pandemic

Orthodox parishes in the US show strong post-pandemic recovery, outperforming other denominations

A recent study published by the Hartford Institute for Religion revealed that Orthodox parishes in the US experienced a smaller decline in congregational numbers during the pandemic than other religious denominations and have been more successful in attracting new members during this period. Nationally, all liturgical communities in the US, regardless of denomination, lost an…

Aug 28, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Epidemiologist Vasile Ţurcan was decorated by the Bishop of Bălţi

His Eminence Antonie offered epidemiologist Vasile Ţurcan the highest distinction of the Diocese of Bălţi for laypersons: “The Cross of Bălţi”. It was granted for “his contribution to the development of medical science” and for “his qualities as a man, a patriot and a Christian”, the eparchy officials announced.  The awarding ceremony was organized on…

Nov 2, 2021Ștefana Totorcea

The pandemic is a significant examination for us all, Transylvania Metropolitan says

“This pandemic is a significant examination for all of us, in which the fear of death and the legal rigours of isolation must be overcome by trusting in God’s help,” His Eminence Metropolitan Laurenţiu of Transylvania said in an interview for a local publication. “Through this examination,” the Metropolitan explained, “we realized once again how…

Apr 15, 2021Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Teofan on St Parascheva’s Feast: The pandemic challenges us to ask ourselves inevitable questions

In his homily on the feast of St Parascheva of Iaşi, Metropolitan Teofan offered some answers to the challenges of the present times. To stop the community spread of the SARS-Cov-2 coronavirus, Romanian authorities imposed harsh restrictions for this year’s celebrations: pilgrims from outside the city of Iași were denied access to the cathedral where…

Oct 21, 2020Ștefana Totorcea

Christian persecution increased during the pandemic

Persecution and discrimination against Christians increased around the world during the coronavirus pandemic. For authoritarian governments, which already limit religious freedom, the pandemic has become a pretext to step up persecution against the Christians, Release International said. In many developing countries, Christians are denied food and pandemic-related health care assistance and support systems, UCA News…

Aug 18, 2020Sorin Ioniţe

53% of Georgians feel their faith is protective during the pandemic

A study made at the request of the National Democratic Institute in Georgia has found that 53% of Georgians feel their faith is protective during the coronavirus pandemic. The study researched the Georgians’ opinion on COVID-19-related issues such as the role of faith and religious leaders, disinformation, attitudes towards EU and NATO. 53% of the…

Aug 4, 2020Ștefana Totorcea