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18/05/2026

Historic Pan-Orthodox Liturgy: Newly Enthroned Patriarch Shio III Leads Georgia's Family Purity Day Amid Strong State Support

OCP News Service - 18/05/2026

In his first major public liturgical celebration since succeeding the late Patriarch Ilia II, the newly elected and enthroned Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III of All Georgia presided on May 17.2026, over a festive pan-Orthodox Divine Liturgy at the Holy Trinity Patriarchal Cathedral (Sameba) in Tbilisi to mark the annual Day of Family Purity and Respect for Parents.

The national holiday, established in 2014 by late Patriarch Ilia II of blessed memory, saw tens of thousands of faithful participate in massive traditional processions across Tbilisi and at least nine other Georgian cities.

A Powerful Display of Church-State "Symphonia"

The solemn service was marked by a profound demonstration of unity between the altar and the state. In attendance at the cathedral were Georgia's top leaders, including President Mikheil Kavelashvili, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, and Speaker of Parliament Shalva Papuashvili, alongside Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze and members of the diplomatic corps.

The state leaders publicly affirmed the Church’s crucial role in unifying society and protecting moral boundaries. They emphasized that celebrating Family Purity Day is a living symbol of the Georgian people’s Orthodox identity, which must be actively safeguarded to ensure the country’s peace, sovereignty, and prosperity.

Pan-Orthodox Representation and Delicate Liturgical Diplomacy

The liturgy served as a major gathering for the global Orthodox family, attracting official delegations from the Patriarchates of Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, Jerusalem, Russia, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, and the Churches of Greece, Albania, Poland, Ukraine, and the Czech Lands and Slovakia. Concelebrating with Patriarch Shio III was His Beatitude Metropolitan Rastislav of the Czech Lands and Slovakia.

Patriarch Shio’s Homily: Legacy, Demographics, and Legislative Defiance

In his homily, Patriarch Shio III paid tribute to the late Patriarch Ilia II, promising that his monumental legacy—including the famous tradition of mass baptisms to boost the nation’s demographics—would continue. Drawing on the patristic teachings of St. John Chrysostom, Shio III referred to the family as a "small church" that serves as the bedrock of a strong and united state.

Addressing the crowds gathered in the cathedral courtyard, the Patriarch spoke candidly about contemporary challenges:

Legislative Call to Action: Patriarch Shio III urged the government to resist external calls to weaken family-focused legislation. He declared: "We should not abandon this legislation... but, on the contrary, we should strengthen and consolidate this direction [against gender theories and ideologies]. This is the basis for the survival and well-being of our country."

Demographic Warning: He warned of severe long-term demographic risks, asserting that unless Georgians prioritize family growth, other populations would outnumber them. He also strongly condemned the sin of abortion, stating that no family's happiness can be built upon the shedding of innocent blood.

Gratitude to the Diaspora: The Patriarch extended heartfelt thanks to the foreign Orthodox delegations for their pastoral care of Georgian immigrants living far from their homeland.

The celebrations concluded with a grand doxology in the cathedral courtyard as thousands of processing families cheered the newly enthroned Primate.

Source: OCP News Service

13/05/2026

Unknown Assailants and State Forces Target Orthodox Clergy and Faithful in Ethiopia

ESG- OCP NEWS SERVICE - 13/05/2026

Addis Ababa - Ethiopia: A devastating wave of violence swept through the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC) over the past two months, leaving a trail of death and destruction across the Amhara and Oromia Regional States. Between March 7 and May 11, 2026, clergy, monks, nuns, the faithful, churches, and monasteries have been targeted in a series of attacks involving government forces and armed groups.

The violence commenced on March 7, 2026, when the ancient Monastery of Atronse Maryam in the Mehal Sayint District of South Wollo was struck by a government mortar attack launched from Gwameda. The strike occurred immediately following the Divine Liturgy, resulting in the deaths of five servants: former rector Abba Moges Fesseha, a nun, and three deacons, including Deacon Kineferigb Andarge. The attack also left 11 individuals with severe injuries and 15 others with minor wounds. Shortly thereafter, on March 10, the Monastery of Waldiba Sequar Kidane Mihret in the Amhara Regional State was targeted by gunmen claiming ties to resistance movements, leading to the deaths of several monks who were subsequently laid to rest at the monastery.

The targeting of high-ranking clergy continued on March 12, 2026, when Abba Aynalem Amare, the Rector of Weldia Debre Selam Holy Savior Cathedral in North Wollo, was assassinated by an unknown gunman inside his cell within the cathedral. He was buried the following day in a ceremony attended by the Archbishop of the Diocese, His Eminence Abune Ermias, who issued a call for the faithful to protect their spiritual leaders.

