Mark 10:2-16

In today's Gospel reading (Mark 10:2-16), we see that Jesus, now in Judea (Mark 10:1), is approached by some Pharisees who question Him about whether a man is permitted to divorce his wife. 

We can begin to understand this passage from the opening of the dialogue, where the Pharisees ask if it is lawful to divorce (Mark 10:2). Shortly after, they mention that Moses permitted them to write a divorce certificate to separate from their wives (Mark 10:4).  

The Pharisees are focused on understanding what is allowed and what is forbidden by the Law. They don't believe they can discern such matters on their own, using their conscience before God. Nor do they recognize that it is within the depths of the heart that God reveals the one true law He has given to humanity—the law of love.  

These questions reflect an entirely different perspective on faith, one's relationship with God, and life as a whole. For the Pharisees, faith is about adhering to specific rules and remaining within defined boundaries. Once these are observed, they believe they can feel at peace with God and others. 

His Holiness Pope Francis, at the opening of the second session of the 16th General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, emphasises the need for a humble and synodal Church guided by the Holy Spirit to fulfill its mission of peace and forgiveness in the world.

By Vatican News

In his address at the opening of the second session of the 16th Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, His Holiness Pope Francis reflected on the journey of the Church since the Synod's inception in 2021. 

On Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, Catholicos of the Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, arrived in the United States for a Pontifical visit to the Eastern Armenian Diocese. At the New York Airport, he was warmly welcomed by His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Prelate, along with Aram Sarafian, Chair of the National Representatives Assembly, and reverend fathers from the diocese…

In his homily during Mass for the Solemn Inauguration of the Second Session of the 16th General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, His Holiness Pope Francis emphasizes the need for hearts open to dialogue and the importance of the harmony that comes from the Holy Spirit.

By Christopher Wells

His Holiness Pope Francis’ homily for the opening Mass of the General Assembly of the Synod focused on the images of “voice, refuge, and a child”.

In his reflection for the feast of the Holy Guardian Angels, the Pope recalled God’s command “to listen to the voice of the Angel He had sent.”

His Holiness Pope Francis releases his Prayer intention for the month of October "for a shared mission," and calls on all faithful in whatever vocation they may have to do their best to contribute to a sense of co-responsibility in the Church.

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

His Holiness Pope Francis' monthly Prayer intention for October is for "a shared mission."

The Pope invited the Church to pray for this intention in this month's The Pope Video, which is entrusted to the entire Catholic Church through the  Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network.

On September 28, 2024, the Catholic Church marked the 110th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, focusing on the difficulties faced by those forcibly displaced or seeking better lives in foreign lands. Hence, a Mass was held at the Notre Dame Hall of Jerusalem, for the Catholic Christian Migrants and Asylum Seekers who are an integral part of the Church of Jerusalem. 

The Mass was presided over by His Eminence Monsignor Rafiq Nahra, Patriarchal Vicar of Galilee, along with Fr. Matthew Marcel Coutinho, SDB, Patriarchal Vicar for Migrants and Asylum Seekers, in the presence of several diocesan priests. In unity of the faith they prayed, shared in each other’s struggles and joys, and inspired one another to be witnesses of God's love amid the challenges faced in the country. This year's theme, "God walks with his people," encourages a "synodal" approach within the Church and the world, reminding us that God journeys with us toward our heavenly home. 

On September 29, 2024, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, inaugurated "Dar Sharqi Guesthouse" in Bab Sharqi - Damascus, Syria.

The inauguration was also attended by Their Eminences Archbishops: Mor Theophilos George Saliba, Patriarchal Advisor, Mor Timotheos Matta Al-Khoury, Archbishop of Homs, Hama, Tartous and Environs, Mor Maurice Amsih, Archbishop of Jazeera and Euphrates, Mor Boutros Kassis, Archbishop of Aleppo and Environs, Mor Yacoub Babawi, Patriarchal Vicar for Monks Affairs and the Administration of Mor Aphrem Theological Seminary in Maarat Saydnaya, Mor Joseph Bali, Patriarchal Assistant, Mor Christophoros Markose, Patriarchal Secretary for the Affairs of the Church in India, and Mor Augeen Al-Khoury Nemat, Patriarchal Secretary.

Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48

This Sunday’s Gospel (Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48) consists of two events that appear to have little in common.

Initially, we witness the disciples' frustration due to seeing a group of people, who did not belong to their circle, casting out demons in Jesus' name (Mk 9:38-41). Mark recounts that John approaches Jesus to report the situation and expresses their desire to stop them from doing so.

In the second part, we hear Jesus speak about the seriousness of causing scandal, specifically addressing those who create obstacles to the faith of the little ones (Mark 9:41-43, 45, 47-48).

A key to understanding this is found in a phrase that appears multiple times in the second part: it is the expression Jesus uses to describe the ultimate goal of the journey we are all called to—"to enter into life" or "to enter the kingdom of God" (Mark 9:43, 45, 47).

