Phanar head to Greeks on COVID vaccination: I’ve been vaccinated four times
The Phanar head with the mayors of Greek cities in Istanbul. Photo: orthodoxianewsagency.gr
On November 30, 2021, Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople met in Istanbul with the mayors of several Greek cities who arrived in Turkey for a conference, during which the Phanar head spoke about his support for vaccination against coronavirus and quarantine measures imposed by state authorities, reports the orthodoxianewsagency.gr website.
The head of Phanar called on the mayors of Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras and Mytilene to tell the Greeks who oppose COVID vaccination that he has already been vaccinated several times. “Tell them I've been vaccinated four times,” he said, adding that since the beginning of the COVID-19 epidemic, he has supported the recommendations of doctors and the quarantine restrictions that state authorities introduce.
As reported, a Greek hierarch said about COVID tests: “Our faith is persecuted, and people are being led to death.”
Read also
Italian media: Ukrainian authorities persecute the country’s largest confession
The Italian outlet L’Identità reported on mass searches, the arrests of clergy, and the ban on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which it describes as the largest Church in Ukraine.
Festival marking Orthodox Youth Day held in UOC's Volyn Eparchy
In Lutsk, the UOC’s annual youth forum brought together parish groups, clergy, and participants in a creative program for Orthodox Youth Day.
London mayor switches on festive Ramadan lights
In London, the Muslim mayor inaugurated Ramadan illuminations: a central street was decorated with a “Happy Ramadan” sign and Islamic-style ornaments.
DESS: Ramadan is a time of special closeness to the Almighty
DESS congratulated Ukraine’s Muslims on the beginning of Ramadan.
Jehovah’s witness pastor sentenced in Lviv region for refusing TRC service
A court in Lviv region sentenced a Jehovah’s Witness pastor to five years in prison for unauthorized absence from his unit and for refusing to serve as a TRC cook.
Orthodox Church in America raises $700,000 for Ukrainians in Poland
An OCA representative met with Metropolitan Sava and discussed humanitarian support for Ukrainian refugees in Poland.