On February 12, Secretary of the Diocese, Hieromonk Korniliy (Molev), visited the construction site of the Prophet Elijah Church in the village of Magala on Mindanao Island, Philippines. The old bamboo hut where the Orthodox community previously gathered had fallen into disrepair, and a new church is now being built. Hieromonk Korniliy inspected the construction site and spoke with parishioners who are awaiting the completion of the work.

According to the Telegram channel of the Philippine-Vietnam Diocese, the project involves a quickly constructed building suitable for remote rural parishes. Metal columns have already been installed and painted, and the next step will be pouring the foundation.

The church is located at the foot of Mount Matutum, near pineapple fields. Matutum (2,286 meters) is a dormant stratovolcano and the second-highest peak in Mindanao. Its slopes are covered with dense forests, and in its 320-meter wide crater, there are hot springs.

Father Cornelius in the village of Magulo at the foot of the Matutum volcano. Photo: t.me/phvieparchy