Latest news with #Orthodox
Washington Post
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Washington Post
Does Trump understand what ‘the West' is? Does the West itself know?
The West urgently needs a definition of 'the West.' Without this, it cannot understand itself, or current and future challenges. If Ukraine is to be saved from dismemberment, and its nationhood not neutered, the nature and stakes of the conflict need to be understood in Huntingtonian terms. Even when political scientist Samuel Huntington (1927-2008) was mistaken, he was penetrating. In 1993, he wrote that 'the likelihood of violence between Ukrainians and Russians should be low. They are two Slavic, primarily Orthodox peoples who have had close relationships with each other for centuries.' Huntington did not foresee the West's magnetic attraction, pulling Ukraine away from the civilization Vladimir Putin intends to enforce.
Business Upturn
2 days ago
- Business Upturn
Experience Plantation Life Up Close at Misty Mountain Plantation Resort
High in the hills of Kerala's Western Ghats lies Peermade, a region steeped in the rich heritage of tea cultivation. Here, amid the mist-draped slopes and vibrant greenery, Misty Mountain Plantation Resort offers guests a rare opportunity to step into the heart of an authentic working tea estate and experience plantation life as it has been lived for generations. Spanning over 600 acres, Misty Mountain Plantation Resort isn't just a destination, it's a journey into the soulful traditions of India's tea history. This unique resort is set within one of the earliest tea-growing regions in Kerala and is home to the renowned Misty Mountain Peermade Tea Estate, celebrated for producing high-quality Orthodox black tea. Made from carefully hand-plucked, tender light green leaves of the B661 clonal hybrid tea plants, some over 30 years old, the estate's tea stands apart for its bold, malty flavor and aromatic complexity, thanks to the unique terroir created by the region's rich biodiversity and moderate altitude. One of the highlights of a stay at Misty Mountain Resort is the immersive 'Misty Mountain Peermade Tea Experience', a signature offering designed to deepen guests' understanding and appreciation of tea. The experience begins with a captivating audiovisual presentation that explores the origins of tea, tracing its journey across continents and finally into the hills of Peermade. Visitors then embark on a sensory journey through the estate's tea gardens. Strolling through the well-maintained rows of emerald green, guided by knowledgeable hosts, guests learn the artistry behind harvesting and how each leaf contributes to the quality of the final brew. Guests then enjoy an exclusive look inside the state of the art factory, where they witness the meticulous Orthodox tea-making process. From withering and rolling to fermentation, drying, and grading, each step is performed with extraordinary craftsmanship aimed at preserving the leaf's natural integrity and flavor. This is where the transformation from leaf to cup is brought to life. No tea experience would be complete without tasting the final product. A curated tea tasting session offers guests the chance to savour several of Misty Mountain's teas, appreciating firsthand the vibrant flavor profiles shaped by the estate's location and techniques. The experience concludes with a visit to the tea shop, where guests can take home authentic Misty Mountain Peermade teas which can be meaningful souvenirs of their journey or thoughtful gifts for loved ones. For those craving adventure amid nature, Misty Mountain also offers an unforgettable jeep safari through the estate's private plantation trails. This exhilarating ride delves deep into the unexplored corners of the estate, revealing hidden viewpoints and offering panoramic vistas that are otherwise inaccessible. 'Life on the Misty Mountain plantation brings a new experience every day. Here, you come face-to-face with the quiet wonders of nature — a true lesson in how the land gives back when it is nurtured with love and care. As a family, we've been living this way for over 70 years, and we're delighted to share a taste of our home with every guest who visits. We warmly invite you to immerse yourself in the Misty Mountain experience, while also respecting the beauty that surrounds you. Everyone here is part of our close-knit community, working together for generations to protect and preserve this special place— for today, for tomorrow, and for generations to come.' – Mikhail & Rosa Beyond tea and safaris, Misty Mountain Plantation Resort invites guests to unwind and reconnect with the rhythms of nature. Guided plantation walks shed light on sustainable farming practices and introduce the region's diverse flora and fauna. Bird enthusiasts find joy in spotting vibrant species like Malabar whistling thrushes and Indian hornbills. For those seeking peace, there's the chance to cycle through forest paths, go fishing in tranquil reservoirs, or simply enjoy a quiet evening beside a crackling campfire under the stars. Accommodation options at the resort are designed to blend harmoniously into the natural surroundings. The wooden chalets, with private sit-outs, offer a cozy retreat amidst nature—perfect for quiet moments with a cup of tea. The stone-built Reverie Cottage features rooms with private balconies, where guests can soak in the mountain air, morning mist, or starry nights. Each space offers a peaceful escape, blending comfort with the charm of plantation life. Dining at Misty Mountain is as memorable as the setting. Guests can savour traditional Kerala dishes bursting with spice and authenticity or enjoy continental specialties and freshly baked treats, all crafted with seasonal ingredients. Before departure, visitors often find themselves drawn once again to the estate shop. Stocked with premium Orthodox teas, curated gift boxes, and locally grown spices, it offers a final taste of Peermade's lush bounty—something to take home and savour long after the journey ends. Often regarded as the best resort in Kuttikkanam for nature lovers and tea enthusiasts alike, it promises an experience that blends luxury with tradition. Whether you're a devoted tea aficionado, a curious traveller, or someone simply looking to reconnect with nature, the resort offers an enriching escape. Ahmedabad Plane Crash
