http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/orthodox-religion/ en-us Sat, 26 Dec 2009 17:20:45 GMT Focus Forum 15 http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2415359/posts 'Death' and 'Death to Christians' were written in Hebrew in large red letters near the cathedral altar and ante-church, the Russian Church Mission said. A statement was made to the Jerusalem police. There have been threats to clerics of the Russian Orthodox Church and other Christian confessions before, the mission said. The hooligans said that Christians must leave Jerusalem before they are massacred. Russian Ecclesial Mission in Jerusalem http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2415359/posts#comment Sat, 26 Dec 2009 17:20:45 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2414879/posts Prelude Today the Virgin gives birth to him who is above all being, and the earth offers a cave to him whom no one can approach. Angels with shepherds give glory, and magi journey with a star, for to us there has been born a little Child, God before the ages. 1 Bethlehem has opened Eden, come, let us see; we have found delight in secret, come, let us receive the joys of Paradise within the cave. There the unwatered root whose blossom is forgiveness has appeared. There has been found the undug well from which David once longed to... Salt of the Earth http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2414879/posts#comment Fri, 25 Dec 2009 10:31:10 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2414783/posts †BARTHOLOMEW By God’s Grace Archbishop of Constantinople-New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch To the Plenitude of the Church Grace, peace and mercy from the Savior Christ Born in Bethlehem Beloved concelebrants and blessed children in the Lord, Heaven and earth have united Through the birth of Christ. Today, God has appeared on earth, And man has ascended to heaven. (Christmas Hymn) The distance and separation between God and humanity resulting from sin has been abolished with the assumption of the entire human nature by the Only-Begotten Son and Pre-eternal Word of God. It was God’s good will – that is to... Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2414783/posts#comment Fri, 25 Dec 2009 01:55:53 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2414449/posts CAIRO (AFP) – Every night in the run-up to Christmas thousands of Egypt's Coptic Christians have been gathering in a Cairo suburb eager for a glimpse of a vision that has given hope to their marginalised community. It is three hours past midnight in Al-Warrak, a poor working class neighbourhood of the Egyptian capital, and a 10,000-strong crowd is silently staring at the sky. Then the appearance of a mysterious light over the church tower jolts the gathering into a frenzy of cries and ululations. It is the apparition of the Virgin Mary, they say. Thousands have been coming nightly... AFP via Yahoo News http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2414449/posts#comment Thu, 24 Dec 2009 14:34:38 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2414401/posts Cairo (AINA) -- The phenomenon of abduction, rape and forced Islamization of Christian girls in Egypt was shown for the first time on the Christian TV channel "Life TV", which broadcasts from outside Egypt and has nearly 60 million Arab-speaking viewers in Egypt and around the world.The testimonies of the victims and their families came as a shock to many, including Egyptian Christians, since this issue is taboo for the Egyptian media, "Our role is to expose those behind those crimes," said Rasheed El Maghreby, the program's moderator.The program was aired in mid-November 2009, and interviewed Mr. Magdi Khalil,... Assyrian International News Agency http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2414401/posts#comment Thu, 24 Dec 2009 13:06:32 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2413613/posts ROME, DEC. 20, 2009 (Zenit.org).- It’s been another difficult year for Christians in Turkey and it is finishing just as it began, with problems. Early in December, three Muslims entered the Meryem Ana Church, a Syriac Orthodox church in Diyarbakir, and confronted the Reverend Yusuf Akbulut, according to a Dec. 15 report by Compass Direct News, an agency specializing in reporting on religious persecution. They told the priest that that unless the bell tower was destroyed in one week, they would kill him. The Muslims were apparently acting in reaction to the recent referendum in Switzerland, which banned the... Zenit http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2413613/posts#comment Wed, 23 Dec 2009 10:58:13 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2412727/posts 60 Minutes' Magalie Laguerre-Wilkinson Reflects on Meeting The Patriarch...A slight man in stature, his presence is that of greatness. My first encounter with him is one that I will never forget. I was filming some shots with my camera crew at the Phanar - the Church's headquarters in Istanbul - when someone from His All Holiness's office came to us stating that The Patriarch wanted to meet us right then and there. Because this meeting was not to happen until that evening, I didn’t feel I was appropriately dressed to meet him right then and there. We are so focused... CBS http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2412727/posts#comment Tue, 22 Dec 2009 03:46:46 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2412501/posts Before Archbishop Job rose to national prominence for hastening reform in the Orthodox Church in America, the mild-mannered Chicago native earned acclaim for the twinkle in his eye and an ability to engage and entertain youth. Fellow clergy and parishioners were astounded in 1996 when the Archbishop of Chicago and the Midwest accompanied a church youth group in Ohio on what was then the world's tallest and fastest roller coaster. That lighthearted act of courage illustrated how the soft-spoken bishop didn't balk when it came to serving the church -- an ironclad devotion that would serve him a decade later... Chicago Tribune http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2412501/posts#comment Mon, 21 Dec 2009 21:51:33 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2412184/posts Would it surprise you to learn that one of the world's most important Christian leaders, second only