In early October, Archimandrite Philemon (Castro), rector of the parish of the Exaltation of the Holy and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord in Siniloan, made a missionary trip to Bicol (southern Luzon) to provide spiritual guidance to Orthodox families living in various parts of the region. Father Philemon performed several baptisms, Divine Liturgies, one wedding, and a funeral service.
Bicol is approximately 12 hours’ drive from Manila, and the Orthodox Christians—mostly Serbs and other Slavs—who live there rarely have the opportunity to attend services at the functioning parishes of Luzon, so this pastoral visit was a great spiritual joy for them. More than 50 people attended the Divine Liturgy.
