On February 1, 2025, the Russian Orthodox Church marked the 16th anniversary of the enthronement of Patriarch Kirill. In the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow, the Patriarch led the Divine Liturgy and then addressed the faithful, emphasizing the responsibility for the favorable conditions in which the Church operates. Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated the Patriarch, noting the development of religious life in the country. Congratulations were also sent by the Prime Minister, the Mayor of Moscow, and the President of Belarus. As per tradition, Moscow parishes, instead of purchasing flowers for the Patriarch’s enthronement anniversary, bought medical equipment for the church hospital. Meanwhile, in Almaty, a presentation of printed works by His Holiness Patriarch Kirill, dedicated to the anniversary of the Patriarchal enthronement, was held.

On February 2, in San Francisco, a prayer was held for the cessation of natural disasters in California and for the victims of wildfires. Archbishop Kirill led the Divine Liturgy and a service near the miraculous Korennaya-Kursk Icon at the Radost-Skorbyashchensky Cathedral. The wildfires in Los Angeles claimed 29 lives and destroyed over 16,000 buildings. Despite the rain helping in the battle against the flames, it caused landslides, complicating firefighting efforts.

95% of Moldova's population considers themselves Orthodox, according to census data published this week. This is 1.6% less than in 2014. The second-largest religious group are Baptists (1.1%), while atheists make up 1%. The census also revealed a 14% decline in the country's population, with the proportion of urban residents rising to 46.4%. Notably, the population is aging, with the number of people over 65 increasing by 18%.

This week, the Bulgarian parliament adopted amendments to the Law on Religious Confessions, granting the Bulgarian Orthodox Church (BOC) the status of the sole representative of Orthodoxy in the country. According to the new rules, other religious organizations are prohibited from using the word "Orthodox" in their names. The bill was supported by a majority of MPs despite concerns over potential violations of religious freedom. The amendments will take effect after publication in the official gazette.

In Bulgaria, a decision was made to offer free weddings during the International Marriage Week. From February 7 to 14, the Church of the Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Sofia is conducting free church weddings for couples who are already in civil marriages. The initiative, blessed by Bulgarian Patriarch Daniel, was organized by the "Association for Society and Values." Participants must provide a civil marriage certificate and baptismal documents. The church will cover all costs, except for a voluntary donation for the choir.

In Bucharest on February 4, celebrations were held for the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Romanian Patriarchate. During the liturgy at the cathedral, 16 new Romanian saints were canonized. Among the canonized were confessors and martyrs of the 20th century, many of whom suffered for their faith during the period of persecution, including theologian Dumitru Stăniloae, Elders Arsenie Boca and Cleopa Sihastrul, and priest-martyrs Constantin Sârbu and Alexandru Bessarabeanu. After the service, Patriarch Daniel addressed the faithful, noting that the canonization of the new martyrs is an act of recognizing the holiness of their lives, beyond political contexts.

In Estonia, a draft law requiring religious organizations to sever ties with foreign structures is being discussed. This requires the Estonian Orthodox Church to break its connection with the Moscow Patriarchate. The Estonian Orthodox Church has expressed concerns about this move, considering it an interference with religious freedom. Bishop Daniil noted that the Church cannot be forced to change its jurisdiction under external pressure. The abbess of the Pühtitsa Monastery expressed concerns about the possible closure of the monastery. Abbess Filareta addressed the Estonian parliament, stating that the authorities are effectively closing the monastery. This is connected to amendments to the law on religious confessions, which demand that the Estonian Orthodox Church sever ties with the Moscow Patriarchate and come under the protection of Constantinople. The monastery, according to her, cannot make such decisions without violating the canons. She warned that the monastery faces either liquidation or forced jurisdiction change. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the pressure on the Orthodox Church by Estonian authorities.

In Latvia, authorities are demanding that twenty nuns from the Riga Trinity-Sergius Monastery take an exam in the Latvian language. This has become mandatory under amendments to the "Immigration Law" that came into effect in 2023. Former Latvian President Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga called the requirement "inhumane," as the nuns lead a cloistered life. At the same time, official authorities stated that they could not make exceptions, and if the exam is not passed, their permanent resident status could be revoked.