Orthodox Media Highlights from January 11 - 18

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Pro-Life Campaigns Across Russia (January 11): In memory of the Bethlehem Innocents, pro-life events took place across Russia. In Moscow, 3000 candles were lit at the Church of St. Sergius of Radonezh. Similar actions were held in Orël and Chelyabinsk, with public prayers and awareness campaigns against abortion.

Cossacks Help in Environmental Cleanup in Anapa (January 2025): Cossack groups from Kuban, led by priest Nikolai Simora, actively participated in cleaning up the ecological disaster caused by an oil spill in Anapa after two tankers collided. The spill, one of the largest in recent years, is still affecting the local ecosystem.

Wildfires in California (January 2025): Ongoing wildfires in California have destroyed over 12,000 buildings and claimed 24 lives. Orthodox communities in Los Angeles have opened churches for humanitarian aid, and Metropolitan Tikhon of the Orthodox Church in America called for prayers for the victims and responders.

Archbishop Anastasios' Health Crisis (January 2025): The 95-year-old Archbishop of Albania, Anastasios, remains in critical condition in a Greek hospital after undergoing surgery for a gastric hemorrhage. The Orthodox community is praying for his recovery.

Romanian Archdiocese in Ireland and Iceland (January 11): The first Romanian bishop for Ireland and Iceland, Metropolitan Nectarios, was enthroned. The new diocese was established in February 2024, marking a significant milestone for the Romanian Orthodox community in the region.

Greek Priest Acquitted for Defying COVID Restrictions (January 13): A Greek court acquitted Priest Anastasios Gotsopoulos, who had defied a ban on church services during the 2020 COVID lockdown. The court ruled that the ban was unconstitutional, violating basic rights and church duties.

Bulgarian Patriarchate’s Legal Status (January 13): Bulgaria's parliament passed amendments solidifying the Bulgarian Orthodox Church’s status as the only Eastern Orthodox representative in the country, amid concerns over a rival “Old-Style Orthodox Church.” Patriarch Daniel expressed gratitude for the support.

Patriarch Porfirije Visits Injured Protester in Belgrade (January 2025): Serbian Patriarch Porfirije visited Sonja Ponjavić, a student injured during a protest against corruption. The protests, sparked by a deadly train station collapse in Novi Sad, continue to demand justice and accountability.

Patriarch John X of Antioch in Lebanon (January 15): Patriarch John X of Antioch visited Lebanon, meeting with President Michel Aoun to discuss the country's challenges and the importance of preserving Christian presence in the Middle East. He also called for unity and justice in Syria and Lebanon.

Open Doors Update on Christian Persecution (January 2025): Open Doors reports that 380 million Christians worldwide face persecution, marking an increase of 15 million from the previous year. North Korea and Somalia remain the top countries for Christian persecution, while the Middle East and parts of Africa, particularly Nigeria, face growing violence against Christians.

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