Orthodox
Montgomery County, Maryland, was most religiously diverse US county in 2023
By Aleja Hertzler-McCain — August 30, 2024
(RNS) — Beyond the religiously unaffiliated, which represent slightly less than 2 in 10 (17.8%) residents, the largest religious group in the county was Black Protestants, who make up 10% of the population.
Orthodox churches boomed during pandemic, study finds, but calls growth ‘mixed bag’
By Meagan Saliashvili — August 23, 2024
Ukraine’s ban targeting Russian-linked faith groups raises religious freedom concerns
By David I. Klein — August 21, 2024
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Ukraine’s ban targeting Moscow-linked Orthodox Church risks US aid
By Katherine Kelaidis — August 21, 2024
(RNS) — Zelenskyy is about to test not only Ukraine’s carefully constructed global image but also its own path toward liberal democracy.
Ukraine’s parliament approves ban on Moscow-linked religious groups. One church is seen as a target
By Peter Smith — August 21, 2024
(AP) — Ukraine’s parliament has banned the activities of religious groups tied to the Russian Orthodox Church or any other faith group supporting Russia’s invasion.
Russian artist released in swap builds a new life in Germany, now free to marry her partner
By Dasha Litvinova — August 16, 2024
KOBLENZ, Germany (AP) — Sasha Skochilenko and Sofya Subbotina reunited earlier this month in Germany, shortly after Skochilenko and other Russian prisoners were exchanged in a historic East-West swap — a happy if unlikely ending to an over two-year ordeal.
Police, monks gear up for another battle on Mount Athos
By David I. Klein — July 31, 2024
ISTANBUL (RNS) — Over 100 monks deemed schismatic have been living on the holy mountain without authorization since 2002.
With new patriarch, Bulgarian Orthodox Church turns toward Moscow
By David I. Klein — July 5, 2024
ISTANBUL (RNS) — Many who opposed Daniil, the new Patriarch of All Bulgaria, worry that his election represents a sharp turn away from the policies of his predecessor, Neophyte I, who is remembered as a unifier.
Why did Putin visit a tiny Orthodox church in North Korea?
By Katherine Kelaidis — June 28, 2024
(RNS) — The presence of a Russian Orthodox Church in Pyongyang is meant to send a powerful message about Russia’s sphere of influence.
Bulgaria’s Orthodox Church is electing a new leader and a new relationship with the world
By David I. Klein — June 28, 2024
(RNS) — The next patriarch will likely be remembered for how he addresses modernity and the wider Orthodox world.
Armed militants in Dagestan kill priest and police in attacks on churches, synagogue and police post
By Associated Press — June 23, 2024
MOSCOW (AP) — The gunmen opened fire on two Orthodox churches, a synagogue and a police post in two cities, according to the authorities.
A trans hermit reminds us that the church once saw sex difference as a matter of degree
By Jacqueline Murray — June 13, 2024
(RNS) — How did a church that once recognized gender fluidity become so obdurate in imposing binary sex difference?
Latin Patriarch Pizzaballa’s visit provides Palestinians a basic human need: Hope
By Daoud Kuttab — May 20, 2024
(RNS) — The visit is a reminder that the Gaza war is not a religious one and certainly not a Jewish-Muslim conflict.
The meaning of an Orthodox Christian deaconess’s ordination may depend on where you live
By Katherine Kelaidis — May 17, 2024
(RNS) — In Africa, an attempt to distance a decision about mission from the East-West culture war.
After Hagia Sophia, Turkey converts a second ancient Byzantine church into a mosque
By David I. Klein — May 10, 2024
ISTANBUL (RNS) — Muslim worshippers at the mosque on Friday said they viewed Chora Church's rededication as an Islamic site to be a national win for Turkey.
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