Week of 10–16 May 2026
1. Top Stories of the Week
Shio III Elected and Enthroned as Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia
The Georgian Orthodox Church elected Metropolitan Shio (Mujiri) of Senaki and Chkhorotsku as its 142nd Catholicos-Patriarch on 11 May 2026. In a vote of the 39-member Holy Synod, Shio received 22 votes, defeating Metropolitan Iob (Akiashvili) with 7 votes and Metropolitan Grigol (Berbichashvili) with 9 votes. The following day, 12 May, Shio III was enthroned at the historic Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta, the ancient capital of the Georgian kingdom. Born Elizbar Teimuraz Mujiri in Tbilisi 57 years ago, the new Patriarch had served as locum tenens since 2017, when the late Ilia II appointed him to oversee the eventual leadership transition. (Eurasianet, OC Media, Vatican News, Religion News Service)
The election exposed deep divisions. Nearly half the Synod did not back Shio’s candidacy. Concerns about Russian influence were immediate: Patriarch Kirill of Moscow was among the first foreign religious leaders to congratulate Shio III, sending a letter within hours. In his message, Kirill invoked the tradition of fraternal relations established under Ilia II. The Jamestown Foundation published an analysis documenting links between Shio III and pro-Kremlin businessman Levan Vasadze, a childhood friend of the new Patriarch. Shio’s theological education at the Moscow Theological Academy and Saint Tikhon’s Orthodox University, combined with the presence of Kremlin-affiliated Russian businessmen of Georgian origin at the election session, further fuelled suspicions. Georgian opposition figures, including Labour Party leader Shalva Natelashvili, publicly denounced the alleged Russian intelligence presence at the proceedings. (Jamestown Foundation, Orthodox Times)
Congratulatory messages also arrived from Patriarch John X of Antioch (13 May), among other church leaders. (MECC)
ROCOR Council of Bishops Concludes in Munich: Seraphim Rose Canonisation Process Advances
The Council of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR) met from 29 April to 5 May 2026 at the Monastery of the Holy Great Martyr Elizabeth in Buchendorf, near Munich, in connection with the centenary of the German Diocese. On 4 May, the bishops received the report of Bishop James of Sonora on the life and veneration of Hieromonk Seraphim (Rose, 1934–1982). The Council acknowledged his “righteous course of life” and blessed the continuation of formal preparations for his glorification in the rank of saints. While not yet a full act of canonisation, the decision represents a significant step forward and has sparked wide discussion. (Eastern American Diocese, ROCOR Studies)
The decision drew critical analysis. An essay published on Public Orthodoxy on 11 May examined the ecclesiological tension inherent in canonising a figure who condemned ecumenism and Sergianism as the worst heresies, given that ROCOR itself entered into canonical union with the Moscow Patriarchate in 2007 and thereby, through Moscow, into the ecumenical engagement that Rose had rejected. (Public Orthodoxy)
The Council also rejected a petition to receive Bishop Emilianos of Meloa and rescinded the earlier reception of his deacon, Christos Karafotias, ruling that both remain clerics of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia. In its conciliar epistle, the Council declared: the hierarchs “grieve over the fratricidal war between Christians,” a clear reference to the conflict in Ukraine. A commission on bioethical questions was established, assigned to Bishops Luke of Syracuse and Job of Stuttgart. (UOJ, UOJ News)
Pope Tawadros II’s Historic European Tour Continues Through Venice and Croatia
Pope Tawadros II’s multi-country pastoral tour (Turkey, Austria, Italy, Croatia; 25 April – 12 May) reached its climax in Venice on 10 May, when he presided over a festive Coptic Divine Liturgy inside Saint Mark’s Basilica — above the altar beneath which rest the relics of Saint Mark the Evangelist, the founder of the See of Alexandria. The liturgy was described as the first time such a large assembly of Coptic bishops had gathered outside Egypt for worship at this site. The visit coincided with celebrations marking the 1,200th anniversary of the translation of Saint Mark’s relics to Venice and fell on 10 May, the 53rd anniversary of the historic 1973 Common Declaration between Pope Paul VI and Pope Shenouda III. (Coptic Solidarity, Egypt Daily News)
