Musings from the Fourth Rome: A Source for Orthodox Christian News and Events
Friday, June 3, 2011
"Spiritual Charity"
A great article by Fr. Oliver Herbel on the interconnectedness of salvation in Orthodoxy and giving can be found here.
Metropolitan Hilarion Meets with Representatives of Church and State in Hungary
During a visit to Budapest for an interreligious conference Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev) of Volokolamsk of the Russian Orthodox Church met with the primate of the Roman Catholic Church in Hungary and the Hungarian prime minister to discuss the possibilities for cooperation between the Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches in Hungary and the European Union in the defense of 'family values.' More (in Russian) here.
Quote of the Day: Fr. Alexander Elchaninov
Only the first steps in the approach to God are easy; the feeling that we have wings, the enthusiasm caused by the certainty that we are approaching God, are followed by a gradual cooling down, by doubt. In order to sustain our faith, it is necessary to make an effort, to struggle, to fight for it.
From page 98 of "The Diary of a Russian Priest," a posthumous compilation of the notes of Fr. Alexander, who served as a priest in a Russian Orthodox parish in the south of France after the Bolshevik Revolution.
From page 98 of "The Diary of a Russian Priest," a posthumous compilation of the notes of Fr. Alexander, who served as a priest in a Russian Orthodox parish in the south of France after the Bolshevik Revolution.
Metropolitan Cyril of Vidin
Joyous feast! Today is the 97th anniversary of the repose of Metropolitan Cyril (Stoichkov) of Vidin of blessed memory, who served in the newly restored Bulgarian Orthodox Church in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Born in what is now northwestern Bulgaria, as a young man Metropolitan Cyril became a monk at the Chiprovtsi Monastery of St. John of Rila and while there was tonsured a monk and ordained to the deaconate. At age 26 the Monastery sent the young Hierodeacon Cyril to the theological
seminary in Sremski Karlovci maintained by the Orthodox Church of Austria-Hungary.
While in Austria-Hungary the future metropolitan became involved in the general movement amongst Bulgarians towards the restoration of autocephaly and the replacement of the many Greek-speaking hierarchs in Ottoman Bulgaria with Bulgarians. Consequently, after completing his studies and returning to Bulgaria the Metropolitan of Vidin, a Greek, reported Fr. Dn. Cyril to the Ottoman authorities, who arrested him and eventually exiled him to central Anatolia for his nationalism.
After 3 years of exile Fr. Dn. Cyril was released and assigned to a parish in the northeastern Wallachian city of Tulcea (now in Romania), where he was ordained a priest and eventually raised to the rank of archimandrite
and assigned a parish in the city of Silistra (on the border of modern day Bulgaria and Romania).
When the Bulgarian Orthodox Church regained its autocephaly as an exarchate Fr. Cyril was actively involved in its local and national life, serving first in Silistra and then in Vidin and Skopje, where he was eventually elected Metropolitan of Skopje in 1875. When the Russo-Turkish War began Metropolitan Cyril was forced into internal exile, eventually in 1891 being elected Metropolitan of Vidin in northwestern Bulgaria.
Metropolitan Cyril was distinguished in his service as Metropolitan of Vidin for his work in improving the life of both his parishes and his clergy and became especially known for his strict standards for his clergy. Nationally he was a key figure in the development of the educational work of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, playing a
particularly important role in helping to finance the construction of the compound of the theological seminary in Sofia.
The last years of Metropolitan Cyril's life were spent in seclusion and prayer. He eventually reposed on 21 May (old style), 1914, in Vidin and was buried on the grounds of the diocesan Cathedral of St. Demetrius the Great-Martyr. More (in Bulgarian) on Metropolitan Cyril's life can be found here. May his memory be eternal!
Born in what is now northwestern Bulgaria, as a young man Metropolitan Cyril became a monk at the Chiprovtsi Monastery of St. John of Rila and while there was tonsured a monk and ordained to the deaconate. At age 26 the Monastery sent the young Hierodeacon Cyril to the theological
seminary in Sremski Karlovci maintained by the Orthodox Church of Austria-Hungary.While in Austria-Hungary the future metropolitan became involved in the general movement amongst Bulgarians towards the restoration of autocephaly and the replacement of the many Greek-speaking hierarchs in Ottoman Bulgaria with Bulgarians. Consequently, after completing his studies and returning to Bulgaria the Metropolitan of Vidin, a Greek, reported Fr. Dn. Cyril to the Ottoman authorities, who arrested him and eventually exiled him to central Anatolia for his nationalism.
