News for 'Orthodox Christianity'

Hindus most highly educated religious group in US: Study

Hindus most highly educated religious group in US: Study

Rediff.com21 Feb 2026

A new Pew Research Center study reveals that Hindus and Jews are the most educated religious groups in the United States.

Hat-trick or heartbreak? Minister Veena faces tight contest in Aranmula

Hat-trick or heartbreak? Minister Veena faces tight contest in Aranmula

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Aranmula, Kerala, prepares for Assembly elections with a focus on development, health sector performance, and religious sentiments, as incumbent Health Minister Veena George faces challenges from Congress and BJP candidates.

Attacks may soon target prayers inside, warns Kerala church head

Attacks may soon target prayers inside, warns Kerala church head

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, head of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, condemns attacks against Christians in India and urges government authorities to control religious fanatics. He highlights the constitutional right to religious freedom and criticizes the silence of governing bodies in the face of increasing attacks.

Why Is Putin Celebrating Christmas Now?

Why Is Putin Celebrating Christmas Now?

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

President Vladimir Putin attended an early Wednesday Russian Orthodox Christmas service and hailed his troops' 'holy mission' to defend Russia, pairing the ceremony with a holiday address on unity, charity and support for the armed forces.

The World Is A Dangerous Place

The World Is A Dangerous Place

Rediff.com22 Nov 2025

After Donald Trump became president of the United States, he unleashed economic weaponisation, upsetting the old world order, leading to much unrest. If that wasn't all, the threat of an imminent nuclear war was issued by the US, Russia, China, North Korea and Pakistan. In today's fractious times, Dr Paulos Mar Gregorios would have made a dent, notes His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathews III.

Orthodox priests enter Kochi church, conduct mass

Orthodox priests enter Kochi church, conduct mass

Rediff.com29 Sep 2019

Armed with a Kerala high court directive, the Orthodox faction entered the church known as 'Piravom Valiyapalli', a major Christian spiritual centre in the state, two days after Ernakulam district administration took over its control fromrival Jacobite group.

Vested interests propagate Christians under attack in India: Kerala archbishop

Vested interests propagate Christians under attack in India: Kerala archbishop

Rediff.com12 Apr 2023

There are communal organisations among all religious groups, but the ultimate goal of religions and such outfits is different, Geevarghese Mar Yulios, the metropolitan of the Kunnamkulam Diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, told reporters in Thrissur.

Why Did The Pope Visit The Russian Embassy?

Why Did The Pope Visit The Russian Embassy?

Rediff.com26 Feb 2022

It stands to reason that at the meeting on Friday, Pope Francis conveyed to the Kremlin, some message in regard of the developments in Ukraine. The long duration of the meeting in the Russian embassy flags that it was substantive. Indeed, it took place even as the first Russian tank column was sighted on the outskirts of Kyiv, notes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

History In Minutes: When Europe Invaded Russia

History In Minutes: When Europe Invaded Russia

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

Syed Firdaus Ashraf marches through time to trace the bitter history between Russia and its West European neighbours.

Every Picture Tells A Story

Every Picture Tells A Story

Rediff.com18 Jul 2025

Glimpses from around the world that will make you smile and cry.

Kerala CM under fire for remark on Christian priest, who flayed LDF govt

Kerala CM under fire for remark on Christian priest, who flayed LDF govt

Rediff.com8 Jun 2024

While Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala mockingly called the CM as "the most knowledgeable" person in the state who has the habit of terming priests "wretched creatures" and "ignorant", BJP leader V Muraleedharan said that Vijayan's remarks indicate that he continues to be intolerant towards those who disagree with him.

Putin trying to find 'oxygen' with ceasefire order: Biden

Putin trying to find 'oxygen' with ceasefire order: Biden

Rediff.com6 Jan 2023

Putin on Thursday announced that the ceasefire will allow Orthodox Christians to attend services in Church on Christmas, according to the statement released by Kremlin on its website.