Following the liturgy, Pope Tawadros met Cardinal Francesco Moraglia, Patriarch of Venice, in an ecumenical encounter. He then continued to Croatia, visiting the Coptic community — now approaching 700 faithful — and calling for the establishment of a dedicated Coptic church there. The tour also included a Conference of Bishops of the Diaspora Dioceses and meetings with youth from several European dioceses. Pope Tawadros returned to Egypt on 12 May. (Coptic Orthodox Church)
Pope Leo XIV Calls Pope Tawadros II to Revive Catholic–Coptic Dialogue
On 15 May, Pope Leo XIV telephoned Pope Tawadros II on the occasion of the 13th Day of Friendship between Copts and Catholics. The Vatican Press Office stated that the conversation aimed to give “new impetus” to their relationship and to “overcome any obstacles to dialogue based on faith and charity.” The two leaders also discussed peace efforts in the Middle East. The call was significant because the Coptic Orthodox Church had suspended theological dialogue with the Catholic Church in early 2024 following the publication of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith’s declaration Fiducia Supplicans. Contact between the two Churches had become increasingly rare since then. The conversation represents Pope Leo’s first major effort to restore relations. (Catholic Culture, Vatican News, EWTN)
Serbian Orthodox Church Opens 2026 Bishops’ Council
The Holy Assembly of Bishops (Свети Архијерејски Сабор) of the Serbian Orthodox Church opened on 13 May 2026 with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy at the Memorial Temple of Saint Sava in Vračar, Belgrade, presided over by Patriarch Porfirije. Metropolitan Hilarion of Timok addressed the assembly on themes of mutual love, spiritual responsibility, and steadfastness. The working session commenced on 14 May in the crypt of the Holy Great Martyr Prince Lazar at the Church of Saint Sava, adopting an agenda that included reports on the archpastoral work of all diocesan hierarchs and the activities of central church bodies. (Orthodox Times, Eastern Diocese)
2. Eastern Orthodox News
Ecumenical Patriarchate
Aftermath of Patriarch Bartholomew’s Historic Visit to Athens (5–8 May). In the week immediately preceding this review, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew addressed the Plenary Session of the Hellenic Parliament on 5 May — the first time since 1999, a gap of 27 years. Parliament Speaker Nikitas Kaklamanis presented him with the Golden Medal of the Hellenic Parliament. The Patriarch’s speech focused on peace and the environment, delivered against the backdrop of the Middle East crisis and the war in Ukraine. He met Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at Maximos Mansion, where they discussed the protection of Middle Eastern Christians and the anticipated reopening of the Halki Theological School. The visit concluded on 8 May. Reverberations continued through the review period, including the Halki announcement’s impact (see below) and the U.S. State Department visit on 13 May. (Greek City Times, Orthodox Times, ProtoThema)
Halki Seminary: Renovation Nears Completion, Reopening Uncertain. During his Athens visit, Patriarch Bartholomew stated that renovation work on the Halki Theological School, closed by the Turkish government in 1971, would be completed for an inauguration ceremony in September 2026. However, the Patriarchate’s spokesperson clarified that the seminary still does not have an operating licence from the Turkish authorities. The Patriarch expressed hope that the licence might coincide with the inauguration, but this remains uncertain. (Bianet, Greek City Times, Türkiye Today)
U.S. State Department Visit to the Phanar. On 13 May, Riley M. Barnes, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, led a delegation to the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The visit addressed the life and ministry of the Mother Church, the Greek Orthodox community of Constantinople, and the situation of Orthodox faithful in Turkey. Barnes was accompanied by Deputy Consul General Michael Kidwell. (Orthodox Times)
Clergy-Laity Congress Delegation. Patriarch Bartholomew appointed Metropolitan Arsenios of Austria, Metropolitan Filotheos of Thessaloniki, and Grand Archimandrite Iakovos (Krochak) to represent the Patriarchate at the 48th Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, scheduled for Cleveland, 30 June – 3 July. (Orthodox Observer)
