On August 18, 2024, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, celebrated the Holy Qurobo at St. Mary Church in Toronto.

His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II was assisted by their Eminences: Mor Teethose Yeldho, Archbishop of the Malankara Archdiocese of Northern America, and Mor Augeen Al-Khoury Nemat, Patriarchal Secretary.

"We bear witness to Christ in the very land where He was born and from where His Apostles set out. Hence the importance of the Christian presence in the Middle East"

Damascus, August 19, 2024

His Beatitude Patriarch John X, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches for the Orthodox Family, made a phone call with His Beatitude Pope and Patriarch Theodoros II, Greek Orthodox Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa. The call meant to discuss the fraternal relations between the two Churches. The Prelates addressed the situation in the Orthodox church and reviewed ways to enhance communication among Churches, at times where the world and the church are facing challenges that seek to undermine them in the guise of freedom. The two Prelates also discussed ways to enhance the role of the Churches as witness to Christ in the Middle East, the first cradle of Christianity. They also touched on the general situation in the region and the world, expressing the need to give precedence to the spirit of peace and dialogue over the logic of wars and conflicts that devastate humanity.

Jn 6:51-58

At the center of this Sunday's Gospel passage (Jn 6:51-58) we find the word life. Counting both adjectives and nouns and verbs related to this term, we find it at least 8 times. We could say that the discourse on bread is a discourse on life.

In John's Gospel, the question of life does not only return in this chapter.

In fact, the whole of the fourth Gospel shines the spotlight on this discourse, on this question: in John the theme of life returns again and again.

On August 17, 2024, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, celebrated the Holy Qurobo at Mor Barsaumo Church in Toronto - Canada.

His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II was assisted by their Eminences: Mor Teethose Yeldho, Archbishop of the Malankara Archdiocese of Northern America, Mor Athanasius Elia Bahi, Patriarchal Vicar of Canada, and Mor Augeen Al-Khoury Nemat, Patriarchal Secretary.

On August 17, 2024, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, attended an official reception held in his honor in Toronto.

Their Eminences Archbishops: Mor Teethose Yeldho, Archbishop of the Malankara Archdiocese of Northern America, Mor Athanasius Elia Bahi, Patriarchal Vicar of Canada, and Mor Augeen Al-Khoury Nemat, Patriarchal Secretary, were also present.

The recent decision by the [Israeli Police] to ban Christian worshippers from participating in the sacred services of the Feast of the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor, citing the absence of requisite government approvals and licenses, has led to the regrettable closure of this holy site to thousands of faithful congregants.

This decision, reminiscent of last year’s similarly timed disruption, has left the Patriarchate of Jerusalem with little recourse. The recurrent [Israeli] portrayal of Christian prayers and religious ceremonies as private events necessitating security measures—an approach distinctly detached from the spiritual essence of these occasions—serves as a persistent excuse to impede Christians from exercising their faith. Such actions dismiss the integral role of Christians within the societal fabric, imposing undue restrictions rather than fulfilling the state’s duty to facilitate the practice of religious practices...

On August 15, 2024, on the occasion of the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, celebrated the Holy Qurobo at St. Mary Church in Paramus, New Jersey.

His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II was assisted by their Eminences Archbishops: Mor Dionysius John Kawak, Patriarchal Vicar for the Archdiocese of the Eastern USA, and Mor Augeen Al-Khoury Nemat, Patriarchal Secretary.

During his Angelus address on the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, His Holiness Pope Francis reminds the faithful that the Blessed Mother should never be confused for a motionless statue, but rather always recognized as our hardworking companion, preceding us joyfully on our quest toward Heaven with the Lord.

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

Mary, our Mother, leads us, joyfully, toward Her Son...

His Holiness Pope Francis gave this reassurance during his Angelus address on the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

On August 15, 2024, His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, presided over the Holy Mass in Beit Sahour to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption. The Mass was attended by Father Issa Hijazin, the Parish Priest, along with several Priests and Nuns, the Mayor of Beit Sahour, and a gathering of believers and scouts.

Celebration of the Feast of the Assumption

The celebration began with the Holy Mass led by His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, which was attended by many believers from various parts of Beit Sahour and the surrounding area. In his Homily, the Cardinal compared the first reading with the Gospel, noting that the first reading from the book of Revelation speaks of the seven-headed dragon symbolizing sin and evil, which confronts a woman carrying a child who brings salvation to the world. In the Gospel, this woman humbly accepts God's grace, which in turn gives us the Savior, Christ the Lord. She believed and lived the Word of God. She is not only the Virgin Mary, but today she also represents the Church, our community, who are called to faith in Almighty God and to live according to His teachings so that we may receive salvation.

