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Moscow, Mar. 5, 2008 (CWNews.com) - A leading spokesman for the Russian Orthodox Church has recommended against ecumenical prayer initiatives, the AsiaNews service reports.

Archpriest Vsevolod Chaplin, the deputy director of external affairs for the Moscow patriarchate, tossed cold water on hopes for restored Christian unity, telling the newspaper Nezavisimaya Gazeta that "nowadays no one speaks seriously about reunification."

The Orthodox cleric made it clear that he was giving his own opinion, not presenting an official policy of the Moscow patriarchate. And he said that "visiting Protestant and Catholic churches, taking part in religious functions by other confessions, or praying before relics considered holy by all Christians are acceptable." But he recommended against common prayer.

The archpriest said that the World Council of Churches has a valid purpose in promoting shared Christian interests in public life. But the idea that that body could represent a unified Christian Church, he said, is "increasingly distant."

Catholic World News

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04 December 2022

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)