Equal pay for equal work is one of the EU’s founding principles. And yet, imagine if you stopped getting paid for the year today? Instead of getting paid for a full year, you only get paid for 10 and a half months. For women in the EU, who earn on average 13% less than their male counterparts, this gender pay gap represents their reality.
Today is the EU’s Equal Pay Day. It is the day of the year on which women in Europe symbolically stop to be paid compared to men. We mark it every year in order to keep raising awareness about the fact that female workers still earn less on average.
The day changes depending on the latest figure of the EU gender pay gap, with it falling on 15 November in 2024. Over the past ten years, progress has been slow in Europe, with only a 3-percentage point gap reduction since 2014.
The EU is working to close this pay gap by creating new legislation and monitoring its implementation. This includes a dedicated directive on equal pay, as well as legislation on pay transparency, the work-life balance and gender balance on corporate boards.
In an alert, the World Food Programme (WFP) described markets “in decay” across the enclave. “Fresh foods, eggs, and meat barely exist and the prices of any food available have reached record highs,” the UN agency said on X, just days since UN-backed hunger experts warned that famine thresholds may have already been crossed in northern Gaza, or will be soon.
“So far in November, every attempt by the UN to access besieged areas of north Gaza governorate with food and health missions to support tens of thousands of people remaining there was either denied or impeded,” the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, noted in its latest update.
The development comes amid continuing Israel Defense Forces strikes in northern Gaza into Wednesday, where UN aid teams have reiterated how people fleeing attacks and evacuation orders in Beit Hanoun for Gaza City now shelter in unsafe schools that could collapse at any time. In October alone, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) recorded 64 attacks against schools, “the majority sheltering displaced people”.
According to OCHA, up to 130,000 people have been displaced from northern Gaza amid intensifying Israeli attacks targeting residential buildings and repeated evacuation orders.
UN humanitarians have told UN News that dogs have been seen setting upon dead bodies left lying in open ground, while healthcare access across Gaza remains precarious, with the UN reproductive health agency, UNFPA, together with partners, pointing to a recent rise in premature births and maternal deaths.
‘Relentless struggle’
“Over 155,000 expectant and new mothers are caught in a relentless struggle marked by exhaustion, trauma, and severe hunger,” UNFPA said, a situation made worse by the fact that fewer than half of Gaza’s 36 hospitals are partially functional, along with just 47 out of 133 primary health centres, according to the UN World Health Organization (WHO).
Since Hamas-led terror attacks and hostage-taking in Israel that sparked the war in Gaza 13 months ago, more than 43,469 people have been reportedly killed in Gaza; most are civilians and at least 10,000 remain trapped under the rubble of their homes and shelters, the WHO noted.
Israeli strikes kill dozens a day in Lebanon
In Lebanon, meanwhile, UN aid agencies warned that at least 241 people have been killed and 642 injured the week to 11 November “due to Israeli airstrikes”.
Citing the Lebanese authorities, OCHA’s latest update on the emergency added that a total of almost 3,300 people have been killed – including 203 children and 644 women – with 14,222 injured since 8 October 2023.
“At least one child was killed and 10 children were injured every day in Lebanon, in October 2024 alone,” the UN agency continued, highlighting the UN children’s agency UNICEF’s appeal to the warring parties “to meet their obligations under international humanitarian law and protect children”.
Despite such appeals, Israeli strikes have continued across Lebanon targeting Hezbollah fighters, along with strikes on Israel by the Lebanon-based group. The violence continues to “claim lives, uproot communities and destroy homes and critical infrastructure”, OCHA said.
“Intensified Israeli airstrikes have had major impacts in South Lebanon, Nabatieh, Bekaa, Baalbeck-Hermel and Mount Lebanon governorates.
An airstrike on a residential building in Lebanon’s northern Akkar on 11 November reportedly killed at least 18 people and injured 14, it added, citing the Lebanese authorities. “On 10 November, a strike on a home sheltering displaced families in Aalmat town in Jbeil, Mount Lebanon Governorate, killed at least 23 people, including seven children.”
Homes ‘repeatedly targeted’
In previous weeks residential buildings hosting displaced people have been “repeatedly targeted”, the UN humanitarian coordinators insisted, citing a strike in Aito-Zgharta, north Lebanon and in Barja-Chouf, Mount Lebanon, “which together claimed over 40 lives”.
The UN peacekeeping mission that monitors the Blue Line separating Lebanon and Israel, UNIFIL, has also reported “numerous violations” since the escalation of violence in late September. “This includes more than a half a dozen direct attacks on peacekeepers,” OCHA reported.
The most recent incident occurred on 8 November, when two Israeli army excavators and one bulldozer reportedly destroyed part of a fence and a concrete structure in a UNIFIL position in Ras Naqoura.
