FAITH
Friday, January 8, 2016
East Oregonian
Page 7A
Orthodox faithful mark Christmas with services, celebration
MOSCOW (AP) — For
much of the Orthodox
Christian world, Thursday is
celebrated as Christmas Day.
Believers in Russia, Ukraine,
and parts of Eastern Europe
and the Middle East Àocked
to churches for the holiday.
Some Orthodox churches
follow the liturgical calendar
observed by the Roman Cath-
olic and Protestant churches
and celebrate Christmas on
Dec. 25.
A look at Christmas
events throughout the world
Thursday:
AP Photo/Boris Grdanoski
Macedonian Christian Orthodox Archbishop Ste-
fan holds a cruciix during holy Christmas liturgy in
St. Clement’s Cathedral church in Skopje, Macedonia,
Thursday.
Russia
As Christmas approached
across the sprawling country’s
nine time zones, Russians
Àocked to churches for long
and solemn Masses. At
Moscow’s enormous Christ
The Savior Cathedral, the
service began at 11 p.m. on
Wednesday and stretched
two and a half hours, led by
Russian Orthodox Patriarch
Kirill, with the devout standing
shoulder-to-shoulder.
President Vladimir Putin
attended a midnight service
at a church in the village of
Turginovo, about 90 miles
northwest of Moscow, where
his parents were baptized.
Soldiers taking part in
Russia’s airstrikes in Syria
attended a nighttime service
in a tent on the Russian air
base. The tent’s walls were
lined with icons and a few
strings of purple lights were
festooned at its entrance.
In his Christmas greetings
to the nation, Putin said: “It is
very important in these days
that the Russian Orthodox
Church and other Christian
confessions in Russia continue
the traditions of responsible
service, help people ¿nd
belief and give them force in
life. They participate actively
in upbringing of the growing
AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov
Children dressed in national flag costumes take a part in a religious procession to
mark Orthodox Christmas in Tbilisi, Georgia, Thursday. Christmas falls on Jan. 7 for
Orthodox Christians that use the old Julian calendar.
generations, in development
of the institutes of family,
maternity and childhood.”
Egypt
Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox
Christians
celebrated
Christmas Eve across the
mainly Muslim country amid
tightened security for fear
of militant attacks, which
have exponentially increased
following the military over-
throw of an Islamist president.
Roadblocks were set up
before churches nationwide
and cars and motorcycles
were temporarily banned from
idling in front of them, police
Maj. Gen. Gamal Halawa
said. In Cairo alone, police
searched over 300 churches
for explosives.
Egypt’s Orthodox Coptic
Christians fervently supported
the 2013 ouster of Islamist
President Mohammed Morsi.
Ever since, Christian homes,
businesses and churches have
been more targeted.
“We have been late in
restoring and ¿xing what
has been burned.... Every-
thing will be ¿xed... Please
accept our apologies for
what happened,” President
Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, who
as military chief led Morsi’s
overthrow, told the crowd
on Wednesday at Cairo’s St.
Mark Cathedral, the papal
seat, in a rare public apology
and acknowledgement of the
attacks. Egyptian presidents
never attended Christmas
masses, making el-Sissi’s visit
this year, the second of its
kind, doubly appreciated.
The heightened security
measures were in part a
preparation for the Jan.
25 anniversary of the
2011 uprising that toppled
longtime autocrat Hosni
Mubarak. Of¿cials including
el-Sissi have voiced concern
about attempts to mark the
anniversary of the revolt with
protests in recent weeks.
Egypt’s Orthodox Coptic
Christians make up about 10
percent of the country’s 90
million people.
Georgia
of the Nativity. Some rode
in carts pulled by donkeys
or cattle, and other carried
animal mock-ups including a
camel and giraffe.
“This procession is an
attempt to share the happiness
with all those people who
could not celebrate Christmas
because of illness or poverty.
We will go to all of them
and bring gifts,” said Father
Kakhaber Gogotishvili, a
priest who took part
Ukraine
In Tbilisi, the capital of
Georgia, the main avenue
was crowded with colorfully
dressed marchers in the
traditional Christmas Day
procession, collecting gifts
and goods to donate to the
needy.
The tradition, called
“Alilo” (Glory to God), dates
back centuries, when people
would go out to collect alms
for charity after Christmas
Mass. It was banned during
Soviet times, and restored
only in 2000.
The procession included
people dressed in robes
displaying Georgia’s national
emblem of a red cross on
white background and others
in out¿ts symbolizing scenes
President Petro Poro-
shenko and his family
attended Christmas services
at a village church in the
Ivano-Frankiivsk region in
the foothills of the Carpathian
Mountains. According to the
presidential press service,
Poroshenko and others prayed
for peace and reconciliation
“on all Ukrainian land.”