Public Orthodoxy Essay. On 14 May, Dr. Harry G. Dimopoulos, Archon Hartophylax of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, published an essay on Public Orthodoxy arguing that the Ecumenical Patriarchate must remain in Constantinople, presenting six interconnected reasons rooted in canonical tradition, global recognition, geopolitical significance, and the stability of global Orthodoxy. (Public Orthodoxy)
Mount Athos: Icon Presented to U.S. Ambassador. A delegation from Xenophontos Monastery, led by Abbot Elder Alexios, presented U.S. Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle with a hand-painted icon of the Virgin Mary at the U.S. Embassy in Athens on 13 May. The icon was painted by Father Pahomios of Xenophontos, who previously created artwork at Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church in New York after the 11 September 2001 attacks. (Orthodox Times, Greek City Times)
Mount Athos: Wildfire Protection Meeting. The annual coordination meeting on wildfire protection was held on Mount Athos, gathering authorities and agencies for prevention and emergency readiness ahead of summer. (Orthodox Times)
Patriarchate of Antioch
Patriarch John X congratulated Shio III on his election as Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia (13 May), expressing joy at the news in his capacity as President of the Middle East Council of Churches for the Orthodox Family. (MECC)
Church of Georgia
Covered extensively under Top Stories. The election of Shio III (11 May) and his enthronement at Svetitskhoveli (12 May) dominated Georgian ecclesiastical news. Shio III becomes the 10th Patriarch since the restoration of autocephaly in 1917, succeeding the longest-serving head of the Georgian Church, Ilia II, who died in March 2026 at the age of 93 after 48 years in office.
Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate)
Holy Synod Session (14 May). The Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church convened on 14 May 2026 at the Patriarchal and Synodal Residence in the Danilov Monastery, Moscow, under the chairmanship of Patriarch Kirill. The Patriarch reported on his recent primatial visit to the Kuban Metropolis. The Synod heard reports from Bishop Pankratiy of Troitsk, chairman of the Synodal Commission for the Canonisation of Saints, and resolved to include two names in the register of the Synaxis of the New Martyrs and Confessors of the Russian Church: Monk Vladimir (Elizarov), on the petition of Metropolitan Evgeny of Yekaterinburg and Verkhoturye; and Confessor Afanasy Andreyevich Sayko (reposed 1967), on the petition of Metropolitan Tikhon of Orel and Bolkhov. On the petition of Metropolitan Ioann of Yoshkar-Ola and Mari, the Synod approved the official register of the Saints of the Mari Metropolis and established the date for their commemoration. In personnel matters, the Synod elected Igumen Alexander (Marchenko), a cleric of the Petrozavodsk Diocese, as Bishop of Baryshsk and Inzensk to fill the vacant see of the Barysh Diocese. The Synod also approved the journals of the Synod of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Western Europe (11 February 2026) and of the Synod of the Central Asian Metropolitan District (17 March 2026). (Патриархия.ру, Православие.ру, OrthoChristian, Orthodox Times)
NÖK Report: Fled Russian Priest. Nachrichtendienst Östliche Kirchen reported (7 May) on a Russian Orthodox priest, Konstantin Kokora, who emigrated to France on a humanitarian visa. Kokora described pressure he faced since 2023 for altering the controversial prayer for the victory of Holy Rus and for expressing his views on Russia’s war against Ukraine. (NÖK)
Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR)
Council of Bishops. The decisions from the Munich council (29 April – 5 May) continued to resonate through the week. See Top Stories for details on the Seraphim Rose canonisation process, the rejection of Bishop Emilianos, and the conciliar epistle on Ukraine. A centenary academic conference on the history of the German Diocese took place at Blutenburg Castle, Munich, from 6 to 8 May, featuring more than twenty papers by scholars from Germany, Austria, Belarus, Russia, and the United States, along with a jubilee exhibition and a concert of church music from the Russian emigration. (ROCOR Studies, ROCOR Studies)
Supplementary Menaion Published. On 15 May, the Supplementary Menaion of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad was published in Munich, a liturgical resource for the commemoration of saints particular to ROCOR.
Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU)
Holy Synod Defrocks UOC–KP Claimants. The Holy Synod of the OCU, meeting on 11 May under Metropolitan Epifaniy, defrocked several individuals who had been previously suspended: monk Nikodym Kobzar, who styles himself “Patriarch,” and Mykhailo Kovalyuk and Nikon Hrabliuk, who claim the title of “Metropolitan.” The Synod declared that these individuals have never been bishops and do not belong to the OCU hierarchy. The action came in the wake of the death of Patriarch Filaret (Denysenko) on 20 March 2026 at the age of 97, and represents a consolidation move against the remnant UOC–Kyiv Patriarchate. Approximately twenty communities and clergy who had been outside communion with the OCU — described by OCU sources as “the vast majority” — restored communion, following the late Filaret’s instruction to seek unity. For his part, Nikodym Kobzar rejected the OCU’s decision, urging believers loyal to the UOC–KP to ignore what he called provocations, to maintain the independence of their communities, and accused the OCU of applying pressure to force their submission. (Orthodox Times, UNN)
Background information: see our analysis, ‘The Kyiv Patriarchate in Transition: A Comprehensive Report on the 2026 Succession and Legal Crisis‘, published on 1 April 2026.
Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC)
Forced Mobilisation of Clergy. Multiple sources reported that the forced conscription of UOC clergy into the Ukrainian armed forces has intensified. According to a report cited by Romfea (Greek-language), clergy exemption quotas have been effectively cancelled as of May 2026. An incident in the Zhytomyr region involved the detention of a priest reportedly using physical force and pepper spray. The UOC and international observers, including Human Rights Without Frontiers, have called attention to the conflict between these measures and both Orthodox canon law (which prohibits clerical participation in combat) and the Geneva Conventions. (Athens News)
Court Victory. NÖK reported (7 May) that a Ukrainian appeals court partially upheld a complaint by the UOC’s Kyiv Metropolitanate against the State Service for Ethnic Policy and Religious Freedom, finding that the State Service committed a substantial procedural error by not responding to a 2023 statement challenging the composition of the expert commission. (NÖK)
Serbian Orthodox Church
The opening of the Bishops’ Council is covered under Top Stories. Additionally, NÖK reported (7 May) that the Serbian Orthodox Church and the Serbian government signed a memorandum of intent to co-found a new university, Sveti Sava. Details — including whether it would be public or private — remain to be determined. (NÖK)
Romanian Orthodox Church
Heroes’ Day Bell-Ringing. The Romanian Patriarchate announced that church bells across Romania will ring on 21 May (Feast of the Ascension) to mark Heroes’ Day 2026 (Ziua Eroilor). Heroes’ Day was established by the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church in 1920, in the aftermath of the First World War, and permanently fixed to the movable Feast of the Ascension — the theological rationale being that those who sacrificed their lives for the homeland ascended, like Christ, from earthly suffering to heavenly glory. The commemoration was reaffirmed by synodal decisions in 1999 and 2001, and was proclaimed a national holiday of Romania by Law No. 379/2003 on war graves and commemorative monuments. During every Divine Liturgy on this day, the Romanian Orthodox Church commemorates the soldiers and fighters of all times and places who gave their lives for the defence of the homeland and the Orthodox faith. (Basilica.ro)
New Abbess and Youth Centre. On 9 May, Nun Cipriana Tănase was installed as abbess of Mihai Vodă Monastery in Bucharest. On the same day, Bishop Benedict laid the foundation stone for the “Saint Nicholas” Youth Missionary Centre in Horoatu Crasnei, the first youth centre of the Diocese of Sălaj.
