Synod of Romanian Church: A home or temple without an icon is like a desert
Believers with icons in their hands. Photo: orthodoxianewsagency
The Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church, in its message on the Feast of Orthodoxy, reminded that "an Orthodox home or church without an icon is like a desert."
The Synodal message states that "icons are windows to eternity through which our soul rises and spiritually grows," and a temple or home without icons "resembles a desert, a desolate place without God."
Reflecting on the victory of Orthodox faith over the heresy of iconoclasm, the Holy Synod recalled that "the struggle was great and heavy, but enlightened hierarchs and fathers emerged each time, guided by the Holy Spirit, who fought against erroneous teachings and affirmed the correct faith" at the Holy Ecumenical Councils.
"Therefore, let us preserve the treasure of faith inherited from our ancestors because Orthodoxy is a living connection of man with Christ, leading us to eternal life," the Synod's message emphasizes.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Romanian Patriarchate established the "Romanian Orthodox Church of Ukraine".
Read also
ROCOR Priest Reflects on Trip to Capitol Hill
Archpriest Victor Boldewskul participated in the Society of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco's Day of Action to raise awareness about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Hundreds of Chinese Christians Arrested in Pre-Christmas Crackdown
Hundreds of Chinese Christians face spending Christmas in detention after authorities launched a sweeping pre-holiday crackdown on churches under Beijing’s campaign to control religious life.
Ukraine Adviser: UOC Not Banned, but Offered a 'Choice' of Jurisdictions
A Ukrainian presidential adviser said the UOC is not banned but pressured to choose between joining the OCU, submitting to Constantinople, or remaining unregistered, while dismissing international concerns as propaganda.
Indiana Reports 98% Drop in Abortions Under Stricter Law
Indiana’s latest health report shows a 98% drop in reported abortions under stricter laws, though dozens still occurred under legal exceptions and concerns persist about unreported pill abortions.
Armenian Apostolic Church Pushes Back on Political Encroachment
The Armenian Apostolic Church plans to appeal to international bodies to resist government interference and defend its clergy and sacred relics.
Attempted Takeover at Armenian Etchmiadzin Cathedral Thwarted by Faithful
Supporters of Armenian PM Pashinyan attempted to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral amid calls for the Catholicos’s resignation but were blocked by parishioners and security.