One of the best articles I have seen explaining the true meaning of the sacred art known as icons, and their essential role in sacred contemplation and wholeness. A barren church misses something very important in the faith, and icons are part of the restorative process.
http://www.catholicanchor.org/
Showing posts with label Orthodox Churches. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Orthodox Churches. Show all posts
Friday, February 20, 2009
Friday, December 5, 2008
Condolences to the Russian Orthodox faithful
Patriarch Alexiy II has passed away.
http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE4B41PV20081205
snip
President Dmitry Medvedev, who was on an official visit to India, hailed the patriarch as "an outstanding religious figure" and canceled a planned trip to Italy to return to Moscow.
"He was a true shepherd, who throughout his life was an example of spiritual fortitude and noble human deeds," Medvedev told state television. "He was always with his flock both in the days of reprisals and in the period of religious revival."
Prime Minister and former President Vladimir Putin, an ex- communist spy who now openly professes his Orthodox faith, said Alexiy was a "great statesman" who had "done a great deal for the establishment of a new Russian statehood."
The Church never commented on Alexiy's health and gave the cause of death as heart failure. But diplomats in Moscow had said the Patriarch had been suffering from cancer for some time.
In a sign of his importance, Russian state television immediately ran a film showing highlights from Alexiy's life, accompanied by the sound of tolling church bells.
Church officials said Metropolitan Juvenali of Krutitsy and Kolomna -- a senior bishop -- may lead the Russian Orthodox until the election of a new patriarch.
Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia since 1990, the Estonian-born Alexiy was a powerful and influential figure with close links to the Kremlin but a controversial past and strongly held conservative views on social issues.
He oversaw a major religious revival in Russia after the collapse of the Soviet Union, with hundreds of new churches built across the country, monasteries reopened and seminaries filling with new priests.
***
He was clearly a man of great faith, and I'm sure will be received graciously by God.
Whenever a great religious leader dies, it is a reminder that life is, ultimately, short, and that leading or belonging to a particular faith is not assurance of what is to come, or the length of one's years.
It is also a reminder that unfinished business is unfortunate. One of the greatest wounds I witnessed was the Patriarch's coldness to the very kind Pope John Paul II. I had hoped that the Patriarch would make better intentioned progress with Pope Benedict XVI, but live and learn, as I said, take care of one's business before you are called to meet your Maker.
Rest in peace and sincere condolences to his flock.
http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE4B41PV20081205
snip
President Dmitry Medvedev, who was on an official visit to India, hailed the patriarch as "an outstanding religious figure" and canceled a planned trip to Italy to return to Moscow.
"He was a true shepherd, who throughout his life was an example of spiritual fortitude and noble human deeds," Medvedev told state television. "He was always with his flock both in the days of reprisals and in the period of religious revival."
Prime Minister and former President Vladimir Putin, an ex- communist spy who now openly professes his Orthodox faith, said Alexiy was a "great statesman" who had "done a great deal for the establishment of a new Russian statehood."
The Church never commented on Alexiy's health and gave the cause of death as heart failure. But diplomats in Moscow had said the Patriarch had been suffering from cancer for some time.
In a sign of his importance, Russian state television immediately ran a film showing highlights from Alexiy's life, accompanied by the sound of tolling church bells.
Church officials said Metropolitan Juvenali of Krutitsy and Kolomna -- a senior bishop -- may lead the Russian Orthodox until the election of a new patriarch.
Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia since 1990, the Estonian-born Alexiy was a powerful and influential figure with close links to the Kremlin but a controversial past and strongly held conservative views on social issues.
He oversaw a major religious revival in Russia after the collapse of the Soviet Union, with hundreds of new churches built across the country, monasteries reopened and seminaries filling with new priests.
***
He was clearly a man of great faith, and I'm sure will be received graciously by God.
Whenever a great religious leader dies, it is a reminder that life is, ultimately, short, and that leading or belonging to a particular faith is not assurance of what is to come, or the length of one's years.
It is also a reminder that unfinished business is unfortunate. One of the greatest wounds I witnessed was the Patriarch's coldness to the very kind Pope John Paul II. I had hoped that the Patriarch would make better intentioned progress with Pope Benedict XVI, but live and learn, as I said, take care of one's business before you are called to meet your Maker.