Attacks on healthcare providers
In addition to attacks on areas sheltering civilians, airstrikes on health facilities and workers continue to be recorded by WHO, interrupting operations in 127 health facilities and eight hospitals, reducing the functionality of nine hospitals. In the first week of November there were attacks on health services, and two deaths and seven injuries among health workers, according to WHO.
Since mid-September 2024, the surveillance system for attacks on health care (SSA) reported 44 attacks against healthcare resulting in 63 injuries and 91 deaths, bringing the total of attacks against health care to 103 incidents resulting in 123 injuries and 145 deaths since 8 October 2023.
Peacekeeping chief visits UNIFIL headquarters
UN Peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix met some of the thousands of ‘blue helmets’ serving in southern Lebanon with the UNIFIL mission on Wednesday.
“He spoke to peacekeepers who had been injured in direct attacks and exchanges of fire between the IDF and Hezbollah,” said UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, briefing reporters in New York.
“He visited UN positions in Mansouri and the Mission’s headquarters in Naqoura. He also met UNIFIL staff who continue supporting the mission’s work in Naqoura and with the mission’s senior leadership. He also expressed his gratitude to both the military and civilian staff of UNIFIL for their dedication and commitment to the important work of the Mission during this exceptionally challenging time.”
On Tuesday he met Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati together with the Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, and the Head of the Peacekeeping Mission in Lebanon, General Aroldo Lázaro.
“The three stressed the criticality of UNIFIL’s role and highlighted the importance of resolution 1701,” Mr. Dujarric added.
Brussels, November 13, 2024 – In a pivotal speech delivered at the European Parliament plenary session, High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell addressed the implications of Donald J. Trump’s re-election for transatlantic relations and European security. Borrell emphasized the need for Europe to prepare for a new geopolitical landscape shaped by the American electorate’s choice, which he described as indicative of a profound transformation in U.S. politics and society.
Opening his remarks in Spanish, Borrell stated, “This election is not fortuitous; it demonstrates a deep political and cultural transformation in American society.” He expressed concern over the implications of this shift, noting that the evolving political climate in the U.S. has significant repercussions for Europe, given the interconnectedness of the two regions.
Borrell highlighted the potential geopolitical consequences of Trump’s policies, stating, “This decision by American voters will mark the development of the world as it will be for our grandchildren.” He urged European leaders to remain vigilant and prepared, avoiding a state of paralysis in the face of uncertainty. “We must not show that we are frightened or divided,” he cautioned, acknowledging the varied reactions to Trump’s victory across European capitals.
A significant portion of Borrell’s speech focused on the potential economic ramifications of Trump’s proposed tariffs, which could impose a 10% duty on all European products and a staggering 60% on Chinese goods. He warned that such measures would not only affect European competitiveness but could also lead to inflationary pressures and increased interest rates in the U.S., with ripple effects felt globally.
Turning to security issues, Borrell underscored the importance of maintaining support for Ukraine amid concerns that the new U.S. administration might condition military aid. “We must continue to uphold our commitments to Ukraine and provide the support they need to defend themselves,” he asserted, referencing his recent visit to Kyiv where he met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and military leaders. He emphasized that Europe currently provides more comprehensive support to Ukraine than the U.S., a situation that could change if American assistance diminishes.
Borrell identified three critical areas for European focus: Ukraine, the Middle East, and relations with China and Taiwan. He stated, “The way this war ends matters,” stressing that any resolution must involve Ukraine’s participation and agreement. He warned against a potential U.S.-Russia agreement that sidelines Ukraine, stating, “Nothing should be decided without the participation and agreement of Ukraine, which is paying the highest price for this war.”
Reflecting on the broader implications of Trump’s presidency, Borrell called for Europe to take greater responsibility for its own security. “The European Union is not just an economic union; it has military responsibilities,” he noted, urging member states to enhance their defense capabilities and adhere to the Strategic Compass, a framework for EU defense policy.
In his closing remarks, Borrell reiterated the need for a united European response to the challenges posed by the Trump administration. “This is not the end of the world, but the beginning of a different world,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong transatlantic ties while preparing for a potentially more isolationist U.S. stance.
As he concluded, Borrell expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage in the debate and encouraged continued efforts toward a more united and resilient Europe. “Our prosperity is linked to that of the U.S., and the fight for freedom and democracy continues,” he affirmed.
Borrell’s speech serves as a clarion call for European leaders to navigate the complexities of a changing geopolitical landscape while reinforcing their commitment to collective security and transatlantic cooperation.
President Metsola opened the 13-14 November plenary session in Brussels with a minute of silence for the victims of the flood tragedy in Spain.
Following the devastating floods that swept through towns in Valencia and other regions in Spain two weeks ago and have taken at least 223 lives, President Metsola led MEPs in a minute’s silence in honour of the victims. She said that Europe was in shock and in mourning, and that the EU was ready to help in any way during the process of recovery and rebuilding, including through more flexibility to get financial assistance moving.