After 3 years of exile Fr. Dn. Cyril was released and assigned to a parish in the northeastern Wallachian city of Tulcea (now in Romania), where he was ordained a priest and eventually raised to the rank of archimandrite
and assigned a parish in the city of Silistra (on the border of modern day Bulgaria and Romania).When the Bulgarian Orthodox Church regained its autocephaly as an exarchate Fr. Cyril was actively involved in its local and national life, serving first in Silistra and then in Vidin and Skopje, where he was eventually elected Metropolitan of Skopje in 1875. When the Russo-Turkish War began Metropolitan Cyril was forced into internal exile, eventually in 1891 being elected Metropolitan of Vidin in northwestern Bulgaria.
Metropolitan Cyril was distinguished in his service as Metropolitan of Vidin for his work in improving the life of both his parishes and his clergy and became especially known for his strict standards for his clergy. Nationally he was a key figure in the development of the educational work of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, playing a
particularly important role in helping to finance the construction of the compound of the theological seminary in Sofia.The last years of Metropolitan Cyril's life were spent in seclusion and prayer. He eventually reposed on 21 May (old style), 1914, in Vidin and was buried on the grounds of the diocesan Cathedral of St. Demetrius the Great-Martyr. More (in Bulgarian) on Metropolitan Cyril's life can be found here. May his memory be eternal!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
HOCNA in Canada Considers Union with Genuine Orthodox Church
Following the loss of its Metropolis of Portland to the Genuine Orthodox Church of Greece the Old Calendrist 'Holy Orthodox Church of North America,' a grecophile schism from the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, is now apparently facing the possible loss of the parishes comprising its Metropolis of Toronto to the Genuine Orthodox Church of Greece. There is no official confirmation from either the HOCNA or the Genuine Orthodox Church about such a transfer or whether the HOCNA's Metropolitan Makarios of Toronto is leading the move to the Genuine Orthodox Church in his diocese. More here.
Russian Orthodox Church Organizes Conference on Chinese Orthodoxy in Almaty
The Orthodox Church in Kazakhstan has hosted a conference on Orthodoxy in China and ways in which the Orthodox Church, particularly in Kazakhstan and Siberia, can coordinate the provision of pastoral care to Chinese and Russian Orthodox Christians living in mainland China. The Orthodox Church in Kazakhstan is already sending visiting clergy to the neighboring Chinese region of Sinkiang, whilst many villages near China's borders with Russia and northeastern Kazakhstan are partially or largely Russian and Orthodox. More (in Russian) here.
Update (3/6/2011): An English-language write-up on the conference can be found here.
Update (3/6/2011): An English-language write-up on the conference can be found here.
Constantinopolitan, Moldovan Orthodox Metropolitans Meet in Chisinau
As part of his ongoing visit to Moldova with relics of St. Demetrius the Great-Martyr Metropolitan Panteleimon of Berea of the Constantinopolitan Orthodox Church in Greece has met with Metropolitan Vladimir (Cantarean) of Chisinau at the seat of the Moldovan Orthodox Church in Chisinau. The two discussed possible areas of cooperation between their respective Churches and compared religious education in Greece with efforts to develop religious education in Moldova. More (in Romanian) here.
Russian Orthodox, Roman Catholic Representatives Meet in Warsaw
As part of his ongoing visit to Poland Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev) of Volokolamsk of the Russian Orthodox Church has met with representatives of the Roman Catholic Church in Poland and the Vatican. The meeting was held with the hope of promoting the reconciliation of the Polish and Russian peoples and to discuss issues on which the Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches can make a common stand. More (in Russian) here.
NATO Bombing of Tripoli Damages Coptic Orthodox Church
The ongoing NATO bombing raids on the Libyan capital, Tripoli, have resulted in roughly 4,000 civilian casualties to date and earlier this week also damaged a Coptic Orthodox church in the city. More here.
