At the beginning of September, a new liturgical year began in several Local Orthodox Churches, coinciding with the start of the new academic year in secular and theological schools.

Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ wished students and teachers of theological institutions success, emphasizing the connection between theological education, prayer, piety, and a responsible understanding of the challenges facing the modern world.

The beginning of the academic year was marked by services in the Serbian and Macedonian Orthodox Churches. Serbian Patriarch Porfirije called on seminarians to place service to the Church at the center of their lives. In the Macedonian Orthodox Church, Bishop Mark celebrated the Divine Liturgy and a prayer service at Cetinje Monastery.

Metropolitan Joanikije of Montenegro and the Littoral addressed students, parents, and teachers, stressing that education should involve not only the acquisition of knowledge but also moral formation. Metropolitan Tikhon, head of the Orthodox Church in America, likewise issued a message for the beginning of the new year, calling on the faithful to distinguish fidelity to Church tradition from simply following familiar habits, while preserving the experience of previous generations and continuing to develop parish life.

Bucharest hosted the International Orthodox Youth Meeting ITO-2026, bringing together around 2,400 participants from Romania and other Local Orthodox Churches.

Held under the theme “Youth, Family and Life in Christ,” the event featured Divine services, conferences, meetings, and cultural activities. One of its highlights was a “Procession of Light,” a procession featuring icons, flags, and lit candles.

Patriarch Daniel of Romania encouraged young people to bear witness to Christian values and emphasized the importance of family and the life of the Church community.

The Ecumenical Patriarchate canonized six Athonite ascetics: the Russian elder Tikhon (Golenko), the Greek ascetic George Hagi-Georgis, and four monks of Romanian origin — Niphon, Nectarios Protopsaltis, Dionysius of Colciu, and Petronius Prodromite.

The synodal acts were signed on August 29 at the Patriarchal Church of St. George in Istanbul.

Patriarch Daniel of Romania welcomed the canonization of the four Romanian ascetics and expressed gratitude for their recognition. He highlighted their contribution to strengthening communion among the Local Orthodox Churches and fostering pan-Orthodox fraternal ties.

In Mtskheta, Georgia’s ancient capital, a central street has been named after the late Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II. The municipal council’s decision took effect on August 31.

Ilia II headed the Georgian Orthodox Church from 1977 until his death in March 2026 at the age of 93. The street runs along the historic Georgian Military Road.

Mtskheta holds particular significance for the Georgian Orthodox Church. The city is home to Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and numerous other important monuments of Orthodox Christian heritage.

Negotiations are continuing in Egypt over a new legal framework for the Monastery of St. Catherine on Mount Sinai.

One proposal under discussion would allow Egypt to retain formal ownership of the monastery while granting the Sinai brotherhood an indefinite right to possess, use, and administer the monastery’s property. The status of Archbishop Simeon of Sinai and the monastic brotherhood is also being addressed.

The United States has expressed its desire to preserve the monastery’s historic and religious significance. The parties expect to reach an agreement in the coming weeks.