Key topics in 2020 to follow in the Orthodox world

It has become a custom for local Orthodox Churches to set a solemn or commemorative topic for the events organized the coming year.

In the Romanian Patriarchate, this trend was set by the current Patriarch Daniel starting with 2008.

Looking ahead, 2020 will cover spirituality, pastoral care and other important topics in the Orthodox world.

Ecumenical Patriarchate

Within the Ecumenical Patriarchate, 2020 will be ‘the year of spiritual renewal and due concern for the youth.’ The theme was announced by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in his Christmas proclamation.

Patriarch Bartholomew called the reverend clergy of the Holy Great Church of Christ throughout the world to a “kenotic” pastoral mobilization.

‘We should not wait for our young men and women to come to us, but we should reach out to them ourselves, not as judges but as friends, in imitation of the “good shepherd,” who “gives his life for his sheep” (John 10.11).’

A shepherd is always vigilant and on guard, aware of the pastoral needs of the youth and their social environment in order to act accordingly. His pastoral intervention draws inspiration and direction from the tradition of the Church, offering young people not merely “support” but the “truth” of freedom “to which Christ has set us free.” (Gal. 5.1)

Serbian Patriarchate

According to a communique issued in May, the Serbian Patriarchate will continue the celebrations dedicated to the 800th anniversary of autocephaly in 2020.

Next year, the Serbian Church will also mark the Centennial of the unification of regional churches in a single local Church and the establishment of the patriarchal status.

Romanian Patriarchate

For 2020 the members of the Holy Synod resolved to pay attention to the pastoral care of parents and children, while also promoting examples of Romanian Orthodox philanthropists.

The decision was made during the autumn working session of the Holy Synod in 2018.

Therefore, 2020 will be dedicated as the Solemn Year of Pastoral Ministry to Parents and Children and the Commemorative Year of Romanian Orthodox Philanthropists.

Greek Orthodox Church

The Permanent Holy Synod of the Greek Orthodox Church dedicated 2020 to Saint Nektarios of Aegina to mark the 100th anniversary of the Saint’s repose.

Photography courtesy of Basilica.ro

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