ConÀict
between
Ukrainian forces and Russian-
backed rebels in eastern
Ukraine persists, although
the intensity has diminished
in recent months. Rebels said
on Wednesday that they were
prepared to release some of
the conÀict’s prisoners on
Christmas, but Ukrainian
Faith Center Church
NEW HOPE
COMMUNITY CHURCH
authorities made no direct
public response and there
were reports Thursday of a
release taking place.
Macedonia
In Macedonia, where
about 65 percent of the popu-
lation identify themselves as
Orthodox, people gathered
in churches before eating
traditional Christmas dinners
at home.
The country’s church
leader, Archbishop Stefan,
in a Christmas message
urged the faithful to strive
to “strengthen spiritual and
national unity” — following
months of political turmoil
that ended with an agreement
between the two largest polit-
ical parties for early elections
in the spring.
“As Orthodox Christians
we have an opportunity to
examine our faith. The Holy
Church, invites us, especially
on this day, to show goodwill
and strive to peace with all
nations,” Stefan said.
Observing tradition, chil-
dren around the country went
door to door singing carols
Thursday, while large bon¿res
were lit in neighborhoods
overnight.
BRIEFLY
Man behind armed Oregon band
says he’s on mission from God
PORTLAND (AP) — The man behind the armed
occupation of a federal wildlife refuge comes from a Mormon
family that has been challenging government authority for at
least two decades.
Ammon Bundy, like his father in previous confrontations,
says he is following directions from God when explaining the
anti-government movement he is attempting to lead.
In a statement issued Monday, Mormon leaders said
the Oregon land dispute “is not a church matter,” but they
condemned the seizure and said they were “deeply troubled”
by reports that suggest the armed group is acting “based on
Scriptural principles.”
241 SE Second St. Pendleton
(541)276-3809
www.pendletonepiscopal.org
Sunday Morning Worship 9:00 a.m.
Wednesday Worship Noon
Wednesday Evening Prayer
and Pot Luck 6:00 p.m.
Cruz likens campaign to religious revival
All Are Welcome
ONAWA, Iowa (AP) — Texas Sen. Ted Cruz is comparing
his GOP presidential campaign to a religious revival and is
urging Iowans to pray daily until the Feb. 1 caucuses.
At a campaign stop Tuesday, Cruz quoted a Bible verse he
said applies to America today: “If my people which are called
by my name shall humble themselves and pray and seek my
face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear their
prayer and forgive their sins and I will heal their land.”
Cruz asked his supporters to pray “that the awakening,
that the revival that is sweeping this country, that it continue
and grow.”
Otherwise, he said, “the country every one of us loves will
be lost.”
P eace L utheran C hurch
)RUPHU00$¿JKWHUVKDUHVIDLWKDW$JORZ
14 Martin Drive,
Umatilla, OR
922-3250
WALLA WALLA — Doug Murphy will share his testimony
about his encounter with Jesus while he was a professional
MMA ¿ghter during the upcoming Walla Walla Aglow.
A pastor in Milton-Freewater, Murphy was raised in
southern California. His life spiraled out of control after an
injury prevented him from playing football for the University
of Washington. He later became passionate about God while
attending a Bible study at a mixed martial arts gym in Seattle.
Murphy will share his story Saturday at 10 a.m. at
Whitman Court, 305 Ash St., Walla Walla. A freewill offering
will be taken for the event, which includes lunch. Aglow,
which started in 1967, is an international organization that
seeks to minister to its members and share God’s word in the
community. Everyone is welcome to attend.
For more information, call Paula McKee at 509-220-1408
or Darya Tucker at 509-876-1668. For more about Aglow,
visit www.aglow.org.
Nazarene church offers marriage class
HERMISTON — A six-week marriage class at Hermiston
Church of the Nazarene will help participants learn to grow
closer to God.
God’s Dream for Your Marriage begins Thursday, Jan. 14
from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the church’s Ministry Center, 1520 W.
Orchard Ave., Hermiston. Childcare and snacks are provided.
A small donation is requested to assist with supplies.
For more information, call 541-567-3677.
&ORWKHV&ORVHWQHHGVZLQWHUDSSDUHO
PENDLETON — Donations of gently used, freshly
laundered clothing are being accepted for the Clothes Closet
at the First United Methodist Church in Pendleton.
Particular needs include winter apparel. Donations can be
dropped off at the church, 352 E. Second St., Pendleton.
For more information, contact 541-276-2616 or
preachervet@gmail.com.
———
Friday’s faith page features local, national and international
faith-related news. Send information about local faith-related
news and events, including concerts, special speakers and
activities to community@eastoregonian.com or drop off to the
attention of Tammy Malgesini at 333 E. Main St., Hermiston
or Renee Struthers at 211 S.E. Byers Ave., Pendleton. Call
541-564-4539 or 541-966-0818 with questions.
