Tag

Greek Orthodox Church

All articles tagged with #greek orthodox church

social-issues1 year ago

"Greece Makes History with Same-Sex Marriage Legalization"

Greece has become the first Christian Orthodox-majority country to legalize same-sex marriage, with same-sex couples now allowed to adopt children following a 176-76 vote in parliament. The move, championed by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has sparked division in the country, with the Greek Orthodox Church leading resistance. The bill's passing required support from opposition parties, and has been hailed as a historic moment by LGBTQ organizations, marking a significant step forward for marriage equality in the region.

politics1 year ago

"Greece Debates Landmark Same-Sex Marriage Bill Amid Controversy"

Greece's parliament is set to vote on a bill legalizing same-sex marriage and adoption, a move that has sparked controversy in the country. LGBTQ parents and organizations have been advocating for these rights, but face opposition from the Greek Orthodox Church and a significant portion of Greek society. The bill would grant parental rights to same-sex couples, addressing issues such as joint custody and adoption, but faces resistance from some members of parliament and the governing party. The outcome of the vote remains uncertain, but the issue has sparked widespread debate and media coverage in Greece.

politics-and-society1 year ago

"Greece Set to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage Despite Opposition"

Greece is on the verge of legalizing same-sex marriage, with a parliamentary vote scheduled for this week. The bill, introduced by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, faces opposition from members of his own party and the powerful Greek Orthodox Church. If passed, Greece would become the first Christian Orthodox-majority country in Europe to have marriage equality. Same-sex couples would also be allowed to adopt children, but surrogacy would remain restricted to heterosexual couples. The proposed legislation has sparked a societal divide, with supporters advocating for equal rights and opponents expressing concerns about traditional family values.

conflictinternational-relations2 years ago

Former Congressman Justin Amash Loses Family in Gaza Church Blast

Former Michigan Rep. Justin Amash, a Palestinian-American, confirmed that several of his relatives were killed in a Greek Orthodox church in Gaza that was damaged by an Israeli airstrike. The church had been sheltering displaced Muslims and Christians, and at least 16 people were killed. The Israeli military stated that the church was not the intended target and that the incident is under investigation. Amash expressed his condolences and called for the protection of Christians in Gaza, emphasizing the suffering endured by the Palestinian Christian community. The Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem condemned the Israeli airstrike. The conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in thousands of casualties and widespread destruction.

conflictinternational-relations2 years ago

Former U.S. Congressman's Family Among Victims in Gaza Church Air Strike

Former U.S. Representative Justin Amash, a Palestinian-American, revealed that several of his relatives were killed in an Israeli air strike on a Greek Orthodox church in the Gaza Strip. The church had been providing shelter to around 500 Muslims and Christians fleeing Israeli bombardments. The Israeli military claimed that the strike targeted a nearby militant command center, causing damage to the church. Amash expressed his condolences and called for protection of all Christians in Gaza, as well as Israelis and Palestinians suffering from the conflict.

conflictinternational-relations2 years ago

Attacks on Christian Churches in Gaza Raise Concerns for Safety

An Israeli airstrike targeted a Greek Orthodox church in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of more than a dozen people. In the West Bank, Israeli security forces conducted a raid in Nur Shams, including an airstrike, as part of an anti-terror operation. The devastation left behind includes destroyed roads and mourners gathering at the cemetery to bury the victims. The IDF claims the individuals killed were terrorists, but families argue that innocent civilians, including a 15-year-old boy named Taha Mahamid, were among the casualties.

conflictwar2 years ago

Gaza's Oldest Church Bombed: A Tragic Attack on History and Faith

The oldest church in Gaza City, the Saint Porphyrius Church, which has traditionally served as a sanctuary for both Christians and Muslims during Israel's periodic wars against Gaza, was severely damaged by an Israeli bomb, leaving dozens trapped under slabs of concrete. At least 18 people, including several children, were confirmed dead. The church was sheltering around 200 people, including children, women, elderly, and sick individuals, when it was targeted. The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate condemned the strike as a war crime, while the Israeli army claimed the air strike targeted a command and control center involved in launching rockets. The death toll in Gaza since the war began stands at 4,137 Palestinians, including 1,524 children, while 1,403 Israelis have been killed.

conflict2 years ago

"Israeli Airstrike Targets Greek Orthodox Church Sheltering Displaced Gazans"

Israel's military is reviewing reports of casualties after an air strike targeted the Greek Orthodox Saint Porphyrius Church in Gaza City, which was sheltering displaced people. The strike caused damage to the church and an adjacent building, and witnesses reported a "large number" of martyrs and injured. The Israeli military claims the strike targeted a command and control center involved in launching rockets, while the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem condemned the attack as a war crime. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in a high number of civilian casualties in Gaza.

world2 years ago

Israeli Restrictions on Christian Worship in Jerusalem Undermine Holy Sites

A letter reviewed by The Times of Israel contradicts allegations by church leaders that Israel Police was unnecessarily infringing on Christians’ freedom of worship during the Holy Fire ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The letter indicates that restrictions on the ceremony were imposed at the request of a Greek Orthodox official due to safety concerns. Israel says it wants to prevent another disaster after a crowd crush at a packed Jewish holy site in 2021 left 45 people dead. Attendance is limited to 1,800 people inside the church, which Greek Orthodox officials said was a fraction of previous years.

religion2 years ago

Tensions rise as Israeli authorities restrict access to holy sites during religious events.

The Greek Orthodox Church has accused Israeli police of violating worshippers' rights by imposing capacity limits at the "Holy Fire" ceremony in Jerusalem's ancient Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Israeli police say the limits are needed for safety during the celebration, which comes amid soaring tensions in the Old City. The Greek Orthodox Church says negotiations with the police over their "heavy-handed" restrictions have failed, and they will hold the ceremony as customary for two millennia and invite all who wish to worship with them to attend.

religion2 years ago

Israel Restricts Access to Holy Sites During Religious Events

The Greek Orthodox Church has accused Israeli police of infringing on the freedom of worshippers with "heavy-handed" restrictions on how many pilgrims can attend the "Holy Fire" ceremony amid soaring tensions. Israeli police said the limits are needed for safety during Saturday's celebration at the ancient Church of the Holy Sepulcher, a holy site where Christians believe Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected. The tensions spiraled into a regional confrontation between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria.

religion2 years ago

Churches condemn Israel's restrictions on religious events in Jerusalem.

The Greek Orthodox Church has criticised Israel's "heavy-handed restrictions" on freedom of worship as it prepares to celebrate Easter in occupied East Jerusalem. Israeli police said the limits are needed for safety during Saturday's "Holy Fire" celebration at the ancient Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the 12th-century holy site where Jesus is believed by Christians to have been crucified, buried and resurrected. Many Christian leaders believe this is part of an ongoing Israeli policy to push them out of their homeland.

religion2 years ago

Israel's Restrictions on Religious Gatherings Spark Controversy

The Greek Orthodox Church has accused Israel Police of infringing on the freedom of worshipers by imposing "heavy-handed" restrictions on the number of pilgrims who can attend the "Holy Fire" ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Israel says the limits are necessary for safety, but Christian leaders argue that the ceremony has been held for centuries without incident. The source of the Holy Fire has been a closely guarded secret for centuries, and the flame will be transferred to Orthodox communities in other countries on special flights.