A roundup of domestic and international news
FEAST DAY - Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Christians in Romania on Sunday celebrated the Baptism of the Christ, the feast day commemorating the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. The feast day marks the end of the Christmas celebration period. Roman-Catholic Christians in Romania celebrated the Epiphany, the revelation of God incarnate as Jesus Christ. Christian Churches observing the Julian Calendar celebrate Christmas on January 7. The Patriarchy of Constantinople decided in early 20th century to switch from the old Julian Calendar to a revised Gregorian calendar, which provides for a 13-day gap between the two. Many citizens from the Republic of Moldova chose to spend Christmas in the Old Julian Calendar in Romania.
CONCERTS - The Romanian Symphony Orchestra is on a tour to the United States until January 16. During this period it will hold seven concerts, in Florida, Palm Beach, Miami, Fort Myers, Detroit and New Jersey. The final concert will be at Lincoln Center in New York, with famous trumpet player Wynton Marsalis as special guest. The Romanian Symphony Orchestra is made up of valuable former members of the National Youth Orchestra. The tour organizers are the Tinerimea Romana National Art Center and the Romanian Cultural Institute.
BENEFITS - The Romanian Foreign Ministry expressed concern regarding Austria's decision to slash the benefits for children of EU citizens working in Austria, adding that the measure goes against principles underlying community legislation. The benefits were cut starting January 1 to the corresponding amount in the countries of origin, in the case the children remained at home. The measure does not apply to any children currently residing in Austria. Bucharest claims EU membership compels all states to ensure fair, balanced and unbiased treatment for all European citizens. Several ministries in Romania have criticized the move, and the Minister for Romanians Worldwide said Romania would approach the topic as president of the Council of the European Union.
UKRAINIAN CHURCH - Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople on Sunday handed the decree granting independence to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church to its leader, Metropolitan Yepifaniy. The decree opens the way for Ukraine's Orthodox Church to be recognized by other branches of orthodoxy and other churches. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on December 15 announced the setup of the independent Ukrainian Orthodox Church after a historic decision of the Reunification Council of Orthodox Bishops in Kiev. Earlier in 2018 Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople recognized an independent Orthodox Church in Ukraine, revoking a 332-year-old decree placing the Ukrainian Church under the authority of the Patriarchy of Moscow. In turn, the Russian Orthodox Church announced the severance of ties with the Patriarchy of Constantinople. News agencies note the escalating religious tension marks a new episode in the political, cultural and social rupture between Kiev and Moscow following the 2014 annexation of the Crimean Peninsula by the Russian Federation and the armed conflict between the Ukrainian forces and pro-Russian separatists in Eastern Ukraine.
TALKS - US President Donald Trump announced new discussions on Sunday aimed at putting an end to the dispute that has blocked the US Government for two weeks now. A meeting between White House officials and members of the Democratic Party on Saturday ended without any positive results. News agencies recall President Trump has conditioned the signing of legislation that could unblock the government's activity on the building of the wall on the Mexican border. Trump says the wall is the best way to stop the flow of drugs and crime from Central and Southern America. The Democrats disagree and are now using their majoirty in the House of Representatives to block the funding of the wall, pending the Federal Government resuming its activity.
(Translated by V. Palcu)
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