Hesychasm and Humanism: The Palaeologous Renaissance (2)

By Leonid Ouspensky

The number of borrowings from antiquity greatly increased in the 13th and 14th centuries, borrowed ancient motifs entered church art no longer only as additions; they permeate the plot itself and its character. There is a tendency to give volume through depth. A certain mannerism appears, depicting in the back, in profile, foreshortening, drawing in perspective. Stories from the Old Testament became especially popular; among them are the images of the Virgin (for example, the unburnt blackberry, Gideon’s fleece), of Christ (for example, Abraham, Melchizedek), as well as some symbolic images of Christ (in the form of an angel). Church decoration lost the strict unity and monumental laconicism so characteristic of the previous period. It is not a question of retreating from dogmatic principles, but its organic connection with architecture is beginning to be disturbed. “Iconographers and mosaicists no longer obey the inner space of the temple… to reveal its meaning. They juxtapose countless images”. An essentially spatial art, which up to that time had conveyed more relationships than gestures, more a state of mind than a string of emotions, now gets involved in the conveyance of what flows in time: narrative, narration, psychological reactions, etc. n. The relationship between the depicted and the viewer also changes: regardless of whether a single figure or a complex composition is depicted, it is no longer always turned outwards, towards the believer who prays in front of it. Often the image unfolds like a picture living its own life, as if closed in on itself, without relation to the viewer.

At that time, the images on the altar partition also increased, the theme of which must be directly related to the meaning of the main sacrament of the Church, the Eucharist. In its figurative interpretation, two currents appear: on the one hand, a search for a coherent theological system, which, by means of images, reveals the entire housekeeping of our salvation. This trend led to the shaping of the theme of the iconostasis, the classical form of which was formed in the 15th century in Russia. On the other hand, there is a tendency, so characteristic of this period, to clarify the meaning of the sacrament in an image, illustrating individual moments of the liturgy, for example the Great Entrance. It is precisely in this iconographic theme that the boundary between the imageable and the non-imageable is often violated. There is, for example, a scene of the priest’s offering of the Christ Child lying on a discus – a scene reaching extreme naturalism and reminiscent of a ritual murder (14th century church in Matej, Serbia). It is undeniable that the motif with the Child on the discus is a reaction to the liturgical controversies of the twelfth century, or rather their echo in the camp of Western theologians. By the time of the Palaeologians such disputes had evidently grown on the fertile soil of the hijacked wisdom of the humanists about rationalism.

Along with the illustrations of individual moments of the liturgy, a number of iconographic themes appear, apparently intended to reveal the meaning of the sacrament by means of stolen symbolic images: Sophia’s Table (The Banquet of Wisdom), or Sophia Wisdom communions the apostles, etc. These motifs figuratively recreate the text from Solomon’s Proverbs, 9:1-6 – “Wisdom built her house”. The text is presented in two plots. On the one hand, Sophia Wisdom – Angel – personification of divine wisdom according to the type of ancient personifications: on the other hand – Christ – Wisdom in the form of an Angel of the Great Council. It must be borne in mind that the subject of wisdom was quite prevalent during the controversy between the Hesychasts and their opponents; Undoubtedly, it is precisely in this context that the symbolic image of Sophia Wisdom spread during the time of the Palaeologians. In this symbolism, one cannot fail to notice the influence of the humanistic renaissance. Although it does not correspond to Hesychast ideas, this symbolism, as well as borrowings from antiquity, is not always alien to the Hesychasts. The symbolic depiction of Wisdom can be understood not only as an influence of humanism, but also as an attempt on the part of the Hesychasts to oppose God’s Wisdom to the wisdom of the philosophers. This type of symbolism, used consciously or not by artists, undermines the true Orthodox teaching on icons and leads to a violation of the canonical rules, in particular Rule 82 of the Fifth-Sixth Council.

This rule, we recall, removes those symbols that displace the direct image of the incarnate Word of God: “Honoring the ancient images and shadows as signs and types of truth…, we now prefer grace and truth, which are the fulfillment of the law.” Now, in the paleolog time, such “incarnation”, violating the principle of evangelical realism, is especially paradoxical in the case of the eucharistic theme. The fruit of abducted thoughts, this symbolism does not correspond to traditional Orthodox thinking, just as it does not correspond to the mixing of the imageable with the unimageable.