This is the Father's will and God's gift: that we enter into life, live it to the fullest, and offer it in love, just as Christ did.

Last Sunday, we learned that our lives can be lived fully and beautifully when we embrace the standards of the Gospel, which reject the notions of greatness and power. Instead, we are called to receive and express gratitude for all things, much like children...

On evening of Sunday 29 September 2024, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, held a meeting at the Papal Residence in Cairo, Egypt, with His Grace Bishop Makary, General Bishop of the Churches of Southern Shoubra, and the new Vice Dean of the Theological Seminary College at Anba Reweis, in Cairo, and faculty members at the college, on the occasion of the new academic year.

His Grace Bishop Makary thanked His Holiness Pope Tawadros II for his interest, care, and constant follow-up of the college at the level of its educational process and faculty members, expressing his wishes for this follow-up to continue and to be guided by the directives of His Holiness.

At the beginning of his speech, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II welcomed the audience, congratulating His Grace Bishop Makary on assuming responsibility for the college’s vice deanship, and congratulated everyone on the start of the Coptic New Year and the Feast of the Cross.

Then His Holiness delivered a speech through the verse: "Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach" (Mark 3:14). He spoke about three methods of teaching...

On September 28, 2024, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, attended the graduation ceremony of the third class at Antioch Syrian University.

The ceremony was attended by Dr. Rakan Razzouk as well as the Deans and Professors of the various Faculties of the University.

The graduation ceremony was also attended by Their Eminences Archbishops: Mor Theophilus Georges Saliba, Patriarchal Advisor, Mor Timotheos Matta Al-Khoury, Archbishop of Homs, Hama, Tartous and Environs, Mor Maurice Amsih, Archbishop of Jazeera and Euphrates, Mor Boutros Kassis, Archbishop of Aleppo and Environs, Mor Yacoub Babawi, Patriarchal Vicar for Monks Affairs and the Administration of Mor Aphrem Theological Seminary in Maarat Saydnaya, Mor Joseph Bali, Patriarchal Assistant, Mor Christophoros Markose, Patriarchal Secretary for the Affairs of the Church in India, and Mor Augeen Al-Khoury Nemat, Patriarchal Secretary.

To the Diocese of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

May the Lord give you peace!

The month of October is approaching, and with it the realization that for the past year the Holy Land, and not only, has been plunged into a vortex of violence and hatred never seen or experienced before. The intensity and impact of the tragedies we have witnessed in the past twelve months have deeply lacerated our conscience and our sense of humanity.

Violence, which has caused and is causing thousands of innocent victims, has also found its way into political and social language and actions. It has struck a profound blow to the common feeling of belonging to the Holy Land, to the consciousness of being part of a plan of Providence that wanted us here to build together His Kingdom of peace and justice, and not to make it instead a reservoir of hatred and contempt, of mutual rejection and annihilation.

In recent months we have already spoken out clearly about what is happening and have repeatedly reiterated our condemnation of this senseless war and what has generated it, calling on everyone to stop this drift of violence, and to have the courage to find other ways of resolving the current conflict, which take into account the demands of justice, dignity and security for all...

The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem celebrated the Feast of the All-Glorious Exaltation of the Holy Cross on Friday, September 14/27, 2024.

The whole Church, especially that of Jerusalem, renews in its memory that Saint Helen, sent to the Holy Land by her son, the glorious king and equal to the apostles, Constantine the Great, found the Holy and Life-giving Cross on Golgotha ​​and the Lord’s Holy Sepulchre, and erected the surrounding complex of the Church of the Resurrection in the decade 326-336 AD.

To the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ crucified in the flesh and risen from the dead, the Archbishop of Jerusalem Makarios held the consecration of this surrounding Church in the presence of Saint Helen on September 13, 336 AD. Then he raised the Cross of Christ so the assembled multitudes could gaze at it from afar, who repeatedly chanted “Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy”.

Since then, this act has remained a tradition in the Church, celebrated on September 14th, the day after the feast of the consecration.

His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, Catholicos of the Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, presided over a gathering of the Cilician Brotherhood on Tuesday, September 17th, 2024, held in the hall of St. Mary Monastery in Bikfaya, Lebanon.

During the meeting, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I expressed joy at the Brotherhood’s accomplishments in the Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias and across the Dioceses. He particularly commended their loyalty to their responsibilities and the mission of the Holy See of Cilicia.

The closing ceremony of the first annual Orthodox Scout Camp, which was held at the Patriarchal Monastery Saint George Al-Hameira, Syria, from September 19 to 23, 2024, was held with the blessings of His Beatitude Patriarch John X, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches for the Orthodox Family, and in the presence of Their Eminences the Bishops Romanos Al-Hanat, Musa Al-Khasi, Archimandrite Jack Khalil, Archimandrite Paul Ordghlo, Father Bassam Nassif, and Deacon Ephrem Toma. It included lighting a fire according to scouting rules and purposeful segments prepared by the participating brothers. Bishop Romanos Al-Hanat, the Patriarchal Vicar, and Father John Shehadeh, the camp leader, honored some of the brothers for their efforts and dedication to work.

