Saint Valentina was from Caesarea of Palestine... The ancient Latin name “Valentina” means “strong, vigorous and healthy.”

Saint Valentina of Caesarea of Palestine 
Died: c.308
Feast Day: July 25
Saint Valentina from Caesarea of Palestine (her name means strong and healthy) died during the reign of the Emperor Maximian II. 

St. Valentina and her spiritual sister St. Thea, would not worship pagan idols, kicking over the pagan fire sacrifice and incense before the altar in protest. 

They were immediately tortured, beaten and finally bound together and burned to death.  

 

February 10th, is St. Valentina the martyr of Palestine

Saint Valentina was from Caesarea of Palestine. She was small and known for wearing old, worn out clothing.

One day, when she was with her friend Thea, they joined a group of Christians gathered to hear the Holy Scriptures. Local officials broke up the meeting, grabbed Thea and tortured her.

Valentina yelled, “How long will you torment my sister?” When the thugs heard her, they grabbed her, too. Valentina was dragged away to be burned on an altar which had already been prepared by the heathens. Kicking the altar with her feet, she knocked it over. Then, Valentina and Thea were tied together and burnt alive.

Saint Valentina’s Christian bond with Saint Thea was so strong that whether or not they were natural sisters, they were spiritual sisters. And, Saint Valentina was not going to let Saint Thea be martyred without her.

The women died for their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ in 308.

The ancient Latin name “Valentina” means “strong, vigorous and healthy.”

We honor these Holy Virgin Martyrs on February 10 and July 18.  https://thenunsgarden.org/saint-valentina.php

Whether on a long road or a church stage, Aloka remains a steadfast support to the venerable monks, proving that peace is a journey shared by all beings...

Peace Dog Photo Credit: Palm Jariya

Aloka the Peace Dog 

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This morning, our faithful companion Aloka took his place right on the stage during the Peace Gathering at Legacy Church in Wytheville, VA.

 

While the venerable monks stood to share their message, Aloka sat on the ground right beside them. He looked truly dedicated to the mission. Whether on a long road or a church stage, Aloka remains a steadfast support to the venerable monks, proving that peace is a journey shared by all beings.

Photo Credit: Palm Jariya

 

May you and all beings be well, happy and at peace.

 https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122117404935164116&set=a.122097429435164116

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Aloka the Peace Dog 🐕—the loyal companion with the peace heart on his forehead. Walking the 2,300-mile Walk for Peace journey with the Venerable Monks across America. Spreading peace and loving-kindness, one paw-step at a time. 🐾  

Aloka the Peace Dog 

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The Story of Aloka - Many people often ask about Aloka’s breed! While we aren't exactly sure, we estimate he is about 4 years old and likely an Indian Pariah dog.

 

His journey is truly special—he was once a stray wandering in India who began following the Venerable Monks. He walked with them for over 100 days across India, very much like the #WalkForPeace we are on today! 

 

Though his exact birthday remains a mystery, his loyalty and peaceful spirit are clear to everyone he meets.

 

May you and all beings be happy and at peace.  

 

 

The venerable monks and Aloka have returned home. May their mission for peace stay with all of us. #AlokaThePeaceDog

 

Aloka the Peace Dog 

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On Day 112, our home temple, Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center, was filled with overwhelming joy! During the Homecoming ceremony, Aloka took a moment for quiet contemplation, settling into a beautiful peace pose right in the middle of the event.

 

He seemed so happy to finally be home, surrounded by the thousands of people who gathered to welcome the venerable monks and him back. It was a powerful sight to see so many hearts joined together, ready to continue the path of peace as one community.

 

May you and all beings be well, happy and at peace.

#WalkForPeace #PeaceWalk #BuddhistMonks

  

Church leaders highlight threats to Christian heritage by Israeli authorities: financial pressure, municipal taxes (Arnona), restrictions on freedom of movement for worshippers, settler violence, takeover of Church lands, hate crimes, and barriers for West Bank teachers reaching Christian schools in East Jerusalem.

EU Heads of Mission in Jerusalem/Ramallah release a statement expressing serious concern at the increased risk of escalation in and around Holy Sites. 

Church leaders also highlighted threats to Christian heritage by Israeli authorities: financial pressure, municipal taxes (Arnona), restrictions on freedom of movement for worshippers, settler violence, takeover of Church lands, hate crimes, and barriers for West Bank teachers reaching Christian schools in East Jerusalem. 

Full statement: https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/pa

Local EU Statement by the Heads of Mission in Jerusalem and Ramallah

12.02.2026

Jerusalem

Press and information team - Office of the European Union Representative (West Bank and Gaza Strip, UNRWA)

On 3 February, EU Heads of Mission visited the Al Aqsa compound and met with the Jerusalem Waqf, as part of the EU’s regular engagement dedicated to the preservation of the religious, cultural and historical diversity of Jerusalem and its Old City. The Heads of Mission were briefed on recent developments on the Al Aqsa compound, including serious concerns regarding violations of the Status Quo and restrictions on access, particularly in the context of the upcoming holy month of Ramadan.

