News
Byzcath.org News provides news focusing on the Christian East from varous sources and offers links to other sites dedicated to providing the news about the Church.
Churches and organizations that provide news about the Eastern Churches are invited to submit their news stories to us for publication here (use the contact page for submission)..
Materials from the Vatican Information Service, Zenit, CWNews.com and other sources are published here with permission of their owners but may not be republished further without the permission of their original publishers. Please visit these sites to obtain additional general news about the Church. In addition to these sources EWTN News also provides a good general news summary.
Photo: Pope Francis and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I embrace.
- Details
The basic theme of this year's Patriarch's Synod is evangelization. In this context Bishop Bohdan said: "As the proclamation of the Gospel with a word and life is the matter of all disciples of Christ without any exception, the Church aims to pay regard to the different groups of believers - priests, deacons, monks and nuns, and also laity - giving them a chance to deepen their spiritual life and thus live better with the Christian vocation. During this year special attention was placed on priesthood, but next year special attention will be placed on monastic life. The year 2010 has to become the year to prepare for the Patriarch's Council on the theme monasticism."
In order to get to know better the conditions of the ministry and the necessity of our exarchate in Great Britain, the members of the Permanent Synod held meetings with the priests and representatives of church and public organizations, in particular with the members of Saint Sofia London Society. In addition, Bishop Ihor (Voznyak) and Bishop Vasyl (Semenyuk) visited the communities of the UGCC in Manchester and Bratford, where they had the possibility to meet with the faithful, hear their ideas concerning the development of the exarchate, and to tell them about the life of the UGCC in Ukraine. During the meeting with the newly-appointed Apostolic Administrator of the Apostolic Exarchate for Ukrainians of the Byzantium rite in Great Britain, Bishop Hlib (Lonchyna), the members of Permanent Synod expressed their wishes for the subsequent strengthening of our structures in the exarchate, paying regard to the necessity of a more active search of our faithful, and also greater openness of the Church to all people of good will who are looking for a meeting with Christ. The Church, in the opinion of the members of the Synod, has to care not only for the maintenance of the identity of the faithful but also must share the riches of the Church's tradition with all interested people.
The culmination of the stay of the members of the Permanent Synod on hospitable Britannic land was the Sunday's Divine Liturgy during which the newly-appointed Apostolic Administrator - Bishop Hlib (Lonchyna) - was solemnly entered into the government. In the Liturgy in Cathedral of the Holy Family took part the Apostolic Nuncio in Great Britain, Archbishop Faustino Munoz, and also His Grace Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster.
In his sermon during the Liturgy His Beatitude Lubomyr stressed that maintaining the gift of faith is a main task of all faithful. The head of the UGCC passed as a gift to the church's community in London a wooden cross crafted by Ukrainian experts for the cathedral. In this context, His Beatitude Lubomyr addressed the newly arrived emigrants from Ukraine with a special word, expressing a wish that each time they will bow to this cross, they will feel the closeness of their native land and so that from the Lord's cross they find strength for daily trials and work.
Bishop Hlib, having thanked the present guests for the prayer's support, underlined that he arrived to Great Britain with one purpose: to serve, and by serving all those who are in need he sees his main task.
- Details
- Details
The hierarch said that representatives of the Vatican are often told that Greek Catholics are responsible for "the destruction of three Orthodox eparchies" (even though the Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Ternopil eparchies do exist today within the Ukrainian Orthodox Church) or for "forced seizure of Orthodox churches," or "obstructing the construction of new churches." "If we heard serious, proven accusations, it would be an important fact but we have been accused without any evidence," stressed Patriarch Lubomyr.
"I do not know a single example of seizure by us of any Orthodox church building, built by the faithful of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC). In 1946, the ROC received over 500 churches in western Ukraine from the state. One cannot say they were churches of the ROC," explained the head of the UGCC. According to the hierarch, as the Church was emerging from the underground, unfortunate incidents occurred when communities were divided, which caused great misunderstandings. But it has been long in the past and today there is no such conflict.
"If we really have such a great influence on the local authorities, why then have we not received back all the buildings near the Cathedral of St. George in Lviv?" said the hierarch in response to the accusation that the UGCC obstructs the construction of a new cathedral of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Lviv through the local authorities. "When I was still in Lviv, I officially approached both the regional and city authorities twice with the request to recognize the right of the Orthodox Church to receive a plot for the construction of the new church. I clearly expressed this," explained the patriarch.
According to the press service of the UGCC, in the end, Patriarch Lubomyr said: "I am still awaiting objective proof that Greek Catholics seized any church buildings by force or obstructed the construction of new churches."
