03.03.2008, [16:31] // Inter-Christian relations //

Trans-Carpathian Region— Head of the Trans-Carpathian Greek Catholic Diocese, Bishop Milan (Shashik) celebrated on 14 February 2008 a thanksgiving hierarchical liturgy in the Church of Assumption of the town of Tiachiv, which was returned to Greek Catholics after many years of court proceedings, reports Orthodoxy in Ukraine internet edition in reference to a story by the Mukachevo.net agency.

In order to regain their church built by their forefathers, the Greek Catholics agreed to pay 500 000 UAH (100,000 USD) to the Orthodox. The money was gathered from throughout areas under jurisdiction of the Tiachiv Deanery. Many of the faithful even took out loans to be able to raise large amounts in a short time. Bishop Milan thanked the faithful for their love for the Church and the beneficence they showed.

• http://orthodoxy.org.ua/uk/mijkonfesiyni_vidnosini/2008/03/01/14583.html

Joachim and Anna Rejoice

Today the bonds of childlessness are loosed, * for God has heard Joachim and Anna * and He promises manifestly that they, against all hope, would give birth to the Maiden of God * from whom the Uncircumscribed One Himself would be born, becoming man, * and he commanded the Angels to cry out to her: * “Rejoice, O Full of Grace, the Lord is with you!” (Troparion - Tone 4)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Today the whole world celebrates * the conception of Anne which was brought about by God, * for she gave birth to the one who, beyond understanding, * gave birth to the Word. (Kontakion - Tone 4)

Saint Nicholas of Myra

The truth of your deeds has revealed you to your flock, * as a rule of faith, an image of meekness, and a teacher of abstinence. * Therefore, you attained the heights through humility, * and riches through poverty. * O Father and Hierarch Nicholas, * pray to Christ God that our souls may be saved. (Troparion, Tone 4)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

In Myra, You were shown to be a servant of the sacred things, O Holy Nicholas, * for, fulfilling the Gospel of Christ, you, O Venerable, laid down your life for your people, * and saved the innocent from death. * Therefore, you were sanctified as a great initiate of the grace of God. (Kontakion, Tone 3)