On January 27, the feast day of St. Nina, Enlightener of Georgia, the parish of St. Nina in the purok of Santo Niño near Kinabalan, Philippines, celebrated its patronal feast.
Diocesan Secretary Hieromonk Korniliy (Molev), Priest Joachim Gonzalez, and Priest Stefan Bingcal celebrated the Divine Liturgy.
The parish is located on a mountain, and the journey to it takes about half an hour on foot over rough terrain.
One parishioner noted that each climb up the mountain to the service is like a small pilgrimage and a sacrifice to God. People ascend with prayer and gratitude, despite the difficult journey.
Following the Liturgy, Priest Joachim delivered a sermon and congratulated the faithful on the feast.
After the service, the faithful warmly congratulated parishioner George (in baptism) on his 79th birthday, which he celebrated that day, and shared the joy of a festive meal together.