Information Department of the UGCC
- Details
Human beings have pondered questions about the meaning of life and the existence of God for millennia. In our own Hellenic tradition, we can examine the works of ancient philosophers, which reveal great efforts in the pursuit of knowledge, an inner desire for truth, and countless theories on origins, the nature and function of the universe, and the purpose of life. Others have arrived at the same questions and with the hope for answers through great tragedy and suffering. The eventuality of physical death, the upheaval created by war, the pain of disease and poverty, and the demoralizing injustices in human communities and relationships have led many to seek something “greater” that offers or leads to a blessed life, peace, comfort, and truth.
People continue to ask questions and struggle in pursuit of the answers. Did the world just happen, and are we a product of chance? What is my purpose in life? How can I be happy and have peace about who I am? Does God exist, and if so, does he really care about me and my inner conflicts? Why is there so much suffering in the world? Will all of this just end in death and destruction, or is there something better? These and many more questions reflect both the breadth of our intellect and our quest to know, understand, and to find answers not just for the sake of knowledge, but for our well-being and ultimate destiny.
As Orthodox Christians we have found many of the answers to life’s questions in our relationship with God and in our involvement in the Church. This is what makes the Church our home. Our lives in the kingdom of God and our participation in the community of believers connects us directly with the One who, with meaning and purpose, brought all things into existence, created us in His image and likeness and is guiding us toward fulfillment in life and being. Further, it is through God’s loving presence in our lives and through the Holy Sacraments, the Holy Scriptures, the teachings, and traditions of the Church that we know, understand, and experience the truth about life and relationships, the effects of sin and evil, and the necessity of faith, hope, and love as genuine and true expressions of our humanity. It is also in our relationship with God that we find meaning and purpose in our transformation from death to life. Certainly, He guides us in understanding our great potential for creativity, thought, virtue, and knowledge; but all of this is part of becoming what He created us to be: holy people living in loving and full communion with Him and each other.
Our challenge as Orthodox Christians is communicating the blessedness of this life and faith to those with serious questions about life and meaning or to those who are struggling spiritually with deep doubts about God and His role in their lives. How can we meet this challenge and overcome the barriers that are keeping souls from finding their home in the Church? How do we prepare to answer the serious questions that challenge the very being of many who are in need of the grace of God?
First, we must love and not condemn. As stated above, questions about faith and our existence have been a part of our humanity from the beginning. We have been created with an ability to ask these questions and to seek answers. Thus, our task as Orthodox Christians is to help others find the answers that lead to life and fulfillment. The Apostle Paul did not condemn the philosophers of Athens when he preached to them (Acts 17). He affirmed their intellectual and spiritual search for higher things and presented the Gospel in a manner that addressed many of their questions. Our Lord lovingly received Nicodemus and patiently answered his questions when he was seeking to understand Jesus’ teachings concerning spiritual rebirth and eternal life (John 3).
Second, in following the example of our Lord, we must be responsive and patient. We should not reject others if their questions are not answered or their crisis is unresolved. Many struggle with great questions about life and meaning for long periods of time. Answers provided by our faith and relationship with God are not always readily accepted. The task of gathering people to God’s home in the Church will take time and sacrifice on our part. We must be willing to listen to their questions, concerns, and struggles, continuously offer prayers for their salvation and spiritual well-being, and rely upon the power of the Holy Spirit to lead them home.
Finally, we must also be aware of our strengths and limitations when offering faith and love to those seeking purpose and meaning. Often, our greatest strength is in friendship, acts of kindness, and ministry in the name of Christ when a need arises. Through our words and actions we can show others that they are valued and loved by God, even when they are in the midst of great struggles and doubt. We also need to know that there are other resources to assist us. These may include seeking the counsel of our parish priest, encouraging the person to visit with the priest, discussing serious questions in a parish Bible study or reading group, and engaging with our faith at deeper spiritual and intellectual levels through reading the lives and works of Saints and theologians of the Church. In all of this, we must rely upon the guidance and grace of God to lead us in a manner that will help our fellow-men experience the presence of God and the ineffable joy of being gathered in God’s Home.
† DEMETRIOS
Archbishop of America
GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA
8-10 East 79th St. New York, NY 10075-0106 * Tel: (212) 570-3530 Fax: (212) 774-0237
www.goarch.org - Email:
- Details
NEW YORK — A Special Session of the Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA) met on September 25, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., hosted by the Chairman of SCOBA, Archbishop Demetrios of America, at the headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America in Manhattan. The session was attended by the following Members of SCOBA: Archbishop Demetrios, Chairman (Greek Orthodox Archdiocese), Metropolitan Philip, Vice-Chairman (Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese), Metropolitan Christopher, Secretary (Serbian Orthodox Church), Archbishop Nicolae (Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese), Metropolitan Joseph (Bulgarian Orthodox Church), Metropolitan Jonah (Orthodox Church in America) Archbishop Antony (proxy, Ukrainian Orthodox Church) and Archpriest Alexander Abramov (Representation of the Moscow Patriarchate in the USA). Also present were the General Secretary and members of the SCOBA Study and Planning Commission representing the SCOBA member Churches.