eNCA
3 days ago
- Politics
- eNCA
Pope Leo eyes Turkey trip
VATICAN CITY - Pope Leo XIV said he hoped to visit Turkey in the coming months for a Christian religious commemoration, in what could be his first overseas trip as pontiff. "I hope to be able to meet you again in a few months to take part in the ecumenical commemoration of the anniversary of the Council of Nicaea," Leo said at a meeting with members of an Orthodox and Catholic pilgrimage from the United States. This year marks the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, a milestone in Church history, held in what is now the Turkish city of Iznik. Convened by the emperor Constantine in 325 AD, the council was the first to bring together Christian bishops from across the Roman Empire. It resulted in a statement of faith -- the Nicene Creed -- intended to exclude certain heresies. The creed confirmed there was one God who exists in three parts -- the Father, the Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit -- which remains key doctrine for most Christian denominations. The late Pope Francis was to visit Turkey for the anniversary of the Nicaea Council in May, but the trip was cancelled due to his ill-health before he died on April 21 at the age of 88. The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, leader of the world's Orthodox Christians, has indicated that Leo wanted to go to Turkey, mentioning November 30, Saint Andrew's Day, as a possible date.
Gulf Insider
5 days ago
- Politics
- Gulf Insider
Netanyahu 'Regrets' Deadly Attack On Gaza Church After Terse Trump Call
Thursday witnessed another Israeli strike on a church in Gaza, which killed three people and injured at least six others. Among the wounded was the parish priest. Hundreds of Palestinians were sheltering at Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza City when the church roof was hit around 10:10am local time, church officials describe. Shrapnel and debris came down through the roof and went flying, killing and wounding Christians inside. While most circulating reports say an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) tank directly fired on the church, a spokesman for the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem initially said it was unclear whether the munition was launched from an airplane or a tank. The neighborhood and area were coming under heavy Israeli gunfire at the time. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, who oversees the church, clarified in a statement to Vatican News, 'What we know for sure is that a tank, the IDF says by mistake, but we are not sure about this, they hit the Church directly, the Church of the Holy Family, the Latin Church.' He indicated that more victims might succumb to their injuries: 'There are four people seriously wounded, among these four, two are in very dramatic conditions and their lives are in serious danger,' Pizzaballa said. Pope Leo XIV has called for 'an immediate cease-fire' in Gaza in a statement. His predecessor, Pope Francis, was known to have personally phoned Holy Family Catholic Church on a nightly basis to see how the community was faring, even when he was in the hospital. Dozens of others had been killed in the Gaza City area on Thursday. Netanyahu's office issued a statement specifically on the church attack, saying: 'Israel deeply regrets that a stray ammunition hit Gaza's Holy Family Church. Every innocent life lost is a tragedy. We share the grief of the families and the faithful.' Israel is calling it a 'mistake' – but this reportedly came only after President Trump phoned the Israeli Prime Minister and put pressure on him, according to Times of Israel and the NY Times: President Trump called Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel to express 'not a positive reaction' to the attack on the church, Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, said at a news briefing. This comes after the October 2023 IDF attack on the Church of Saint Porphyrius, an ancient Orthodox church in Gaza City, which resulted in the deaths of at least 18 Palestinian Christian civilians. In the early 20th century, many villages and cities across what is now Israel and Palestinian territories were actually majority Christian (Bethlehem and Ramallah being prime examples), or at least had very sizeable Christian minorities. For example Jerusalem at one point was up to one-third Christian in identity. This goes back to Byzantine times, and the Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem remains a significant landholder in Israel. Steady migration out of the region, as well as persecution by both Jewish and Muslim fanatics, and at times the Israeli government – has led Christian numbers to steadily decline. One regional Middle East Christian website, for example, summarizes, 'historically a Christian town, Ramallah has seen mass migration to the West as a result of Israeli occupation. It retains a significant Christian minority, determined to maintain a Christian presence in the land of their ancestors.'
Evening Standard
5 days ago
- General
- Evening Standard
What, exactly, has Diane Abbott said that's so wrong?
Well, so there are. And Ms Abbott knows, because she's black. Few Jewish people and Travellers are. Of course, it may be apparent to some people who is Jewish or Traveller or who isn't. I, for instance, can usually tell who's a Traveller, but that's because I've been accustomed to seeing Travellers most of my life. As for Jews, many of my friends and colleagues who are Jewish don't look, at least to me, different. If you wear special clothes or hair – if you're an Orthodox Jew who dresses as such – you will be readily identifiable, but that's rather more to do with culture and religion than ethnicity, no?