And the symbolic images replacing the direct human image, and the expressive artistic reflections of emotional life, and the aspiration to Hellenistic naturalism, and the extraordinary variety of new iconographic themes, and the multiplication of Old Testament types – all this is the fruit of the age, covered by the raging new ideas, the age of revival of humanism and hesychasm. If the traditional artists were not always protected from the humanist influence, then the sympathizers of humanism, in turn, did not leave the traditional forms of Orthodox art, represented by Hesychasm. The Paleo-Renaissance did not abandon these traditional forms. But under the influence of the ideas of the era, elements penetrated into them that lowered the spirituality of the image, and sometimes undermined even the very concept of the icon, its meaning, and as a consequence – its function in the Church. These ideas, the fruit of an abstract idea of God based on the material knowledge of the world, relate to the Orthodox tradition as the humanistic worldview relates to the traditional Hesychast approach. That is why the role and importance that humanists attach to philosophy and worldly knowledge of spiritual life, on the one hand, and the hesychastic approach to them, on the other hand, can give us indirect signals to understand the views of both sides regarding church art.

In his disputes with the humanists, St. Gregory Palamas wrote: “We do not stop anyone from becoming acquainted with worldly sciences if he wishes, unless he has adopted a monastic life. But we advise not to delve too deeply into them, and strictly forbid the expectation of obtaining an accurate knowledge of divine things, because no one can derive from them a true teaching about God.”

Further we read: “Indeed, there is something useful in worldly philosophers, just as there is pollen from poisonous grasses in honey. But there is a great danger that those who wish to separate the honey from the bitter herbs will unexpectedly swallow the poisonous residue.” Saint Gregory Palamas dwells at length and in great detail on the question of the relationship between secular science and philosophy in general and the knowledge of God. Despite the above-mentioned sharp judgment, he does not deny the importance of worldly knowledge, but even admits that it is relatively useful. Like Barlaam, he sees in it one of the ways to indirect, relative knowledge of God. But he stubbornly rejects religious philosophy and worldly knowledge as a means of communicating with God and knowing God. Not only is science incapable of giving “any true teaching about God,” but when applied to fields not proper to it, it leads to perversions, moreover, it can hinder true communion with God; can be “deadly”. As we see, St. Gregory Palamas only protects the area of communication with God from mixing with religious philosophy and natural, i.e., natural knowledge of God. Proceeding from this attitude of hesychasm to the mixing of secular sciences and religious philosophy with the field of theology, it can be concluded that the tasks and functions of ecclesiastical art were set in such a light.

It must be said that if a certain impartiality towards the image can be noticed in the psychosomatic technique of the hesychasts, their attitude towards icon veneration and the importance of the icon in worship and prayer remains completely true to Orthodox teaching. When St. Gregory speaks of icons, he not only expresses the classical Orthodox view, but also adds some clarifications characteristic of Hesychast teaching and the general direction of Orthodox art. He says: “To Him who became man for our sake, create an icon out of love for Him, through it worship Him, through it raise your thoughts to the Savior, who sits in glory at the right hand of the Father in heaven and whom we worship. In the same way, create icons for the saints … and worship them not as gods – which is forbidden, but as a testimony of your communion with them, love for them, in their honor, raising through their icons your mind towards them”.

As can be seen, St. Gregory expresses traditional Orthodox teaching both in his veneration of the image and in his understanding of its basis and content. But in the context of his theology this content sounds with a note typical of the pneumatological period. For St. Gregory, the Incarnation is the starting point from which the fruits are expected: the divine glory manifested in the human image of God the Word. The deified body of Christ has received and imparts to us the eternal glory of the Godhead. It is this image that is depicted on icons and worshiped to the extent of revealing the Deity of Christ. And inasmuch as God and the saints have the same grace, their images are also made “in likeness.”

In the light of such an attitude towards the image and such an understanding of its content, it is certain that for the hesychasts the only image that can serve as a means of communion with God is that which reflects the experience of this communion in harmony with the teaching of hesychasm. The artistic elements, based on abstract thoughts and empirical perception of the world, just like philosophy and secular sciences, cannot give “any true teaching about God”. The symbolic depiction of Jesus Christ, which replaces the personal image of the Bearer of divine glory, undermines the very foundation of the teaching of the icon as a testimony of the Incarnation of God. Such an icon, therefore, cannot “raise the thought to the Savior standing at the right hand of God the Father.” It is natural that with the victory of hesychasm, the Church puts an end to those elements in the cult art, which in one way or another undermine its teachings. It is due to hesychasm that “the last Byzantines, unlike the Italians, gave place to naturalness without turning it into naturalism; they use depth, but without locking it in the laws of perspective; explore the human, but without isolating it from the divine”. Art preserves its connection with revelation and preserves its synergistic nature of relationship between God and man.

The teaching of St. Gregory Palamas on the essence of communion with divine energies “destroys all the remnants of rationalism and iconoclastic positivism”, revealing also more distant problems that are noticeable in the teaching of icon veneration. Further dogmatic work could proceed only by expressing the very content of the spiritual experience, and thus also the content of ecclesiastical art. In the dogma of icon veneration, it is recognized that it is possible for the artist, by means of forms, colors, lines, to translate the result of divine action into man; and that this result may be shown, made manifest. In the teaching of the Light of Tabor, it is recognized that this divine action transforming man is the uncreated and imperishable light, the energy of the Divine, sensuously felt and contemplated. Thus the doctrine of divine energies merges with the doctrine of icons; and just as in the dispute about the Light of Tabor a dogmatic formulation of the deification of man is given, so also a dogmatic justification is given to the content of the icon. This is the time when those frameworks are defined, behind which ecclesiastical art cannot go without ceasing to be ecclesiastical.

