Along with local nonprofits and private initiatives, the Romanian Orthodox Church is at the front line of the response to the Ukrainian refugee crisis. The church established a base at the Siret border crossing from the first day of the Russian invasion on Feb. 24.
Read MoreFor the first time in 120 years, a Hindu festival known to draw 1.5 million pilgrims and tourists every year will take place without worshippers. But Malaysia’s 1.9 million Hindus will celebrate at home.
Read MoreThis year, millions celebrating Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights celebrating the triumph of good over evil, had to adapt their plans amid various restrictions on gathering during the coronavirus pandemic. In Malaysia, Hindus attended temple for prayers for the first time in more than a month, as the government had closed houses of worship to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Read MoreSeveral leaders of Muslim countries have condemned France and President Emmanuel Macron for their response following the murder of a school teacher who showed caricatures of Prophet Muhammad during a class on freedom of speech. Muslims in Southeast Asia have called Macron’s statements Islamophobic.
Read MoreWhen COVID-19 cases surged in Malaysia’s refugee and migrant communities, the government imposed a stricter lockdown ban on foreigners, even while lifting restrictions on businesses and gatherings. Foreigners aren’t allowed to enter a mosque or perform ritual animal sacrifices, which meant an usually difficult Eid al-Adha celebration this year.
Read MoreAfter a gathering in Kuala Lumpur in late February spread coronavirus to several countries in the region, Malaysia has made great progress in flattening its COVID-19 curve. Here is how Muslim families celebrated Ramadan and Eid al Fitr under a lockdown.
Read MoreCrowds of Romanians gathered on the coast of the Black Sea to watch priests bless holy water and throw three crosses into the water, representing God in the trinity of father, son and holy spirit. Then the race in near-freezing water began to retrieve a cross, believed to bring its owner blessings in the new year.
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