ROC Primate performs funeral service for ambassador Karlov at Christ the Savior Cathedral
The religious service is being performed by Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia. The ceremony is being attended by the colleagues, friends and relatives of the diplomat. The service is accompanied by the sound of church bells.
The Russian church leader has known the late ambassador for a long time. Ten years ago, then as head of the Synodal Department for External Church Relations, he performed a rite of marriage for Karlov and his wife at the Russian St. Trinity Church in Pyongyang where Karlov served as ambassador to North Korea.
Bells will be ringing at this church on the day of the funeral, Alexander Matsegora, Russia's current ambassador to North Korea and a friend of Karlov's, said.
Russian Ambassador to Turkey Andrey Karlov died after being shot in a gun attack at a photo gallery exhibition opening in Ankara on 19 December. According to the Interior Ministry of Turkey, the Russian diplomat was assassinated by a 22-year-old police officer Mevlüt Mert Altıntaş. He motivated his actions by dissatisfaction with Russia's policy in Syria. In the attack two more people were injured. The gunman was shot dead by Turkey’s special forces. Russian Ambassador to Turkey Andrey Karlov was posthumously awarded the title Hero of Russia.
Read also
Met. Varsonofiy сelebrates Liturgy at persecuted UOC parish in Stryzhavka
A UOC hierarch officiated the Nativity service and offered prayers for peace in Ukraine.
Seized Dormition Cathedral in Volodymyr transferred from UOC to OCU control
Huz stated that after being handed to the OCU, the Dormition Cathedral in Volodymyr will be “Ukrainian and alive”.
In Brussels, Cardinal Parolin urges Europe to remember its Christian roots
The Vatican Secretary of State spoke at the Cathedral of Saints Michael and Gudula on the occasion of its eight-hundredth anniversary and recalled Europe’s spiritual mission.
388 mln Christians face persecution and discrimination over faith – report
The organization Portes Ouvertes has published research findings concluding that pressure on believers worldwide has intensified.
Archbishop of Albania: Orthodoxy is a key pillar of Albania’s European path
During a visit to Brussels, the Primate of the Albanian Orthodox Church underscored the importance of Orthodoxy for the country’s integration into the EU and for maintaining interreligious balance in society.
His Beatitude leads divine service at Lavra on Circumcision of the Lord feast
During the festive service at the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, special prayers were offered for peace on the Ukrainian land and for God’s blessing upon the new year.