The victory of the teaching of St. Gregory Palamas was decisive for the further history of the Orthodox Church. If the Church had remained passive in the face of the onslaught of humanism, the hurricane of new ideas of the age would undoubtedly have led to crises analogous to those in Western Christianity—the neopaganism of the Renaissance and the Reformation in accordance

with the new philosophies – and therefore also to the confirmation of completely different ways of church art.

And if, thanks to hesychasm, church art did not cross the boundaries beyond which it would have ceased to express Orthodox teaching, nevertheless, in the second half of the 14th century, the living creative tradition that defined the Palaeologian revival began to give way to a kind of conservatism. After the fall of Constantinople in 1453 and the conquest of the Balkans by the Turks, the leading role in the field of church art passed to Russia. The living impulse of Hesychasm and the dogmas that shaped Orthodox anthropology, the grounded teaching of Palamism, will bear priceless fruits in Russian art and spiritual life. There, the flourishing of the 14th and 15th centuries had a basis different from that created during the Byzantine Palaeologous Renaissance. Conservatism, by its very nature, will prove powerless to resist the push coming from the West. S. Radojcic has the right to say: “Western influences did more damage to Byzantine art than the Turks”.

The Council of Constantinople in 1351 was the most solemn act by which the Church affirmed the teaching of St. Gregory Palamas. The fourteenth century witnessed how the decisions of this council were accepted by the entire Orthodox Church. One year after the council, its decisions were elevated to the canonical succession as the Solemnity of Orthodoxy. In 1368, soon after his death, St. Gregory Palamas was canonized. His memory is celebrated on November 14. The second Sunday of Great Lent is also dedicated to his memory as a “preacher of the divine light” (vespers, third verse). Here he is sung as “luminary of Orthodoxy, teacher and pillar of the Church” (tropar). Thus, after Sunday, the Orthodox Church celebrates the proclamation of the doctrine of the deification of man; and the council of 843, which closed the Christological period of the Church’s history, is liturgically associated with the peak of the pneumatological period.

Source: Ouspensky, Leonid. Theology of the Icon, Vol. I and II, New York: St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 1992.

Human rights experts urge Pakistan to stop planned mass deportation of Afghans

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18 October 2023

Human rights experts urge Pakistan to stop planned mass deportation of Afghans

The Government of Pakistan, which has hosted millions of Afghans for decades, recently announced that all “undocumented” foreign nationals must leave the country by 1 November or face deportation to their countries of origin.

These plans would impact many Afghans who fled to Pakistan seeking safety and protection due to serious human rights concerns and the years-long humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

“Pakistan should stop all forced returns and continue to host Afghan nationals who fled for safety,” the experts said.

“The Government must also ensure their full access to procedures where their individual human rights protection needs and their need for effective protection in line with international human rights and refugee standards, are fully assessed,” they added.

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Concerns over refoulement

The experts expressed concern over the risk of refoulement, particularly for Afghan nationals. They warned many families, women, and children would be at risk of irreparable harm, including serious human rights violations and abuses in their home country.

“We urge Pakistan to uphold the absolute and non-derogable principle of non-refoulement and prevent collective expulsion and forced return,” the experts said.

“We are also concerned by reports that Afghans living in Pakistan have been subjected to arrests, exploitation and undignified treatment, including since Pakistan announced its repatriation plans.”

The prohibition of refoulement is explicitly included in the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, to which Pakistan is a State party.

Safe and dignified return

In a letter dated 23 December 2021, the group of UN experts urged Pakistan to halt deportations of Afghan nationals following the Taliban takeover, until the circumstances and human rights situation in Afghanistan allows for the safe and dignified return of foreign nationals.

The experts also urged Pakistan to continue its collaboration with relevant UN entities to ensure protection for those seeking safety in the country.

Independent experts

Special Rapporteurs are appointed by the UN Human Rights Council and form part of what is known as its Special Procedures. The experts are mandated to monitor and report on specific thematic issues or country situations.

They serve in their individual capacity, are not UN staff, and do not receive a salary.

Security Council rejects Russian resolution on Gaza

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Newsroom

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17 October 2023

Security Council rejects Russian resolution on Gaza

The draft resolution led by Russia received support from five countries (China, Gabon, Mozambique, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates) and opposition from four countries (France, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States). Six countries (Albania, Brazil, Ecuador, Ghana, Malta, and Switzerland) chose to abstain from voting.