By late March, the persecution shifted toward the laity in the East Arsi Zone of the Oromia Regional State. On March 26, 67-year-old Fikre Gebre Medhin was killed in the Endeto locality of Robe District, followed by the killing of 80-year-old Orthodox elder Begashaw Gebre Hiywot on March 30 in the Merti District.

In April, the conflict between government forces and the Fano resistance further endangered religious landmarks. On April 14, 2026, the Qemele Debre Amin Abune Tekle Haymanot Church in Qobo Town came under heavy fire from government forces. The North Wollo Diocese noted that this occurrence was part of a broader devastation, reporting that 182 churches in the region had been fully or partially destroyed since the civil war spread from Tigray in 2021. This was followed by a brutal incident on April 17 in the town of Sali, Lay Gayint District of South Gonder Zone of the Amhara Regional State. Government forces reportedly beat church guards before entering the compound of Debre Brihan God the Son Church. After the Divine Liturgy, soldiers dragged two deacons and a hymnist to the ground and executed them. The church structure was riddled with bullets, and the violence extended to the town, where three farmers and a veterinarian were also killed.

The violence persisted into late April and May across different zones in Oromia. On April 20, 2026, a church servant named Muleye Fesseha was killed at the Gena Mebreku God the Father Church in Robe Dida’a in Arsi alongside his brothers (who were Muslims). On April 26, in the Birbona Chole locality of East Arsi, two more faithful—elder Jemaneh Belayhun and farmer Dagem Alemayehu—were killed while searching for their livestock; they were buried the next day at the Church of Saint Raphael. The period of reported violence concluded on May 11, 2026, with an attack on the convent of the Asebot Holy Trinity Monastery in West Hararghe. A priest known by his baptismal name, Welde Tsadiq, was killed during the assault, marking yet another casualty for a monastery that has remained under constant threat.

Sources:
- EOTC TV
- Mahibere Kidusan Broadcasting Service
- North Wollo Diocese Media
- Tewahedo Media Center
- BBC Amharic News
- DW Amharic
- Seme’a Tewahedo

12/05/2026

Axios

His Holiness Shio III

Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Archbishop of Mtskheta-Tbilisi and Metropolitan Bishop of Bichvinta and Tskhum-Abkhazi

11/05/2026

Axios ☦️

10/05/2026

All eyes to Tibilisi...

05/05/2026

Spiritual Foundations and Theological Dialogue: Russian Orthodox Monastic Delegation Completes Historic Egypt Visit

OCP News Service and DECR - 04/05/2026

WADI AL-NATRUN, EGYPT – May 2, 2026 — A significant week of inter-church engagement has concluded in Egypt, marked by a dual-track mission of the Russian Orthodox Church: an extensive monastic pilgrimage to the cradles of Christian asceticism and the fifth round of official bilateral theological consultations with the Coptic Orthodox Church.

Monastic Pilgrimage: Returning to the Source

Led by Metropolitan Zinovy of Saransk and Mordovia, a 20-member delegation of abbots, abbesses, and monastics—including representatives from the war-torn Donetsk and Mariupol regions—conducted a week-long pilgrimage from April 23 to 30.

The group journeyed to the Eastern Desert to venerate the tombs of St. Anthony the Great and St. Paul of Thebes, where Metropolitan Zinovy celebrated the Divine Liturgy in a 5th-century cave church. The delegation was warmly received by Bishop Daniel, Chairman of the Coptic Commission for Monasteries, who noted the deepening bonds between the two traditions following the recent inclusion of Egyptian desert fathers in the Russian Orthodox liturgical calendar. The journey concluded in the Nitrian Desert (Wadi al-Natrun), with visits to the ancient lavras of St. Macarius the Great, St. Paisios (Anba Bishoy), and the Syrian Monastery.

Theological Consultations: "From Agreement to Encounter"

Parallel to the pilgrimage, the fifth round of theological consultations took place at the "Logos" Center in the Monastery of St. Paisios the Great from April 28 to May 1. Co-chaired by Bishop Methodius of Yegoryevsk and Bishop Kirill of the Los Angeles Metropolitanate (Coptic), the working group tackled complex Christological and soteriological themes.

Key reports presented by the Russian delegation explored:

The teaching of Deification (Theosis) and the Divine Energies in St. Basil the Great.

A critical review of the Chambesy Accords and the progress of global Orthodox-Oriental dialogue.

The analysis of Severus of Antioch’s Christology in the light of Chalcedonian theology.

