CHURCHES IN BRIEF
Germany: mgr. Zollitsch about Syria Stop violence in Syria: this was said yesterday by mgr. Robert Zollitsch, president of the German Bishops Conference (Dbk). "We cannot just stare while hundreds of people are dying of brutal violence. What is happening in Syria is a deep breach of fundamental human rights", mgr. Zollitsch stated. "We must put an end to such bloodshed and create free facilities based on the rule of law, in Syria", he went on, pointing out that "the Christian minorities too must be able to enjoy, even in future, safe conditions in society and politics". Then, mgr. Zollitsch called on Christians in Germany to pray for the population. "Syria", "a cradle of civilisation", the archbishop concluded, quoting John Paul II, "cannot surrender to bloodshed". Ireland: statement on costs of First Communion and ConfirmationIn a time of crisis and economic recession, Irish bishops and priests say they are "very concerned" about the rising costs incurred by families for ceremonies associated with the First Holy Communion and/or Confirmation of their children and recommend simplicity and modesty. With an official statement on the "importance of the faith significance of the celebration of the Sacraments", the Irish Bishops’ Conference has intervened in the public debate that has developed in Ireland on the commercial costs involved in celebrations of First Communions and Confirmations. "The primary focus of First Holy Communion says the statement is the reception of the Body of Christ by the child for the first time; and, on the continued growth of the child. The First Holy Communion and Confirmation ceremonies are important days landmark days and should be memorable, proud and happy occasions for the child, his/her parents, grandparents, sponsor, brothers, sisters, classmates and school". But if all this warn the bishops is the cause of "a lot of stress", then there has to be change of heart: the emphasis needs to be placed not on commercially related concerns, but on the spiritual significance of the sacrament. "Those celebratory aspects which take place outside of the sacramental ceremonies urge the bishops ought to be balanced and appropriate for the occasion". The celebrations should take place in parishes and involve the faith community with "simplicity" , "so that their faith significance is not lost".Ukraine-Slovakia: together in youth pastoralGreek Catholic eparchies of Kosice (Slovakia) and Mukacevo (Ukraine) are going to cooperate closely in the area of youth pastoral, charity and spiritual activities. Official agreement in this regard was signed in January by the Greek Catholic eparch of Kosice, Milan Chautur and bishop Milan Sasik of Mukacevo. One of aims of the document is to facilitate mutual contact of priests and faithful on both sides of the state border. According to Mons. Chautur, it is expected that the agreement "will widen the range of joint activities and intensify the exchange of information, contributing to development of both neigbouring eparchies that are historically and teritorially interconnected". The eparch of Kosice has been awarded a medal of the blessed martyr Teodor Romza "for universal contribution to the eparchy of Mukacevo".Czech Republic: movie about Cyril and MethodiusCelebration of the Holy Year of St. Cyril and Methodius, marking the 1150th anniversary of their arrival to Great Moravia, due to be commemorated in 2013, will have an important cultural dimension in Czech republic. Catholic and Orthodox Churches, Academy of sciences and other collaborators plan to prepare a historical movie about the life and mission of the saints. "There hasn’t been a dignified film version of the story of St. Cyril and Methodius yet, despite the fact that we owe them a lot. Their mission influenced expansion of Christianity, culture and education of all slavic nations and established the base of Czech statehood", said the archbishop of Prague, Mons. Dominik Duka. The movie will be recorded at the places of historical presence of the saints in Greece, Italy, Slovakia and Czech republic, under the direction of Petr Nikolaev. Premiere of the film is planned for the next year in Czech cinemas.
