On Monday, January 29, Hiermonk Peter (Karakazoff) inaugurated the Arizona Liturgical Practicum at All Saints of North America Orthodox Church, in Sun City, Arizona. Sponsored by the GreatMartyr Euphemia Orthodox Theological Academy, this weeklong event ended Thursday night, February 1st. The practicum was attended by local clergy and laity alike, and provided a unique opportunity for a deep dive into Orthodox liturgics. Hieromonk Peter is the priest at the Old Holy Virgin Cathedral in San Francisco, CA, and was the Archdeacon of the Western American Diocese for many years. He is a walking encyclopedia of liturgical history, symbolism, knowledge, development, and practice. His … [Read more...]

Amidst the controversy surrounding the Greek government’s proposal to legalize gay marriage and adoption by same-sex couples, the Holy Mountain has raised its voice. The bill put forth by Greece’s New Democracy government is likely to come up early next year, follows on the legalization of gay civil unions in 2015. Several hierarchs of the Greek Church have spoken out against the bill and the Holy Synod recently announced that it is closely following the situation. And like many hierarchs, the Sacred Community of Mt. Athos—the representative body of the Holy Mountain—has denounced the proposed legislation. The Community’s statement, issued yesterday, reads: Following recent statements … [Read more...]