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Vatican

Pope Francis may meet the 'pro-war' leader of Russia's Orthodox Church

The EU accuses Patriarch Kirill of supporting Russia's war in Ukraine.

World News

Moscow-affiliated Ukrainian Orthodox Church cuts ties over war

Church leaders say Russia broke God's commandment "Thou shalt not kill", condemning Moscow Patriarch Kirill's vocal support for the war.

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Ukrainians celebrate Orthodox Easter

Ukrainians mark a sombre Orthodox Easter two months into Russia's invasion.

France

French police investigate fire at Russian Orthodox Church in Paris

The blaze caused severe damage to the small church over the weekend.

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Russia

In pictures: Russian Christians plunge into icy water to mark Epiphany

Most people take the plunge at midnight or on the day of the feast itself, which falls on January 19, after priests have blessed the water.

World News

Orthodox Christians observe Christmas amid virus concerns

The Serbian Patriarch prayed for medical workers fighting the virus and for those sick to recover quickly.

Europe Decoded

Russian orthodox monk who denied the COVID-19 pandemic is jailed

Father Sergiy was arrested in December 2020 after giving sermons that urged believers to "die for Russia".

Russia

Orthodox Christians prepare for Easter Sunday

Eastern Orthodox Christians are able to have bigger Easter celebrations this year as lockdowns in many countries are eased.

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Putin visits UNESCO-listed church for Orthodox Christmas service

During two decades in power, Putin generally has marked Christmas outside Moscow, often at relatively little-known provincial churches.

Russia

Euroviews. Already vulnerable, LGBTIQ people are being used as a pawn in Putin’s latest power play ǀ View

Vladimir Putin has vowed that same-sex marriage will not become a reality as long as he is president, and swiftly included a corresponding provision in proposed constitutional changes due to be voted on in a second reading by the State Duma this week, which will be put to a referendum next month.

Montenegro

Montenegro rocked by dispute over church property

Opponents of a new law that makes it obligatory to register church properties fear that the State could confiscate Serbian Orthodox churches or cemeteries.

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Russians mark Epiphany with plunge into icy water

Russian Orthodox Christians immerse in ice-cold water in some of the country's regions to celebrate the baptism of Jesus Christ.

Russia

Watch: Priests perform flyover blessing against 'lust & alcohol abuse'

Priests took to the sky to bless a Russian city with holy water, protecting it from alcohol consumption and lust. The priests have made the annual flight since 2006, using around 70 litres of holy water each trip.

World News

When the pope met Putin: What is the Great Schism of 1054?

Pope Francis and Russian President Vladimir Putin met for the third time on Thursday — but what is the significance of this? And why do people keep talking about the Great Schism of 1054?