ODESSA — Interfax reported on October 5, 2009, that members of the Union of Orthodox Citizens of Ukraine organization state that if the Patriarchate of Constantinople initiates the procedure for the recognition of what they call dissenters from the Ukrainian

On October 5, 2009, the web site of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP) posted the press statement of the head of the work team of the UOC-MP for the dialogue with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Kyivan Patriarchate (UOC-KP). Please see

LVIV — During her official visit to Lviv to participate in the economic forum, Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko held a closed meeting with Archbishop Ihor (Vozniak) of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church on October 2, 2009. The press secretary

KYIV — On October 2, 2009, took place the first meeting of the work teams of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP) and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Kyiv Patriarchate (UOC-KP) for the preparation of a dialogue between these Churches, in the

LVIV — In an exclusive interview to RISU, Archbishop Makarii (Meletych) of Lviv of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church (UAOC) shared his ideas about the current affairs of the UAOC, relations with the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and inter-Orthodox relations in Ukraine.

LVIV — On September 19, 2009, at its session, the Senate of the Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU) approved a new wording of the document "Policy of the university on the election process in Ukraine," which was first passed by the

ISTANBUL — Representatives of the Constantinople Patriarchate will discuss with the leadership of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church (UAOC) the possibility to "provide medicine to heal the wounds in the body of the Ukrainian Church." RISU's Ukrainian-language web site posted

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) With the liturgical greeting "Pax vobis" the Holy Father Benedict XVI addressed the Synod Fathers and Collaborators of the II Special Assembly of the Synod of Bishops for Africa during the Mass presided in the Vatican

Synods always constitute an intense ecclesial experience, an experience of pastoral collegial responsibility...It is important to emphasize that it is not a matter of a study group, nor a programmatic assembly. Communications and speeches are heard in the hall, there

Today the Church remembers St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Carmelite of the Lisieux convent. Her testimony shows that only the word of God, received and understood in its concrete demands, becomes a source of renewed life." These are the

The great doctor of the Church, abbot Saint Bernard, urges us to show affection for the Angels and to trust these heavenly spirits given to us by God to accompany and protect us on our journey through life: "We should

Madrid (Agenzia Fides) From September 29 October 1, the Permanent Committee of the Spanish Bishops' Conference has been holding its traditional meeting. Among the themes discussed were the Year for Priests, the economic crisis, the 50th anniversary of "Manos Unidas,"

I lived 20 years in Ethiopia as a missionary," Fr. Giuseppe Cavallini of the Combonian Missionaries told Agenzia Fides. "And I could see the various phases of relations between Christians and Muslims. Until 1990, there was a natural harmony among

Paths of peace have been opened by the Bishops, consecrated persons, Church communities, the laity, individually or in associations. There are still some obstacles to overcome...The Church has participated on various levels in reestablishing peace in a certain number of

It was a real pilgrimage and, at the same time, a mission in the heart of Europe: a pilgrimage, because Bohemia and Moravia have been for more than a millennium lands of faith and holiness; a mission, because Europe needs

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) With the liturgical feast of Saint Therese of Lisieux (1873-1897), proclaimed Patroness of the Missions in 1927, along with Saint Francis Xavier, today (October 1) marks the beginning of the Month of the Missions, which will

Paul VI clearly understood that the social question had become worldwide and he grasped the interconnection between the impetus towards the unification of humanity and the Christian ideal of a single family of peoples in solidarity and fraternity." (Caritas in

It is precisely due to its abundant resources that the African nations attract so many foreign interests and cause wars and fratricide among the African people. Thus, the theme of the upcoming Synod, 'The Church in Africa in Service to

Seek the Face of God" is the title of the Pastoral Letter that seven Spanish Bishops have written to the youth "in age and in spirit," in light of the canonization of Trappist monk Maria Rafael Arnaiz Baron, which will

The priest, man of the divine Word and of sacred things, must be today, more than ever, a man of joy and hope. To men who can no longer conceive that God is pure Love, he will always affirm that