There was a division among members regarding the absence of a clear condemnation of the extremist group Hamas. It was Hamas that initiated the ongoing escalation of violence by deploying hundreds of fighters to carry out massacres in settlements near the Gaza Strip on 7 October.

For the Council to adopt a resolution, the proposal must receive at least nine votes in favour, with none of its five permanent members opposing or casting a veto.

The initial version of the text had requested a ceasefire for humanitarian purposes, the release of all hostages, access for aid, and the safe evacuation of civilians.

Another version of the resolution, proposed by Brazil, is scheduled for discussion on Tuesday at the Council’s agenda. According to news reports, it proposes humanitarian breaks in the conflict and condemns Hamas and all acts of terrorism against civilians.

Vassily Nebenzia, Permanent Representative of Russia to the UN expressed regret over the Security Council’s failure to adopt the resolution, blaming the “selfish intention of the western bloc.”

During a recent meeting of the United Nations Security Council, the Russian draft resolution to end violence in Gaza was vetoed by Western countries. Russian Ambassador Nebenzia expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and accused those blocking the resolution of doing so for “selfish and political interests”.

However, the US Permanent Representative Linda Thomas-Greenfield argued that the resolution ignored Hamas’ terrorism and therefore could not be supported. She condemned Hamas for their actions, including killing civilians and taking hostages, and stated that the Council should not unfairly shift the blame to Israel.

The Permanent Observer of the Observer State of Palestine to the UN, Riyad Mansour, urged the Security Council to be guided by international law and not to send signals that Palestinian lives do not matter. He noted that what is happening in Gaza is a full-scale assault against innocent civilians. The Permanent Representative of Israel to the UN, Gilad Erdan, called on the Council to designate Hamas as a terrorist organization and to hold it accountable for the situation in Gaza. He also called for the Council to fully support Israel’s right to defend itself and demand the release of all hostages.

China urged not to repatriate DPR Korea escapees

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17 October 2023

China urged not to repatriate DPR Korea escapees

The experts were alarmed that hundreds of escapees – the vast majority of whom are women – have been sent back, despite repeated appeals by multiple international human rights bodies. Hundreds more reportedly are in detention awaiting the same fate.

There are long-standing and credible reports that people returned to the DPRK, more commonly known as North Korea, would face serious human rights violations such as torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment and punishment, they said in a statement on Tuesday.

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‘Criminals’ and ‘traitors’

The DPRK authorities label citizens “criminals” if they commit “illegal border-crossing”, and “traitors” if any link is found suggesting an “intention to escape to the Republic of Korea”, the official name for South Korea.

“Traitors” receive harsh punishments, including imprisonment without due process, and they may be subjected to enforced disappearance and even execution, the experts warned.

“No one should be returned to a country where they would face the risk of torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and other irreparable harm, including the use of the death penalty, and enforced disappearance,” they said.

Respect international law

The rights experts urged China to respect the principle of non-refoulement, which guarantees that no one should be returned to a country where they would face torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and other irreparable harm.

They stressed that the principle is guaranteed under international law and must be applied to all individuals at all times, regardless of their migratory status.

They recalled that it also forms an essential protection under international human rights, refugee, humanitarian and customary law, and is “explicitly included” in the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment as well as the 1951 Convention on Refugees and its Protocol to which China is a party.

The UN experts wrote to Beijing raising concerns over the forcible returns and said they appreciated the official response from the authorities.

They called on China to abide by its international legal obligations and not forcibly repatriate remaining North Korean escapees.

“We welcome the reopening of the border and urge the DPRK to allow UN agencies, other humanitarian organisations and diplomatic missions to return to the country as soon as possible and engage the relevant Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council to review its human rights,” they said.

They also called on the DPRK “to comply with its international legal obligations in respect to all citizens returning to the country, including the absolute prohibition on torture and enforced disappearance, the prohibition of arbitrary detention, and fair trial guarantees.”

Elizabeth Salmón, Special Rapporteur on the situation on human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, briefs the Security Council meeting on the situation in the country (file).

About UN experts

The 18 experts who issued the statement were appointed by the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, and include Elizabeth Salmón, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the DPRK.

They are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Council, which is the general name of its independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world.

These experts work on a voluntary basis, are independent from any government or organization and serve in their individual capacity.

For a sustainable coexistence between Israel and Palestine

By

Lahcen Hammouch

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17 October 2023

For years I have spoken as a Muslim, but never as an Islamist. I firmly believe in the separation between personal faith and politics. Islamism, by seeking to impose its vision on society, is in contradiction with the principles of a moderate democracy and a modern state.

Founded in 1987, the Islamist movement Hamas emerged in the context of the Israeli occupation. Its beginnings were tinged with a sense of despair and a desire to defend the rights of the Palestinian people. Over the years, however, Hamas has evolved towards a more radical political approach, advocating an exclusive and dogmatic vision.

