On December 17, the 28th Sunday after Pentecost, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated in Hanoi. On this day, a parish in honor of St. Xenia of St. Petersburg was visited by the secretary of the Philippine-Vietnamese Diocese, Hieromonk Korniliy (Molev), who also celebrated the Liturgy.
Now it’s really winter in Hanoi, it was +11°C in the morning, but people were warming up with prayer. After the service, the parishioners organized a meal.

Baptism in the parish of the Intercession of the Mother of God in Polomolok

In preparation for the Nativity of Christ, the Department of Charity and Social Service of the Philippine-Vietnamese Diocese held a charity event for senior citizens at the Parish of Christ the Savior. Christmas gifts were presented to the pensioners of Tagaytay, and Priest David Grubbs and the staff of the department told about the Orthodox view of the Christmas holiday, which in the Catholic Philippines wrongfully overshadows the main Christian holiday – the Resurrection of the Lord.

Divine Liturgy in Bacoor (suburb of Manila) on Saturday, December 9.

Priest Eugene Tsukalo, dean of the Vietnamese Deanery of the Philippine-Vietnamese Diocese: The choir is one of the main participants in the divine service, the singers have a responsibility: that everyone in the temple should pray from their prayer singing. I never cease to be surprised at the help from God when people appear in the temple with the words: “Father, I am a professional musician, can I help you sing at the service? I am ready and have a great desire!” That’s how, after 3 years, we have our own choir! And I want to thank everyone who is involved in this, but may the Lord reward them for their efforts! In Nha Trang, there is now an opportunity not only to pray, but also to hear beautiful singing! And we will definitely grow up!