During his meeting with Kirill, he discussed “issues in inter-Orthodox relations and possible solutions”. Among the topics was the anniversary of the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan in 2030. Against the backdrop of the war between Russia and Ukraine. On 30 November in Istanbul, the synod of the four Orthodox primates.
A recent survey indicates that one Russian in three is a non-believer. On average, they are male, 30 to 60-years-old, high school graduates and like diligence and decency. The same study shows an increasingly closer relationship between the Church and society.
Despite differences, Catholics and Orthodox share the same festive atmosphere, “example of being together and being one spirit despite our differences.” The bishop of Moscow urges Catholics and Orthodox to jointly bear witness to the world of the Risen Christ. Aleksej II calls on the faithful to strengthen the family as a bulwark against the idols of power and money. The two Churches are set to meet again in a week-time in Rome for discussions and prayers.
Russians and Taiwanese meet to discuss ways to develop relations between Taiwanese organisations and the Orthodox Church, including the pastoral care for Orthodox faithful living on the island. For some analysts, this rapprochement is a signal to Beijing, which does not recognise Christian Orthodoxy as an official religion.
Three-day talks between the European Union and Uzbekistan end. They follow similar talks with Central Asian nations held a few days earlier.
The economic moves and alliances between Italy and Russia bring to mind an old political project: that of building a great continental power to dominate Eurasia. The American and Mexican "counter offensive." Some analysis and some hypothesis.
The Russian version of the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church will be presented on Tuesday at Moscow’s Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. The decision to have Catechism published belongs to Pope John Paul II who also wanted a shorter version made available to anyone interested in it. I hope it will “serve as an effective instrument of evangelisation and strengthening of Christian faith and contribute to cooperation between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches,” says Archbishop Kondrusiewicz.
The two countries seal agreement to send a spacecraft to Mars and its moon, Phobos. Contracts worth US$ 4 billion are signed, but there is no progress on the Siberian oil pipeline. Despite sometimes diverging interests both Moscow and Beijing pursue closer ties, partly to counter US influence.
Russian Orthodox clergy in Alapayevsk launch campaign to provide mothers economic help for not aborting. Women receive a thousand rubles a month without distinction of religion. Result is a 40 per cent drop in number of abortions.
The three-day state visit coincides with the start of the Year of China in Russia. For Beijing Russian oil and gas are important, but so are trade and military cooperation. Moscow, too, has its eyes turned eastward. Both countries want to reduce US role.
Through his spokesman the Iranian president suggests he might have new things to say during the Security Council session that will discuss new sanctions against Iran. Some reports suggest Russia threatened Iran of withholding nuclear fuel if it does not suspend its uranium enrichment programme.
UN secretary praises Saudi peace proposal before going to the region. Plan includes israeli withdrawal to 1967 borders. Israel and United States view changes in Palestinian government as insufficient. Contrasts continued within Palestinian government.
Two priests, ordained last August by the North Korean Orthodox Church, visited Vladivostok to learn about Lenten celebrations and the Easter Liturgy. The links between the two Churches remains, both under the authority of Alexi II.
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