Changes to the agenda
Wednesday
The European Council and Commission statements on Conclusions of the European Council meetings of October and November 2024 are removed from the agenda, due to the absence of the President of the European Council, Charles Michel.
A Commission statement on the devastating floods in Spain, the urgent need to support the victims, to improve preparedness and to fight the climate crisis is added as the first item on Wednesday’s agenda.
The European Council and Commission statements on EU-US relations in light of the outcome of the US presidential elections are changed into a Commission statement.
A Commission statement on Georgia’s worsening democratic crisis following the recent parliamentary elections and alleged electoral fraud is added to the agenda, and MEPs voted to wind up the debate with a resolution to be voted at the next part-session.
A Commission statement on Deplorable escalation of violence around the football match in the Netherlands and the unacceptable attacks against Israeli football fans is added as fifth item.
Thursday
Two requests for urgent procedure are added to the voting session, pursuant to Rule 170 (5), for the following legislative files:
Regional Emergency Support: RESTORE,
Specific measures under the EAFRD for Member States affected by natural disasters.
The sitting is extended to 22:00.
Corrigenda
Under Rule 251(4) of the EP Rules of Procedure, two corrigenda will be deemed approved unless a request is made by a political group or Members reaching at least the low threshold for them to put to the vote. You can find the relevant list on the plenary website.
Bergamo, ITALY, KINGNEWSWIRE // On Sunday, November 10, hundreds of Scientologists gathered to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the presence of the Church of Scientology Mission in Bergamo.
In fact, Scientology’s presence in Bergamo began in the early 1980s, when a small group of believers who attended the Church of Scientology in Milan decided to start spreading Scientology principles in their area on a permanent basis.
Since then, the group has grown significantly until the current mission was founded. A mission has the task of making the religion of Scientology known by providing information services that help a person take the first steps on that path of rediscovery and spiritual enlightenment that can be continued in a church such as the one that can be seen in Milan.
Welcoming the Scientologists and their guests who had arrived for the ceremony was Mrs Marta Riva, who has been a valued leader of the Bergamo mission for many years.
Immediately after her welcome, Mrs Nilupa, Warnakulasooriya, originally from Sri Lanka but resident in Italy for over 20 years, took the floor. She is a person who embodies the fundamental values of healthy and conscious growth, including the importance of educating her fellow citizens with moral values that help them face the difficulties of living and working far from home.
The values I have found in The Way to Happiness are universal,’ said Nilupa, ’I believe in the Values contained in The Way to Happiness that Mr. Hubbard has given us: it is an immense gift! I trust that the Programme you are implementing with The Way to Happiness will always be available to Everyone.’
The second guest, Mr. Franco Ravaglioli, vice-president of the Universal Peace Federation Italia, a non-governmental body recognised by the UN, spoke about the inter-religious activities that have been initiated in Bergamo and which involve representatives of different religious faiths, including the Church of Scientology. ‘Religions should cooperate with each other, but also work together with governments and civil society to build the world imagined by their founders,’ Ravaglioli said.
The third speaker was Dr. Daniel Sigua, journalist, TV host, entrepreneur, considered one of the most influential ‘Latino communicators’ in Italy, diplomat and founder of the first Latin American press agency in Italy and Europe. Thanks to his tireless commitment and contagious energy, he is inspiring many people to join the cause for a future where human rights are guaranteed for all.
‘Thanks to the Church of Scientology,’ said Dr Sigua, ’Today we have a community more aware and educated about human rights thanks to your Spanish-language resources and materials dedicated to promoting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.’
Closing the speeches was Mr Gabriele Riva, a Lieutenant of the Alpine troops and very active in his Bergamo community with social and humanitarian initiatives that have generated a greater sense of belonging and solidarity among his fellow citizens. Mr Riva wished to thank the Bergamasque Scientology community for the concrete help it has received on the occasion of the sight of 40 university students forming the choir of the University of the Philippines who also performed in honour of the families tragically affected by Covid during the pandemic.
After the ceremony, those present were able to visit the mission headquarters, which, besides being the place where people begin their journey of spiritual liberation, is also the meeting place for volunteers who have been engaged for years in information activities on the risks of drug use, one of the activities that has been carried out with continuity and effectiveness by the group of volunteers of the Bergamo community of Scientology.
Scientology has been present in Italy for 50 years, its 13 Churches and 20 Missions are caring for the spiritual progress of thousands of people of all ages, social classes and professions.
The first Church of Scientology was established by a group of believers in 1954, in Los Angeles, and there are now more than 11,000 churches, missions and groups in 167 countries worldwide.
