The patronal feast at the mission in honor of the St. Seraphim of Sarov in Lawigue, Tayabas (Manila Deanery) on January 15. At the end of the liturgy, Bibles and humanitarian aid were distributed to parishioners in need, and the sacrament of Baptism was performed over handmaid of God Irina.

Festal worship in the parish of St Matrona of Moscow

In December 2023, with the blessing of Metropolitan Pavel of Manila and Hanoi, in Kinabalan, Mindanao, the Philippine-Vietnamese Diocese organized an Orthodox youth camp. The program of events included lectures on faith, as well as sports competitions and talent presentations. During the week, the participants expanded their knowledge of the Church, strengthened their ties and camaraderie. On Saturday evening and Sunday morning, the youth participated in divine services, during which they sang, read and helped the clergy. The camp ended with a Divine Liturgy led by the Secretary of the diocese, Hieromonk Korniliy (Molev), who was co-served by Priest Joachim Gonzalez and Deacon Juventinus Bulaqueña. We express our heartfelt gratitude to those who supported the event, especially the parish of St. Thomas the Apostle, Kinabalan, the LGU of Kinabalan and the staff of Salasang Elementary School, which served as the site of the camp.

Christmas in Vung Tau, Vietnam

On January 4, a creative evening was held at the parish in honor of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God in Vung Tau: everyone worked on it! First, the parents brought fruits and sweets, made blanks for crafts, dough for gingerbread! And then the children were already creating – with burning eyes and even small hands, they prepared cookies and decorations for the Christmas tree. Such meetings at this parish always happen before Christmas, because everyone wants a holiday!