February 1 marked the 16th anniversary of his enthronement. Traditionally Moscow parishes would offer flowers in honor of the event, but since 2016, the Patriarch has blessed for flowers to be replaced with targeted fundraising for charitable needs.
Bishop Timothy of Goma, Archimandrite Nikephoros Kombotis, and other clergy have refused to abandon their flock. They remain there, trapped in a hotel that is relatively safe for now, praying for the cessation of war.
The Bulgarian Patriarchate, currently led by His Holiness Patriarch Daniil, is and will remain the sole representative of the country’s traditional Orthodox faith, according to the country’s Parliament.
The Archbishop reposed in the Lord on January 25 at the age of 95.
The Russian Orthodox Church has created a platform for inmates to take a 3-month course on Orthodox fundamentals, Scripture, and Church history.