Patriarchate of Antioch Establishes New Diocese in Turkey
BALAMAND — The Holy Antiochian Synod has established the “Diocese of Tarsus, Adana, and the Region of Alexandretta (Hatay)” in Turkey. According to the Patriarchate’s Facebook post, this was done to address the pastoral needs of the faithful in southeastern Turkey.
The new diocese encompasses regions historically under the Patriarchate of Antioch—areas with ancient Christian heritage, such as Tarsus, birthplace of St. Paul.
Blessed by His Beatitude John X, Patriarch of Antioch, and supported by Metropolitans Athanasios of Latakia and Ephrem of Aleppo, a Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop will be appointed to guide the diocese, with Patriarch John X overseeing implementation.
Last month, U.S. president Donald Trump intervened with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan on behalf of the Turkish Orthodox community.
The UOJ recently interviewed the author of a new Turkish-language book on Orthodox Christianity.
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.