ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE OF CONSTANTINOPE --His All-Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, the Archbishop of Constantinople, released the following message today to the Ukrainian Nation and the members of the Ukrainian community abroad in response to the escalating crisis in the Ukraine. Beloved children and friends in Ukraine and abroad,It is with heavy heart that we have been following the ongoing and, indeed, only escalating tragic circumstances in Ukraine over the last weeks. We feel that our brothers and sisters in Ukraine are our own flesh and blood. We endure the same sufferings that you suffer and we work with you for your joy, as St. Paul says. In our high responsibility as Ecumenical Patriarch, we are obliged to call for peace from the authorities in a democratic and independent nation, where its elected leaders – both in government and opposition – have the ultimate responsibility to protect the dignity of human life among its citizens. Read more...

JOHNSTOWN, PA -- [Diocesan Chancery] - Due to weather-related concerns, the Diocesan Priest Convocation scheduled for Feb 19-21 and the Readers/Subdeacons/Deacons Retreat (Feb 21-22) has been postponed. The convocation has been re-scheduled for Bright Week, Priests: April 23-25; Readers/Deacons/Sub-deacons: April 25-26. Read more...

JOHNSTOWN, PA - The Diocesan Chancery is pleased to announce the schedule of the annual Diocesan Lenten Retreats, which are sponsored by the ACRY for the upcoming Lenten Season. These retreats are open to everyone and contain special programing for youth and adults of all ages. Bishop Gregory, along with other talented clergy of the Diocese will offer insightful and inspiring presentations designed to encourage and challenge the faithful to stay focused on the spiritual life as they continue their Lenten Journey to Pascha. Read more...

LIGONIER, PA [Antiochian Village] The Annual Orthodox Christian Camp and Youth Workers Conference, co hosted by The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA and our Diocese, and held at Antiochian Village in Ligonier, PA commenced yesterday, January 23, 2014. Centering on the theme, Writing Icons of the Kingdom, this annual conference which is open to all those involved in Youth Ministry across all jurisdictions in the United States and Canada offers Church School Teachers, Youth Directors, Camp Directors, those involved in youth programming, and many others to come together, learn, share insights, network, and together lay the foundations for further inter-Orthodox cooperation and ministry to our youth. Read more...

TORONTO [St John the Compassionate Mission] - Fr. Zacharias from the monastery founded by Fr Sophrony, the disciple of St Silouan of Athos is coming to St John the Compassionate Mission in February 2014. Fr Zacharias is the author of several books on the spiritual life and is in much demand as a speaker and spiritual guide. He has visited the USA several times but this is his first visit to Toronto. During his visit, from February 12th to 16th he will give three retreats at the Mission. Read more...