News

London - 03-10-09 - In an interview for the Ukrainian service of BBC in London, which was aired on radio “Era” on September 28, 2009, His Beatitude Lubomyr welcomed the steps for the start or renewing of a dialogue of three Orthodox Churches in Ukraine. Previously the Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate made a decision to renew or begin a dialogue with the two other branches of Orthodoxy - the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyivan Patriarchate - in order to find a way for understanding and possible unification.

“This rapprochement between the Orthodox believers is an important step,” said His Beatitude Lubomyr. “Every rapprochement between people is a product of the Holy Spirit. This phenomenon is not only a human policy—it has in itself a Divine trade. We are able to take a step to each other only under the act of the Holy Spirit,” explained the head of the UGCC.

His Beatitude Lubomyr said that because of the lack of information it is hard to foresee the development of this dialogue, but it is, in his opinion, of minor importance. “The fact that such a dialogue will take place and that it will result in at least a rapprochement and understanding is for us pleasant news,” he stressed.

Information Department of the UGCC

Catholic World News

Forum 18 News

03 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)