On the Feast of Theophany, New Converts Baptized in the Pacific Ocean in the Philippines  

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On the Feast of Theophany, New Converts Baptized in the Pacific Ocean in the Philippines  

After the Divine Liturgy, led by Hieromonk Cornelius (Molev), secretary of the Philippine-Vietnamese Diocese, the clergy and parishioners went to the shore where the Great Blessing of the Waters was performed. On this festive day, four local residents were baptized. The celebration concluded with traditional Theophany swims.  

The parish of Blessed Matrona of Moscow is actively engaged in missionary work. In December 2024, Father Cornelius conducted the rite of catechism for 12 people. Unlike in Russia, where catechism is often combined with baptism, preparation in the Philippines takes longer. This is due to the unfamiliarity of locals with Orthodox faith and traditions, often requiring up to six months of catechism.  

The priest noted that the catechumens included adults and children, including three families. Some were introduced to Orthodoxy through another catechumen who enthusiastically shared his knowledge of the faith.  

Since 2017, the parish of Blessed Matrona of Moscow in Davao has hosted a missionary center of the Russian Orthodox Church supporting parishes on the island of Mindanao. The center is involved in translating liturgical texts and Scriptures into local languages and assists Filipinos wishing to study in Russia. In 2024, construction of a new missionary center building began after city authorities allocated land for it.

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