Rest in peace and sincere condolences to his flock.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
New Kazan church promotes tolerance and unity
It is so soothing and inspirational to see that there is good news amid all the trials and conflicts. I thank and commend the Kazan people and government for their tolerance and support for a brotherly and sisterly faith that also believes in the One God. And I am always encouraged when I see union with the Orthodox brethren and earnestly hope for much more.
http://www.zenit.org/article-23497?l=english
Pope Sends Blessing to New Church in Russia
Kazan's Catholics to Have Place for Worship
KAZAN, Russia, AUG. 28, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Cardinal Angelo Sodano is bearing the blessing of Benedict XVI to a new church constructed in Kazan, where authorities of the Muslim-majority city have made the worship site possible.
Kazan, the capital city of the Republic of Tatarstan, will be home for the Church of the Exaltation of the Cross.
snip
Cardinal Sodano stressed the importance of this new church, both for the city's small Catholic community as well as for interreligious dialogue. The 300 or so Catholics in Kazan had been celebrating Mass in a cemetery chapel.
snip
Kazan is also an important site for the Orthodox, as it was the site of a 1579 apparition of the Virgin. The apparition is connected to the icon of the "Mother of God" of Kazan, which disappeared during the Russian Revolution. Venerated in its place in the Orthodox cathedral is a 17th-century reproduction of the icon, which belonged to the Holy See, and which Pope John Paul II gave to the Russian Orthodox Church in 2004. In a solemn ceremony in 2005, Patriarch Alexy II brought the icon to the city.
snip
On Wednesday, the cardinal visited the Orthodox Shrine of Our Lady of Kazan. Afterward he visited the Orthodox monastery of the Archangel Raphael. "We embraced in the name of Mary," he said. "The best ecumenism is in Mary's name, the spiritual ecumenism that unites us all."
http://www.zenit.org/article-23497?l=english
Pope Sends Blessing to New Church in Russia
Kazan's Catholics to Have Place for Worship
KAZAN, Russia, AUG. 28, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Cardinal Angelo Sodano is bearing the blessing of Benedict XVI to a new church constructed in Kazan, where authorities of the Muslim-majority city have made the worship site possible.
Kazan, the capital city of the Republic of Tatarstan, will be home for the Church of the Exaltation of the Cross.
snip
Cardinal Sodano stressed the importance of this new church, both for the city's small Catholic community as well as for interreligious dialogue. The 300 or so Catholics in Kazan had been celebrating Mass in a cemetery chapel.
snip
Kazan is also an important site for the Orthodox, as it was the site of a 1579 apparition of the Virgin. The apparition is connected to the icon of the "Mother of God" of Kazan, which disappeared during the Russian Revolution. Venerated in its place in the Orthodox cathedral is a 17th-century reproduction of the icon, which belonged to the Holy See, and which Pope John Paul II gave to the Russian Orthodox Church in 2004. In a solemn ceremony in 2005, Patriarch Alexy II brought the icon to the city.
snip
On Wednesday, the cardinal visited the Orthodox Shrine of Our Lady of Kazan. Afterward he visited the Orthodox monastery of the Archangel Raphael. "We embraced in the name of Mary," he said. "The best ecumenism is in Mary's name, the spiritual ecumenism that unites us all."
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Felicitations to Orthodox brethren
It is their Easter time, with today as spy Wednesday.
The Jerusalem Post has a generous article about Orthodox pilgrims who have sacrificed so much to be in the Holy Land on Easter pilgrimage.
Greetings and blessings at this Easter time. Two years since my dear and pious Orthodox stepfather died.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1208870468928&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
The Jerusalem Post has a generous article about Orthodox pilgrims who have sacrificed so much to be in the Holy Land on Easter pilgrimage.
Greetings and blessings at this Easter time. Two years since my dear and pious Orthodox stepfather died.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1208870468928&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Listening in on the Patriarch and the Pope
A gentle and beautiful informal meeting.
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0801277.htm
snip
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI and Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople spent almost half an hour speaking privately March 6 before going into a small Vatican chapel to pray together.Although it was the patriarch's first visit to the Vatican since Pope Benedict's election and the funeral of Pope John Paul II in April 2005, the visit was not a formal, orchestrated affair.The pope and the patriarch did not exchange speeches, but instead sat across a table from each other talking.And instead of participating in a liturgy, they walked into the tiny Chapel of Urban VIII near the papal library, stood in front of a painting of the Nativity and prayed silently.