210 NW 9th, Pendleton
ELCA
Join us Sundays
Worshiping God
Loving People
9:30
Sunday
Worship
9:30 am am
Sunday
Worship
10:30 am Fellowship
11:00 am Sunday School & Adult Class
108 S. Main • 276-9569
~Come and be at Peace~
Sr. Pastor, Ray O’Grady
pendletonfaithcenter.org
on 1290 KUMA noon each Sunday
Sunday Worship
10:30 am
Community
Presbyterian Churc h
1350 S. Highway 395, Hermiston
Sunday Worship Services
English- Pastor Dave Andrus
9:00 & 10:45 am
Spanish- Pastor Genaro Loredo
9:00 & 10:15 am
Classes for kids during all services
For more information call
541-567-8441
St. Johns
Episcopal Church
All People
Are Welcome
Scripture, Tradition
and Reason
Family service 9am Sunday
Gladys Ave & 7th Hermiston
Fr. Dan Lediard, Priest. PH: 567-6672
OPEN HEARTS – OPEN DOOR
585 SW Birch, Pilot Rock, OR 97868
(541) 443-2500
prbconline.blogspot.com
Sunday School: 9:30 am
Worship Service: 10:45 am
Wednesday Services:
Kids’ Club: 6:00 pm
Youth Group: 7:00 pm
FAITH LUTHERAN
CHURCH
in Mission for Christ LCMC
Bible Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:00 AM
Sunday Worship . . . . . . . . . . . 10:30 AM
Red Lion Hotel
( Oregon Trail Room )
www.faithpendleton.org
Service of Worship - 10:00 am
Children’s Sunday School - 10:20 am
Fellowship - 11:00 am
www.pendletonpresbyterian.com
Open Hearted...Open Minded
1401 SW Goodwin Place
276-0882
Sabbath School 9:20 am
Worship Service 10:45 am
Sunday Worship 9:00 a.m.
Sunday School 10:00 a.m. (Nursery Provided)
Fellowship, Refreshments & Sunday School
Check Out our Facebook Page or Website for
More Information
541-289-4535
Tom Inch, Pastor
Grace and Mercy Lutheran Church, ELCA
164 E. Main St. / P.O. Box 1108
Hermiston, Oregon 97838
First United
Methodist
Church
352 SE 2nd Street
Pendleton, OR
541-276-2616
Sunday Worship 9am
Open Hearts, Open Hands, Open Doors
Facebook: www.facebook.com/
FUMCPendleton
Services are broadcast every Sunday
on KUMA-1290 AM @ 11am
Rev. Dr. Jim Pierce, pastor
555 SW 11th, Hermiston
567-9497
Nursery provided for all services
Sunday School - 9:30 AM
Worship - 10:45 AM
6:00 pm
Wed Prayer & Worship - 7:00 PM
“Proclaiming God’s word,
growing in God’s grace”
Come meet Jesus at
PENDLETON BAPTIST
CHURCH
3202 SW Nye Ave Pendleton, OR
541-276-7590
Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 AM
Sunday Bible Classes 9:45 AM
Sunday Youth Group 6:00 PM
Mon. Community Women’s Study
9:30 AM & 6 PM
Awana Kids Club (K-6th grade)
Wed Men’s Study 6 PM
MOPS meeting the 1st Thur of the Month
6 PM
T HE C OUNTRY C HURCH
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH
-Presbyterian Church (USA)-
201 SW Dorion Ave.
Pendleton
Saturday Services
Pendleton
Grace Baptist Church
www.graceandmercylutheran.org
Worship: 10 AM Sunday
School at 11:30
Seventh-Day
Adventist Church
Pastor James Becker
FIRST SERVICE 8:30 AM
SECOND SERVICE 10:30 AM
712 SW 27 TH ST.
541-276-1894
www.fcogpendleton.com
32742 Diagonal RD
Hermiston OR 97838
Sunday School 10 am
Worship 7 am
Evening Service 7 pm
Bible Study Wednesdays 7 pm
Firestarter Youth Ministry
(Ages 12-17)
Monday @ 6 pm
St. Paul Anglican Church, APA
Currently Located at 119 SW Quinney Pl.,
Home Church in Pendleton @ Sunridge Estates
541-303-1261
Holy Communion - 1st & 3rd Sunday
Morning Prayer - 2nd, 4th & 5th Sunday
All Services - 10:00am Sundays
The Rev. Fr. Vincent Varnas
facebook.com/stpaulanglicanchurchapa
BAHA’I FAITH
“The Unity of All
Mankind”
Pendleton Baha’i Center at
1015 SE Court Place
Devotions Sundays @
11:00am; Everyone invited!
(541) 276-9360 visit us at
www.pendletonbahais.org
To share your
worship times
call
Amanda Jacobs
541-278-2683