Bulgarian Orthodox Church
Language Dispute at Bulgarian Church in Edirne. A dispute erupted during the St. George’s Day celebration (6 May) at the Bulgarian Orthodox Church of St. George the Victorious in Edirne, Turkey. Metropolitan Amphilochios of the Ecumenical Patriarchate reportedly sent two Greek priests and announced the liturgy would be conducted in Greek, overriding the previously arranged Bulgarian-language service led by Father Haralampii Nichev. Hundreds of Bulgarian worshippers objected. The board of the Bulgarian Orthodox community in Istanbul subsequently banned Greek-language services at both Bulgarian churches in Edirne and suspended all religious services until the dispute is resolved; the churches remain open for visits and private prayer. The affair has drawn comment from Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil. (GreekReporter, BTA, OrthoChristian)
Engagement with European Institutions. On Europe Day (9 May), Metropolitan Anthony of Western and Central Europe spoke on Bulgarian National Radio about the Bulgarian Orthodox Church’s interactions with European institutions, a process ongoing since 2014. Metropolitan Nikolay of Plovdiv celebrated the Divine Liturgy in Brussels on St. George’s Day (6 May). (European Times)
Church of Greece
Archbishop Ieronymos II attended the historic address by Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides at the Hellenic Parliament on 14 May, in which the president emphasised the continued struggle for the liberation and reunification of Cyprus. (Orthodox Times)
3. Oriental Orthodox News
Coptic Orthodox Church
Pope Tawadros II’s European tour — Venice and Croatia — is covered under Top Stories. The phone call from Pope Leo XIV (15 May) is likewise covered above.
Armenian Apostolic Church
CSI Report on Persecution by Armenian Government. Christian Solidarity International (CSI) released a report on 4 May concluding that the Armenian Apostolic Church faces state-sponsored persecution not seen since the Soviet era. The report, authored by international lawyer and historian Peter Flew following a fact-finding visit to Armenia, documents an escalating campaign by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s government, including the arrest of one-third of the archbishops in Armenia, travel bans on Catholicos Karekin II and other senior clergy, attempts to provoke a schism within the Church, and the detention of clergy, their relatives, podcasters, and church workers. The report includes the first list of political prisoners in Armenia published by an international human rights organisation and recommends that European and American policymakers affirm the Church’s right to choose its own leaders. Its release coincided with the European Political Community Summit in Yerevan (4 May) and the first EU–Armenia Summit (5 May). (CSI, Christian Today)
Catholicos Aram I Meets Pope Leo XIV. His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Armenian Apostolic Church — Great House of Cilicia, paid a private visit to Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican (date in early May). The Pope stated that he prays daily for the people of Lebanon and expressed deep concern for the Churches of the Middle East. Pope Leo thanked Catholicos Aram I for his commitment to the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches, active since 2003. The Catholicos raised the issues of the return of Karabakh Armenians and the release of Armenian prisoners held by Azerbaijan. (Vatican News, NEWS.am)
Syriac Orthodox Church
Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II met with Syriac Orthodox Church associations at Mor Jacob of Nisibin Cathedral in Qamishly, Syria, on 4 May, accompanied by several archbishops serving as patriarchal vicars. The visit formed part of a broader series of pastoral engagements in the region. (MECC)
Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church
Ongoing Breakaway Crisis. Reports continued of internal tensions within the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church stemming from a schism that began in January 2023, when a group of bishops led by Abune Sawiros — citing grievances over the inadequate representation of the Oromo ethnic group and the marginalisation of the Afaan Oromo language in liturgical and administrative life — consecrated 26 bishops without the authorisation of the Holy Synod in Addis Ababa. The breakaway escalated in January 2024, when these bishops and their followers formally established the Oromia Orthodox Tewahedo Church as a separate institution. A distinct but related development involved the Tigrayan church: in May 2021, archbishops in Tigray announced the establishment of a separate Tigray Orthodox Church, severing ties with the EOTC amid the Tigray war. This breakaway deepened in July 2023, when the Tigray church ordained 10 bishops to lead dioceses in Tigray and abroad. The EOTC Holy Synod responded in August 2023 by excommunicating four Tigrayan archbishops — Abune Isaias (Mekelle), Abune Mekaryos (Aksum), Abune Merja Kristos (Adigrat), and Abune Petros (Shire Indaselassie). The canonical Holy Synod has repeatedly called for repentance and return from both breakaway groups. During the review period, a monk, Aba NewayeSelassie Aklilu, who had been ordained by the Oromo breakaway group, returned to the mother Church, presenting the clerical vestments he had received. His return was publicised as an example of the Synod’s reconciliation efforts. No Amharic-language sources were identified for this report.