Hamas has many objectives, ranging from the total liberation of Palestine, including Israel, to the establishment of an Islamic state in Palestine. Hamas is funded from a variety of sources, including individual donors, charities and countries that share some of its political aspirations. Countries that support Hamas include Iran, Qatar and Turkey, which share similar political and religious interests. This financial and political support has had an impact on the movement’s development and has helped to strengthen its positions.

The recent dramatic events resulting from Hamas attacks have cost the lives of more than a thousand Israeli citizens, causing immeasurable grief and sorrow.

The solution today lies in ending the stranglehold of Hamas. Freeing the Palestinians from the grip of Islamism is crucial if they are to be given the opportunity to express themselves democratically. They must have a choice of democratically elected representatives to engage in constructive dialogue and find peaceful solutions for coexistence with their Israeli neighbour.

It is imperative to establish a transparent democratic process, guaranteeing the participation of all Palestinian voices. This means not only the freedom to choose their leaders, but also creating an environment conducive to open and respectful debate. Palestinians deserve the chance to contribute actively to the search for lasting solutions, while preserving the dignity and rights of every individual.

Ending the stranglehold of Hamas will enable the Palestinians to free themselves from the constraints of political Islamism and embark on the road to a democratic and prosperous future. This is a crucial step towards building a society based on justice, tolerance and mutual respect.

It is time for Europe to wake up to this threat, which in the long term could destroy the foundations of a modern, democratic society. We must work for a lasting peace, based on mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.

Together, let us work for a future in which Israel and Palestine live as good neighbours, respected and independent, allowing every individual to practise their faith in complete freedom, while contributing to the prosperity and peace of the region.

For an enlightened vision: supporting Palestine, discerning extremism

I would like to affirm my support for a free and independent Palestine, coexisting harmoniously with its neighbours. However, it is crucial to make a crucial distinction: between the Palestinians, Palestine and the Islamist movement Hamas. Hamas does not represent Palestine in its entirety, but is an Islamist political group with a single objective: the obliteration of Israel.

It is undeniable that Hamas possesses considerable power, but it is essential to understand that this movement does not reflect the aspirations and desires of the Palestinian people as a whole. This is why it is imperative to distinguish between Islam as a spiritual religion, a source of personal faith, and Islamism as a political project.

In our countries in Europe, unfortunately, we face a situation where politics and civil society are infiltrated by influences that confuse these two realities. Those of us who try to make this distinction often find ourselves facing threats or condemnation.

It is time for our countries in Europe to wake up, show discernment and promote enlightened dialogue. Supporting Palestine does not mean automatically supporting Hamas. We must work for a free and independent Palestine that is open to constructive dialogue with all its neighbours.

It is our duty as citizens to promote an enlightened vision, where we distinguish between the legitimate aspirations of Palestinians for independence and the actions of a radical political group. This is how we will contribute to the search for a lasting and just peace in the region.

Differentiating between fair criticism and hasty judgement

It is regrettable that some Muslims today are reluctant to accept any form of criticism of Hamas. Yet for a believer who cherishes his faith and religion, it is inconceivable to endorse terrorist acts, whatever their origin.

Hamas, as an Islamist organisation, raises major concerns. It is imperative to recognise that its actions, while claiming a cause, can be profoundly dangerous, first and foremost for the Palestinians themselves. The reality is that this organisation uses tactics that endanger the lives and rights of Palestinians, without always seeking peaceful and constructive ways forward towards an equitable solution.

This is not just limited to the Palestinians. Hamas has a significant impact on the perception of Islam throughout the world. Unfortunately, it can reinforce negative stereotypes and engender mistrust of Muslims in general. As such, this is a concern that transcends the borders of Palestine and affects the global Muslim community.

It is crucial for Muslims to remember that faith in God and love for their religion cannot coexist with the justification of acts of terrorism or violence. Islam advocates peace, justice and compassion for all humanity.

As believers, we have a responsibility to distinguish between the legitimate defence of Palestinian rights and the actions of an organisation that sometimes runs counter to the fundamental values of Islam. Criticising Hamas does not mean rejecting the Palestinian cause, but rather engaging in constructive dialogue to find just and lasting solutions.

It is time to stand up and make our voices heard in defence of the true principles of Islam, those of peace, justice and peaceful coexistence between all human beings.

Cypriot Archbishop George: I am against the carrying of relics for commercial purposes

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Guest Author

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17 October 2023

Interview of Archbishop George of Cyprus (elected on December 24, 2022 and enthroned on January 8, 2023) for “Phileleuteros”, in which he talks about the problems of the Church of Cyprus, the role and responsibility of the Church in society and towards the new generation. He explains what made St. Synod to take a positive decision on the sex education of children at school, criticizes the modern Cypriot processions of relics and holy slippers in churches and answers the teachers of Religion for the cancellation of the non-school day, which in Cyprus was given to students on the name day of the superior of the Church of Cyprus. He also commented on the morning prayer in schools and the problems facing the teaching of Religion.

