Russian Orthodox Church: Holy Synod Adopts Key Decisions

The main event of the week was the meeting of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church, held on October 22 at the Danilov Monastery in Moscow. The Synod made a number of administrative and ecclesiastical decisions, including changes to diocesan leadership, the retirement of several bishops for reasons of age and health, and the election of new bishops for the Yenisei and Kaluga sees.

The Synod also approved a document regulating the reception into the Russian Orthodox Church of individuals from Ukrainian schismatic groups. The document establishes different conditions for reception depending on where a person was baptized and their previous religious affiliation.

In another decision, the name of St. Euthymia of Devič, glorified by the Serbian Orthodox Church, was added to the Russian Church’s calendar of saints. Her feast day will be observed on February 28. The Synod also called for prayers for the preservation of ancient holy sites and for the suffering faithful of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo and Metohija.

The October 18 commemoration, formerly known as the Synaxis of the Hierarchs of Moscow, was renamed the Synaxis of the First Hierarchs of the Russian Church. It now includes all canonized primates of the Russian Church, as well as Metropolitan Peter (Polyansky), who served as locum tenens of the Patriarchal throne.

The Synod further approved a troparion, kontakion, and prayer for general liturgical use in honor of the New Martyrs Sergius (Shein), George Novitsky, and John Kovsharov. The three were executed in 1922.

Antiochian Orthodox Church: Synod Addresses Middle East Challenges

The 16th session of the Holy Synod of the Antiochian Orthodox Church opened on October 20 at Balamand Monastery in Lebanon, under the chairmanship of Patriarch John X.

The hierarchs discussed the situation of Christians in the Middle East, assistance for residents of southern Lebanon affected by war, efforts to curb emigration, and the preservation of church life among Orthodox communities in the diaspora. Patriarch John X emphasized the importance of Church unity, interreligious dialogue, and peaceful coexistence. He also warned against proselytism disguised as evangelization or humanitarian assistance.

On October 22, the Patriarch met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, expressing support for efforts to strengthen state institutions. He called for an end to hostilities, the return of displaced residents, and the reconstruction of devastated areas.

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Visits Bulgaria

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew visited Bulgaria to mark the 1,150th anniversary of the birth and the 1,080th anniversary of the repose of St. John of Rila.

On October 18, he concelebrated in a festive Divine Liturgy with Bulgarian Patriarch Daniel in Sofia. The following day, he attended commemorations at the Rila Monastery, one of Bulgaria’s most important spiritual centers.

Patriarch Daniel highlighted the importance of remaining faithful to Orthodox tradition, while Patriarch Bartholomew called for peace and unity among the Orthodox Churches. The two primates exchanged commemorative gifts during the visit.

Lithuania: Orthodox Church Opposes Proposed Legislative Changes

The Orthodox Church in Lithuania has opposed proposed legislation that would change the rules for state recognition of religious communities and potentially allow historic Orthodox churches to be transferred to the Lithuanian Exarchate of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

The proposals affect, among other sites, the Holy Spirit Monastery and the Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God in Vilnius. Metropolitan Innokenty appealed to the country’s leadership, while monks and parishioners urged lawmakers not to adopt the amendments.

Church representatives warned that the proposals could restrict religious freedom and the rights of Orthodox believers. The diocese also called on the faithful to intensify their prayers.

Estonia: Supreme Court Declines Orthodox Church’s Appeal

The Estonian Christian Orthodox Church lost its legal dispute with Tallinn authorities over the lease of premises at 64 Pikk Street, where its chancery is located.

On October 19, Estonia’s Supreme Court declined to hear the Church’s cassation appeal, leaving in force the termination of the lease agreement. The municipality intends to reclaim use of the building.

The ruling comes amid an ongoing confrontation between the Church and the state over legislative requirements concerning the severance of ties with the Moscow Patriarchate.

Albania: Churches Call for Dialogue Amid Protests

Against the backdrop of anti-government protests in Albania, the country’s Interreligious Council and the Orthodox Church called for dialogue and a rejection of violence.

The council stressed that the authorities must respond transparently to citizens’ demands and that all parties must respect the law. Following clashes between police and demonstrators in the courtyard of the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in Tirana, the Church reaffirmed the sacred character of the church as a place of prayer and peace.

Metropolitan Anastasios of Korçë called on the police to refrain from arbitrary actions and abuses of power.

Jordan: Jerusalem Patriarchate Condemns Attack on Orthodox Church

The Jerusalem Patriarchate condemned an attack at the Orthodox Church of St. George in Al-Karak, Jordan, where at least seven people were killed and dozens injured during a funeral.

Patriarch Theophilos III expressed condolences to the victims’ families and called for social unity and interreligious harmony. King Abdullah II of Jordan pledged that those responsible would be held accountable.