News

risu.org.ua - Renewed violence breaks out today in Kyiv. Nine people confirmed dead - seven civilians and two policemen.

In the morning the Speaker of the parliament Rybak refused to register the opposition law project on return to the 2004 Constitution, which caused escalation of the situation in the street of Kyiv.

The Ukrainian capital is blocked: all metro stations are closed, central roads blocked, roads out of Kyiv blocked. The Maidan crackdown has started. The police are dismantling barricades at the European square, Ukrainian house and Zhovtvenyi Palace around Maidan are already seized by the riot police.

Riot police is using granades, throws Molotov cocktails to set the Maidan tents on fire. BBC journalists report internal troops are armed with Kalashnikov guns. Lot of police is using unnecessary brutal force against people in the streets.

Ukrainian religious leaders issued appeals condemning violence and calling for peace.

"With great regret I should say that appeals of churches to prevent the bloodshed and a peaceful settlement of the conflict has not been heard. In the name of God I condemn violence and disregard of human rights and the will of the people. I would like to emphasize that the one who has the power, bears full responsibility for what is happening in the country. I appeal to everyone to immediately stop the bloodshed! I call all the children of the Church to fasting, prayer and solidarity with victims. At this moment, when Ukraine is in danger of fratricide, let all bells in the UGCC churches ringing", whote Patriarch Sviatoslav Shevchuk in his appeal.

Related Story: Ukraine crisis: Police storm main Kiev 'Maidan' protest camp (BBC, with video)

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)