Orthodox Media Highlights from September 28 to October 5

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On September 29, the re-consecration of Armenia’s main cathedral took place in Yerevan after a 12-year restoration, which began in 2017. The ceremony was led by Catholicos of All Armenians, Karekin II, and attended by the Armenian president and numerous officials and believers. Representatives from several Orthodox Churches, including those of Constantinople, Alexandria, Russia, Georgia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, and the Czech Lands, participated in the celebrations. The Russian Orthodox Church delegation was headed by Metropolitan Isidor of Smolensk and Dorogobuzh.

The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA met in Atlanta from September 28 to October 1, with 29 hierarchs attending. Discussions focused on the devastation caused by Hurricane Helena, especially in North Carolina, and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The bishops expressed condolences to the storm's victims and discussed ways to provide aid. The Middle Eastern situation was also a major topic of concern.

Metropolitan Tikhon of the Orthodox Church in America urged the faithful to pray for peace in the Middle East, healing for victims, and wisdom for leaders. He also encouraged support for the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), which provides aid to those affected by the violence in the region.

World Council of Churches (WCC) General Secretary Jerry Pillay called for an end to the violence in Lebanon and Gaza, condemning actions that have caused civilian casualties and destruction. He emphasized the violation of international humanitarian law and supported Lebanese religious leaders working toward peace.

In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, celebrations were held for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross (Meskal), with a delegation from the Russian Orthodox Church in attendance. The choir of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra and Moscow Theological Academy performed in the city’s central square. The Russian delegation also met with Ethiopian Patriarch Abune Mathias I to discuss joint efforts to protect Christian values and support persecuted Christians.

The third meeting of the Commission for Dialogue between the Russian and Ethiopian Churches was held in Addis Ababa, where participants stressed the importance of maintaining communication between their church leaders and expressing solidarity during difficult times. They also discussed initiatives to support Russian-speaking believers in Ethiopia and Ethiopian believers in Russia.

The Polish Orthodox Church reported on the results of its relief efforts for those affected by recent floods. The Warsaw Metropolis thanked donors and organizations for their support, with much of the funds going toward the reconstruction of a hospital in Nysa. A donation of 100,000 złoty ($25,000) was made for the hospital’s restoration.

The Bulgarian Orthodox Church issued a special statement calling for national unity in the lead-up to parliamentary elections. The Holy Synod urged the nation to pray for overcoming divisions, restoring societal institutions, and spiritual renewal. This marks Bulgaria’s seventh snap parliamentary election in three years, with sociologists predicting low voter turnout due to widespread pessimism among the population.

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