4. Orthodox Churches in the Diaspora & Mission Fields
North America
GOARCH Archdiocesan Council. The Archdiocesan Council of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America convened virtually on 8 May for its spring meeting, a five-hour session held ahead of the 48th Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress in Cleveland (30 June – 3 July). (Orthodox Observer)
Hellenic College Holy Cross Graduation. Archbishop Elpidophoros of America presided over the Great Vespers and Stavrophoria at Hellenic College Holy Cross in Brookline, Massachusetts, on 13 May. The 84th commencement ceremony took place on 16 May, with 19 Bachelor of Arts graduates and 17 Master of Divinity graduates. The Archbishop was joined by Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh, Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco, Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey, Metropolitan Constantine of Denver, and several other bishops. (Orthodox Observer, GOARCH)
Apostolic Mission Newsletter. The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America launched the Apostolic Anchor, the newsletter of the Apostolic Mission to the African Diaspora in the Americas, West Indies, and Caribbean. (Orthodox Observer)
Conversion Wave Debate Deepens. The ongoing discussion over the surge in Orthodox conversions in the United States continued to generate attention. The Orthodox Observer published a feature examining the ideological dimensions of the phenomenon, reporting that clergy and scholars are increasingly concerned about converts attracted to Orthodoxy through far-right internet subcultures rather than through traditional catechesis. Church leadership emphasised the need for bishops, priests, and lay leaders to guide catechumens for years rather than months and to establish clear guidelines regarding hate-based ideologies. (Orthodox Observer)
Africa
Baptisms in Côte d’Ivoire. On 2 May, with the blessing of Metropolitan Daniel of Accra, Côte d’Ivoire, and Mali, four catechumens of the same family were baptised and chrismated at the Parish of Saint Maximus the Confessor in Bingerville. (Orthodox Times)
5. Ecumenical and Inter-Orthodox Relations
Tawadros–Moraglia Ecumenical Meeting (Venice, 10 May). Following the Coptic Divine Liturgy at Saint Mark’s Basilica, Pope Tawadros II met Cardinal Francesco Moraglia, Patriarch of Venice, in an official ecumenical encounter at the Venetian archdiocese’s residence. See Top Stories for further details.
Pope Leo XIV – Pope Tawadros II Phone Call (15 May). The first significant contact between the new Roman pontiff and the Coptic Pope, aimed at reviving dialogue suspended since early 2024 over Fiducia Supplicans. See Top Stories.
Pope Leo XIV – Catholicos Aram I Meeting (Vatican, early May). The first official visit of the Catholicos of the Armenian Apostolic Church (Cilicia) to Pope Leo. The two discussed Lebanon, Middle Eastern Christians, and the theological dialogue active since 2003. See Oriental Orthodox News.
Congratulations to Shio III. Multiple heads of Churches sent congratulations following the Georgian patriarchal election: Patriarch Kirill of Moscow (11 May), Patriarch John X of Antioch (13 May), and others.
Bulgarian–Greek Church Language Dispute in Edirne. The dispute over liturgical language at the Bulgarian Orthodox church in Edirne raised tensions between the Bulgarian Orthodox community and the Ecumenical Patriarchate. See Eastern Orthodox News — Bulgarian Orthodox Church.
6. Trends, Emergent Issues & Debates
Georgian Patriarchal Election as a Geopolitical Flashpoint. The election of Shio III crystallised anxieties about Russian influence in one of Orthodoxy’s oldest Churches. The divided vote (22 out of 39), the rapid Kremlin congratulations, and documented ties between the new Patriarch and pro-Kremlin networks make the Georgian Orthodox Church a focal point for debates about the entanglement of ecclesiastical politics and great-power competition. The new Patriarch takes office amid Georgia’s protracted political crisis, with the ruling Georgian Dream party — itself widely criticised for authoritarian tendencies — seen as a key backer of Shio’s candidacy.