The mystery of why a Russian beluga whale, which appeared years ago off the coast of Norway, was dressed in a harness and called a “spy”, may have finally been solved, the BBC reported.
A marine expert believes that the animal did escape from a Russian military base, but it is unlikely to have been a spy.
The tame beluga first made headlines in 2019 when it approached fishermen off Norway’s northern coast wearing a harness, sparking speculation that it was an escaped Russian “spy whale”.
According to the account of one of the fishermen at the time, the animal began to rub against their boat. He said he had heard of animals in distress that instinctively knew they needed help from humans and thought it was “one smart whale”.
Fishermen help the beluga free from the harness, after which it swims to the nearby port of Hammerfest, where it lives for several months.
Local residents call the animal Hvaldimir – a combination of the Norwegian word for whale – hval – and the Russian name Vladimir, BTA adds.
Seemingly unable to catch live fish to eat, the beluga charmed visitors by poking at their cameras and even in one case returned a cell phone.
Fascinated by the story of the whale, Norway is taking steps to have it watched and fed.
Now Dr. Olga Shpak, an expert on the species, says she believes the whale was indeed owned by the military and escaped from a naval base in the Arctic Circle. However, she does not believe that the beluga was a spy.
Shpak believes that she was trained to guard the base and escaped because she was a “bully”.
Russia has always refused to confirm or deny that the whale was trained by its military.
But Dr Shpak, who worked in Russia researching marine mammals from the 1990s until returning to her native Ukraine in 2022, told BBC News: “For me it’s 100 per cent (certainly )”.
Olga Shpak, whose account is based on conversations with friends and former colleagues in Russia, features in the BBC documentary Secrets of the Spy Whale, which is now on BBC iPlayer and was broadcast on BBC Two.
Dr. Shpak does not want to name her sources in Russia for their own safety, but says she was told that when the beluga surfaced in Norway, the Russian marine mammal community immediately identified it as one of theirs. Then, along the chain of vets and trainers, it was reported about the absence of an animal named Andrukha.
According to Dr. Shpak, Andrukha/Hvaldimir was first captured in 2013 in the Sea of Okhotsk in the Russian Far East. A year later, he was transferred from a facility owned by a dolphinarium in St. Petersburg to the military program in the Russian Arctic, where his trainers and vets kept in touch.
“I think when they started working in open water, trusting this animal (not to swim away), it just gave up on them,” she says.
Shpak learned from her sources that Andrukha was smart, so he was a good choice for training. At the same time, the whale was something of a “hooligan” – an active beluga, so they were not surprised that he refused to follow the boat and went where he wanted.
Satellite images from the Murmansk region in the Russian Arctic show whales that appear to be belugas in enclosures near a naval base.
“The location of the whales very close to submarines and surface ships may suggest that they are actually part of a security system,” said Thomas Nielsen of the Norwegian online newspaper The Barents Observer.
Unfortunately, the amazing story of Hvaldimir/Andruha does not have a happy ending. After learning to feed on its own, it spent several years traveling south along the coast of Norway, and in May 2023 was even spotted off the coast of Sweden.
Then on September 1, 2024, his body was found floating in the sea near the town of Risavika, on the southwest coast of Norway.
Although some activist groups have suggested that the whale was shot, this explanation has been rejected by Norwegian police. She reported that there was nothing to suggest that human activity was the cause of the beluga’s death. The autopsy found that Hvaldimir/Andrukha died after a stick was stuck in his mouth.
Illustrative Photo by Diego F. Parra: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-beluga-whale-swimming-underwater-24243994/
Acts of the Apostles, chapter 12. 1 – 18. Herod persecutes the Church: the killing of James, the imprisonment of Peter and his miraculous release. 19 – 23. Death of Herod in Caesarea. 24 – 25. The return of Barnabas and Saul to Antioch.
Acts 12:1. At that time king Herod laid his hand on some of the church to do them evil,
“At that time,”–i.e. while Barnabas and Saul carried out the commission of the Antiochians (Acts 11:25, 30).
“King Herod”. This is Herod Agrippa I, son of Aristobulus and Veronica, grandson of Herod (called the Great), who sought to kill the Lord after His birth and killed the Bethlehem infants instead of Him (Matt. 2:1, 13), nephew of Herod Antipas of Galilee, the murderer of John the Baptist (Matt. 14ff.). Such was this family of murderers, who bloodied their hands with the most precious blood for Christians…
King Herod was born around 10 before Christ and grew up in Rome. After the accession of Emperor Caligula to the throne, he received the tetrarchy of his deceased uncle Philip (Matt. 2:22; Luke 3:1) and the tetrarchy of Lysanius (Luke 3:1) with the title of king. Soon he united under his authority the tetrarchy of his other uncle – Herod Antipas. Finally, the emperor Claudius, the successor of Caligula, added Judea to his dominions together with Samaria, so that he, like his grandfather, ruled all Palestine (Josephus, Jewish Antiquities, XVIII, 7, 2; XIX, 5, 1; 6, 1 ; the Jewish War II, 9, 6; 11, 5), in which there was no longer a separate Roman procurator over Palestine. Died in 44 sl. R. A.D., reigning no more than four years, after which Judea was again made a Roman province.
