12 catechized in Davao

On December 22, the 26th Sunday after Pentecost, at the parish of Blessed Matrona of Moscow in Davao (Philippines), the secretary of the Philippine-Vietnamese diocese, Hieromonk Korniliy (Molev), after the Divine Liturgy, performed the rite of catechism. In Russia, this rite is usually performed together with the sacrament of Baptism, because as presumed, people there are familiar with Orthodox culture. But in the Philippines, people know little about the doctrine, worship, history and traditions of the Orthodox Church, so the process of catechism can stretch out up to six months. This rite here is performed on those preparing to be baptized in advance, but only on those who are studying the Orthodox faith and have already confirmed their intention to become members of the Orthodox Church. Today, 12 people, both adults and children, underwent the rite of catechumenate. Among them were three families. “Several people from this group were brought to Orthodoxy by another catechumen, who has been preparing for baptism for about six months and is already actively preaching,” the priest said.

St. Nicholas day

On December 19, the day of remembrance of St. Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, the Wonderworker, the St. Nicholas parish in the village of Lipras Manukan (Western Mindanao, Philippines) celebrated its patronal feast. The service was conducted by priest Juventinus Bulakwenya, ordained in February of this year. And priest Nicholas Salgado celebrated his name day. We wish many and blessed years to Father Nicholas and the development of parishes in the Philippines through the prayers of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.

Гуманитарная помощь верующим в с. Лавиге на острове Лусон

Another mission of the Department of Phillippine-Vietnamese Diocese for Charity and Social Service took place at the parish in the village of Lawigue (Tayabas). As part of it, a divine service was held dedicated to the feast of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, in which more than 50 adults and children took part. At the end of the service, a spiritual conversation, a common meal and the distribution of humanitarian aid took place.

Ho Chi Minh news

The Intercession of the Mother of God parish in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, has now a permanent location for worship services.
On Saturday, December 14, the parish of the Intercession of the Mother of God in Ho Chi Minh City held its first Divine Liturgy in its new church building.
After the service, all those present gathered for a tea party with priest Evgeny Tsukalo to share the joy of this significant day.
This is a long-awaited event for the faithful in Ho Chi Minh City, as the parish now has a permanent location where they can gather for joint prayer, worship, sacraments, and services.

Liturgy in Makalangot

Sunday at the parish of St. Seraphim of Sarov in Makalangot, Philippines. Divine Liturgy on the 24th Sunday after Pentecost and the day of leaving the feast of the Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple.

Meeting of the Exarchate bishops with the DECR Chairman

A working meeting of the bishops of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Southeast Asia with the Chairman of the DECR and a meeting of the Synod of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Southeast Asia took place.

On November 28, 2024, at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Bangkok, Kingdom of Thailand, a working meeting of the bishops of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Southeast Asia was held with the Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate, Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk. The meeting was attended by: Patriarchal Exarch of Southeast Asia, Metropolitan Sergius of Singapore and Southeast Asia; Metropolitan Paul of Manila and Hanoi; Archbishop Feofan of Korea and Bishop Pitirim of Jakarta, Vicar of the Singapore Diocese. During the meeting, issues related to the activities of the Moscow Patriarchate in the Asian region and prospects for the further development of various areas of church life were discussed. Then, under the chairmanship of the Patriarchal Exarch of Southeast Asia, Metropolitan Sergius of Singapore and Southeast Asia, a meeting of the Synod of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Southeast Asia was held.

Round table «Russian Church and compatriots»

Bishops of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Southeast Asia took part in a round table dedicated to cooperation between the Russian Orthodox Church and compatriots living in Asian countries and Australia.

On November 26-27, a round table “The Russian Orthodox Church and compatriots: experience of cooperation in Asian countries and Australia” was held in Bangkok. With the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’, the work of the round table was headed by the Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate, Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk. Hierarchs, clergy and laity of the Russian Orthodox Church, representatives of organizations of Russian compatriots from Asia and Australia, including the Patriarchal Exarch of Southeast Asia, Metropolitan of Singapore and Southeast Asia Sergiy, Metropolitan of Manila and Hanoi Pavel, Archbishop of Korea Feofan, Vicar of the Singapore Diocese Bishop Pitirim of Jakarta arrived in the capital of Thailand to participate in the round table. Also, a church delegation accompanying the chairman of the Department for External Church Relations. Among the participants were representatives of public organizations of compatriots, Russian diplomats.