– How is the new life in the archdiocese going, Your Beatitude?

– The work in the archdiocese is much more than in my former metropolis in Paphos. I encountered problems varying in quantity and quality. With God’s help, everything is overcome. I am aware that the responsibilities are many for the whole Church of Cyprus. I try to be an archbishop whose doors are open to the faithful who want to greet him, ask for a blessing or seek help, to be an archbishop who does not say “no” to those who seek him.

– The positive decision of St. A synod on the sex education of children at school was a pleasant surprise for society. What is it due to?

– I was an educator and a school teacher, I follow the development of society and I know that today, through technology and other means, children are exposed to all this at a very early age. If we don’t say something, it doesn’t mean they don’t know it. They know it, and probably in the wrong way. A responsible leadership will help them stay away from the deviations we don’t want. We have set some conditions – for example, that this training be adapted to the age and receptivity of the children. To be taught by specialists who have certain training and to consider the content of the material with us, but also with the parents.

– Should bishops who do not have children and live celibate have such extreme views on the issue of sexuality and homosexuality?

– It doesn’t matter, there are many unmarried and childless people in society and they have their own opinion on these issues, just like us. We do not live outside society. The fact that the Church requires some people to be celibate in order to hold certain positions (ie the episcopate) does not mean that they are asocial and ignorant of society’s problems. And we have responsibility and knowledge, and we can take positions on these issues.

– The teachers do not agree with the cancellation of the non-school day, which was the archbishop’s name day. What would you tell them?

– Learning time is valuable for all children, not just adults. Having worked in schools, my position is that the archbishop’s name day should not be a non-school day. I would be happy if this day is used for studying. Let the schools not be closed. If the teachers want to go to church in the first period, they can do so, as well as take time in class that day to discuss the role of the Church in the development of our people.

– Religious education and morning prayer in schools in the age of multiculturalism and mixed schools is a divisive issue. What is your position?

– Religion class is not a strict catechism. Depending on the age receptivity of the children, knowledge about other religions is also taught. In the upper grades, children are introduced to the ethical dilemmas that confront them because of technology, science, and bioethical issues. For example, the dilemma: whether they can become organ donors, whether they can trust the in vitro fertilization technology.

Regarding prayer: every living being depends on something that is beyond this world. Even atheists believe in their atheism. That people turn to God and ask for His help is not something that belittles them. And a disciple, when he prays, can receive strength. The problem is created by some who believe that the schools are educating children who are not Orthodox Christians. Let them stand there and pray to their God.

– Holy slippers and holy heads often come to our temples. Doesn’t this go beyond symbolism and the Orthodox religion?

– I’m not in favor of periodically disposing of the relics. I haven’t done it in Paphos either, except twice. Archbishop Macarius only once brought the head of St. Apostle Andrew. However, he never once allowed holy relics to be distributed for commercial purposes for the benefit of the people. I’m against that. When they say that it is the slipper of some saint, and some already speak of it derisively, that is not correct, not least because it is not a shoe that the saint wore. They take a new shoe and place it on the relic to light it. I don’t think this is right and I won’t encourage it. Our faith is spiritual, it should not be subject to abuse.

– What is your attitude towards modern technologies?

– Since I have an education in the field of natural sciences, I try to follow and use technology as much as possible, but I also have an opinion on these issues that pose a danger to people. With so much technology, our judgment and free will are dulled. We follow instructions all the time, and if we hit a dead end, we seek out the expert. This is a result of the excessive information available to us. I support technology, but I am also critical of it. Otherwise, the archdiocese is being modernized digitally. Some European projects are also underway.

– Your Grace, as you said, critical thinking is lost. What is the Church doing to get closer to young people and at the same time protect them from addictions, bad habits and criminal behavior?

– We are in constant contact with parents, teachers and young people. We also have catechism Sunday schools, which are not popular today, they were just an option in the past. There is no free time today. We have church camps where kids detox from their daily habits. We organize meetings on various occasions with the youth, we do not fail to be close to the young generation and convey the messages of Christ.

– The Church in Cyprus and entrepreneurship? Are investments made and how is church property used?

– I found a ready-made project, but it is not a business, but a way to generate income for the social, religious and national activity of the church. To pay the priests, the church has to pay a sum of 4.5 million euros per year. Also there are benefits for needy children, sending patients for treatment abroad, we bear electricity, water and other expenses of poor people. For all these activities we need income which cannot come if we do not use the church property.

– Is today the time of magnificent temples and displays of wealth by the church?

