Ultra-Orthodox Jewish teens attend the funeral for Rabbi Mordechai Leifer in Ashdod, Israel, Oct. 5, 2020.

Sacred Nation

In wartime Ukraine, Jews embrace their Ukrainian-Jewish identity

Ukraine

Last week, Jewish communities worldwide celebrated Purim, a joyous holiday that includes dressing up in costume, giving charity, and exchanging gifts. In Ukraine, this was the third Purim Jews have celebrated since Russia’s full-scale invasion. With each year, the Jewish community feels more pride in their Ukrainian identity. 

Many Argentine Catholics pray for long-awaited papal visit 

Sacred Nation

How a former gang member in Japan found a new path through Christianity

Japan in Focus

What South America’s largest Buddhist temple says about the religion’s growing influence in Brazil 

Sacred Spaces

New discoveries shed light on some of the earliest humans to settle in Taiwan

Sacred Nation

In South Korea, shamans are shunned — and revered 

Sacred Nation

Shamans, the practitioners of an ancient belief system, are often disparaged in South Korea. But they also hold a special place in the country’s culture. 

Conservators scan Ukraine’s wooden churches to help preserve them

Sacred Spaces

Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, people have been evacuating and safeguarding Ukrainian works of art and museum pieces. Now, a team of conservators and students are also creating permanent, 3D records of buildings and objects that can’t be moved in case they are damaged or destroyed.

This aging Buenos Aires stadium continues to be the undisputed ‘temple of soccer’

Sacred Spaces

In Argentina, a country of sporting icons like Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona, soccer fandom is, for many, akin to a religion.

Kolkata’s Jewish population is dwindling

Sacred Spaces

The Jewish community in Kolkata came from all over the Middle East, from places like Syria and Iraq. Once home to around 5,000 Jews, only 20 still remain there.

On this remote isle, an icon of the Virgin Mary has endured the flames of war

Sacred Spaces

After a devastating fire, people in Bougainville found hope and strength from a statue of the Virgin Mary that survived the flames. It not only represents a miracle, but serves as an icon for the island’s struggle for independence.