A student of the St. Petersburg Theological Academy from the Philippines took part in the regional stage of the International Christmas Readings. On November 23, 2023, a conference was held in the framework of the regional stage of the XXXII International Christmas Readings on Rizhsky Avenue in St. Petersburg. The topic of the conference was “Ancient Monastic traditions in modern conditions”. The event was attended by monks in priestly rank from the St. Petersburg Theological Academy, as well as abbots, abbesses, monks and nuns of monasteries of the St. Petersburg diocese.Hieromonk John (Gondayao), a cleric of the Philippine-Vietnamese Diocese of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Southeast Asia and a student of the Academy, made a report: “Peculiarities of monastic life in the Philippines.”

In his report, Father John noted: “The role of the very first Christian monks in the Philippines in the formation of the country is very great. The Roman Catholic monks who arrived in the Philippines played a big role not only in the Christianization of the locals, but also in the organization of institutions necessary for the development of the nation, such as schools, hospitals and charitable organizations. And the history of Orthodoxy in the Philippines is closely connected with monasticism – the first Filipino priest was a monk. Despite the absence of monasteries in the country, there are monks who live their monastic life for the glory of God in serving people in the parishes of the diocese. They strive not only for their own salvation, but also for the salvation of those believers who surround them. Monastics in the Philippines help the children of the Church to arrange a spiritual life, and help those in need in arranging daily life”.

On November 26 the baptism of three people – Anna, Natalia and Catherine – took place at the parish of St. John of Shanghai in Santa Maria. This is the first baptism that Priest John Mahinay performed after his ordination, under the guidance of the secretary of the Philippine-Vietnamese diocese Hieromonk Korniliy (Molev).

On November 22, on the feast of the Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Quick to Hear”, on the island of Panglao, the consecration of the foundation stone at the construction site of the temple in honor of the icon of the Mother of God “Quick to Hear” took place. With the blessing of Metropolitan Pavel of Manila and Hanoi, the consecration was performed by the Secretary of the Philippine-Vietnamese diocese, Hieromonk Korniliy (Molev), together with the dean of the Manila District, Hieromonk Alexei (Lapshin). The ceremony was preceded by a prayer service to the Most Holy Theotokos. Panglao is the most popular Filipino island among Russian tourists. Also, quite a few (by Filipino standards) compatriots live here on a permanent basis.

November 21 is the Feast of Archangel Michael and all the Bodiless Powers of Heaven. This is the Patronal feast at the parish of Archangel Michael in Mahongkog, Cotabato.

Divine Liturgy was headed by the Secretary of the Philippino-Vietnamese diocese Hieromonk Korniliy (Molev), who was co-served by priests Moses Cahilig, Nicholas Salgado, Ambrose Sumagaysay and deacons Raphael Frajillo and Anthony Aranco.

November 17 at the parish of St. Matrona of Moscow in Davao, the baptism of handmaid of God Christina took place. The sacrament was performed by the secretary of the Philippine-Vietnamese Diocese, Hieromonk Cornelius (Molev). Many years and God’s help!

November 12, village Lawigue (Tayabas). The Divine Liturgy was conducted by Priest Augustine Ponferrada. At the end of the service, treats from the most beloved Filipino fast food chain “Jolly Bee” were distributed to children from poor families.

The 23rd Sunday after Pentecost, November 12. Today, the Divine Liturgy in the house church of the Iveron Icon of the Mother of God in Manila, the rector of the parish was co-served by Priest Stanislav Rasputin. Father Stanislav is a well-known missionary who served in the missions of the Russian Orthodox Church in India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, as well as in the Philippines, where he stood at the origins of the mission in 2014-2016 together with Priest Georgy Maximov, and spent year 2018 in the parishes of Mindanao. Now fr. Stanislav is flying to Papua New Guinea, for missionary work.

22nd Sunday after Pentecost. Archimandrite Philemon Castro, the rector of the parish in honour of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Siniloan, is the eldest of the clergy of the Philippines – Vietnamese diocese.

22nd Sunday after Pentecost