Orthodox Media Highlights from January 4 - 11

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This week, the Russian Orthodox Church celebrated the Nativity of Christ. Other Churches following the Julian calendar, including the Jerusalem, Serbian, Georgian, Polish, and Macedonian Orthodox Churches, also observed the holiday. His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia sent traditional greetings to the Primates of Local Orthodox Churches. In his messages, he emphasized the importance of unity, peace, and love during challenging times for the world.

In his Christmas message to clergy and laity, Patriarch Kirill expressed gratitude to the faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), who, despite persecution, remain steadfast in their Orthodox faith. He praised the courage of those continuing pastoral ministry in Ukraine, often at great personal risk. The Patriarch underscored the spiritual unity of Orthodox Christians in Russia and Ukraine despite difficult circumstances.

Russian President Vladimir Putin also extended Christmas greetings. On Christmas Eve, he prayed at the Church of St. George the Victorious on Poklonnaya Hill with families and participants in special military operations (SMO). Later, the President visited the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, where he congratulated Patriarch Kirill. At Putin's request, the Patriarch blessed pectoral crosses for military commanders performing critical tasks in the SMO zone.

Christmas gifts from the Russian Church reached thousands of children in conflict zones. Over three days, priests visited hospitals and social centers, delivering presents to more than 5,000 children, according to the Synodal Department for Charity.

In Angola, the first Orthodox community, numbering over 200 members, joined the Russian Orthodox Church. On January 5, Father Raphael Da Conceição baptized 27 locals and officially received over 200 more into the Orthodox Church from a non-canonical structure. These individuals learned about the Russian Orthodox Church online in 2022 and reached out to missionaries of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa, expressing their desire to join.

Ethiopian Orthodox Christians celebrated Christmas with prayers for peace and well-being amid ongoing conflicts that have affected the country in recent years. The holiday occurred against the backdrop of recent earthquakes, which left thousands homeless.

Coptic Orthodox Patriarch Tawadros II celebrated Christmas Eve liturgy at the Church of the Nativity in Egypt’s new administrative capital. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi attended the event, offering his congratulations. Patriarch Tawadros II thanked the President for his participation and highlighted the significance of the Christmas celebrations as a symbol of unity and hope for the Egyptian people.

Serbian Patriarch Porfirije marked Christmas traditionally with the homeless and poor. On January 7, he participated in a Christmas meal for homeless individuals at the Church Charity Kitchen in Belgrade. In his Christmas message, he called for peace, unity, and compassion, urging believers to support those suffering from conflicts and hardships. The Patriarch reminded the faithful not to forget those, like the Holy Family, who seek refuge far from their homes.

In Moscow, a Christmas dinner for homeless individuals was held at the Church of Saints Florus and Laurus. Over 60 volunteers helped organize the event, which provided hot meals and holiday food packages to more than 200 people. Father Michael Potokin, head of the Synodal Department for Charity, noted that these dinners have been held at the church on Christmas and Easter for five years.

In Georgia, the traditional Christmas procession "Alilo" drew thousands of participants nationwide. In Tbilisi, the procession started at Republic Square and ended at the Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba). Participants, including children dressed as angels and biblical characters, collected donations of sweets, food, warm clothing, and money for orphanages, nursing homes, and correctional facilities.

The Primate of the Orthodox Church in America participated in the funeral of President Jimmy Carter, the longest-living U.S. President, who passed away on December 29 at the age of 100. The memorial service, held on January 9, included President Joe Biden, former U.S. presidents, and religious leaders.

Heads of Local Orthodox Churches are praying for Archbishop Anastasios of Albania, who was hospitalized in Athens on January 3 due to health concerns. Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria sent a letter wishing him a swift recovery, praising Archbishop Anastasios as a "tireless preacher of repentance and salvation."

Estonia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs is drafting legislation that may lead to the dissolution of the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, associated with the Russian Orthodox Church. The legislation is expected to be reviewed by the Estonian Parliament in April.

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