“He lifted up his hands… to do evil” – either by imprisonment, or by corporal punishment, or by other cruel measures, including murder, an example of which is given further on.
Acts 12:2. and killed Jacob the brother of John with the sword.
Jacob, the brother of John (Theologian) Zebedee became the second Christian martyr, on whom the Lord’s prediction was exactly fulfilled (Matt. 20:23). Complementing the short notice of the de-writer about his martyrdom, the church tradition tells that the one who accused the apostle was himself converted to Christ by the accused and was martyred together with him (Eusebius of Caesarea, Ecclesiastical History. II, 9). This is how Saint John Chrysostom exclaims: “no longer the Jews and not the Sanhedrin, but the king raises his hands to do evil. This is the highest authority, the most difficult bran, all the more so because it was in favor of the Jews”.
Acts 12:3. And when he saw that this pleased the Jews, he also seized Peter – then were the days of unleavened bread –
“Then were the days of unleavened bread” – the days of unleavened bread began on the day of the Passover and lasted for 7 days. If Herod usually resided in Caesarea, the residence of the Jewish rulers at the time, the mention of the days of unleavened bread makes it clear that Herod took advantage of his stay in Jerusalem for the Passover to persecute the Christians and imprison Peter to satisfy the Jews . The base calculation that guided him was to please as many people as possible with his actions: quite Herodian and worthy of those for whose sake the evil was done.
Acts 12:4. and, seizing him, cast him into prison, and delivered him to four quarters of soldiers to guard him, thinking after the Passover to bring him before the people.
“four quadruple soldiers,” i. four shifts of four people. Such increased security was placed only for particularly important criminals, and in the given case it did not fulfill its duties quite as expected, for “the more careful the guard, the more amazing was the revelation of God’s power…” ( blessed Theophylact of Ohrid).
“thinking after Passover.” On a festival as great as the Passover, no sentence of death or execution was allowed, and so Herod Agrippa wanted to condemn Peter after the festival was over.
“to bring him before the people” – for a solemn public trial, condemnation and capital punishment. A lover of spectacles, brought up by the bloody Roman spectacles, the king wanted to make a public spectacle out of the condemnation and execution of the first supreme apostle.
Acts 12:5. And so Peter was kept in prison; and at that time the church was constantly praying to God for him.
“And at that time the church was constantly praying to God for him.” From the remark it is clear that the miraculous deliverance of the apostle was granted mainly through the prayer of the Church for him. “They (i.e. the believers) were now in the most dangerous position. They were horrified both by the fact that he (Jacob) was killed and by the fact that he (Peter) was thrown into prison… But they did not get angry, did not raise a commotion, but turned to prayer, resorted to this invincible champion…” (Saint John Chrysostom).
Acts 12:6. And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter slept between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and guards at the door guarded the dungeon.
“Through that night,” i. before the day when Herod wanted to try Peter “Peter was sleeping between two soldiers”, chained to them with two chains, as was the rule under a strong guard (Josephus, Jewish Antiquities, XVIII, 6, 7; Pliny, Er. X, 65 ).
Acts 12:7. And behold, an Angel of the Lord stood, and a light shone in the dungeon. The angel, pushing Peter in the side, woke him up and said: get up quickly! And the chains fell from his hands.
“A light shone in the dungeon” – φῶς ἔλαμψεν ἐν τῷ οἰκήματι. In the Slavic translation: “the world shines in xpamine” – perhaps not in the entire dungeon, but in that part of it where Peter slept.
“as he pushed Petra”. Peter’s sleep in those anxious minutes was so deep that only a movement could wake him. “You see,” says St. John Chrysostom, “Peter is asleep, he does not give in to despondency or fear.” That night, when they wanted to lead him to death, he slept, surrendering everything to God.”
Acts 12:8. Then the Angel said to him: gird up your tail and put on your shoes. So he did. Then he says to him: put on your clothes and follow me!
“Shut up and put on your shoes.” “Therefore he ordered him to gird himself and put on his shoes, to show him that he was not an apparition, so that Peter would wake up from his sleep and be convinced that it was true. Therefore at that moment the chains fell from his hands and he was told, “get up quickly.” These are words whose purpose is not to disturb, but to convince not to delay…” (Saint John Chrysostom).
Acts 12:9. Peter went out and followed him, and he did not know that what the Angel was doing was true, but thought he was seeing a vision.
