Cypriot Orthodox Archbishop to Seek Help of Jordanian King

Archbishop Chrysostomos II (Demetriou) of the Cypriot Orthodox Church will reportedly return to Jordan next week to request the help of King Abdullah II in gaining permission from Northern Cypriot authorities for Cypriot Orthodox clergy to serve the Divine Liturgy in Turkish-occupied Northern Cyprus' abandoned churches and monasteries. In recent discussions between Cypriot and Northern Cypriot authorities the Church of Cyprus acquiesced to Northern Cyprus' request that imams be allowed to lead services in mosques in Cyprus proper, but Northern Cyprus refused to reciprocate in allowing Cypriot Orthodox clergy to visit the Turkish zone of occupation. More here.

Russian Orthodox Hostel to Open in Jordan

A representation of the Moscow Patriarchate to the Church of Jerusalem under the Russian Orthodox Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem is preparing to open in Jordan this fall. The representation's property, which will house a church and a hostel for pilgrims, was donated by King Abdullah II of Jordan. More here.

King of Jordan Visiting Russia

King Abdullah II bin Hussein of Jordan is on a state visit to the Russian Federation to discuss relations between the two countries, the ongoing unrest in the Middle East, and Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. More here.

Jordanian Foreign Minister Visits Bethlehem

In the wake of the recent violence against Christians in Iraq and Egypt the King of Jordan, Abdullah II, sent his foreign minister, Nasser Judeh, to Bethlehem to participate in the old style Nativity celebrations there and to express his solidarity with and support for the Orthodox Christians and Roman Catholics living in the occupied territories in Palestine. More here.