ROCOR’s Seraphim Rose Dilemma. The advancement of Seraphim Rose’s canonisation exposes a fundamental tension in ROCOR’s self-understanding. Rose built his theological identity on the rejection of ecumenism and Sergianism, yet ROCOR entered canonical union with the Moscow Patriarchate — the very institution he criticised — in 2007. The canonisation process will compel ROCOR to address how it reconciles Rose’s uncompromising stance with its current ecclesial position.
Armenian Church Under Siege. The CSI report’s characterisation of the Armenian government’s actions as the worst persecution of the Armenian Apostolic Church since the Soviet era places Armenia’s church–state conflict in stark historical terms. With one-third of archbishops arrested, travel bans on the Catholicos, and political prisoners documented, the situation represents an unprecedented assault on religious autonomy in a country that considers the Armenian Apostolic Church foundational to its national identity.
Halki Seminary: Hope and Uncertainty. The tantalising prospect of the Halki Seminary’s reopening after 55 years of closure remains clouded by the absence of an operating licence from the Turkish government. The careful distinction between the renovation’s completion (expected September 2026) and the actual permission to resume teaching highlights the fragility of the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s position in Turkey.
Convert Wave and Ideological Capture in American Orthodoxy. The ongoing discussion in American Orthodoxy over the ideological profile of converts — particularly young men drawn through far-right internet subcultures — has moved from anecdotal observation to institutional response. Church leaders are now calling for multi-year catechesis, explicit guidelines on hate-based ideologies, and a reassertion of hierarchical authority against the influence of self-appointed online Orthodox voices.
Moldova: Jurisdictional Transfer Accelerates. The transfer of parishes from the Moscow-linked Metropolis of Chișinău to the Romanian-linked Metropolis of Bessarabia has intensified. The Moldovan government is considering the return of over 800 church properties to state control, a move that would disproportionately affect the Moscow-aligned jurisdiction.
Forced Conscription of UOC Clergy. The reported cancellation of military exemptions for UOC clergy represents an escalation with both canonical and human rights dimensions. The tension between wartime security concerns and religious freedom continues to define Ukraine’s ecclesiastical landscape.
7. New Academic Literature
Nicholas Denysenko, Orthodox Christianity: The Basics, 1st ed. (Routledge, 2026), 294 pp. ISBN 978-1-032-55978-0
RGOW [Religion & Gesellschaft in Ost und West] 3–4/2026: “Resilienz und Wandel. Historische Perspektiven auf die Ukraine.” Special thematic issue in cooperation with Ukrainian Research in Switzerland (URIS), University of Basel. (NÖK)
Jean-Claude Larchet, La neptothérapie. Thérapeutique spirituelle des addictions dures et douces, Salvator, Paris, 2026, 130 pp. ISBN 978-2-7067-3035-1. — Larchet, a prolific Orthodox theologian, proposes a method he terms “neptotherapy” (from the Greek nepsis, meaning vigilance or sobriety) for treating addictions, drawing on the ascetic tradition of the Eastern Church Fathers, particularly the Philokalia. He argues that addictions are exacerbated forms of the passions described by patristic authors, and that the Fathers’ systematic practice of controlling thoughts (logismoi) can be adapted as a therapeutic framework for both substance and behavioural addictions. The book extends the approach developed in his earlier works Thérapeutique des maladies spirituelles and Thérapeutique des maladies mentales. (Orthodoxie.com)
This review covers the period 10–16 May 2026. It was compiled on 18 May 2026 from English-, Greek-, German-, Russian-, French-, Romanian-, Serbian-, Arabic-, and Armenian-language sources, including Orthodox Times, Basilica.ro, NÖK (noek.info), OC Media, Eurasianet, Romfea, Public Orthodoxy, ROCOR Studies, the Coptic Orthodox Church’s official website, the MECC, Vatican News, the Jamestown Foundation, and other outlets.
This text was generated by Claude (Anthropic), Claude Opus 4.6, on 18 May 2026. It has been edited by Orthodox.News. https://claude.ai