Damascus, August 14, 2024

His Beatitude Patriarch John X, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches for the Orthodox Family, held the Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Dormition of Our Lady in the Mariamite Cathedral in Damascus. Their Eminences Reverend Bishops who concelebrated were: Romanos (Al Hannat), Moussa (Al Khoury), Youhanna (Batash), Arsenios (Dahdal), Moussa (Al Khasi), with many priests and deacons.

At the end of the Divine Liturgy, a procession took place with the icon of the Dormition of Our Lady while the Mariamite scouts were playing music.

Jn 6:41-51

In verse 46 of today's Gospel passage, we encounter a phrase, a Word, that serves as a key to understanding this section of John Chapter 6, presented to us in the Liturgy. We read thus, “Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God; he has seen the Father”.

The concept of "seeing God" is a prominent theme in John's writings. This is evident at the end of the Prologue of the Fourth Gospel, which notes that while no one has ever seen God, the only begotten Son, who became flesh, has revealed Him (cf. Jn. 1:18). The First Epistle of John also touches on this theme, indicating that although no one has ever seen God, if we love one another, God dwells in us, and we can come to know Him (cf. 1 Jn. 4:12)…

“Your Eminence Metropolitan Mark,

Dear Archimandrite Roman,

Dear Mother Abbess Elizabeth,

Your Eminences,

Your Graces,

Beloved Members of this Sisterhood,

Sister and Brothers in Christ,

We greet you today in the joy of this holy feast of Sint Mary Magdalene, Equal to the Apostles, and we join her praise with the hymnographer:

Rejoice, thou who hast loved the heavenly sweetness of Jesus;

Rejoice, thou who hast found true life in Christ!

Rejoice, thou who by faith hast provided for us an image thereof;

Rejoice, thou who now dwellest in the joy of heaven forever!

Rejoice, thou who ever tastest of the food of paradise;

Rejoice, thou who kindled within thy heart the fire of love for God!

(From the Akathist Hymn)…

On August 6, 2024, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, celebrated the Holy Qurobo at St. Georges Patriarchal Cathedral in Damascus, on the occasion of the Feast of Transfiguration and the Feast of Mor Gabriel.

He was assisted by their Eminences: Mor Joseph Bali, Patriarchal Assistant, and Mor Andrawos Bahhi, Patriarchal Vicar for Youth Affairs and Christian Education.

On Friday, July 20 / August 2, 2024, the commemoration of Prophet Elijah of Thesbes was celebrated by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

On this day, the Church draws from the Old and New Testaments and honors the Prophet Elijah as a native of Thesbes, a hermit and ascetic, zealous for the rights of God, fighting for His rights and performing many signs and wonders, as is briefly but inclusively mentioned in his Synaxarion and his Apolytikion, that he is: “the incarnate angel and the prophets’ summit, the second forerunner of the coming of Christ”, the one taken up by a chariot of fire into heaven and sent through his mantle double his grace to his disciple Elisha, who crossed the river Jordan on it.

His memory was celebrated in his Holy Monastery, the one between Jerusalem and Bethlehem, by the ancient Monastery of the Seat.

On Wednesday, July 31st, 2024, at the Jesuit monastery in Jerusalem, His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, presided over a Mass in celebration of the Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola, as well as the priesthood jubilee of several Priests.

Concelebrated by His Eminence Msgr. Giacinto-Boulos Marcuzzo, Bishop Emeritus, Abbot Nikodemus Schnabel Abbot, Abbot Miguel Garcia, who is celebrating his 50th jubilee, and Fr. Peter DuBrul , celebrating his 70th jubilee, in addition to the attendance of several Priests. Among the assembly was a representative of the French Consul, the religious affairs officer at the French Embassy, His Eminence Bishop Dr. Munib Younan, Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, and Brother Hernán Santos, Vice Chancellor of Bethlehem University, as well as several sisters and faithful.

