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Europe censors religious views, while allowing criticism: Russian Orthodox spokesman
Thursday, 06 May 2010 14:32
CWNews.com - A spokesman for the Russian Orthodox Patriarchate of Moscow has charged that European leaders allow unrestricted criticism of religious beliefs, but do not give believers the same right to voice their opinions.
Abbot Philipp Ryabykh, the deputy director of ecumenical affairs for the Moscow patriarchate, told Interfax: "In the Western world the right to criticize every religious point of view is often claimed, but at the same time symbols of faith are censored and the religious approach to political and social life of citizens censored."
The Russian Orthodox spokesman was responding to a statement by Thorbjon Jagland, the secretary-general of the Council of Europe, who said that criticism of religious "myths and ideas" should be acceptable in a democratic society. Abbot Ryabykh noted that religion "is relegated to the realm of mythology: an insult to people who believe." At the same time, he pointed out, religious ideas and symbols are being pushed out of public life.
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Nativity of the Mother of God
Your nativity, O Virgin Mother of God, heralded joy to the universe; for from you rose the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God. He redeemed us from the curse, He gave the blessing, and by trampling Death, He gave us everlasting life.
Troparion for September 8th.
Wisdom from the Church Fathers
| Acts of charity, almsgiving and all the external good works do not suppress the arrogance of the heart; but noetic meditation, the labor of repentance, contrition and humility -- these humble the proud mind. Elder Joseph the Hesychast |