Orthodox
Exhibition in Jerusalem challenges perceptions of modestly dressed women
JERUSALEM (RNS) — Featuring women from different cultures, the multimedia investigation of modest dress shows that the common denominator is a thirst for spiritual meaning.
Russian Orthodox Church considers a ban on blessing weapons of mass destruction
MOSCOW (RNS) — The ban would constitute a signal change in the church’s official policy regarding Russia’s nuclear arsenal.
Greek Orthodox church in US gets 1st new leader in 20 years
NEW YORK (AP) — Elpidophoros was unanimously elected by senior Greek Orthodox officials last month to succeed Archbishop Demetrios, who recently retired at age 91 after serving in the post since 1999.
Russian Orthodox Church drops plan to build a new St. Catherine’s Cathedral
MOSCOW (RNS) — Protesters caused Russian church officials to cancel plans for a new cathedral in Yekaterinburg, the country’s fourth-largest city. Protesters were angered that the cathedral was going to be built on a rare piece of green space.
Close vote in Israel extends tiny ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties’ outsized sway
JERUSALEM (RNS) — Besides its effect on the everyday lives of Jewish Israelis, the influence of haredi parties promises to exacerbate tensions between the Israeli government and non-Orthodox Diaspora Jews.
For Orthodox Jewish men, the hat known as a Borsalino is tops
(RNS) — A fedora worn by Rihanna and Indiana Jones has also been the hat of choice for Jews from Eastern Europe to the United States for more than a century.
Putin assails Ukraine Orthodox church reform
(AP) — Putin said the push for the new church was rooted in “the struggle for power” and provoked “animosity and intolerance.”
Greeks bridle at historic deal to split Orthodox church from state
ATHENS, Greece (RNS) — Next month, the country’s parliament is expected to vote on an agreement to make the Greek state neutral toward religion, ending the primacy of Greek Orthodoxy in the country’s constitution.
Greek Orthodox Church faces Israeli homeowners’ ire after land sales
JERUSALEM (RNS) — The secretive sale by the church, the country’s second largest landowner, to a group of investors has outraged residents and church members alike.
Is it OK to blame ultra-orthodox Jews?
When did it become OK to generalize about the Jews?
Official recognition for Ukrainian church roils Orthodox world
ATHENS, Greece (RNS) — Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople Bartholomew’s decision to recognize an independent Ukrainian Orthodox Church has led to fears of a schism among Orthodox Christians.
Ukraine’s leader orders Orthodox Church to change its name
(AP) — Ukraine’s president on Saturday signed a bill that orders the Ukrainian Orthodox Church to change its name to reflect its ties to Moscow.
Measles outbreaks hit ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities in Israel and US
JERUSALEM (RNS) — In Israel, several prominent rabbis have signed a document that reads, “Whoever isn’t vaccinated is a murderer.”
Eastern Orthodoxy risks split over independence for Ukraine’s church
(RNS) — The political significance of the decision was immediately clear. ‘The (Russian) empire is losing one of the last levers of influence on its former colony,’ Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said.
Russian Orthodox Church issues warning to Orthodoxy’s leader
MOSCOW (AP) — The Russian Orthodox Church warned Friday that it would sever ties with the leader of the worldwide Orthodox community if he grants autonomy to Ukraine’s Orthodox Church.