– It is not and never has been, of course. When Judas saw a woman who washed Christ’s feet with precious ointment, and told the Master that it could be sold so that the funds would go to the poor, the Lord rejected the offer. This means that what we do for Christ is not a waste. The fact that we are building bigger temples today is because we have the technology to serve more people. We need temples because it meets the needs of an area. New temples are built where there is a need. This is not money lost. “We must not be the last generation of Greeks in this place.”

– What is your hobby?

– It was always the reading. When I had chemistry exams, my hobby was reading about religion to distract myself, and when I had theology exams, I read chemistry to escape the hustle and bustle of exams. And now I like to read books in the field of chemistry. For example, environmental chemistry.

– Who is your role model in life?

– I lived in a priestly family and I was definitely influenced by my father. Every day we were in the temple morning and evening, we lived according to a religious model and under the shadow of an archbishop. Macarius, who had a strong influence on us. In the national struggles we wanted to follow him, we were fascinated by EOKA (an organization founded by Col. K. Grivas for the accession of Cyprus to Greece, note ed.), we had our heroes, we lived in a real environment at all, not a virtual one like today.

– Has the Church of Cyprus ever been close to schism?

– We have never reached a schism, because our church has the means to prevent one. Let us mention as an example the position of the three metropolitans towards the archbishop Macarius. Then a great council was convened, which solved the problem. And now, if there are different voices and different positions, something better can come out of it. Ultimately, decisions are made either by majority or unanimity. If we come to a major crisis, there is a way to find solutions.

– Has it ever happened that people came to you and told you: take measures for this hierarch, he is doing so-and-so or deviates on some important topic?

– Yes, I meet people personally, I treat their opinion with attention. This is something I do often. I receive alerts and read the newspapers. People are the best criterion. They should send a message to their bishop that they do not accept certain things and demand that they change.

Photo: Orthodox icon “Mother of God (Perivlepta)”

Sudan: UN expert warns of child recruitment by armed forces

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17 October 2023

Sudan: UN expert warns of child recruitment by armed forces

Siobhán Mullally, UN Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, said unaccompanied children and children from poor families have reportedly been targeted by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia in the outskirts of the capital Khartoum and elsewhere.

They’ve forcibly recruited women and children especially, she warned.

Girls have also reportedly been abducted from Khartoum to Darfur for sexual exploitation, including sexual slavery.

To date, an estimated 9,000 people have been killed, over 5.6 million driven from their homes in the civil conflict between military Government forces and the RSF, and 25 million people are reliant on aid.

Table of Contents

Children ‘easy targets’

“The deteriorating humanitarian situation and lack of access to food and other basic services make children, especially unaccompanied and separated children on the streets, easy targets for recruitment by armed groups,” Ms. Mullally said.

The UN Human Rights Council-appointed expert stressed that recruitment of children by armed groups for any form of exploitation, including in combat roles, is a gross violation of human rights, a serious crime and a violation of international humanitarian law.

Addressing reports that children might be joining armed groups as a means of survival, Ms. Mullally emphasized that the consent of a child – defined as any person below the age of 18 – is legally irrelevant, and it is not necessary to prove the use of force.

Urgent action needed

She also voiced concern over lack of humanitarian access to children.

She called on all parties to the conflict to return to peace talks and reach a comprehensive ceasefire agreement that would allow for the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance and ensure accountability for alleged violations.

“Urgent action is needed to address these pressing concerns and take effective measures to prevent child trafficking and provide effective protection to child victims and children at risk, in particular displaced, unaccompanied and separated children, refugee children and children with disabilities,” Ms. Mullally said.

Independent experts

Special Rapporteurs are appointed by the UN Human Rights Council and form part of what is known as its Special Procedures. The experts are mandated to monitor and report on specific thematic issues or country situations.

They serve in their individual capacity, are not UN staff and do not receive a salary.

Omar Harfouch confirms from Washington, America will enter the war against Hezbollah

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Newsdesk

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16 October 2023

In the midst of the military and political tensions prevailing in the Middle East, the Honorary Chairman of the European Diversity and Dialogue Committee, Omar Harfouche, arrived in the United States of America, specifically to Washington, where he began his meetings in the US Senate.

Harfouch met with members of the US Congress and the Foreign Relations Committee, and the initiator of the Third Lebanese Republic initiative stated that a meeting is now being held in the US Senate and the Foreign Relations Committee will issue a resolution asking the White House to intervene militarily against any party that enters the war on the side of Hamas against Israel, especially Hezbollah.

It Seems Opposition emerged as the winner of the Poland elections

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Newsdesk

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16 October 2023

people under white and red textile — Photo by Kris Cros on Unsplash

According to an exit poll, the opposition has emerged as the winners of the Polish election. If the vote count validates this outcome, it would signify a significant shift in direction following a fiercely contested election campaign.