to the pope, lives in a country where 99 percent of the population is Muslim? His name is Bartholomew, and he is the patriarch of 300 million Orthodox Christians. He lives in Istanbul, Turkey, the latest in a line of patriarchs who have resided there since before there was a Turkey, since the centuries following the death of Jesus Christ. That's when Istanbul was called Constantinople and was the most important city in the Christian world. But times change, and in modern Muslim... See BS http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2412184/posts#comment Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:05:10 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2410604/posts The bishops of Kerala-- the home of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church and the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church-- have reached an agreement with Syrian Jacobite and Syrian Orthodox leaders to share churches outside Kerala for Sunday Mass and to consider sharing cemeteries and the use of priests at funerals. All four churches trace their origin to the evangelization of St. Thomas the Apostle. Underscoring the agreement’s ramifications beyond India, the Catholic delegation was led by Bishop Brian Farrell, LC, the secretary of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity since 2002. Although the sacred liturgy in both the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church and... Catholic Culture http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2410604/posts#comment Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:02:49 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2410482/posts Videos on YouTube indicate that unusual lights are again appearing on a Coptic Orthodox church in the Cairo metropolitan area, this time in a neighborhood known as Warraq. There are no details as yet as to when the phenomena began, but according to blog reports crowds began forming on December 9 -- a day after the Immaculate Conception feast -- and thousands are now gathering each night, chanting, singing Arabic-style Christian songs, and loudly exclaiming as forms or flashes of light materialize. The forms of light are vague as taken with what appear to be cell phones and presented on... SpiritDaily and other http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2410482/posts#comment Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:40:06 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2410423/posts Once again the nativity season brings attacks by those offended by ubiquitous displays of Christmas. This Christmas, I’m drawn to the similar ways some Christians and Republicans create opposition to their beliefs and, like the innkeepers of Bethlehem, provide no shelter for travelers. Every year brings new incidents of holiday political correctness, from removal of nativity scenes from public places to banning of Christmas references and displays in public schools. These events do not bother me, and I do not see them as infringements on my Christian beliefs. I do not need to see Mary, Joseph, and the Baby Jesus... Townhall http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2410423/posts#comment Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:37:15 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2410368/posts Crowds flock to Giza as news spreads of an apparition of the Virgin Mary, reports Sherine Nasr"If I could only see Her tonight, it will be the happiest day of my life," said 25-year-old sales representative Fadi Amir. He had been standing all night, his eyes fixed on the church's towers in hope of catching a glimpse of the Virgin Mary. "Whether I see Her or not, I know She's there," said a young lady, shivering with the cold as she stood on the opposite side of the road to get a better view of the church. Whether waiting for... Al-Ahram http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2410368/posts#comment Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:38:38 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2409521/posts You Tube video. Click HERE to view. You Tube http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2409521/posts#comment Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:35:29 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2407495/posts <p>CHISINAU, Moldova — Dozens of people led by an Orthodox priest smashed a menorah in Moldova's capital, using hammers and iron bars to remove the candelabra during Hanukkah, officials said.</p> <p>The 1.5 meter(5-foot)-tall ceremonial candelabrum was retrieved, reinstalled and is now under police guard.</p> Associated Press/Google http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2407495/posts#comment Mon, 14 Dec 2009 23:31:47 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2406908/posts The Vatican and the Russian Orthodox are looking towards more ecumenical cooperation to reverse what they consider to be the tide of secularism in Europe: VATICAN LETTER Dec-11-2009Ecumenical allies? Orthodox, Catholics take aim at European secularismBy John ThavisCatholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY (CNS) — For years, the Vatican has suggested that a promising area of ecumenical cooperation was a joint struggle by Christian churches against the moral and social challenges posed by a predominantly secular society.Now the Russian Orthodox Church has come forward to propose a strategic alliance with the Catholic Church aimed, in effect, at saving Europe’s soul from “Western... LA Church History & End Prophecy Examiner http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2406908/posts#comment Mon, 14 Dec 2009 03:05:06 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2406038/posts Synaxarion: The holy New Martyr Peter suffered martyrdom in San Francisco at the time that California belonged to Spain. An Aleut from Alaska, he and his companions were captured in California by the Spaniards. When he refused to abandon Orthodoxy to accept Latinism, which they wished to force upon him, the Spaniards submitted him to a martyrdom like that suffered by Saint James the Persian, cutting him apart joint by joint. He died from loss of blood in steadfast confession of the Faith in 1815. Apolytikion in the First Tone O Peter, upon the rock of thy faith hath... Greek Orthodox Archdiocese http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2406038/posts#comment Sat, 12 Dec 2009 13:14:04 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2405838/posts Even though the Bible was completed 2,000 years ago, long before the invention of the microscope, the telescope, satellites, etc. it does not contain any scientific errors. This might be considered a miracle in itself. Without exception, every ancient religious writing has certain unscientific views of astronomy, medicine, hygiene, etc. The Qur’an says in Surah 18:86 that the sun sets in a muddy spring. Qur’an 18:86 “…when he reached the setting-place of the sun, he found it setting in a muddy spring” The only exception to these kinds of errors, among ancient religious writings, is the Bible. Not only is... AlwaysBeReady.