The entire discussion was focused on the documents related to the “Organization of Episcopal Assemblies” in the regions of the world that are outside the borders of the Autocephalous Churches. These Episcopal Assemblies have been authorized by the Fourth Pre-Conciliar Pan-Orthodox Conference which met at the Orthodox Center of Ecumenical Patriarchate in Chambésy, Switzerland from 6 – 13, June 2009. It was decided unanimously by the Hierarchs that the first such Episcopal Assembly shall be convened during Post-Pentecost Week of 2010, which will fall in the last week of May. The likely days of the Assembly will be May 26-27, 2010. There was also discussion as to the location of the Assembly, with a specific venue to be decided after investigation of locales and resources.
The Hierarchs also outlined an initial staging process, combining Hierarchs of SCOBA with sub-committees, which will formulate the outline of the form and agenda of the Assembly.
www.goarch.org Press Release
STANDING CONFERENCE OF THE CANONICAL ORTHODOX BISHOPS IN THE AMERICAS
10 EAST 79th STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10075
- Details
Rome 21-22 September
Two days of meetings were held in the Headquarters of the Bishops' Synod in Rome to prepare the Synod for the Middle East previously announced (on 19 September) by the Holy Father, to be held in Rome between 10-24 October, 2010.
These meetings presented an opportunity to make a brief but comprehensive review of the socio-politico-religious situation in the Middle East, in order to prepare the main topics (Lineamenta) to be dealt with in the coming Synod.
An Audience with the Holy Father was on the agenda for the morning of Monday 21 September.
Participating in the first meeting of the Presynodal Council were:
1. H. B. Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir, Patriarch of Antioch of the Maronites
2. H. B. Emmanuel III Delly, Patriarch of Babylon of the Chaldeans
3. H. E. Cardinal Ivan Dias, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples
4. H. E. Cardinal Walter Kasper, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity
5. H. E. Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue
6. H. E. Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, Prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches
7. H. B. Antonios Naguib, Patriarch of Alexandria of the Copts
8. H. B. Gregorios III Laham B.S., Patriarch of Antioch of the Melkite Greeks
9. H. B. Nerses Bedros XIX Tarmouni, Patriarch of Cilicia of the Armenians
10. H. B. Fouad Twal, Patriarch of Jerusalem of the Latins
11. H. Ex. Mgr. Jules Mikhael Al-Jamil, Archbishop of Takrit of the Syrians, Procurator and Apostolic Visitor for Western Europe
12. H. Ex. Mgr. Ramzi Garmou, Archbishop of Teheran of the Chaldeans, President of the Episcopal Conference of Iran
13. H. Ex. Mgr. Luigi Padovese O.F.M. cap., Apostolic Vicar of Anatolia, Titular Bishop of Monteverde, President of the Episcopal Conference of Turkey
Observer: Rev. Mgr. Alberto Ortega Martín, Counsellor of Nunciature of Second Class, Second Section, Secretary of State
Expert: Rev. Dr. Samir Khalil Samir, S.J., Professor
Members of the Pre-synodal Council for the Middle East for the whole year are the following:
1. H. B. Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir, Patriarch of Antioch of the Maronites
2. H. B. Emmanuel III Delly, Patriarch of Babylon of the Chaldeans
3. H. E. Cardinal Ivan Dias, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples
4. H. E. Cardinal Walter Kasper, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity
5. H. E. Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue
6. H. E. Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, Prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches
7. H. B. Antonios Naguib, Patriarch of Alexandria of the Copts
8. H. B. Ignatius Youssif III Younan, Patriarch of Antioch of the Syrians
9. H. B. Gregorios III Laham B.S., Patriarch of Antioch of the Melkite Greeks
10. H. B. Nerses Bedros XIX Tarmouni, Patriarch of Cilicia of the Armenians
11. H. B. Fouad Twal, Patriarch of Jerusalem of the Latins
12. H. Ex. Mgr. Ramzi Garmou, Archbishop of Teheran of the Chaldeans, President of the Episcopal Conference of Iran
13. H. Ex. Mgr. Luigi Padovese O.F.M. cap., Apostolic Vicar of Anatolia, Titular Bishop of Monteverde, President of the Episcopal Conference of Turkey
N. B.: H. B. Ignatius Youssif III Younan has designated H.Ex. Mgr. Jules Mikhael Al-Jamil, Archbishop of Takrit, Procurator and Apostolic Visitor for Western Europe to be his substitute.
Patriarchal Secretariat
Of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church