snip
The patriarch was in Rome to help mark the 90th anniversary of the Jesuit-run Pontifical Oriental Institute, where he earned his doctoral degree.The patriarch delivered a lecture on "theology, liturgy and silence," focusing on how the spiritual experience of Eastern Christianity can promote Christian unity and respond to the needs of modern men and women.Patriarch Bartholomew praised the Oriental Institute's commitment to promoting the study of the Orthodox and Eastern Catholic churches and its contributions to Christian unity, particularly by highlighting the Eastern tradition in the heart of the Catholic Church."The church fathers were primarily pastors, not philosophers," he said. "They were concerned first with reforming the human heart and transforming society, not with refining concepts or resolving controversies."The patriarch said that at the center of their pastoral work was a recognition that humanity is "called to know and to become God," the call to holiness which the Orthodox term "deification."When Christians keep in mind the possibility that every human being and all of creation can be transformed in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit, then they will meet every person and every situation with an attitude of awe and anticipation rather than judgment or fear, he said.Patriarch Bartholomew said the Orthodox tradition calls for silence and humility "before the awesome mystery of God, before the sacred personhood of human beings and before the beauty of creation."
snip
"Orthodoxy," he said, "was the common responsibility and obligation of all."
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0801277.htm
snip
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI and Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople spent almost half an hour speaking privately March 6 before going into a small Vatican chapel to pray together.Although it was the patriarch's first visit to the Vatican since Pope Benedict's election and the funeral of Pope John Paul II in April 2005, the visit was not a formal, orchestrated affair.The pope and the patriarch did not exchange speeches, but instead sat across a table from each other talking.And instead of participating in a liturgy, they walked into the tiny Chapel of Urban VIII near the papal library, stood in front of a painting of the Nativity and prayed silently.
snip
The patriarch was in Rome to help mark the 90th anniversary of the Jesuit-run Pontifical Oriental Institute, where he earned his doctoral degree.The patriarch delivered a lecture on "theology, liturgy and silence," focusing on how the spiritual experience of Eastern Christianity can promote Christian unity and respond to the needs of modern men and women.Patriarch Bartholomew praised the Oriental Institute's commitment to promoting the study of the Orthodox and Eastern Catholic churches and its contributions to Christian unity, particularly by highlighting the Eastern tradition in the heart of the Catholic Church."The church fathers were primarily pastors, not philosophers," he said. "They were concerned first with reforming the human heart and transforming society, not with refining concepts or resolving controversies."The patriarch said that at the center of their pastoral work was a recognition that humanity is "called to know and to become God," the call to holiness which the Orthodox term "deification."When Christians keep in mind the possibility that every human being and all of creation can be transformed in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit, then they will meet every person and every situation with an attitude of awe and anticipation rather than judgment or fear, he said.Patriarch Bartholomew said the Orthodox tradition calls for silence and humility "before the awesome mystery of God, before the sacred personhood of human beings and before the beauty of creation."
snip
"Orthodoxy," he said, "was the common responsibility and obligation of all."
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Iranian condolences have a wonderful phrase
http://www2.irna.ir/en/news/view/line-20/0801310795011609.htm
Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki in a message to his Greek counterpart Ms. Dora Bakoyannis expressed his condolences over demise of Greek Archbishop Christodoulos.
According to Foreign Ministry Media Department report on Wednesday, Mottaki in his message expressed sorrow for demise of Greek archbishop and said:
"The loss of holy men, who create love in people's heart, is deep grief."
He expressed hope that interaction between Iranian and Greek religious and cultural bodies prepare an appropriate ground for better mutual understanding and creation of religious proximity between the two countries.
Archbishop Christodoulos died Monday at his house at the age of 69.
1391**1771
---> Iran-Condolence-Greece
***
I found this reminder of the role of holy men to be very touching and appreciated very much the tender wording directed from Muslim to Christian.
Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki in a message to his Greek counterpart Ms. Dora Bakoyannis expressed his condolences over demise of Greek Archbishop Christodoulos.
According to Foreign Ministry Media Department report on Wednesday, Mottaki in his message expressed sorrow for demise of Greek archbishop and said:
"The loss of holy men, who create love in people's heart, is deep grief."
He expressed hope that interaction between Iranian and Greek religious and cultural bodies prepare an appropriate ground for better mutual understanding and creation of religious proximity between the two countries.
Archbishop Christodoulos died Monday at his house at the age of 69.
1391**1771
---> Iran-Condolence-Greece
***
I found this reminder of the role of holy men to be very touching and appreciated very much the tender wording directed from Muslim to Christian.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Christian theological meeting in Syria
http://www.sana.sy/eng/21/2008/01/30/158778.htm
A Three-Day Theological Meeting Kicks off in Ma'arrat Sidnaya, Near Damascus
Wednesday, January 30, 2008 - 08:00 PM
Damascus, (SANA)- The 5th meeting of the theological dialogue atarted on Wednesday at Mar Aphram the Syria Monastery in Ma'arrat Sidnaya, near Damascus with the participation of the Vatican representatives (the Catholic Family) and Oriental Orthodox Churches (Family).
