Orthodox Church News

The Press Association Dec 28 2007 A broom fight at Church of Nativity 22 hours ago Broom-wielding priests fought each other at the site of Christ's birth after rows broke out between rival factions as they ... via Groong Armenian News Network

“It will be off my CD player ASAP, and I will be on to the jiving music.”

Christmas has come and gone. Presents have been opened, wrapping paper thrown away and Salvation Army bells have stopped ringing. via The Times-Tribune

More than two years after he was sworn in as the Greek Orthodox Patriarch in the Holy Land, Theofilos III on Sunday finally won the approval of the Israeli government, putting an end to a lengthy international ... via PR-inside.com

VATICAN CITY - The Roman Catholic Church on Friday defended its "right and duty" to spread its message to non-believers and to welcome converts, particularly from other Christian churches.A ... via Reuters

“Know me and you shall know, and you will recognize me because, like, you know me, so why wouldn't you recognize me? Just maybe keep it to yourself.”

Good evening. Thank you for giving me the time to make clear my views on my very personal beliefs on religion, video of which is available on our Web site watchmepray.com . Let me make something clear. via Twin City Times

The Vatican, which has been accused of aggressively seeking souls in Russia and some other countries, said Friday it has every right to spread its message and accept converts but that non-Catholics must never be forced to embrace the faith.

The Vatican's doctrinal office issued guidelines on the missionary policy of the Roman Catholic Church, saying there is 'growing confusion which leads many to leave the missionary command of the Lord unheard and ineffective.'

'Often is it maintained that any attempt to convince others on religious matters is a limitation of their freedom,' said the document issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Read more

Georgian Catholicos Patriarch, Ilia II has proposed a new initiative which is aims at solving demographical problems in Georgia. via Rustavi 2

“Listen to what's on television and radio now and tell me, what limitations do you see?”

MOSCOW : The fight is long over here for authority over the security services, the oil business, the mass media and pretty much all the levers of government. via International Herald Tribune

At the same time, however, there was always a very real danger of identifying - " confusing, really - " the state with the Kingdom of God. via Eunomia

Nikolai Alexeyev , the founder of Gay Russia being arrested at a gay pride parade in Moscow. via In These Times

“I have no doubt that the reality that was created in the region in 1967 will be changed in a very significant way. It will be as difficult as the netherworld for many of us. But it is inevitable.”

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert found himself under criticism this week by America's largest Orthodox group, foreshadowing a likely showdown between left-wing and right-wing Jewish groups. via The Jewish News Weekly

Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople has said that he is prepared to recognize the primacy of the Pope-- although he does not accept the Catholic position on the implications of that primacy. via Global Catholic Network EWTN

“We are sending these churches out to minister ... and help rebuild an orthodox Anglican witness in Canada”

Two congregations with roots in the Anglican Church of Canada have joined a bishop who abandoned the church because of its position on homosexuality, deepening divisions within the worldwide Anglican movement. via Reuters

Blogroll Referrers Tuesday, November 20, 2007 Orthodoxy on churches outside "the Church" In my previous post about Catholic-Orthodox ecumenism, I identified what I consider a very important question that ... via Sacramentum Vitae

“This is not a decision any Israeli government can make unilaterally”

The latest assault on Israeli sovereignty comes from an unexpected direction. The Orthodox Union, together with a coalition of less-reputable Jewish American organizations, has launched a campaign arguing that ... via Haaretz Daily News

“At the time of the theft, there was 900 in the till drawer at Stonegate Teddy Bears”

RIDDEN drug addict stole hundreds of pounds from the York teddy bear shop where he worked in order to feed his habit - then confessed his crime to a bishop. via This is York

“I now realize that we cannot have unity at the expense of truth. I cannot in conscience travel the path that the Anglican Church of Canada is traveling, away from historic Christian teaching and established Anglican practice.”

OTTAWA A second retired bishop with conservative views left the Anglican Church of Canada today over its position on homosexuality and will serve in Canada under the authority of the more orthodox archbishop in ... via The Toronto Star

“His grace is carrying the burden of old age with dignity and patience”

BELGRADE, Serbia : The head of Serbian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Pavle, has been hospitalized but is in stable condition, the church said Tuesday. via International Herald Tribune

“There is no talk whatsoever of any sort of storming”

A doomsday cult leader whose followers are barricaded inside a cave in southern Russia will be taken to the site in an attempt to secure the release of several children, according to a government official. via CNN