Cyprus Church Synod permits weddings during Nativity Fast

The Gospel and crowns for wedding ceremony. Photo: alphanews.live

The Gospel and crowns for wedding ceremony. Photo: alphanews.live

On January 14, 2026, the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church of Cyprus convened for an extraordinary session under the chairmanship of Archbishop Georgios of Cyprus and adopted a number of decisions, reports the official website of the Church of Cyprus.

The press release states that the Synod of the Orthodox Church of Cyprus decided to allow the celebration of the Sacrament of Marriage "starting from next year and thereafter" from the beginning of the Nativity Fast until December 12. It should be noted that the Cyprus Church celebrates the Nativity of Christ on December 25.

In addition, Archbishop Georgios's initiative was approved to add to the three stanzas of the Good Friday Encomiums, hymns of supplication "connected to the chronic Cypriot problem".

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Metropolitan Tychikos case will again be considered by the Cyprus Church Synod.

Upper Lavra court hearing postponed

The next court hearing in the Upper Lavra case has been scheduled for November 3.

UOC priest blesses ambulances at Kamianske medical center

A UOC priest in Kamianske blessed ambulances for a medical facility and wished its doctors God's help in their work.

Dumenko to German ambassador: Law targeting UOC also applies to other groups

Epifaniy Dumenko sought to defend Ukraine’s law restricting religious organizations during a meeting with the German ambassador.

Activists bused to court hearings in UOC cases, media say

A minibus has been spotted transporting protesters to and from courthouses where UOC cases are being heard.

Firefighters save historic UOC church from fire in Zakarpattia

A fire broke out at a UOC church in the Tiachiv district, damaging the altar and church furnishings.

Volyn Eparchy faithful collect six tons of aid for Sviatohirsk Lavra

Believers in Volyn collected food and warm clothing for people displaced by the war who have found shelter at Sviatohirsk Lavra.