This week, a meeting of the clergy of the Moscow Metropolitanate was held, chaired by Patriarch Kirill. The session took place on February 11, 2025, in the Hall of Church Councils at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow. In the statement following the meeting, the clergy unanimously supported the initiative to establish October 11 as the Day of the Large Family in the Moscow Region.

As reported this week by the Synodal Department for Church Relations with Society and the Media, the Church is ready to consult with specialists from the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation in the creation of programs and textbooks for the subject “Spiritual and Moral Culture of Russia.” According to Vladimir Legoyda, the Russian Orthodox Church is already in dialogue with the ministry. The subject will return to schools in 2026 and will be taught by history teachers. Patriarch Kirill supported the expansion of the course, noting its importance for secondary education.

The Russian Church has launched a project to assist veterans. The Synodal Department for Charity, with the support of the Presidential Grants Fund, launched the "Return" project to help those returning from the front and their families. The initiative includes training for priests and social workers, psychological support, consultations via a “hotline,” and targeted assistance. Coordinators and priests in dioceses are offering spiritual support.

Archbishop Theodosios of Sebastia (Jerusalem Orthodox Church) expressed support for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), stating that it is being persecuted by Ukrainian authorities. "We demand an immediate end to the persecution and the cancellation of discriminatory laws against the UOC," emphasized the archbishop. He also called on the world’s Churches and human rights organizations to stand up for the UOC and assured that prayers for its faithful are being offered at the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.

In Antioch, a service was held on the ruins of the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, which was destroyed by the earthquake. On February 5, a service was led by Archimandrite Pavel (Ordoglu) under the blessing of Patriarch John of Antioch. The church, built in the 14th century and restored in the 19th century with support from Russia, was again damaged in 2023. Believers hope for its restoration.

In Colorado Springs, USA, a new St. John the Baptist Church, belonging to the Orthodox Church in America, was consecrated on February 9. The church was built in response to the growing number of parishioners—over 160 baptisms in two years. The consecration was led by Metropolitan Tikhon and Archbishop Benjamin. The parish unites about 200 people from various nationalities, more than half of whom recently converted to Orthodoxy. The church actively hosts services and educational programs.

The Bulgarian Church elected a new Metropolitan of Vidin. The Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church unanimously elected Bishop Pahomiy of Branik as the new Metropolitan of Vidin. He had previously been the first vicar of the Patriarch of Bulgaria. Pahomiy received theological education in Sofia, was the abbot of the Divotino Monastery, and rector of the theological seminary. In his speech, he thanked his mentors and expressed his readiness for new service.

Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia participated in a blood donation campaign in Belgrade. On February 9, a voluntary blood donation event was organized by the Serbian Orthodox Church and the Blood Transfusion Institute. Among the donors was Patriarch Porfirije, who emphasized that donating blood is an act of love for one’s neighbor. The clergy and parishioners joined the campaign. The initiative is held annually to help ensure that hospitals have the necessary blood supplies.

A procession with a prayer to end earthquakes took place on Santorini. On February 10, in Greece, processions and prayers were held on the islands of Santorini and Amorgos to stop the earthquakes. Authorities declared a state of emergency after more than 7,700 tremors since the end of January. Metropolitan Amfilohije called on the faithful to pray, emphasizing the spiritual significance of the trials. The procession was held with an icon of Saint Haralambos, the patron saint against disasters. Authorities continue to monitor seismic activity and urge residents to take safety precautions.

The World Council of Churches (WCC) expressed concern over U.S. President Donald Trump’s statements regarding the Gaza Strip, calling his proposed plan contrary to international law. WCC General Secretary Jerry Pillay emphasized that such initiatives could complicate the peaceful resolution of the conflict. Trump suggested possible U.S. control over Gaza and turning it into a "Riviera," which sparked criticism. The WCC called for respect for the rights of all the region’s inhabitants and the search for a just solution.