Vesting of an Orthodox Priest

Before the “Orthros” or Matins (morning prayer), the Priest prepares himself for the Divine Liturgy by special prayers recited outside the Iconostasion (Altar Screen) before the Royal Doors.

December 4: The Great Martyr Barbara

Saint Barbara was killed by the hand of her own father. He cut off her head because he was a pagan and she could not allow herself to follow those errors.

Decorating for Christmas 2014

It’s the blessed time not only to decorate our houses and offices but also to decorate our souls with the spiritual ornaments of fasting, prayer and humility.

2014 Thronal Feast: Visit of Pope Francis to the Phanar

Pope Francis was enthusiastically greeted with the ringing of church bells upon arrival at the Ecumenical Patriarchate today on the occasion of the celebration of St. Andrew the Apostle, patron saint of the Church of Constantinople, the Byzantine name for present-day Istanbul.

Meeting between Chalcedonian and Non-Chalcedonian Churches

From November 24-25, 2014, a working group of official delegates met with the blessing of His All-Holiness in order to establish a course of action for the Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Chalcedonian and Non-Chalcedonian Orthodox Churches.