Home Christian Post News from the Orient – October 9, 2025

News from the Orient – October 9, 2025



In this week’s news from the Eastern Churches, produced in collaboration with L’Œuvre d’Orient: Syrian Christians honor Saints Sergius and Bacchus, martyrs whose legacy endures despite years of war; a new Ukrainian Greek Catholic bishop is appointed in Paris to serve across Western Europe; and the De La Salle Christian Brothers celebrate 150 years of educational mission in the Holy Land.

This week’s News from the Orient:

Saints Sergius and Bacchus 

On Tuesday, October 7, Christians in Syria celebrated Saints Sergius and Bacchus, two early 4th-century Roman officers martyred for their faith. Bacchus died under flogging, while Sergius was later beheaded. Their tomb in Rasafa, 200 km east of Aleppo, became a major pilgrimage site, fortified in the 6th century to protect offerings. Despite the country’s challenges, their feast remains a strong tradition for both Catholic and Orthodox Christians in Syria.

New Ukrainian Bishop in Paris 

Bishop Ihor Rantsya has been appointed head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Diocese in Paris, serving Ukrainian faithful in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Switzerland. A priest from Lviv, he has served in Paris since 2015. His appointment, approved by Pope Leo XIV, follows the decision of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Synod. He succeeds Bishop Borys Gudziak, now in Philadelphia, and is completing a doctorate in ecclesiology in Paris.

150 Years of De La Salle Brothers in the Holy Land 

On September 28, the De La Salle Christian Brothers marked 150 years in the Holy Land with a celebration in Jerusalem, led by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa. Staying true to their mission, the Brothers continue to provide education and support to the underprivileged. Their schools across Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Jaffa, Haifa, Beit Hanina, and Amman serve nearly 3,000 students, supported by over 350 teachers committed to building a more just and compassionate future through education.



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