In his homily, His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa recounted the life of St. Ignatius, focusing on his dedication to fulfilling God's will in the Holy Land. He explained that St. Ignatius initially believed his mission was confined to the Holy Land but eventually understood that God's will extended to the whole world, driven by love for God and the defense of the Holy Church.  Referring to the Gospel of Matthew, His Beatitude Cardinal Pizzaballa emphasized the lifestyle and mission that St. Ignatius adopted, encapsulated in the verses: “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me” (Mt.10:37-38).

World Council of Churches (WCC) General Secretary Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay expressed grave concern over the recent escalation of violence in the Middle East. “The situation has deteriorated significantly following the attack on Golan Heights, the subsequent [Israeli attack] in Beirut, and the assassination in Tehran on 30 July,” he said. “These attacks have not only intensified the conflict but have also entailed violations of the sovereignty of multiple nations.”

Rev. Prof. Dr. Pillay urgently called for political dialogue and negotiations. “The current cycle of violence serves only to deepen the threat and the suffering of all people involved,” he said. “We call for an immediate cessation of all military actions and urge all parties to engage in meaningful dialogue aimed at restoring peace and stability.”

Jn 6 : 1,15

The Sunday readings from the Gospel of Mark for Year B, which we've been exploring, will come to a pause. We will now delve into chapter six of the Gospel of John, commonly known as the chapter of the bread of life.

This chapter is rich in references and symbols; hence, we will linger here to understand its core message.

The initial reference provides us with the essential understanding and structure of the text, centered around the exodus and, consequently, the Passover. Jesus crosses over and a great crowd follows him (Jn 6:1), much like the Israelites who followed Moses out of the land of slavery to become the Lord's people.

Verse 4 confirms that Passover is the focus of this event: “The Jewish feast of Passover was near” (Jn. 6:4)…

Le Caire, le 28 juillet 2024

Le Conseil des Patriarches et Évêques Catholiques d'Égypte dénonce ce qui a été présenté lors de l'ouverture des Jeux Olympiques en France.

Lors de la cérémonie d'ouverture, il y a eu une moquerie flagrante du Christ, où le tableau de "La Cène" a été remplacé par une scène débordant de sensualité et de mépris des valeurs humaines en général et chrétiennes en particulier. La cérémonie a consacré la laideur et a exagéré l'exaltation du plaisir et de la luxure.

Le comité d'organisation des Jeux Olympiques a dépassé les bornes en blessant les sentiments des chrétiens, en déviant de l'objectif du sport qui, en de telles occasions, cherche à construire des ponts de rapprochement entre les peuples et les cultures différentes, à approfondir les concepts des valeurs humaines communes et à préserver la dignité humaine.

Cairo, 28 July 2024.The Presidency of the Protestant Church of Egypt, headed by Rev. Dr. Andrea Zaki, expresses its deep sorrow over the inappropriate artwork presented in the opening ceremony of the Olympic games in Paris 2024, which contained a scene embodying the symbolism of the “Last Supper” image, that holds great significance in the history of Christian faith and doctrine.

We also stress that The Olympic Games ceremonies should never be used as a platform for religious or cultural conflict or for an attempt of offense in any shape or form. On the contrary, these ceremonies should play their historical role in accommodating and encouraging athletes from all over the world, respecting diversity and promoting understanding among peoples, nations and cultures. What happened in Paris strikes the roots of moral values aimed by the athleticism of the Olympic games, We warn that such acts may cause the International Olympic Committee to lose its distinctive athletic identity and humanitarian message.

L'Église Copte Orthodoxe, sous la direction de Sa Sainteté le Pape Tawadros II, exprime sa profonde indignation et sa condamnation quant à la mise en scène de la Cène du Christ avec ses disciples lors de la cérémonie d'ouverture des Jeux Olympiques de Paris 2024. Cette représentation concerne le sacrement de l'Eucharistie, le plus ancien et le plus sacré des sacrements et des pratiques de l'Église.

Il est regrettable que la manière dont cette scène a été présentée constitue une grave offense à l'un des fondements de base sur lesquels repose le christianisme.

Il est étonnant de voir cette scène lors de l'ouverture des Jeux Olympiques, alors que de tels actes sont en contradiction avec la Charte olympique et ses valeurs fondamentales déclarées, qui appellent au respect des principes éthiques universels de base et à l'exemplarité, ainsi qu'au respect de tous sans discrimination. Ce que nous avons vu lors de cette cérémonie d'ouverture contredit ces valeurs en promouvant des idéologies spécifiques qui n'ont aucun rapport avec le sport, lequel devrait rassembler et non diviser.