Father SilouanOn Feb. 12, at the church of the Nativity of the Theotokos in Arakan, Cotabato, Metropolitan Pavel ordained Reader Raphael Fragillo to the diaconate, and ordained Deacon Matthew Sale to the priesthood. Also at this Lirurgy, in recognition for his diligent service, Father Moses Cahilig, rector of the church, was awarded the right to wear the nabedrennik.
After the Divine Liturgy, a diocesan meeting of the clergy of the Philippine-Vietnamese Diocese was held. Metropolitan Pavel made a report summarizing the work of the diocese over the past 3 years.
There are now 34 parishes in the diocese. During his current visit Vladyka performed six ordinations of clergy, and two more are planned.
Metropolitan Pavel expressed his desire that Filipino priests could visit Russia, see churches and monasteries, and, if possible, meet with the Patriarch. His Eminence reminded all of his intention to erect a large temple in the Philippines and a theological school. A meeting with the Mayor of Davao City about the allocation of land was held. A meeting is also planned with the Mayor of Manila, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines and the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Philippines on the construction of our large Orthodox center in Manila.
Metropolitan Pavel plans his next visit as part of a large delegation to Vietnam in June 2023, and if it takes place, he will come to the Philippines as well.
The configuration of the deaneries in Mindanao was revised and establishing of a parish in honor of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in Dipolog was approved. Vladyka blessed the creation of a new parish in honor of St. George the Victorious in Balilai. Decisions were made on the formation of the diocesan Departments for Prison Service and for the Youth.
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