The meeting would discuss theological issues between the two churches, the Christian unity and defending the beliefs through amity and mutual understanding.
His Beatitude Patriarch Mar Ignatius Zakka I Iwas of Antioch and All Orient and Supreme Head of the Syriac Orthodox Church in the World delivered a speech stressing that the Eastern Churches were keen on continuing discussions with the Catholic Church to make rapprochement between them and reach mutual understanding.
His Beatitude voiced happiness that this meeting was being held in Damascus, capital of the Arab culture and cradle of civilizations and heavenly religions and from which the message of Jesus Christ had spread to the whole world.
He pointed out that Syria was the symbol of national unity and coexistence and an example to be followed in the world.
The opening ceremony was attended by 30 Christian figures from the Vatican, the US, Armenia, Egypt, Lebanon, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Indian, some European countries and Syria.
Representative of the Vatican and Head of the Catholic delegation Cardinal Walter Casper highlighted the meeting which grouped together the two churches in an atmosphere of amity and cooperation.
He expressed happiness that the meeting was held in Syria, the country of safety and stability in this tense region.
Ahmad Fathi ZAHRA
-and-
http://www.sana.sy/eng/21/2008/01/29/158606.htm
Syria offers condolences over the death of Archbishop Christodoulos
Tuesday, January 29, 2008 - 06:40 PM
DAMASCUS, (SANA)-President Bashar al-Assad on Tuesday sent a cable of condolences to his Greek counterpart Karolos Papoulias over the death of Greece's Orthodox Church leader, Archbishop Christodoulos who died yesterday.
In the cable, President al-Assad, on behalf of Syrian people and himself, expressed grief and sorrow to President Papoulias and the Greek people over the passing away of Archbishop Christodoulos.
The President recalled the honorable stances of Archbishop Christodoulos and his meetings with the late President Hafez al-Assad, and his commitment to boost and enhance ties between the Syrian and Greek peoples.
Mazen
***
Syria continues to have a dignified and generous spirit in Muslim-Christian relationships and are to be applauded for setting such a notable example of people secure in their faith in God. May God bless all people of good will and spirit.
A Three-Day Theological Meeting Kicks off in Ma'arrat Sidnaya, Near Damascus
Wednesday, January 30, 2008 - 08:00 PM
Damascus, (SANA)- The 5th meeting of the theological dialogue atarted on Wednesday at Mar Aphram the Syria Monastery in Ma'arrat Sidnaya, near Damascus with the participation of the Vatican representatives (the Catholic Family) and Oriental Orthodox Churches (Family).
The meeting would discuss theological issues between the two churches, the Christian unity and defending the beliefs through amity and mutual understanding.
His Beatitude Patriarch Mar Ignatius Zakka I Iwas of Antioch and All Orient and Supreme Head of the Syriac Orthodox Church in the World delivered a speech stressing that the Eastern Churches were keen on continuing discussions with the Catholic Church to make rapprochement between them and reach mutual understanding.
His Beatitude voiced happiness that this meeting was being held in Damascus, capital of the Arab culture and cradle of civilizations and heavenly religions and from which the message of Jesus Christ had spread to the whole world.
He pointed out that Syria was the symbol of national unity and coexistence and an example to be followed in the world.
The opening ceremony was attended by 30 Christian figures from the Vatican, the US, Armenia, Egypt, Lebanon, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Indian, some European countries and Syria.
Representative of the Vatican and Head of the Catholic delegation Cardinal Walter Casper highlighted the meeting which grouped together the two churches in an atmosphere of amity and cooperation.
He expressed happiness that the meeting was held in Syria, the country of safety and stability in this tense region.
Ahmad Fathi ZAHRA
-and-
http://www.sana.sy/eng/21/2008/01/29/158606.htm
Syria offers condolences over the death of Archbishop Christodoulos
Tuesday, January 29, 2008 - 06:40 PM
DAMASCUS, (SANA)-President Bashar al-Assad on Tuesday sent a cable of condolences to his Greek counterpart Karolos Papoulias over the death of Greece's Orthodox Church leader, Archbishop Christodoulos who died yesterday.
In the cable, President al-Assad, on behalf of Syrian people and himself, expressed grief and sorrow to President Papoulias and the Greek people over the passing away of Archbishop Christodoulos.
The President recalled the honorable stances of Archbishop Christodoulos and his meetings with the late President Hafez al-Assad, and his commitment to boost and enhance ties between the Syrian and Greek peoples.
Mazen
***
Syria continues to have a dignified and generous spirit in Muslim-Christian relationships and are to be applauded for setting such a notable example of people secure in their faith in God. May God bless all people of good will and spirit.
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