Photo of the Day: Ascension in Bucharest
Patriarch Daniel (Ciobotea) of the Romanian Orthodox Church celebrating the festal Divine Liturgy for the Ascension in Bucharest's patriarchal Cathedral of St. Demetrius the New. More pictures can be found here.St. Ethelbert the Royal Martyr
Joyous feast! St. Ethelbert was a king of the East Angles known for his great piety and humility. Although he desired to remain celibate he bowed to the pressures of his court to marry and went to nearby 
Mercia to court the daughter of its king. The Mercian king, fearful of his daughter's love for St. Ethelbert and her urgings that he accept the Saint as his overlord, had his visitor beheaded and buried anonymously. A heavenly light shone where the Saint's relics were buried, however, and they were taken and enshrined in Hereford and London. More on the St. Ethelbert's life and legacy can be found here. May his blessing and prayers be with us all!
Mercia to court the daughter of its king. The Mercian king, fearful of his daughter's love for St. Ethelbert and her urgings that he accept the Saint as his overlord, had his visitor beheaded and buried anonymously. A heavenly light shone where the Saint's relics were buried, however, and they were taken and enshrined in Hereford and London. More on the St. Ethelbert's life and legacy can be found here. May his blessing and prayers be with us all!
Ascension of the Lord
Glory to Jesus Christ! Слава Иисусу Христу! Having spent 40 days with His disciples, today the Lord ascends into heaven to complete the deification and glorification of our flesh through 
His enthronement at the right hand of God the Father.
As St. John Chrysostom wrote, "We who seemed unworthy of the earth, are now raised to heaven. We who were unworthy of earthly dominion have been raised to the kingdom on high, have ascended higher than heaven, have come to occupy the King's throne, and the same nature from which the Angels guarded Paradise, stopped not until it ascended to the throne of the Lord."
More on today's feast can be found here. I hope and pray that you have a blessed and joyous feast wherever you are today! "God is with us!"
His enthronement at the right hand of God the Father.As St. John Chrysostom wrote, "We who seemed unworthy of the earth, are now raised to heaven. We who were unworthy of earthly dominion have been raised to the kingdom on high, have ascended higher than heaven, have come to occupy the King's throne, and the same nature from which the Angels guarded Paradise, stopped not until it ascended to the throne of the Lord."
More on today's feast can be found here. I hope and pray that you have a blessed and joyous feast wherever you are today! "God is with us!"
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Kuban Cossacks in USA Commemorate World War II Massacre
This past Sunday the Lienz Tragedy, when 20,000 Kuban Cossacks were rounded up and handed over to the Soviet Union for execution following World War II, 
was commemorated by Russian Orthodox clergy and Kuban Cossacks visiting the Russian cemetery in Jackson, New Jersey, with a memorial. The ataman of the Kuban Cossacks living abroad was in attendance and spoke about the massacre following the memorial. More here.
was commemorated by Russian Orthodox clergy and Kuban Cossacks visiting the Russian cemetery in Jackson, New Jersey, with a memorial. The ataman of the Kuban Cossacks living abroad was in attendance and spoke about the massacre following the memorial. More here.
Archbishop Elisey Visits Ireland
Archbishop Elisey (Ganaba) of Sourozh and the patriarchal Russian Orthodox Church in the British Isles has visited Dublin, Ireland, to negotiate the transfer of the property 
currently in use by the city's Russian Orthodox parish from the ownership of the Anglican Church in Ireland to the parish. During his visit to Ireland Archbishop Elisha celebrated the divine services with Dublin's Church of Sts. Peter and Paul as well as with Cork's Church of the Holy Trinity Church. More here.
currently in use by the city's Russian Orthodox parish from the ownership of the Anglican Church in Ireland to the parish. During his visit to Ireland Archbishop Elisha celebrated the divine services with Dublin's Church of Sts. Peter and Paul as well as with Cork's Church of the Holy Trinity Church. More here.
