The IV (First Winter) International Sports Games of St. Alexander Nevsky took place in the Leningrad Region, gathering around 600 young athletes from 25 regions of Russia. The event opened with a meeting of team chaplains, followed by a ceremonial launch in Vsevolozhsk. Participants attended the Divine Liturgy in Kudrovo and laid flowers at a monument to the Heroes of the Special Military Operation. Competitions included bandy, cross-country skiing, biathlon, and other winter disciplines.

On February 12, a general assembly of clergy of the Moscow Metropolis was held at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. The meeting was chaired by Patriarch Kirill of Moscow. In his address, Patriarch Kirill reviewed the results of the past five years and outlined priorities for pastoral and social ministry. The adopted resolution expressed concern over migration challenges and the spread of pseudo-religious movements.

A court in Cherkasy found Metropolitan Theodosius of Cherkasy and Kanev of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church guilty of “inciting religious hatred” over a 2024 sermon concerning the seizure of the Nativity of the Theotokos Monastery. He received the maximum fine.

The monastery was previously stormed in November 2023 by representatives of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine during a church service. Following the verdict, Metropolitan Theodosius described the case as politically motivated and announced plans to appeal, including to the European Court of Human Rights. Supporters view the proceedings as part of broader pressure on the canonical Church in Ukraine.

Tensions escalated in Moldova over a church in Dereneu belonging to the Orthodox Church of Moldova, which authorities have sought to transfer to the Romanian Church since 2025.

On February 10, clashes broke out between parishioners and police. The parish rector barricaded himself inside the church with his family, while Archbishop Peter of Ungheni and Nisporeni was also temporarily locked inside during the confrontation. Several parishioners were detained but later released by court order.

Former President and Socialist Party leader Igor Dodon accused the authorities and President Maia Sandu of interfering in Church affairs and called for dialogue and a possible referendum. Public debate continues as tensions remain high.

In Belgrade, a Serbian edition of a book by Margaret Peters on the “gender revolution” was presented. In his message, Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia emphasized that redefining traditional understandings of gender and family weakens society and contradicts Christian teaching.

In Sofia, Patriarch Daniil and Vice President Iliana Iotova discussed cooperation between Church and state and the role of the Bulgarian Church in strengthening moral foundations in society.

On February 9, the Serbian Orthodox Church awarded President Aleksandar Vučić the Order of the Holy New Martyrs of Bihać-Petrovac for supporting the restoration of Rmanj Monastery in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The award was presented by Bishop Sergije of Bihać-Petrovac. Founded in the 15th century, the monastery was repeatedly destroyed during the Ottoman period, World War II, and the conflicts of the 1990s. Today it is being actively restored with financial support from Serbia and Republika Srpska.

On February 11, the Holy Synod of the Constantinople Patriarchate canonized two Athonite ascetics: Hieromonk Tikhon (Golenkov) and Monk George (Hadji-Georgis). Elder Tikhon, originally from Russia, spent about 60 years on Mount Athos and served as spiritual father to St. Paisios the Athonite. Both were glorified for their ascetic life and contribution to the spiritual heritage of the Holy Mountain.

The Russian Orthodox Church delivered 46 tons of food aid to famine-affected families in Malawi. The initiative was organized by the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa and the Synodal Department for Church Charity and Social Ministry.

Approximately 2,700 families will receive assistance. During his visit, Metropolitan Konstantin of Cairo and North Africa blessed two new drinking water wells and distributed food supplies to those in need.