The ancient city of the philistines, where king david had retreated, was found
The ancient city of the Philistines in which according to the Old Testament King David took refuge when he was persecuted by King Saul, was discovered by Israeli archaeologists. David reigned in Sekelak before Saul's death and his enthronement in Hebron. However, its exact location was a subject of controversy among archaeologists, who indicated up to 12 different spots where the city was possibly located. The archaeological site for...
The newly-elected Archbishop Makarios of Australia
On August 3, the newly-elected Archbishop Makarios of Australia will assume office and his goal is to keep the flame of Orthodoxy burning A brilliant man, with excellent studies, theological and related to bioethics and ethics in science, the new Archbishop of Australia, is expected to join the faithful Orthodox Christians and to keep the Archdiocese of Australia closely united. The new Archbishop of Australia Makarios who was supported...
Newly elected Archbishop of Thyateira and Great Britain places emphasis on truth and human rights
The new Archbishop of Thyateira and Great Britain Nikitas, who was unanimously elected by the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, states that he is a "shepherd ready to care for his flock". He is succeeding Archbishop Gregorios, who offered his services to the Archdiocese for 31 years and retired recently due to serious health problems. The new Archbishop, who was born in the USA where he lived...
The controversial icon of the "Holy Family"
The icon of the "Holy Family" shows the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, and infant Jesus. The icon has been painted by great icon painters, both in the West as well as in Orthodox, Byzantine iconography and has been verbally attacked by numerous people who consider it "heretical." Those who claim the heretical depiction of the "Holy Family" are based primarily on the "subordination" of Saint Joseph and his contribution,...
A strong request from the archaeologists for the conversion of Hagia Sophia into a museum.
A strong request from the archaeologists for the conversion of Hagia Sophia into a museum. The famous "Hagia Sofia", the church which marks the Orthodox faith worldwide, a symbol of culture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is under "threat" to be turned into a mosque, according to the announcements of the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. However, for this to happen, it should have the approval of UNESCO, as...
Notre Dame. A World Heritage Site
The fire that broke out on Monday, April 15, at Notre Dame, also known as Notre Dame de Paris, touched the heart of every Christian. The Roman Catholic Cathedral Church is a symbol of Paris, one of the most important architectural, historical and religious monuments of the capital of France and of Europe. The cathedral is located on a small islet on the River Seine. Its foundation stone was...
The parts of the Orthodox church and their use
Orthodox churches are divided into three main parts: the narthex or vestibule, the nave, and the sanctuary. The narthex which in older times was used for the catechumens (pre-baptized Christians) is built in the western part of the nave and communicates with it through three openings-doors. The middle door connects the narthex with the central part, the Basilica. In the narthex, which is the area that welcomes the faithful, are...
A rare collection of manuscripts, engravings, and drawings
The Virtual Byzantine and Christian Museum of Athens has 13 individual collections, all of them of rare historical and cultural value, with different objects. Indicatively are mentioned the Sculptures Collection, the Collection of Copies, Ceramics, Miniatures, Icons, Paintings, and Frescoes. Among them stands out the collection of 500 manuscripts, engravings and drawings, dating from the 6th to the 19th century, which offer a unique insight into the history of...