First Look: Madonna storms Moscow

First Look: Madonna storms Moscow

Rediff.com13 Sep 2006

Madonna's Moscow concert kicked up controversy, but went off without incident.

Empty churches, online masses mark Easter Sunday amid COVID-19 scare

Empty churches, online masses mark Easter Sunday amid COVID-19 scare

Rediff.com12 Apr 2020

Unprecedented scenes of empty churches emerged from Italy and other countries of the world, as religious leaders found creative ways to address parishioners marking the holiday weekend from the confines of their homes.

Phule Review: No Sensationalism Here

Phule Review: No Sensationalism Here

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

It this era of sensationalism, we should appreciate director Anant Mahadevan for treating Phule with calm and composure and not going overboard, notes Hemant Waje.

200 poisoned in Russia after drinking 'holy water'

200 poisoned in Russia after drinking 'holy water'

Rediff.com25 Jan 2010

Over 200 people have been poisoned in the Siberia city of Irkutsk after consuming 'holy water' from wells purified during the Orthodox Christian Epiphany last week, according to reports.

Kerala priest sacked days after joining BJP with 50 families

Kerala priest sacked days after joining BJP with 50 families

Rediff.com5 Jan 2024

Kerala priest Fr Shaiju Kurien of the prominent Orthodox Church, who joined the Bharatiya Janata Party with around 50 Christian families, has been temporarily removed from his positions in the diocese pending an inquiry, authorities said on Friday.

Political Actors Use Religion To Align Their Politics

Political Actors Use Religion To Align Their Politics

Rediff.com23 Jan 2024

The rulers of the day need to be sensitive and involved in managing the identities of sacred spaces and the ongoing dialogues about the past in diverse societies, suggests Colonel Nikhil Apte (retd).

Images To Remember 2024

Images To Remember 2024

Rediff.com7 Dec 2024

Some more glimpses from the year gone by.

Christian schools shut to protest Orissa violence

Christian schools shut to protest Orissa violence

Rediff.com29 Aug 2008

'We cannot remain spectators to what is happening in Orissa," Bishop Dinesh Kumar Sahu, general secretary of the National Council of Churches in India, a grouping of 30 Orthodox and Protestant churches, told the Ecumenical News International.

History in Minutes: When Dr Ambedkar Was Denied Water

History in Minutes: When Dr Ambedkar Was Denied Water

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

On the 134th birth anniversary of the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, Utkarsh Mishra revisits three incidents from Dr B R Ambedkar's life that lay bare the deeply entrenched nature of caste prejudice.

Just Who Was Mahatma Phule?

Just Who Was Mahatma Phule?

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

The latest biopic on Jyotibai Phule has come at a time when the Department of Taking Offence is super-active. Utkarsh Mishra feels it will be interesting to see if it portrays his attack on Brahminism in the same 'no holds barred' manner-- and, if it does, what reaction it provokes.

25 killed in bomb blast at Egypt's main Coptic cathedral

25 killed in bomb blast at Egypt's main Coptic cathedral

Rediff.com11 Dec 2016

The explosion took place at St Mark's Cathedral, main Coptic Christian cathedral, in Abbassyia district of central Cairo around 10:00 am when the prayers were on, according to a statement by the ministry of health.

In Kerala for 2 days, Modi meets state's top bishops in big minority push

In Kerala for 2 days, Modi meets state's top bishops in big minority push

Rediff.com24 Apr 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met the top priests of various churches in Kerala, giving a push to the Bharatiya Janata Party's efforts to reach out to the influential minority community in the southern state ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, sources said.

The Malayali Christian who built a mosque in the UAE

The Malayali Christian who built a mosque in the UAE

Rediff.com30 May 2018

'It made me sad that these people had to spend a minimum of 20 dirhams from the meagre 800 dirhams they get, to pray.' 'God had helped me many times in my life, it was my duty to help these people.' The incredible story of Saji Cherian.