WARSAW – The recent general election in Poland suggests that the opposition parties have gained a significant victory, which could bring about a substantial change in the country’s political landscape, as well as have implications for the European Union. The current government, led by the Law and Justice (PiS) party, has been at odds with Brussels for eight years, facing accusations of undermining democratic principles. The opposition’s win could signal a shift in Poland’s relationship with the EU and potentially alter the political dynamics within the bloc.

On Monday afternoon, a final exit poll was published that includes the early vote count. The poll reveals that PiS received 36.1 percent of the support, followed by the centrist Civic Coalition with 31 percent, the center-right Third Way with 14 percent, the Left with 8.6 percent, and the far-right Confederation with 6.8 percent. In the previous year of 2019, PiS had won 43.6 percent of the votes. IPSOS conducted the poll, which was then shared with Poland’s primary television networks.

Despite the Law and Justice party’s initial success in gaining support, their victory can be seen as a hollow one since the three main opposing parties would collectively hold the majority of seats in the 460-member parliament.

According to the exit poll, the voter participation rate was 72.9 percent, setting a new record.

The ruling party utilized the government’s resources to bolster its chances of success, and state media, which is aligned with the ruling party, provided strong support. However, the party faced numerous scandals, including allegations of corruption and the sale of visas for bribes. Additionally, the party’s leadership was marred by eight years of tensions and conflicts with society, including disputes over abortion, the rule of law, grain imports from Ukraine, and strained relations with the EU, which has withheld billions of dollars in funding due to concerns over the rule of law. These factors contributed to a decline in support for the ruling party.

Despite the eleventh-hour introduction of a controversial referendum with multiple loaded questions aimed at discrediting the opposition, the PiS party’s supporters remained unenthusiastic, resulting in an insufficient turnout to legitimize the vote.

It appears that PiS may not win enough seats to have a majority in parliament, even if it teams up with Confederation, which has stated it will not form a coalition with Law and Justice. The remaining three parties have promised to collaborate in order to remove PiS from power.

The final exit poll indicates that Law and Justice is projected to obtain 196 seats, while Civic Coalition is expected to secure 158 seats. Third Way is estimated to win 61 seats, followed by the Left with 30 seats, and Confederation with 15 seats.

The opposition parties, comprising three prominent groups, would hold a combined total of 249 seats in the parliament, while the ruling PiS party and its Confederation ally would have 211 seats.

The tally of votes is anticipated to be concluded and announced by the morning of the following Tuesday.

Surprising Outcome

Jarosław Kazcyński, leader of PiS, considered the outcome a success for his party, but acknowledged the uncertainty regarding its impact on their tenure in government. He expressed hope that they would be able to translate this achievement into another term in office, while also emphasizing their commitment to advancing their agenda, whether they remain in power or move into opposition.

He emphasized that his party is committed to seeing its program through to completion.

The outcome brought great enthusiasm to Donald Tusk, the head of the Civic Coalition.

“I have never been so happy in my life with this supposed second place, Poland won, democracy won. We removed them from power,” said ex-prime minister and European Council president, played a pivotal role in bolstering the opposition’s aspirations upon my reentry into Polish politics in 2021.
“We will create a good new democratic government with our partners,” he said, denouncing the past eight years of “evil.”

The opposition pledged to restore and strengthen relations with the European Union.

Robert Biedroń, a prominent figure of the Left, announced that Poland will be rejoining Europe on October 15th.

After the vote count is completed, President Andrzej Duda will be responsible for the next step. He has indicated that it is customary for presidents to select a member from the largest party to be nominated as the prime minister, allowing them the initial opportunity to assemble a government.

Despite the potential partnership with Confederation, Law and Justice (PiS) is unlikely to secure enough seats in parliament to attain a majority, according to Sean Gallup/Getty Images. In such a scenario, the president’s chosen candidate would have two weeks to form a government and seek a parliamentary vote of confidence. If unsuccessful, the parliament would then have the opportunity to nominate a prime minister.

Poland’s recent election was characterized by an exceptionally contentious and divisive campaign season, one that stands out as one of the most acrimonious in the country’s history of democratic politics.

Kaczyński portrayed the opposition as a significant danger to the country’s existence. He alleged that Tusk was colluding with Berlin and Brussels to undermine Poland’s autonomy and allow an influx of migrants from Muslim nations.

The criticism suggests that if PiS is re-elected for a third term, it would solidify their grip on power and steer Poland towards an authoritarian system, similar to Hungary’s, where the government has considerable influence over the judiciary, media, and state-owned enterprises, thereby undermining Poland’s democratic foundations.

“We will be keeping an eye on these elections throughout the night,” Tusk said. “As you know, tens of thousands of people are sitting in the precincts. They are watching, no one will steal these elections from us anymore. We will guard every vote.” Tusk stressed that every vote will be safeguarded, and that the organization will not allow any attempts to manipulate the outcome.

Gaza: ‘History is watching’ warns UN relief chief, saying aid access is key priority

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16 October 2023