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2405838/posts#comment Sat, 12 Dec 2009 00:56:40 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2405441/posts For the first time, the Russian Orthodox Church publishes a book with texts by a pope. The author is Benedict XVI. The topic is Europe. The objective is a holy alliance in defense of the Christian tradition ROME, December 11, 2009 – In a terse statement two days ago, Russia and the Church of Rome announced "the establishment of diplomatic relations between them, at the level of apostolic nunciature on the part of the Holy See, and of embassy on the part of the Russian Federation." Six days earlier, on December 3, Pope Benedict XVI had received in audience Dmitri... espresso.repubblica.it http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2405441/posts#comment Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:11:09 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2403801/posts There is a recent development at the ever excellent New Advent website. The Bible is presented in parallel columns: Greek on the left, English in the middle and the Latin Vulgate on the right. Navigation is provided by a list of all the books at the top and a list of chapters of the current book underneath. The English version is the Douai Rheims with the comments by Bishop Challoner. I am filled with admiration for Kevin Knight and others who help with the site. Their dedication has provided yet another superb resource for those who wish to deepen their... the-hermeneutic-of-continuity.blogspot.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2403801/posts#comment Wed, 9 Dec 2009 16:58:09 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2403577/posts Synaxarion: According to the ancient tradition of the Church, since Saint Anna, the Ancestor of God, was barren, she and her husband Joachim remained without children until old age. Therefore, sorrowing over their childlessness, they besought God with a promise that, if He were to grant them the fruit of the womb, they would offer their offspring to Him as a gift. And God, hearkening to their supplication, informed them through an Angel concerning the birth of the Virgin. And thus, through God's promise, Anna conceived according to the laws of nature, and was deemed worthy to become the... Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2403577/posts#comment Wed, 9 Dec 2009 11:46:57 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2401474/posts The LowdownCelebrating Nikolaus in Germany Published: 4 Dec 09 10:13 CETOnline: http://www.thelocal.de/lifestyle/20091204-15915.html Each December 6, German children celebrate Nikolaus. Why does the Santa look-alike come so early and why do all the children place their shoes outside their front doors on the evening before? The Local has the lowdown. Is Nikolaus the same as Santa Claus? Though they have similar outfits, Nikolaus is not to be confused with Santa Claus, who Germans call the Weihnachtsmann, or Father Christmas. They are two different people. In fact, many religious families try to focus more on Nikolaus earlier in December to insure that... The Local.de http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2401474/posts#comment Sun, 6 Dec 2009 14:17:16 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2401456/posts CNA STAFF, Dec 6, 2009 / 04:47 am (CNA).- Today, December 6, the faithful commemorate a Turkish bishop in the early church who was known for generosity and love of children. Born in Lycia in Asia Minor around the late third or fourth century,  St. Nicholas of Myra is more than just the inspiration for the modern day Santa. As a young man he is said to have made a pilgrimage to Palestine and Egypt in order to study in the school of the Desert Fathers. On returning some years later he was almost immediately ordained Bishop of Myra, which... cna http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2401456/posts#comment Sun, 6 Dec 2009 13:48:31 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2400284/posts Athens, Greece, Dec 4, 2009 / 06:55 am (CNA).- The head of the Greek Orthodox Church has voiced his opposition to a court ban on crucifixes in classrooms in Italy and will hold an emergency synod to lay out a plan of action to combat the ban. Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece said that the European Court of Human Rights (EHCR) had ignored the role of Christianity in Europe’s history. According to the BBC, he added that majorities, not only minorities, have rights.The Orthodox Church fears the EHCR ruling could trigger similar rulings about the public display of... cna http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2400284/posts#comment Fri, 4 Dec 2009 16:50:24 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2400092/posts Vatican City – The Vatican and Russia agreed Thursday to establish 'full diplomatic relations’. The announcement follows a meeting between Russian President Dmitri Medvedev and Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican. Exceptionally, Medvedev had previously met Card Tarcisio Bertone, the Secretary of State, and Mgr Dominique Mamberti, Secretary for Relations with States. The Russian president was accompanied by a large delegation that included Foreign Minister Serghei Lavrov. The announcement concludes a long process that began with Mikhail Gorbachev’s visit on 1 December 1989 to Pope John Paul II. On that historic occasion, the two leaders decided to start relations between... Spero News http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2400092/posts#comment Fri, 4 Dec 2009 12:59:13 GMT