The 2017 Vladimir Putin calendar is out

The 2017 Vladimir Putin calendar is out

Rediff.com25 Oct 2016

The 2017 calendar -- published by Russian publication Zvezdi I Soveti -- shows the Russian president lounging in a tree, in a flight gear, in a wet suit, in a ski gear and, of course, on horseback.

'If Putin succeeds, Russia will be an unquestioned great power'

'If Putin succeeds, Russia will be an unquestioned great power'

Rediff.com25 Feb 2022

'The aim of Russian policy is to reform European security, stop NATO expansion and in a more general sense -- set up the new rules of relations between the great powers.' 'From this perspective. the invasion of Ukraine is quite pointless.'

Ukraine Crisis: India On A Safe Wicket

Ukraine Crisis: India On A Safe Wicket

Rediff.com22 Feb 2022

American analysts and their camp followers in India are talking absolute rubbish when they try to establish that India is facing a Hobson's choice in regard of Donbass, called upon to take sides between Russia and the West, asserts Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

US to track hate crimes against Sikhs, minorities

US to track hate crimes against Sikhs, minorities

Rediff.com3 Aug 2013

Crimes committed against Sikhs, Hindus, Buddhists, Arabs and three other minority religions would now be tracked as hate crime by law enforcement agencies and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Attorney General Eric Holder said.

Moscow may allocate new plot for Krishna temple

Moscow may allocate new plot for Krishna temple

Rediff.com1 Jun 2006

Moscow may allocate a new plot for the construction of a Krishna temple despite opposition from the powerful Christian Orthodox Church and Muslim clergy.

After Hagia Sophia, Turkey turns another museum into mosque

After Hagia Sophia, Turkey turns another museum into mosque

Rediff.com22 Aug 2020

In 1511 The Chora Church was converted into a mosque and in 1958 it was opened as a museum to the public.

Glimpses! The magic of Nazareth

Glimpses! The magic of Nazareth

Rediff.com20 Mar 2019

The Old City of Nazareth in Israel is an ancient hub that is being rightfully revived, says Jael Silliman.

5 things to know about Lent

5 things to know about Lent

Rediff.com7 Mar 2019

A season of prayer and penance in the Christian church, and a period of preparation for the Easter season, here is all that you need to know about Lent.

Why We Are Moonstruck

Why We Are Moonstruck

Rediff.com29 Jul 2023

Deciphering its secrets will unlock the early history of not only our planet, but also of the star system, explains Kumar Abishek.

Former Kerala CM Oommen Chandy dead; thousands gather to pay homage

Former Kerala CM Oommen Chandy dead; thousands gather to pay homage

Rediff.com19 Jul 2023

The 79-year old leader, who served as the chief minister of Kerala twice, breathed his last in a private hospital in Bengaluru at 4.25 am. His end came while undergoing treatment for cancer, party sources said.

Rahul is a Hindu, so is Zakir Naik, and Amit Shah

Rahul is a Hindu, so is Zakir Naik, and Amit Shah

Rediff.com14 Dec 2017

Syed Firdaus Ashraf on the futility of the 'who is a Hindu?' debate.

IPL 2018 squads: Delhi Daredevils

IPL 2018 squads: Delhi Daredevils

Rediff.com26 Mar 2018

The 11th edition of the Indian Premier League will commence, on Saturday, April 7 and will end on 27th May

Bhagavad Gita ban: India asks Russia to resolve issue

Bhagavad Gita ban: India asks Russia to resolve issue

Rediff.com22 Dec 2011

India has approached top Russian authorities to appropriately resolve the move to ban Hindu scripture Bhagavad Gita, saying it is not merely a religious text, but one of the defining treatises of Indian thought.

Bhagavad Gita ban: India takes up issue with Russia

Bhagavad Gita ban: India takes up issue with Russia

Rediff.com20 Dec 2011

India has strongly taken up the demand for banning Hindu scripture Bhagavad Gita, which a group linked to the Christian Orthodox Church has described as 'extremist', with the Russian authorities, Indian Ambassador to Russia Ajai Malhotra said.