Acts 12:10. When they had passed the first and second watch, they came to the iron enemy, who were leading into the city, and who opened themselves to them: they went out and crossed a street, and presently the Angel withdrew from him.
Acts 12:11 Then Peter, coming to himself, said: now I truly understood that the Lord sent His Angel and delivered me from the hands of Herod and from everything that the Jewish people expected.
Acts 12:12. And looking around, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John, called Mark, where many were gathered and praying.
“John, called Mark”, who then accompanied Barnabas and Saul to Antioch (Acts 12:25). There are several different traditions about this John-Mark: according to some, he is the same person as the evangelist Mark and Mark, the nephew of Barnabas (Col. 4:10). Others distinguish it from St. Mark and the nephew of Barnabas. Third, distinguishing it from St. the apostle Mark, consider him a nephew of Barnabas. This disagreement, of course, cannot speak against the historical veracity of this account in the book of Acts.
Acts 12:13. When Peter knocked on the road enemy, a servant girl named Rhoda went to eavesdrop.
Acts 12:14. And, recognizing Peter’s voice, he did not open the door for joy, but ran and called that Peter was standing at the door.
Acts 12:15. And they told her: you are out of your mind! But she claimed it was. And they said: this is his Angel.
“You are out of your mind!” In Greek: μαίνῃ. In the Slavic translation: “are you mad?”, i.e. are you crazy So strange and incredible seemed the reported.
“This is his Angel.” As often happens when a person gets confused, faced with something improbable and inexplicable, he finds an explanation of what is happening that is no less difficult and wonderful, and just as little to explain the possibility of the incredible. The teaching about the guardian angel and the director of the salvation of every person could be based on and confirmed by the teaching of the Lord about the angels of infants. This teaching was also known to the apostle Paul (Hebrews 1:14).
Acts 12:16. At that time, Peter kept knocking. And when they opened it, they saw it and were amazed.
“when they opened” – no longer only the maidservant, but everyone gathered rushes to the newcomer and opens the door for him.
Acts 12:17. And he, making a sign with his hand to be silent, told them how the Lord had brought him out of the dungeon, and said: call Jacob and the brothers about this. And going out, he went to another place.
“call Jacob,” i. to the superior of the Jerusalem church, brother of the Lord “and to the brothers”, i.e. to the rest of the believers – to calm down.
“went to another place”, thereby showing prudent caution, which fully corresponded to the Lord’s instruction (Matt. 10:23). “He did not tempt God and did not put himself in danger, because they did this only when they were commanded…” (Saint John Chrysostom). There is an ancient tradition that Peter was in Rome during the first years of the reign of Claudius (Eusebius of Caesarea, Ecclesiastical History, II, 14–15). If this is so, then the most convenient time for Peter to make such a journey was precisely that. In all probability the journey took place in AD 44, after the Jewish Passover, in the fourth year of Claudius’ reign. After that, the writer does not speak about Peter again until the apostolic council (Acts 15).
During this time (several years) he was quite able to make the supposed journey – both for greater safety and because of his zeal to preach Christ in the very center of the life of the world at that time.
Acts 12:18. As he doubted, there was no small confusion among the soldiers, what had become of Peter.
Acts 12:19. And Herod, looking for him and not finding him, investigated the guards and ordered them to be put to death. After that he went down from Judea to Caesarea, and there he lived.
“He went down to Caesarea.” It was the then usual residence of the Roman governors of Judea. The Passover was over and Herod could leave Jerusalem. Moreover, it was now inconvenient for him to remain in the city, because he was ashamed of that part of the people, headed by the Sanhedrin, to whom he had promised a gratuitous spectacle of the apostle’s execution.
Acts 12:20. Herod was angry with the Tyrians and Sidonians; and they talked together, came to him and, having persuaded the king’s bed-bearer Vlasta to their side, begged for peace, because their country was fed from the king’s territory.
By describing Herod’s death immediately after the story of Peter’s release, the scribe wants to present this death as God’s punishment for Herod because of the persecution against Christ’s church.
“Herod was enraged” – for what reason is unknown.
“the king’s bedspread Power” – τὸν ἐπὶ τοῦ κοῦῶνος τοῦ βασιλέως. This is the chief servant of the king, the guardian of his life and treasures. Such officials very often became high dignitaries of the state, enjoying great influence over the king and state affairs (cf. Acts 8:27).
“begged for peace”. Friendly relations were especially necessary given the danger of starvation (St. John Chrysostom). The Phoenicians obtained most of their grain wheat from Palestine, as they themselves were primarily a trading rather than an agricultural people. Therefore, without war, Herod could do them too much harm, which forced them to beg him for peace.
Acts 12:21. On the appointed day, Herod put on a royal robe, sat on the throne, and spoke to them;
The reception of the envoys took place on a specially designated day of a solemn public audience.
