First Russian Orthodox church is consecrated in Philippines

On 22 February 2020, Metropolitan Pavel of Manila and Hanoi, administrator of the Diocese of the Philippines and Vietnam performed the Office of the Great Blessing of the church of St. Seraphim of Sarov in Makalangot on the island of Mindanao, the Republic of the Philippines, and celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the newly consecrated church. After the service Metropolitan Pavel addressed those gathered. He wholeheartedly greeted them on the remarkable day, thanked them for prayers and participation in the construction of the church. He called the consecration an event for the entire Orthodoxy, for the true Orthodox Church.

Metropolitan Pavel presented the church with an icon of the Resurrection of Christ brought from Russia.

That same day a diocesan meeting of the clerics and laymen of the diocese took place at the church of St. Seraphim of Sarov under the chairmanship of Metropolitan Pavel, who presented a report on the activity of the Diocese of the Philippines and Vietnam.

At present it consists of 33 parishes and 11 premises for prayer. There are 5 deaneries in the Diocese. During 2019, 125 baptisms were performed, including baptism of 13 infants; 18 marriages and 6 burial services. The Liturgy is celebrated in six parishes every week. The administrator visited the diocese in August and October, celebrated 5 Divine liturgies and 8 prayer services.