Orthodox
Ukrainian Orthodox churches purge vestiges of Russian influence
By Meagan Saliashvili — August 18, 2023
LVIV, Ukraine (RNS) — For centuries, Orthodox Ukrainians saw the traditional Julian calendar as one of the anchors of their church’s identity. Now many are switching to the Gregorian calendar.
Russian patriarch reminds Africans of advantages in following Kremlin’s lead
By Tom Heneghan — August 2, 2023
(RNS) — Kirill's appearance underlined the importance of the soft-power influence that the Russian Orthodox Church exerts for Moscow in Africa.
Ukraine moves official Christmas Day holiday to Dec. 25, denouncing Russian-imposed traditions
By Felipe Dana and Dasha Litvinova — July 31, 2023
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — The explanatory note attached to the law said its goal is to “abandon the Russian heritage,” including that of “imposing the celebration of Christmas” on Jan. 7
77 faith groups get total of $92 million for innovative faith programs for children
By Adelle M. Banks — July 18, 2023
(RNS) — ‘Whether it's fragmentation, technological advances or spirituality, we need to refresh the traditional approaches to our faith,’ said one grant recipient.
Russian lawmakers move to further restrict transgender rights in new legislation
By Dasha Litvinova — July 14, 2023
TALLINN, Estonia (AP) — There is little doubt that the bill, a crippling blow to Russia's oppressed LGBTQ+ community, will be adopted amid the Kremlin's crusade to protect what it views as the country's “traditional values.”
28 years after genocide, Bosniak Muslims mourn their dead but celebrate a return of Islamic life to Srebrenica
By David I. Klein — July 13, 2023
SREBRENICA, Bosnia-Herzegovina (RNS) — Though the area was depopulated of Muslims by the genocide, many survivors and their children have come back.
Why do we remember Srebrenica?
By Omar Suleiman — July 11, 2023
(RNS) — We must recall the daily, routine dehumanization that leads to genocide.
Battle over ownership of Ukrainian monastery heats up again
By Meagan Saliashvili — July 6, 2023
(RNS) — Dozens of Orthodox Christians who support their church’s historic ties to Moscow prevented Ukrainian authorities from taking possession of buildings at the Monastery of the Caves in Kyiv, surrounding the entrance and blocking officials from entering.
After calendar change, many in Ukraine are looking forward to a new Christmas
By David I. Klein — June 16, 2023
(RNS) — The Orthodox Church of Ukraine has further cemented its split from the Russian counterpart it used to be a part of by adopting a new liturgical calendar.
Using high-tech laser gear, UN-backed team scans Ukraine historical sites to preserve them amid war
By Jon Gambrell — June 13, 2023
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — They include religious sites, museums, monuments and libraries.
Bishop Vashti McKenzie on leading National Council of Churches as it nears 75 years
By Adelle M. Banks — May 31, 2023
(RNS) — ‘I think that the difference, at this point, is that I am adding activism to advocacy,’ she said as she became NCC president after serving as interim leader.
Catholic, Coptic Orthodox popes offer joint Vatican blessing
By Nicole Winfield — May 10, 2023
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Tawadros, the Coptic Orthodox patriarch of Alexandria, Egypt, joined Francis on the stage for the entirety of Francis’ weekly general audience.
Vatican No 2 confirms Russia-Ukraine peace mission plans
By Nicole Winfield — May 5, 2023
VATICAN CITY (AP) — The Holy See's No. 2 official confirmed Wednesday (May 5) the existence of a Vatican peace “mission” to try to end Russia's war in Ukraine, days after Pope Francis raised eyebrows with an offhand revelation of a secret operation that was already underway.
Pope speaks of secret peace ‘mission,’ help for Ukraine kids
By Nicole Winfield — May 2, 2023
ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE (AP) — 'There’s a mission that’s not public that’s underway; when it’s public I’ll talk about it', the pope said.
Holy Land Christians say attacks rising in far-right Israel
By Isabel Debre — April 14, 2023
JERUSALEM (RNS) — The uptick in anti-Christian incidents comes as the Israeli settler movement, galvanized by its allies in government, appears to have seized the moment to expand its enterprise in the contested capital.
