skertsos. Similar ceremonies were held in other parts of Istanbul, reflecting the enduring importance of this Orthodox tradition.
Wounded Ukrainian soldiers, scarred by years of conflict, found solace on a pilgrimage to Mount Athos, Greece, a spiritual haven of Orthodox Christianity. Over four days, the soldiers visited ancient monasteries, participated in sacred rituals, and sought emotional healing amidst the serene beauty of the Aegean Sea. For many, the journey provided a powerful respite from the battlefield, replacing months of rehabilitation with moments of peace and grace.