Syrian Orthodox village under threat of destruction
26. August 2014 - 13:29
The “Jabhat al-Nusra” extremist terrorist group has already for a month been besieging the Syrian village of Muhradah also known as Mhardeh, 25 kilometres from the city of Hamah—the majority of its population being Orthodox Christian, report the news agencies.
The Christian village in central Syria, surrounded by takfirist militants on three sides, has been living under threat of physical destruction for a month now. The village was deprived of electricity by the extremists as early as July 24 when an “al-Nusra” shell hit the local thermal power-station. 43 people, including women and children, fell victim to the subsequent shellings. Should there be another siege, the village is threatened with a local humanitarian catastrophe, experts are convinced.
One fourth of Latvian residents consider themselves Orthodox
26. August 2014 - 13:22
According to the results of a poll conducted by the Research Center for Study of Public Opinion (SKDS), every fourth Latvian resident considers him or herself Orthodox (25.6%), reports Blagovest.info. In addition, the survey shows that another 22.6% consider themselves Catholics, 18.4% - Lutherans, 3.3% - Old Believers, 0.9% - Baptists, 0.3% - Seventh-Day Adventists, 0.1% - Jews.
Postage stamp for 100th Anniversary of Patriarch Pavle to be issued in Serbia
20. August 2014 - 13:47
A postage stamp in honor of the 100th anniversary since Serbian Patriarch Pavle’s birth will be issued in Serbia, reports the Serbian Patriarchate’s official website.
The decision to issue the anniversary stamp was made by the Serbian Government on July 25 this year. The stamp in honour of Patriarch Pavle will be issued and put into circulation on September 11, 2014 (his birthday) together with a matching envelope.
The launch of this stamp will take place in October this year at the Post, Telephone and Telegraph Museum in Belgrade.
When the Serbian flag flew over the White House
30. July 2014 - 9:56
On July 28, 1918, President Woodrow Wilson gave the following message to the American people. It was read in churches throughout the country and published in virtually all major newspapers. The Serbian flag was raised over the White House and all public buildings in the nation's capital. The message read:
To the People of the United States:
On Sunday, 28th of this present month, will occur the fourth anniversary of the day when the gallant people of Serbia, rather than submit to the studied and ignoble exactions of a prearranged foe, were called upon by the war declaration of Austria-Hungary to defend their territory and their homes against an enemy bent on their destruction. Nobly did they respond. So valiantly and courageously did they oppose the forces of a country ten times greater in population and resources that it was only after they had thrice driven the Austrians back and Germany and Bulgaria had come to the aid of Austria that they were compelled to retreat into Albania. While their territory has been devastated and their homes despoiled, the spirit of the Serbian people has not been broken. Though overwhelmed by superior forces, their love of freedom remains unabated. Brutal force has left unaffected their firm determination to sacrifice everything for liberty and independence.
The Orthodox Church’s Holy Synod of Antioch Condemns World’s Silence About Terrorism Against Syria
9. July 2014 - 7:12
The participants in the Holy Synod of Antioch in Lebanon denounced the silence of the world over the terrorist crimes committed against the Syrian people.
The remarks came in a statement marking the 3rd session of the Synod, which was chaired by Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East John X Yazigi.
