Orthodox
Scrutiny of Ukraine church draws praise, fear of overreach
By Associated Press — December 12, 2022
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday announced measures primarily targeting the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which is one of two major Orthodox churches in Ukraine following a 2019 schism.
Greek Orthodox church at World Trade Center reopens at last
By Karen Matthews — December 7, 2022
NEW YORK (AP) — The new St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine hosted its first liturgy service on Tuesday to mark the Feast of St. Nicholas and is preparing to welcome visitors who want to remember the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Ukraine bans religious organizations with links to Russia
By Associated Press — December 5, 2022
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine on Friday banned the activities of religious organizations “affiliated with centers of influence” in Russia and said it would examine the links between the Ukrainian and Russian Orthodox churches.
Why Americans are leaving their churches
By Jana Riess — December 1, 2022
(RNS) — For sociologist Stephen Bullivant, the question is why it took so long for the religious exodus to happen.
With searches, Ukraine focuses suspicions on Orthodox clergy
By Hanna Arhirova and Peter Smith — November 24, 2022
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — An investigation of a centuries-old monastic complex in Ukraine’s capital has underscored Ukrainian authorities' suspicions about some Orthodox Christian clergymen they see as loyal to Russia.
Ukraine searches monastic complex, prompting anger in Moscow
By Hanna Arhirova — November 22, 2022
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — The Ukrainian counter-intelligence and counter-terrorism service said the search is part of its "systematic work to counter the subversive activities of the Russian special services in Ukraine."
Abortion rights scored the biggest midterm victory
By Yonat Shimron and Jack Jenkins — November 9, 2022
(RNS) — Not only did voters support abortion rights ballot measures, they probably also helped Democrats stave off a red wave.
World Council of Churches head meets with Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill
By Jack Jenkins — October 20, 2022
(RNS) — The Patriarch reportedly said churches 'must not add fuel to the fire' of political conflict but has been widely accused of doing just that.
Montenegro holds pride march despite opposition from church
By Predrag Milic — October 10, 2022
PODGORICA, Montenegro (AP) — Montenegro is a highly conservative, male-dominated society and initial pride marches here were marred with violence.
Orthodox church in the Hamptons calls people with autism ‘part of our community’
By Adelle M. Banks — September 26, 2022
SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. (RNS) — US Autism Homes provides an extended circle of friends through a private-public partnership involving the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church of the Hamptons.
Why Pope Francis chose to highlight religious freedom during his visit to Kazakhstan
By J. Eugene Clay — September 23, 2022
(The Conversation) — Christianity is the second-largest religion in Kazakhstan, with 26% of the population practicing the faith. But many Christians, especially in the smaller denominations, have experienced persecution.
At World Council of Churches gathering, Russian church keeps its membership
By Jack Jenkins — September 9, 2022
(RNS) — The 11th assembly of the World Council of Churches approved a statement on Thursday (Sept. 8) regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Serbia Orthodox church head publicly supports EuroPride ban
By Jovana Gec — September 7, 2022
BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — Serbia's Orthodox Church head said he is supporting a ban on the pan-European LGBTQ event EuroPride, which is due to take place in Belgrade next week.
Greek officials, Church, condemn ex-bishop’s remarks on rape
By Associated Press — September 6, 2022
ATHENS, Greece (AP) — The Greek Orthodox Church and several politicians condemned retired bishop Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Dodoni for his "inconceivable" comments on rape and abuse victims.
Patriarch Kirill cancels Kazakhstan trip and chance to meet with Pope Francis
By Jack Jenkins — August 24, 2022
(RNS) — For the second time this year, an in-person meeting between the two global religious leaders has fallen apart.