“clothed himself in a royal garment” – according to Josephus’ account “woven of silver”.
Acts 12:22. and the people shouted: this is the voice of God, and not of man.
Acts 12:23. But suddenly an Angel of the Lord smote him, because he did not give glory to God; and he, eaten by worms, died.
The Jewish historian Josephus tells in sufficient detail about the circumstances of Agrippa’s death, with some details and differences (Jewish Antiquities, XIX, 8, 2; cf. Acts 18:6, 7) with a general similarity to the writer. According to Josephus, the king was present in Caesarea at the games in honor of Caesar; on one of these days, the reception of the king’s envoys could have taken place. His magnificent, silver-woven robes shone in the sun with dazzling brilliance; this gave reason also to the flatterers for the most immeasurable praises, in which they called him a god and entrusted themselves to his favor. The king, it seems, was heartened by such flattery, which immediately drew upon him the wrath of God: seeing an owl above him, he fell into a superstitious fear, and at the same time felt such a sharp pain in his stomach that he was immediately carried in his arms into the palace, where after five days of agony he died.
Agrippa’s fear of the owl is explained by the fact that in Rome a soothsayer predicted that he would die when he saw an owl above him for the second time. When this happened, Agrippa fell ill, remembering with horror the prediction. This explanation does not exclude the other, more serious, one of the writer, who says that the cause and beginning of the disease is the invisible defeat of Herod by an angel. The two narrators also do not contradict each other in indicating the duration of Herod’s torments – Josephus directly states five days, and Luke is less definite, saying: “eaten by worms, he died.”
The account of Herod’s death is important because of its chronological date (44), which allows us to determine the time of previous and subsequent events in the life of the church.
Acts 12:24. And the word of God grew and spread.
Acts 12:25. Barnabas and Saul, having fulfilled the commission, returned from Jerusalem (to Antioch), taking with them John, called Mark. Cf. Acts 11:28–30.
Source in Russian: Explanatory Bible, or Commentaries on all the books of the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments: In 7 volumes / Ed. prof. A. P. Lopukhin. – Ed. 4th. – Moscow: Dar, 2009, 1232 pp.
Illustration: A rare icon of oil-painted St. Peter on gilt background with intricate tooling and decorated with a border of stippled flowers. Oil and gilt on wood panel. 48.2 x 38.3 cm (19 x 15 1/8 in.). Guilded wooden frame, 19th century.
The latest incident comes amid growing international concern over the use of capital punishment in the country since 2021, when the Taliban swept back into power 20 years on from the allied invasion that ended their rule, in the wake of the 11 September terrorist attacks in the United States.
Since the Taliban takeover of August 2021, the de facto authorities have reintroduced public executions, floggings and other forms of corporal punishment, despite international appeals to uphold human rights standards.
These practices have raised significant concerns among human rights experts and the international community.
The latest execution, which took place in Gardez, Paktya province, represents a “clear violation of human rights” and demonstrates an alarming pattern of public punishments, according to UN independent expert – or Special Rapporteur – who monitors human rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett.
“I condemn today’s horrific public execution,” Mr. Bennett said in a statement on social media, describing the incident as a clear human rights violation. “These atrocious punishments are clear violations of human rights and must be immediately halted”.
The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) emphasised that “executions carried out in public are contrary to Afghanistan’s international human rights obligations and must cease.” The Mission called on the de facto authorities to “establish an immediate moratorium on all executions with a view to abolition of the death penalty”.
“We also call for respect for due process and fair trial rights, in particular access to legal representation,” UNAMA stated.
Deteriorating rights situation
The public execution reflects a broader pattern of human rights deterioration in Afghanistan. The Taliban have issued more than 70 edicts, directives and decrees since their 2021 takeover, including limiting girls to primary level education, banning women from most professions and prohibiting them from using parks, gyms and other public places.
UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous recently told the Security Council that “Afghanistan’s women do not only fear these oppressive laws, but they also fear their capricious application,” noting that “a life lived in such circumstance is truly incomprehensible”.
The UN Special Representative in Afghanistan and head of UNAMA Roza Otunbayeva reported in September that while the de facto authorities have “delivered a period of stability,” they are “exacerbating this crisis by policies that focus insufficiently on the real needs of its people.”
Valencia, November 13, 2024 // In a heartbreaking turn of events, the bodies of Izan and Rubén Matías, two young children swept away during the devastating DANA floods in Torrent, have been found lifeless near Catarroja, several kilometers from where they disappeared. The family, after days of agony, shared a poignant message: “Our little angels are now resting from the heavens.”
The boys, aged 3 and 5, went missing two weeks ago when torrential rains brought by the DANA (Isolated Depression at High Levels) hit their neighborhood in Torrent. It was an unforeseen tragedy—the children were in their home when a container carried by a passing trailer became unhinged, crashing violently into the room they were occupying. The impact sent both Izan and Rubén into the raging floodwaters, setting off a desperate search across the region.
