Contact

Name

Please enter your full name.

This field is required.

Enter a valid email address where we can reach you.

This field is required.

Subject

What is the subject of your message?

This field is required.

Message

Type your message here.

This field is required.

Weekly Review of Orthodox Church News9 May 2026
The Georgian Orthodox Church confirmed its patriarchal election for 11 May. Metropolitan Shio, locum tenens, leads with 20 synodal votes against seven each for Metropolitans Iob and Grigol. Grigol of Poti and Khobi, seen as the most reform-minded candidate, warned against letting the process resemble a political contest and stated the Church must not fall into Russia's orbit. In Athens, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew addressed the Greek Parliament for the first time in 27 years, receiving its Gold Medal. He met PM Mitsotakis, who spoke of "positive news" regarding the Halki seminary's reopening, now targeted for September 2026. The ROCOR Council of Bishops decided to bless the process of preparing the ecclesiastical glorification (canonisation) of Hieromonk Seraphim Rose — who, once the process is completed, would become the first U.S.-born ROCOR saint. In Syria, Patriarch Aphrem II inaugurated the restored Mor Jirjis Cathedral in Hasakah after a four-year rehabilitation, during his first pastoral visit to the Jazira region since the political transition.
Weekly Review of Orthodox Church News2 May 2026
The Georgian Holy Synod selected the triprosopon on 28 April: Metropolitan Shio (20 votes), Metropolitan Job (7), and Metropolitan Gregory (7). The expanded assembly will elect the new Patriarch by 17 May. The process has become intensely politicised. A Kyiv appeals court overturned on 30 April the expert assessment underpinning the UOC liquidation process, effectively stalling the ban — though the 2024 law remains in force. Patriarch John X of Antioch visited the Ecumenical Patriarchate (28–30 April), strengthening bilateral ties. The ROCOR Council of Bishops opened in Munich (29 April–5 May), marking the German Diocese's centennial. The Mother See of Etchmiadzin condemned Azerbaijan's Caucasus Muslim Board for calling demolished Armenian churches in Stepanakert "illegal buildings," terming the destruction cultural genocide. Pope Tawadros II continued his European tour (Austria, Italy, Croatia). Patriarch Bartholomew will address the Greek Parliament on 5 May. Over 250 were baptised in Britain through the Thyateira "Discover Orthodoxy" programme, while US Orthodox leaders grapple with ideological concerns among converts.
Relations Between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Patriarchate of Antioch Since the Beginning of the 21st Century2 May 2026
The relationship between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Patriarchate of Antioch since 2000 has been mixed: communion and direct contact have remained intact, but there have also been tensions over inter-Orthodox governance, especially the Qatar dispute and Constantinople’s actions in Ukraine. The visit of John X to Constantinople in April 2026 shows that, despite disagreements, both patriarchates still wish to preserve direct and fraternal relations.