In the hope of future meetings, the scout brothers returned carrying with them spiritual, social, and scouting provisions.

World Council of Churches (WCC) General Secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed deep sadness and grave concern over the escalating violence and attacks on Lebanon. “As followers of Christ and stewards of peace, we reaffirm our commitment to justice and the protection of human dignity and lives,” he said. “We unequivocally condemn the use of violence, particularly in civilian areas, which has caused immense suffering, destruction, and the tragic loss of life.”

He called upon all parties involved to cease all forms of violence immediately and prioritize the safety and security of the Lebanese people.

“We urge all leaders—national, regional, and international—to commit to diplomatic solutions, ensuring that peace is given a chance to flourish,” he said, further calling on all parties involved to respect “the sanctity of human life and uphold the dignity and rights of all people, especially the most vulnerable—children, the elderly, and those displaced by the ongoing conflict.”

During his General Audience, His Holiness Pope Francis makes an impassioned appeal against escalation in Lebanon, calling the volatile situation 'unacceptable,' and prays for all who are suffering from war and losing hope.

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

His Holiness Pope Francis made a heartfelt appeal against escalation in Lebanon as the war in the Holy Land continues.

Toward the conclusion of his Wednesday General Audience on 25 September 2024, in St. Peter's Square, the Holy Father decried the volatile situation.

"I am saddened by the news coming from Lebanon, where in recent days, intense bombings have caused many victims and destruction…"

On September 18, 2024, on the occasion of the Feast of Mor Matta the Hermit, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, celebrated the Holy Qurobo at Mor Matta Monastery, Iraq.

He was assisted by their Eminences Archbishops: Mor Timotheos Moussa Al-Shamani, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Mor Matta Monastery, Mor Nicodemus Daoud Sharaf, Archbishop of Mosul, Kirkuk, Kurdistan and Environs, Mor Maurice Amsih, Archbishop of Jazeerah and Euphrates, and Mor Augeen Al-Khoury Nemat, Patriarchal Secretary, in the presence of His Eminence Mor Gregorius Saliba Chamoun, Patriarchal Advisor.

His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, delivered his weekly Sermon at the Wednesday meeting, on September 18, 2024, from St Mary's Church in Mahamasha, Egypt, affiliated with the East Railway Churches sector, in the presence of a number of Their Eminences Bishops. The Sermon was broadcasted on Christian satellite channels, the official website of the Coptic Orthodox Church, and the C.O.C channel of the Church’s Media Center on the Internet.

His Grace Anba Martiros (General Bishop of the churches of the East Railway Sector), delivered a speech of welcome and love to His Holiness Pope Tawadros II. The Church choir presented a group of Church hymns and praises. His Holiness Pope Tawadros II then honored the high achieving students in the various educational stages and postgraduate degrees from the congregation of the sector’s Churches.

Before the start of the Sermon, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II thanked His Grace Bishop Martiros, as well as the Church's priests, Deacons and choir, expressing his happiness with his visit to the Church. His Holiness highlighted that it is distinguished by containing the body of Archdeacon Habib Girgis, who had a clear and influential imprint on the contemporary history of the Church, so the Church recognized his sainthood 11 years ago.

On September 17, 2024, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, visited St. Thomas Cathedral in Mosul, Iraq. He inspected the renovation of the Cathedral.

Their Eminences: Mor Nicodemus Daoud Sharaf, Archbishop of Mosul, Kirkuk, Kurdistan and Environs, Mor Maurice Amsih, Archbishop of Jazeerah and Euphrates, and Mor Augeen Al-Khoury Nemat, Patriarchal Secretary, were also present.

Over the course of the 16th and 17th of September, the Papal Residence in St Bishoy’s Monastery, Wadi El-Natroun, Egypt, hosted a conference of representatives of Orthodox Churches around the world, after a hiatus of around 34 years since the last meeting in 1990 in the pontificate of the late His Holiness Pope Shenouda III.

During the conference, the participants discussed a number of faith and social issues in the fields of Ecclesiastical care and service under the theme “The love of Christ compels us” (2 Corinthians 5:14). The participants sat around a round table and the discussions took place in an atmosphere of love and full cooperation.

Each Church was represented by two members who were from Russia, Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus, Jerusalem, Syria, Lebanon, Armenia, Poland, Egypt, Eritrea and Albania.

The conference opened with a welcome speech by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, and a loving message from His Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew I, read by the delegate of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Turkey. The attendees agreed to continue meetings and exchange visits in the coming period, to support the service of the Orthodox Churches and confront the social challenges that affect the Christian family in all forms.