On June 14, 2024, the Russian Embassy in Manila hosted a state reception on the occasion of the National Day of Russia, which gathered over 200 people – officials, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the business circles and media, among others. The event was graced by Hon. Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel, President of the Philippine-Russian Friendship association in the Senate, and H.E. Charles John Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines. The visiting delegation of the Moscow City Government attended the reception as special guests. In his opening remarks, the Ambassador of Russia, H.E. Marat Pavlov emphasized the recent progress in building mutually beneficial cooperation with the Philippines across a broad range of areas – trade and economy, culture and education, inter-regional and inter-parliamentary ties, people-to-people exchanges. The Guest of honor, Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines Hon. Antonio Morales in his speech confirmed the rich traditions of the Russia-Philippines relations and openness to developing pragmatic collaboration between the two countries. Both speakers underlined the significance of the forthcoming 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026, which has to be celebrated through various initiatives.

Thus saith the Lord: lo, the day of the Lord will come and His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives on that day in front of Jerusalem on the east … and He will ascent (prophet Zachariah, V century B.C.)

Apodosis of Easter at the parish of St Matrona of Moscow in Davao

On June 9, 2024, on the 6th Sunday of Easter, about the Blind Man, the day of remembrance of the Righteous John Russian, Confessor (1730), Priest Roman Buniel celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Holy Resurrection Parish, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, Philippines.

On June 8, the baptism of two young Vietnamese with the giving of Orthodox names of Gabriel and Raphael was performed in the church of St. Blessed Xenia of St. Petersburg in Hanoi. As catechumens, they studied Orthodoxy for a whole year, talked with a priest and attended every divine service in the Church of St. Xenia of St. Petersburg. We sincerely congratulate them and wish them a strong Orthodox faith!