Ethiopia Pardons Derg Members
The Ethiopian government has pardoned 23 former officials of the Derg, the Ethiopian Communist regime, sentenced to death for their roles in the previous government's crimes against its citizens. The pardon was granting at the urging of Patriarch Abune P'awlos of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church and other leaders of Ethiopian religious organizations. More here.
New Magazine Launched for Turkish Minorities
A new magazine, Paros ("Torch"), has been launched in Turkey to represent its Armenian, Bulgarian, Greek, and Suryoyo communities. Paros will be published in Turkish in the hopes of raising awareness of the many challenges facing Turkey's ethnic and religious minorities in Turkish society. More here.
Russian Orthodox Professor Visits Macedonia
Deacon Andrei Kuraev, a professor at the Russian Orthodox Church's Moscow Theological Academy, has begun a visit to Macedonia to lecture on Orthodoxy and the modern world in Skopje. Prior to his lectures Fr. Dn. Andrei met with Archbishop Stefan (Veljanovski) of Ohrid, first hierarch of the independent Macedonian Orthodox Church. More (in Macedonian) here.
Right to Life Rally in Chisinau
In honor of today's observance of International Children's Day pro-life organizations and the Moldovan Orthodox Church have organized a march in the Moldovan capital, Chisinau, to support the right to life of unborn children. Metropolitan Vladimir (Cantarean) of Chisinau blessed the holding of the march and sent one of his clergymen to represent him as he was unable to attend in person. More (in Romanian) here.
Metropolitan Hilarion Visits Poland
Suppressed Uprising Commemorated in Northwestern Bulgaria
Holy Trinity Monastery in Rakovitsa, Bulgaria, is commemorating today the 161st anniversary of northwestern Bulgaria's uprising against the Ottoman Turkish occupation. At the time the Rakovitsa Monastery's abbot blessed the uprising, which was 
supported by the area's villages, and was executed together with many other members of the brotherhood when the uprising was suppressed. Since the liberation of Bulgaria from the Turks the uprising's victims have been commemorated annually with a memorial at the Rakovitsa Monastery. More (in Bulgarian) here.
Pictured are the Rakovitsa Monastery's abbot, Archimandrite Antim, with another of the Monastery's clergymen after today's memorial.
supported by the area's villages, and was executed together with many other members of the brotherhood when the uprising was suppressed. Since the liberation of Bulgaria from the Turks the uprising's victims have been commemorated annually with a memorial at the Rakovitsa Monastery. More (in Bulgarian) here.Pictured are the Rakovitsa Monastery's abbot, Archimandrite Antim, with another of the Monastery's clergymen after today's memorial.
550th Anniversary of the Founding of the Armenian Orthodox Patriarchate of Constantinople Celebrated
This past Sunday the Armenian Orthodox Patriarchate of Constantinople, an autonomous part of the Armenian Orthodox Church of Echmiadzin, celebrated the 550th anniversary of its establishment, with representatives of the Armenian Orthodox Churches of Echmiadzin and Cilicia participating in the festivities. More here.
Photo of the Day: Concelebration in Chisinau
Pictured are hierarchs of the Churches of Greece and Moldova concelebrating in the Cathedral of the Holy Nativity in Chisinau, Moldova, after the arrival in the city of relics of St. Demetrius.Quote of the Day: St. John of Kronstadt
Leave all human injustices to the Lord, for God is the Judge; but as to yourself, be diligent in loving everyone with a pure heart.
St. Dunstan of Canterbury
Christ is risen!!! Joyous feast! St. Dunstan is one of the lights of the Roman Orthodox Church in England. He successively lived as a monk in Glastonbury and (Ghent in the Netherlands), 
served as a royal counselor in England, became Bishop of Worcester in 957, and finally was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury in 961. He takes much of the credit for the revival of monasticism in 10th century England and fell asleep peacefully in Canterbury in 988. More on St. Dunstan's life can be found here. May his blessing and prayers be with us all!
served as a royal counselor in England, became Bishop of Worcester in 957, and finally was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury in 961. He takes much of the credit for the revival of monasticism in 10th century England and fell asleep peacefully in Canterbury in 988. More on St. Dunstan's life can be found here. May his blessing and prayers be with us all!
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