Greece Watch: Greeks 'burn Judas' in ancient Orthodox Easter tradition Boats circle a straw figure of the Biblical traitor before setting it alight. The tradition dates back several centuries but in some places has only been brought back in the last few decades. 29/04/2019
World Halki: Why Greeks want a Christian seminary in the heart of Istanbul The long-running international campaign to re-open a theological school in Turkey is set for a major boost this week. 04/02/2019
Russia Putin celebrates Christmas with orthodox Christians in St Petersburg Orthodox Christians have begun celebrations to mark Christmas with special midnight masses across the country. President Vladimir Putin joined them for mass in St Petersburg. 07/01/2019
Turkey Decree grants independence to Ukraine's Orthodox church Istanbul's Ecumenical Patriarch signed a degree to grant independence to the Orthodox church of Ukraine. 05/01/2019
Ukraine Ukraine splits from Russian Orthodox Church after three centuries The Russian Orthodox Church has portrayed it as the biggest split in Christianity for 1,000 years. 15/12/2018
Israel Painting of Jesus Christ found in ancient church in Israel A painting of Jesus Christ’s face has been discovered at a Byzantine church in Israel’s Negev desert. 14/11/2018
Greece 10,000 clergy to come off Greek payroll Greece and its Orthodox Church have tentatively agreed on Tuesday to remove some 10,000 clergy from the state payroll, according to Reuters.This landmark deal could clearly define the distinction between church and state in Greece 07/11/2018
Russia Russia's Orthodox Church freezes ties with Constantinople over Ukraine The Russian Orthodox Church has downgraded "diplomatic relations" with Istanbul-based Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople. 15/09/2018
no comment Flour battle hits Galaxidi Residents of the Greek seaside town of Galaxidi have taken part in the town's annual 'flour battle'. Residents pelt each other with bags of dyed flour on the main street down to Galaxidi's old harbour. 19/02/2018
Russia Putin takes traditional Epiphany dip in icy lake Russia's president stripped off to his swimming trunks to observe an Orthodox Christian ritual 19/01/2018
world news Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas From St. Petersburg to Bethlehem and beyond, presidents joined worshippers to usher in Christmas Day 07/01/2018
no comment Bosnia's Orthodox Christians follow rituals in run-up to Christmas Orthodox Christians in Bosnia have been preparing for Epiphany and Christmas by following traditions and having a pre-festive feast 05/01/2018
Russia 'Hands off our saint': controversial film about Russian tsar's affair opens in Moscow Orthodox leaders glorify Nicholas II as a saint and say his private life is off-limits. 25/10/2017
Russia Fire and fury over film about Russian tsar's romance Alexei Uchitel's "Matilda" tells the story of the late-19th century romance between Nicholas II, before he became tsar, and half-Polish dancer Matilda Kshesinskaya. 11/09/2017
Russia Relics of St Nicholas visited by thousands of worshipers in Moscow Thousands of people from all over Russia have gathered at Moscow’s Christ the Saviour cathedral to visit the relics of St. 22/05/2017
Russia Russian Youtuber convicted for playing Pokemon Go in church "I'm content. I won't play Pokemon, it's already out of fashion," said Sokolovsky after the sentencing. 11/05/2017
world news Christians worldwide celebrate Easter Pope Francis has led the world’s Roman Catholics into Easter, urging the faithful not to ignore the plight of immigrants, the poor and other vulnerable people. 16/04/2017
no comment Palm Sunday in Jerusalem's Holy Sepulchre Worshippers gathered at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem to mark Palm Sunday, waving palm branches during the procession next to the newly restored Tomb of… 10/04/2017
