Syriac Orthodox Patriarch Undergoes Surgery in Germany

Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Zacchaeus I (Iwas) of the Syriac Orthodox Church underwent a successful surgery this morning in Hanover, Germany. Prayers for his continued good health and recovery are appreciated as the patriarch convalesces in Hanover over the next few days. More in Arabic here.

Russian Orthodox Dioceses in Germany Hold Joint Pastoral Conference

The German dioceses of the patriarchal Russian Orthodox Church and the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia have held a joint pastoral conference in Berlin under the leadership of Archbishops Mark (Arndt) and Feofan () of Berlin and Bishop Agapit of Stuttgart. The conference, which was timed to coincide with the national celebration of the reunion of East and West Germany, discussed pastoral issues in the life of the Russian Orthodox Church in Germany as well as German-language translations of the services being prepared for use in the churches. (The translations are being prepared with the participation of representatives of the other Local Orthodox Churches present in Germany.) More on the conference can be found here.

Emigre Metropolitan Reburied in Latvia

Metropolitan Alexander (Kudryashov) of the Orthodox Church in Latvia served the reburial of his predecessor Metropolitan Augustine (Petersons) of Riga. Metropolitan Augustine, a native Latvian, served as First Hierarch of the Latvian Orthodox Church until the occupation of Latvia by the USSR during World War II, after which he took refuge in Germany, where he reposed in 1955.

Although buried in Germany following his repose, Metropolitan Augustine left instructions in his will that he be reburied in Latvia after it regained its independence. More (in Russian) here.

Syriac Orthodox Patriarch Returns to Syria

Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatios Zakka I (Iwas) of the Syriac Orthodox Church has returned to Damascus after traveling to Germany for medical attention. More (in Arabic) here.

Metropolitan Hilarion Meets with German Catholic Leaders

During his visit to Germany last weekend Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev) of Volokolamsk and Archbishop Theophan of Berlin of the Russian Orthodox Church met with representatives of the Roman Catholic Church in German to discuss relations between the Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches and ways the two churches could work with one another, particularly on social issues. More (in Russian) here.

"Blessed Alexander Schmorell and the White Rose"

In Communion, the website of the Orthodox Peace Fellowship, has a beautiful article on the life of St. Alexander (Schmorell) of Munich and the White Rose resistance to Nazism in Germany.

St. Walburga

Joyous feast! St. Walburga was an 8th century abbess of monasteries in England and Germany renowned for her gentleness, humility, and love as well as for her ability to heal the sick by her prayers. After her death her relics were translated from the Heidenheim Monastery, where she had last served as abbess, to a monastery in Bavaria and in the process were found to be exuding a healing myrrh (they continue to do so to this day). More on her life can be found here. May St. Walburga's blessing and prayers be with us all!

Macedonian Orthodox Archbishop Visits Germany

Archbishop Stefan (Veljanovski) of Ohrid of the independent Macedonian Orthodox Church is on a pastoral visit to Germany. Over the weekend he celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Church of St. George of Kratovo in Hamburg, which is part of the Macedonian Orthodox Diocese of Europe, with Metropolitans Pimen of Europe and Hilarion of Bregalnitsa. More here.

Syriac Orthodox Bishop's Attackers Charged in Germany

German prosecutors have finally charged three men, two from the Middle East and one from Sri Lanka, who attacked Metropolitan Mor Julius of the Syriac Orthodox Church in Germany nine months ago. During the attack, which took place in Bishop Mor Julius' office, the metropolitan was gagged, beaten, had his beard cut off, and was then robbed by his assailants. His attackers have been charged with theft, assault, and attempted murder. More here.

Interview with Bishop Agapit on Australia

The Synod Abroad has just released an interview with Bishop Agapit (Gorachek) of Stuttgart on his recent visit to the Australian Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia. He has interesting reflections on the differences between the Russian Orthodox Church in Germany and Australia and on the decline in the number of parishioners in Australia in recent years. He blames this on the loss of the Russian language, making the interesting claim that "the English language is not one that lends itself to theology" (?).

Vladyka's perspective is one I've heard from multiple perspectives, with Slavonic, Greek, Gi'iz, and Syriac alternately being the answer to the seeker who wants to be 'truly Orthodox' :-). It's sad that we're so often unwilling to do the work to enculturate Orthodoxy in other cultures, choosing instead to leave everything frozen in time, whether in 14th century Ethiopia or 17th century Muscovy or whenever. Where would Slavonic be if Sts. Cyril and Methodius and their disciples hadn't committed themselves to enculturating Orthodoxy amongst the Slavs? Or Gi'iz without the work of the nine Roman Saints? Just more dead pagan languages.

The full interview with Vladyka Agapit can be found here.