The consultations resulted in the formation of two specialised joint subgroups to further explore theological convergence, moving beyond historical misunderstandings toward "spiritual harmony."

OCP NEWS SERVICE and DECR

04/05/2026

Malankara Orthodox Church Delegation Conducts Landmark Visit to Russia
OCP News Service - 04/05/2026

MOSCOW, RUSSIA — A high-level delegation from the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church of India has concluded a multi-faceted visit to the Russian Orthodox Church, highlighting a deepening of both academic cooperation and shared liturgical veneration between the two traditions.

The delegation, led by Metropolitan Geevarghese Kurillos of Mumbai and Metropolitan Yuhanon Polycarpos of Ankamali, arrived at the invitation of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia and with the blessing of Catholicos Marthomas Mathews the Third of Malankara to strengthen the "Working Group" for bilateral relations.

Academic Cooperation at the Moscow Theological Academy

On April 30, the delegation visited the Holy Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius and the Moscow Theological Academy. A pivotal meeting was held with Bishop Kirill of Sergiev Posad and Dmitrov, co-chair of the bilateral Working Group. The discussions focused on expanding concrete areas of cooperation, ranging from theological education to social initiatives.

Broadening the scope of the visit, the Indian hierarchs addressed students at the National Inter-University Student Conference. In the Academy’s Assembly Hall, they provided a comprehensive overview of the history and contemporary challenges of the Church of India, engaging in an interactive dialogue with the next generation of Russian theologians.

Liturgical Veneration of Saint Matrona of Moscow

On May 2, the focus shifted from the academic to the spiritual as the delegation participated in the major celebrations at the Pokrovsky Stavropegic Convent, marking the feast day of Saint Blessed Matrona of Moscow. The Divine Liturgy was presided over by Metropolitan Theognost of Kashira.

In a poignant address following the service, Metropolitan Kurillos emphasized that the patronage of Saint Matrona extends far beyond Russia, noting that she is a beloved figure for many Christians in "distant India." Bishop Theognost, speaking on behalf of Patriarch Kirill, warmly welcomed the delegation, characterizing their presence as a sign of the enduring fraternal bonds that transcend geographical and cultural boundaries.

OCP NEWS SERVICE And DECR

28/04/2026

Georgian Orthodox Church Narrows Patriarchal Succession to Triprosopon

OCP News Service - 28/04/2026

Tbilisi- Georgia:The Holy Synod of the Georgian Orthodox Church has shortlisted three hierarchs as candidates(Triprosopon) to succeed the late Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II, following a secret ballot convened on April 28. The announcement was made by Andria Jagmaidze, Head of the Georgian Patriarchate's Public Relations Department.

The three shortlisted candidates are Metropolitan Shio (Mujiri) of Senaki and Chkhorotsku Diocese, currently serving as Patriarchal Locum Tenens; Metropolitan Iobi (Akiashvili) of Ruisi and Urbnisi Diocese; and Metropolitan Grigol (Berbichashvili) of Poti and Khobi Diocese.

Of the 39 voting members of the Holy Synod, 38 were present at the session — Metropolitan Zosime of Tsilkani was absent due to ill health. Metropolitan Shio received 20 votes, while Metropolitans Iobi and Grigol each received 7 votes. Three additional hierarchs — Bishop Dositheos of Belgium and Holland, Bishop Grigol of Tsalka, and Bishop Melkisedek of Margveti and Ubisi — were also considered in the ballot.

The Succession Process

Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II, who led the Georgian Orthodox Church for nearly five decades, reposed on March 17 at the age of 93. Under the Church's 1995 statute of administration, the new Patriarch — who will be the 142nd Primate of the Church — must be elected no earlier than 40 days and no later than two months after the previous Patriarch's repose, placing the deadline at May 17. The election will be held at the Holy Trinity Cathedral during an extended church assembly comprising both clergy and laity, though only the 39 Synod members hold voting rights. A candidate must secure a majority of at least 20 votes. No date for the assembly has yet been announced; Metropolitan Nikoloz (Pachuashvili) indicated it may even be scheduled after May 17 due to logistical considerations.

Eligibility requirements include being Georgian by nationality, between 40 and 70 years of age, a hierarch of the Georgian Orthodox Church, monastically ordained, theologically educated, and experienced in church governance. The Patriarch is elected for life.

The Candidates

Metropolitan Shio (Mujiri), 57, was designated Locum Tenens by Patriarch Ilia II in 2017 and has led the Church in that capacity since the Patriarch's declining health. He studied at the Moscow Theological Academy and Saint Tikhon's Orthodox University, where he earned a Doctorate in Divinity in 2015, and has headed the Senaki and Chkhorotsku Diocese since 2003.

