Israel says it killed a top Hamas commander in Gaza after an explosive device detonated and wounded two soldiers in the territory’s south. Hamas in a statement Saturday did not confirm the death of Raed Saad. It said a civilian vehicle had been struck outside Gaza City and asserted it was a violation of the ceasefire that took effect on Oct. 10. Saad served as the Hamas official in charge of manufacturing and previously led the militant group’s operations division. The Israeli statement said he had been “engaged in rebuilding the terrorist organization” in a violation of the ceasefire.
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Archaeologists in Turkey have uncovered a significant fresco of Jesus as the "Good Shepherd" from Anatolia's early Christian era. The painting was found in August in an underground tomb near Iznik, a town known for the Nicene Creed's adoption in A.D. 325. The fresco shows a youthful, Roman-looking Jesus carrying a goat. Researchers say it's a rare depiction of Jesus with Roman attributes. The Good Shepherd motif symbolized protection and salvation before the cross became Christianity's universal symbol. The Associated Press was the first international media organization granted access to the tomb.
TEL AVIV (AP) — New footage of six Israeli hostages shows them celebrating the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah while being held captive in a tunnel…
Eastern Orthodoxy in the U.S. is experiencing a surge in converts, partly due to online content. The Very Rev. Andreas Blom encourages new members to engage in-person once they join Holy Theophany Orthodox Church in Colorado Springs. Some Orthodox content creators, like Jonathan Pageau, emphasize the importance of in-person community even as they take advantage of digital tools. There has been a focus on recent male converts who find Orthodoxy through content online about masculinity. While the internet has expanded Orthodoxy's reach, church leaders are addressing challenges like extremism and the need for experienced spiritual guidance.
A person lights a candle during service at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Allison Dinner)
People sing during service at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Allison Dinner)
People sing and pray during service at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Allison Dinner)
A person kisses the cross during service at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Allison Dinner)
People gather after church service for the Young Adult Gathering Dinner and Discussion event at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Allison Dinner)
DEDHAM, Mass. (AP) — One baby Jesus lays in a manger in the snow, wrapped in a silver emergency blanket with his wrists zip-tied. Mary stands …