Welcome to this week’s News from the Orient!

Get ready to dive into the latest updates from the Eastern Churches, brought to you in collaboration with L’Ouevre d’Orient. From the start of Lent to calls for peace in Ukraine and a significant ordination in Jordan, there is plenty to explore.

Lent Begins

Lent has officially kicked off this week, marking a period of reflection and spiritual growth for Christians worldwide. While some Eastern Churches started their observance with Clean Monday, others began on Ash Wednesday. During Lent, Eastern believers adhere to fasting traditions, abstaining from certain foods and engaging in special prayers to deepen their connection with God.

Ukrainian Catholic Church calls for peace

The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, under the leadership of His Beatitude Sviatoslav Shevchuk, is calling for peace amidst ongoing conflicts in Ukraine. The Archbishop’s powerful message urges Ukrainians to stand strong and resilient in the face of adversity, emphasizing the importance of truth and justice in any peace negotiations. The Church stands as a beacon of hope and strength for the nation during these challenging times.

Episcopal Ordination in Jordan

In a historic ceremony at the Church of Christ’s Baptism in Al-Maghtas, Bishop Iyad Twal was ordained as the patriarchal vicar for Latin-rite Catholics in Jordan. This significant event, presided over by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, marks a milestone for the Jordanian Church. The ordination symbolizes a new chapter of leadership and guidance for the faithful in Jordan, highlighting the importance of unity and tradition within the Church.