Orthodox Media Highlights from November 22–28, 2025

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The Jerusalem Patriarchate marked the 20th anniversary of the enthronement of Patriarch Theophilos III with a special celebration at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The event was attended by clergy, diplomats, and Greece's Minister of Education, Sofia Zacharaki. Congratulations were sent from several countries, including Russia, Georgia, and Egypt. Patriarch Kirill praised Theophilos III for his efforts in preserving the unity of the Church. Under his leadership, the Patriarchate has stabilized, strengthened its position in the region, and completed major restoration projects, such as the renovation of the Edicule of the Holy Sepulchre.

On November 23, 2025, Patriarch Tawadros II of the Coptic Orthodox Church presided over a liturgy in Cairo, during which five bishops were elevated to the rank of metropolitan. This event coincided with the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea. Patriarch Tawadros highlighted the long service of the newly appointed metropolitans, emphasizing their role in the Church's mission in Egypt, Sudan, and Europe. Government officials and diplomats also attended, marking the culmination of the jubilee year dedicated to the Nicaean Council.

In the ancient city of Nicaea (modern-day Iznik), Turkey, the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council was commemorated. Pope Leo XIV of the Roman Catholic Church and Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople jointly read the Nicene Creed, notably without the Latin "filioque" clause. Representatives from various Orthodox Churches attended the event, and a document was signed at the end of the prayers affirming the commitment to Christian unity and peace.

This week, representatives from various Orthodox jurisdictions in the United States held discussions with U.S. lawmakers about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) and the defense of religious freedoms. The delegation highlighted the closure of churches and pressure on clergy in Ukraine. U.S. congressmen expressed their readiness to raise the issue in legislative sessions, with further meetings scheduled for December. A congressional hearing on religious freedoms in Ukraine is also expected soon.

For the first time since 1990, the miraculous icon of the Virgin of Kikkos was taken from the Monastery of Kikkos in Cyprus. The procession took place on November 22 during a prayer service to end the island's ongoing drought, led by Metropolitan Nikiforos. Known as the "Rain-bringing Virgin," the icon is revered for its miracles in times of drought. The island is currently facing a severe water crisis, and discussions are underway regarding the implementation of a weather modification program.

On November 23, Georgia celebrated St. George's Day, or Giorgoba, a national holiday and significant religious observance. The main liturgy was held at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi, with Metropolitan Shio reminding the faithful of St. George’s role as a symbol of victory over evil. The celebration also included the 72nd mass baptism, in which around 700 children were baptized. The initiative, started by the Patriarch in 2008, encourages families with three or more children to participate in the sacrament.

On November 23, a new church dedicated to the "Quick to Hear" Icon of the Mother of God was consecrated on Panglao Island, Philippines. The ceremony was led by Metropolitan Sergius, the Patriarchal Exarch of Southeast Asia, who also presided over the Divine Liturgy. The event was attended by diplomats and government representatives. Construction of the church began in 2023.

 

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