On November 23, 2025, the 24th Sunday after Pentecost, the Great Consecration of the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God “Quick to Hearken” and the first Divine Liturgy in the newly consecrated church took place on Panglao Island (Philippines).

The service was led by Metropolitan Sergius of Singapore and Southeast Asia, Patriarchal Exarch for Southeast Asia.

His Eminence was co-served by Metropolitan Paul of Manila and Hanoi, Archbishop Theofan of Korea, Bishop Pitirim of Jakarta, Vicar of the Singapore Diocese, Secretaries of the Exarchate and Dioceses, the rector of the church, Hieromonk Alexei (Lapshin), and clergy of the Philippine-Vietnamese Diocese.

The service was attended by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Philippines M.I. Pavlov, representatives of the Bohol provincial government, employees of the Russian embassy, and Honorary Consul of Russia in Cebu Armie Garcia.

Following the Liturgy, Metropolitan Sergius congratulated the clergy and faithful on the consecration of the church, noting the significance of the event for the development of the Orthodox mission in the Philippines. In his response, Metropolitan Paul expressed gratitude to the clergy, parishioners, and benefactors who worked on the church’s construction.

Press Service of the Korean Diocese
based on materials from the Press Service of the Diocese of the Philippines and Vietnam