Jerusalem
On September 14, Ukraine observes Tank Forces Day and the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. Around the world, people commemorate the founding of OPEC and U.S. National Anthem Day.
On September 13, the world observes professional, medical and cultural commemorative dates, including Programmers’ Day and World Sepsis Day. Mexico honors the Niños Héroes.
On September 11, the victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks are commemorated, Catalonia Day and the Ethiopian New Year are celebrated. According to the new calendar, Theodora of Alexandria is commemorated.
On September 8, the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, Literacy Day, Physical Therapy Day, and the International Day of Journalists’ Solidarity are observed. State holidays are also celebrated.
Trump's envoy Jared Kushner said that negotiations between the US and Iran are more active than ever, but the sides have not yet reached an agreement.
In 2026, Nut Savior is celebrated on August 16 according to the Revised Julian calendar. This holiday combines Christian traditions with folk rituals marking the end of the harvest.
The Israeli prime minister said the army will not leave its positions in Gaza until Hamas fully disarms. He rejected the Trump administration's proposal for a simultaneous troop withdrawal.
US embassies in Jerusalem and other Middle Eastern capitals urged citizens to consider leaving due to the possibility of unpredictable escalation of the conflict with Iran. Americans are advised to seriously reconsider travel plans to the region.
In 2026, the Dormition of the Mother of God is celebrated on August 15 according to the New Julian calendar. The feast symbolizes the end of summer and opens the autumn period of rituals and weddings.
In 2026, Trinity will be celebrated on May 31. Believers decorate their homes with greenery, visit churches, and avoid hard labor and quarrels on this day.
On May 20, Ukraine congratulates bankers and sign language interpreters, while the world celebrates World Bee Day and Traumatologist Day. The Church honors the Martyr Thalalaeus.
Orthodox Christians will celebrate the Ascension on May 21, 2026. The holiday has special traditions, weather omens, and strict prohibitions on labor.
The Peace Council under the U. S. President is developing a roadmap for the demilitarization of Gaza. The plan envisions a political future or the departure of militants to other countries.
The relic was brought from Jerusalem via Warsaw and handed over to Volyn border guards. The fire was delivered to Lutsk and will later be sent to churches and the front.
Patriarch Theophilos III brought the Holy Fire out of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The church was opened after 40 days of closure due to the war and security measures in Israel.
On Good Friday, the crucifixion of Christ is commemorated through strict fasting and the carrying out of the shroud. This day is associated with a number of restrictions that have both religious and folk roots.
During the Easter Mass, the Pontiff called for peace through dialogue and led the Way of the Cross. In Jerusalem and Gaza, the holiday was observed under wartime restrictions.
The Feast of the Lord's Entry into Jerusalem in 2026 falls on April 5th. Learn about the history of willow as a symbol and folk rituals for health and harvest.
Israeli police blocked Cardinal Pizzaballa's entry to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. After international criticism, Netanyahu ordered access to the shrine to be ensured.
Police did not allow the patriarch into the shrine due to the threat of Iranian strikes. The authorities promise to ensure that services are held during Holy Week.
Antonio Tajani protested against the ban on Cardinal Pizzaballa holding mass in Jerusalem. Police closed holy sites due to lack of bomb shelters.
Egyptian diplomat Nabil Fahmy will replace Ahmed Aboul Gheit as Secretary-General in 2026. The decision was made unanimously during a video conference.
In Israel, thousands of people took to the streets against the protracted war and the government. Police used force during the arrests of activists in Tel Aviv and Haifa.
Shrapnel damaged the roof of the patriarchate next to the shrine due to Iran's attack. There were no casualties, but the Old City experienced shelling, which is rare for wartime.
Trump announced the agreement on the final steps of the operation with Israel. The active phase of hostilities is planned to be completed within four to six weeks.
Iran announced a new phase of Operation 'True Promise 4', launching over 600 missiles and 2000 drones at American and Israeli targets. Tehran claims to have shot down an American F-15E fighter jet and attacked the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier.
Iran struck Kurdish groups in Iraq, claiming the US was arming Iranian Kurdish guerrillas. This occurred amid the spread of war in the Middle East, which has engulfed the entire region.
Iran and its proxies continue attacks on US allies in the Persian Gulf for the sixth day. An Iranian warship sank, killing more than 80 people.
Israel reported that an Iranian Air Force Russian Yak-130 was shot down by an F-35 fighter jet over Tehran. The IDF dropped 5,000 munitions on Iran, destroying the air defense of Mehrabad Airport.
The conflict in the Middle East is spreading, with strikes and attacks continuing. Israel has launched strikes against Iran, while Lebanon, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait have also been attacked.