As Jerusalem approaches a period of major religious observances of profound importance for Muslims, Christians and Jews alike, the European Union reiterates its strong call for the full respect and preservation of the Status Quo at the Holy Sites, in line with established understandings. Worshippers of all faiths must be able to access their respective holy sites freely, safely and with dignity. In this context, the EU and its Member States recall Jordan’s special role with respect to upholding the Status Quo and reiterates its full support for the implementation of this role through the Jerusalem Waqf.

The EU and its Member States are continuously engaging with the heads of Churches in Jerusalem. At a meeting on 6 February, the Churches highlighted several threats to Christian heritage in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza, including financial pressure from local Israeli authorities, imposing municipality taxes, restrictions on freedom of movement for worshippers, incidents of settler violence and takeover of Church lands, hate crimes against people of faith and some impediments to access of teachers from West Bank to schools in East Jerusalem.

The EU and its Member States express serious concern at the increased risk of escalation in and around the Holy Sites. Any actions, provocations or unilateral measures to change or undermine the Status Quo would risk triggering far-reaching and deeply destabilising consequences and must be avoided.

The EU position on Jerusalem remains unchanged. The special status and character of Jerusalem and its Old City, the inviolability of its sacred spaces, and the rights and viability of all its communities must be preserved and respected by all. The EU calls on all concerned parties to exercise restraint, prevent provocations, and take the necessary steps to ensure calm, protection of worshippers, particularly during the forthcoming religious festivities, including for Ramadan, Passover, Easter, the Orthodox Easter Holy Fire ceremony. 

[AS ALWAYS PLEASE GO TO THE LINK TO READ GOOD ARTICLES (or quotes) IN FULL: HELP SHAPE ALGORITHMS (and conversations) THAT EMPOWER DECENCY, DIGNITY, JUSTICE & PEACE... and hopefully Palestine, or at least fair and just laws and policies]     

"Yesterday, I was honored to welcome the Buddhist monks to Washington National Cathedral, to learn from their example, and as Christians to recommit ourselves to the way of peace for all people. We are so grateful, so inspired, and so grateful that the monks are calling out the best in all of us as they make their pilgrimage among us. Their commitment to embody and bring peace to us all. Our response–across all that seems to divide us as a nation–reveals how united we are in our longing for peace, God willing, our readiness for peace. The monks, like all our spiritual masters of all faiths, including Jesus, remind us that true peace begins in the human heart, and in genuine peace offerings to those we love, the we struggle to love, and even those we would consider our adversaries." Mariann Edgar Budde, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington DC, USA

 

Mariann Edgar Budde, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington.

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Yesterday, I was honored to welcome the Buddhist monks to Washington National Cathedral, to learn from their example, and as Christians to recommit ourselves to the way of peace for all people. We are so grateful, so inspired, and so grateful that the monks are calling out the best in all of us as they make their pilgrimage among us.

 

Their commitment to embody and bring peace to us all. Our response–across all that seems to divide us as a nation–reveals how united we are in our longing for peace, God willing, our readiness for peace. The monks, like all our spiritual masters of all faiths, including Jesus, remind us that true peace begins in the human heart, and in genuine peace offerings to those we love, the we struggle to love, and even those we would consider our adversaries.

 https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1474029741398283&set=pcb.1474029794731611

 [AS ALWAYS PLEASE GO TO THE LINK TO READ GOOD ARTICLES (or quotes) IN FULL: HELP SHAPE ALGORITHMS (and conversations) THAT EMPOWER DECENCY, DIGNITY, JUSTICE & PEACE... and hopefully Palestine, or at least fair and just laws and policies]     

 

Buddha's Teaching

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THE WALK IS OVER. THE MESSAGE HAS JUST BEGUN.

After more than 2,300 miles on foot, Buddhist monks have reached Washington, D.C., completing a historic Walk for Peace... a journey of discipline, compassion, and hope that touched hearts across the world.

In a time filled with anger, division, and endless noise, they chose silence.

They did not protest.
They did not argue.
They did not demand.

They simply walked.

Step by step, through heat, storms, and freezing cold, they carried a message that needed no slogans: peace is lived, not spoken.

A Living Prayer in Washington, D.C.

At Washington National Cathedral, faith leaders and thousands of people from different cultures and traditions gathered together in unity. It was more than an event. It was a living prayer — a reminder that beyond language, religion, and borders, the human heart still longs for harmony, safety, and compassion.

Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara shared a simple truth: walking together for peace is a moment to remember for a lifetime, and a path meant for the whole world.

Along the journey, Aloka the Peace Dog walked quietly beside the monks, touching hearts everywhere and reminding people that peace is not complicated. Peace is trust. Peace is kindness. Peace is silent love walking beside us.

If they can walk 2,300 miles for peace, perhaps we can take one step today.... one breath, one pause, one kinder choice.

Because sometimes, the quietest steps echo the farthest… and change the world.