Metropolitan Iobi (Akiashvili), 65, has served as head of the Ruisi and Urbnisi Diocese since 1996 and was formerly Chorepiscopus to Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II. Originally trained as an economist, he entered monastic life through the Mtskheta Theological Seminary and rose through the ranks of the Church over several decades.

Metropolitan Grigol (Berbichashvili), 69, has led the Diocese of Poti and Khobi since 1996. He studied at the Tbilisi Theological Seminary and Academy and has been a prominent voice during Georgia's recent political tensions, calling for restraint and the protection of citizens' civil rights.

26/04/2026

Patriarchal Divine Liturgy | Ecumenical Patriarchate, Phanar- LIVE🟩

*His Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople* presided over the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy on the Sunday, 26th April 2026 at the Most Venerable Patriarchal Church of Saint George, Phanar, Istanbul. His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark and Head of the Coptic Orthodox Church, was present as the distinguished guest, in the occasion of his official visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

This historic gathering of the primates of the Church of Constantinople and the Church of Alexandria is a profound witness to the spirit of Pan-Orthodox unity and fraternal love that binds the ancient Apostolic Sees. The presence of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II alongside His Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew reflects the deepening bonds between the Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox families of churches a journey of theological dialogue and shared witness rooted in the Apostolic faith.

📍 Patriarchal Church of Saint George, Phanar, Istanbul

https://youtube.com/live/rQG34YFQZcM?feature=share

_Orthodoxy Cognate PAGE_

Patriarchal Divine Liturgy | Ecumenical Patriarchate, Phanar

26/04/2026

Patriarch Bartholomew and Pope Tawadros II: 'A Sign of Hope' for Orthodox Unity

OCP News Service - Gerges Mounir Hanna - 26/04/2026

CONSTANTINOPLE, TURKEY — In a milestone for global Christian unity, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Patriarch of the Coptic Orthodox Church, arrived at the Phanar on April 25, 2026, for an official visit to His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I. This historic encounter, the first of its kind, follows the fraternal meeting hosted by the Coptic Church in Egypt in September 2024.

Upon arrival at the Patriarchal Headquarters, His Holiness was received by Elder Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon. A formal Doxology service was held, during which the "Polychronion" was recited in honor of the successor of Saint Mark.

A New Era of Spiritual Harmony

In his welcoming address, Patriarch Bartholomew emphasized that the ties between the See of Constantinople and the Coptic Church are "ancient and sacred," nourished by the blood of martyrs and patristic heritage. He noted that recent Christological agreements have revealed a shared faith that outweighs past doctrinal misunderstandings.

"It is time to move from agreement to encounter, and from theological convergence to spiritual harmony," the Ecumenical Patriarch declared. He called for a unified voice in defense of human dignity and the sanctity of creation, particularly in regions where Christians face persecution.

The Message of Love from Alexandria

Responding to the welcome, Pope Tawadros II described the invitation as "a message signed with love." He highlighted the deep roots of the See of Saint Mark and expressed his appreciation for Patriarch Bartholomew's efforts in pursuing Orthodox unity.

"Let us pray together, serve together, and bear witness together to a world that expects something deeper from us than words," the Pope remarked, inviting the Ecumenical Patriarch to a return visit to Egypt.

Source: OCP News and copticorthodox.church

17/04/2026

Mother See Denounces 'Illegal' Appointment of Deposed Bishop to State Committee

OCP News Service - 17/04/2026

HOLY ETCHMIADZIN, ARMENIA — The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin issued a sharp condemnation today following the Prime Minister’s decision to appoint Arman Saroyan (formerly Bishop Gevorg) to a government consultative committee, labeling the move a "blatant encroachment" on church autonomy.

By a decree dated March 27, 2026, the Prime Minister appointed Saroyan to the "Consultative Committee for the Discussion of Forgiveness Issues" specifically as a representative of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church.

A Violation of Canonical and State Law

The Mother See clarified that this appointment was made without the consent or knowledge of the Church leadership. According to the official statement:

Lack of Authority: Any representative of the Armenian Church in a state structure can only be appointed with the blessing and privilege of the Catholicos of All Armenians.

Deposed Status: Saroyan, who has been formally deposed from his clerical rank, is not authorized to represent the Church from a canonical, legal, or moral perspective.

The Church maintains that the Prime Minister’s decision not only ignores internal church regulations but also violates the existing legislation of the Republic of Armenia regarding the relationship between the state and the national church.

Source: OCP NEWS and https://www.armenianchurch.org/hy/news/haytararutyun-13-04-2026/12169