Their disappearance mobilized not only local emergency teams, including the Spanish Military Emergency Unit (UME), but also community members and specialized rescue groups from around the world. Among the most notable were “Los Topos Aztecas,” a team of renowned Mexican rescuers, who joined the effort despite the daunting conditions, and who were working and assisted by the Scientology Volunteer Ministers who provided logistical support and aided, with many other citizen groups, in the relentless search operation.
Despite daily searches, hopes of finding the children alive slowly dwindled as the days wore on. The area was combed repeatedly, with experts estimating the possible path of the floodwaters to track down the missing boys. Yesterday, the exhaustive search came to a tragic conclusion when both bodies were located together, several kilometers downstream from the house they had once played in.
The story of Izan and Rubén has captured the hearts of many, highlighting both the fragility of life in the face of natural disasters and the extraordinary lengths that people will go to in times of crisis. Rescue teams worked day and night, enduring the challenges of muddy waters and unpredictable weather conditions, hoping against hope for a miracle that never came.
Among the different organizations that assisted, the role of “Los Topos Aztecas” stood out for their bravery, with the seasoned Mexican team arriving in Spain as soon as news of the disaster spread. Their dedication was matched by the “Scientology Volunteer Ministers,” who provided critical coordination, distributing resources and assisting families and teams on the ground.
Although the outcome has been a tragic one, the collective response to the disappearance of Izan and Rubén is a testament to the humanity that surfaces in times of need. Local residents, professional rescue units, and international teams all worked together tirelessly, exemplifying a community united by love and compassion. While the children could not be saved, the dedication of those involved brought some small measure of closure to the grieving family.
“Our hearts are broken, but we’re forever grateful to those who never stopped looking for our boys,” said a family member through tears. As Valencia mourns the loss of these two young lives, the community’s resilience stands as a reminder that, even amidst devastation, people come together—strangers turned allies in a fight against despair.
The European Commission has proposed a new digital portal that will make it easier for companies to temporarily send workers to other EU countries. This proposal aims to simplify the paperwork involved in moving employees—known as ‘posted workers’—to different member states, reducing the burden on businesses while keeping worker protections strong.
The EU’s Single Market includes around 5 million posted workers. These are employees who are sent by their companies to work in a different EU country for a short period of time. Right now, companies face a lot of paperwork, as each EU country has its own rules and forms that need to be completed. This can be complicated and costly, particularly for small businesses that may not have the resources to deal with the complex bureaucracy.
The new portal aims to create a single digital form that can be used across all EU countries. This means that companies will no longer need to fill out 27 different national forms when posting workers, but instead, they can use one standardized form available in all EU languages. The Commission believes that this will reduce the time needed for these declarations by 73%, cutting down the administrative costs for businesses.
How Will This Benefit Businesses and Workers?
The new digital portal will be part of the Internal Market Information System (IMI), which EU countries already use to share information about labor and services. This proposal is voluntary for member states, meaning each country can decide whether or not to use the new system. However, for those that do opt in, it will significantly reduce the paperwork needed when companies post workers across borders.
For businesses, this means a more streamlined process, saving both time and money. It contributes to the EU’s broader goal of reducing administrative burdens for companies by 25%, as outlined in its “Long-term competitiveness of the EU” strategy.
For workers, the new system will ensure that companies comply with existing worker protection laws. The streamlined process will also make it easier for labor authorities in each country to conduct inspections and enforce worker rights, improving compliance and transparency.
Protecting Workers’ Rights
The EU is committed to making sure that workers’ rights are protected, even when they are working temporarily in another country. By simplifying the process for declaring posted workers, the new system aims to ensure that companies follow all the rules set out in the Posting of Workers Directive. This directive ensures that posted workers receive fair treatment, such as appropriate wages and working conditions, similar to local workers.
With the digital portal, member states can also share information more effectively. Authorities will be better equipped to track postings and conduct targeted inspections, ensuring that companies are not bypassing important worker protections.
A Step Toward Fair Mobility
This proposal is part of a broader EU plan to support labor mobility and tackle worker shortages. It was initially announced in the 2020 New Industrial Strategy and was further emphasized in a 2024 action plan to address labor and skills shortages. By making it easier for companies to post workers, the EU hopes to promote fair mobility—meaning workers can move across borders for jobs without losing their rights or facing complicated paperwork.
Summary
The proposed digital portal is designed to simplify the process for companies to send workers to other EU countries, reducing administrative burdens and improving transparency. This is expected to benefit both businesses, by cutting costs, and workers, by ensuring strong protection of their rights. By making it easier to comply with EU rules, the new system aims to make labor mobility fairer and more efficient, while supporting businesses in a competitive global market.
