During the entire Nativity Fast, newly ordained deacons celebrate daily service at the parish of Blessed Matrona of Moscow in Davao (Philippines), a 40-day liturgical practice traditional for clergy who have just received holy orders. Deacons Dimitri Cahilig and Luka Tababa were ordained in November by Metropolitan Pavel of Manila and Hanoi during his archpastoral visit to the Philippines. On December 25, the feast of St. Spyridon of Trimythous, Hieromonk John (Gondayao) celebrated the Divine Liturgy with the new deacons. In the evening, on the eve of the day of remembrance of the martyrs Eustratius, Auxentius, Eugenius, Mardarius and Orestes, the polyeleos service was performed by the secretary of the diocese, Hieromonk Cornelius (Molev). Thus, during the daily services in the training center in the morning and evening, new clergy are trained, as well as our students who help as altar boys, readers and singers.
