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02 March 2011

Schedule of services for the first week of Lent in the Orthodox Church in Thailand.

Chapel of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, Bangkok

Priest Daniel Wanna serves the first week of Lent

All Saints Church in Pattaya (Chonburi province)

Archpriest Andrei Pushkarev (Diocese of Severodonetsk of the Russian Orthodox Church) will serve the first week of Lent.

Holy Dormition Monastery in Ratchaburi province

Archimandrite Oleg (Cherepanin) Representative of the Russian Orthodox Church in Thailand will serve

28 February 2011

A three-dimensional computer model of the Orthodox church on Samui.

In accordance with the decision of the Foundation Committee of the Orthodox Church in Thailand to build Holy Ascension Church on Samui (Suratthani province), a three-dimensional computer model of the temple complex was ordered. Committee members were presented with more than ten kinds of three-dimensional images of the temple, as well as a video lasting 30 seconds. Construction is scheduled for the end of March 2011. Receiving the formal permission for the construction will be the responsibility of the construction company.

In the photo: A three-dimensional computer model of the Holy Ascension Church complex on Samui.

12 February 2011

The consecration ceremony and civil opening of the Holy Dormition Monastery in Ratchaburi province.

In the province of Ratchaburi the Orthodox Holy Dormition Monastery was consecrated and the civil opening was performed. As expected, the Great Blessing be completed in November 2011 by the vicar of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia archbishop of Egorievsk Mark, head of the Moscow Patriarchate Department for foreign institutions of the Russian Orthodox Church, during his archpastoral trip to Kingdom of Thailand.

In the photo: General view of the Holy Dormition Monastery in Ratchaburi.	In the photo: Dormition church and the chapel of the Iver icon of Mother of God

Reference: Construction of the Orthodox Monastery of the Holy Dormition under the Moscow Patriarchate began in November 2009, when the Foundation of the Orthodox Church in Thailand purchased a plot of land of about 9000 square meters to build a temple in honor of the Dormition of the Mother of God and Orthodox cemetery. Later, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia supported the proposal of the Representative of the Russian Orthodox Church in Thailand archimandrite Oleg (Cherepanin) to amend construction plans and arrange instead building the monastery. All construction work was done by private donations of Orthodox believers. To date, the monastery complex is an area surrounded by a brick wall around the perimeter within which is the fully finished temple in honor of the Holy Dormition of the Mother of God, the chapel in honor of the Iberian Mother of God, the abbot's quarters, monastic cells, other outbuildings and a garden. In the future construction of a catechism school and monastic bell tower is planned. Beside the monastery is Orthodox cemetery. At the entrance to the monastery are specially constructed gates. Already citizens of Russia, Romania, Thailand and Laos have expressed the desire to struggle in the monastery. In accordance with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, a list of candidates will be submitted to the Office of foreign institutions of the Russian Orthodox Church.

In the photo: Pilgrims at the monastery gate.

The consecration of the temple and monastery was led by the Representative of the Russian Orthodox Church in Thailand archimandrite Oleg (Cherepanin). Also in attendance at Liturgy was: the priest-in-charge of All Saints Church in Pattaya, Chairman of the Foundation of the Orthodox Church in Thailand fr. Daniel Wanna; rector of Ss. Peter and Paul Church in Hong Kong Fr. Dionysius Pozdnyaev, the priest of the North Donetsk Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate archpriest Andrei Pushkarev; hierodeacon Seraphim (Raicea), clergymen of the Orthodox Church in Thailand along with many pilgrims.

In the photo: Interior of the Dormition Church.	In the photo: The first Divine Liturgy in the monastery church of the Dormition.

Public authorities of Thailand in attendance were: the Secretary of the Parliamentary Committee of Defence of Thailand, Lieutenant General Akachai Chintosa and his wife, members of the Government of the Ratchaburi province, and the head of the village and the district administration. The opening ceremony was also observed by representatives of the Protestant and Catholic communities in the country, local, regional and national mass media in Thailand and Russia. The delegation from the Embassy of the Russian Federation, included the Counselor of the Embassy of the Russian Federation headed by A. Lyukshin who joined the celebration of the consecration and opening of the Holy Dormition Monastery.

The night before, Fr. Dionysius Pozdnyaev, in accordance with the charter of the Church, officiated Vigil with the Royal Doors closed. Early in the morning, after the sanctification of waters and the reading the canon to the Dormition of the Mother of God, the throne, altar and the temple walls were sprinkled with holy water.

At 8.00 am Orthodox believers from the Church of All Saints in Pattaya arrived at the Holy Dormition Monastery accompanied by the miracle-working icon of St. Nicholas, archbishop of Myra in Lycia, the premier holy object in the Kingdom. Fr. Daniel Wanna and M.I. Chepel carried the icon. At the holy gates of the monastery a procession met the icon which proceeded along the perimeter of the monastery. The clergy sprinkled holy water on the walls of the monastery, the monastery buildings and the cemetery. At the dedication of the cemetery "Eternal Memory" was sung for all Orthodox Christians throughout the world and in every century.

After the procession, the first Divine Liturgy in the church was celebrated, at which many pilgrims received Holy Gifts.

In accordance with the Constitution, H.M. The King of Thailand Bhumibol Addulyadej (Rama IX the Great), as a Buddhist by religion, is also the supreme patron of all religions in the Kingdom. As testimony of the high patronage, the Russian Patriarchal flag flew together with the yellow flag of His Majesty atop the monastery walls.

In the afternoon there was a civil ceremony for the opening of the monastery. The church came together to feast with Thai officials, the diplomatic corps and the local community. To the singing of the Orthodox hymn "Glorious our Lord in Zion" arrived the representative of His Majesty the King at the celebrations - the Secretary of the Parliamentary Committee for Defence of Thailand Lieutenant General Akachai Chintosa, with his wife, Mrs. Narisa, to whom the children of parishioners presented a bouquet of flowers.

In the photo by: OOfficial guests at the civil ceremony of the monastery.

At the entrance to the temple, the guests were welcomed by the representative of the Russian Orthodox Church in Thailand archimandrite Oleg (Cherepanin). In accordance with etiquette, the church displayed a portrait of His Majesty the King of Thailand and prepared a place for the guests.

The Chairman of the Foundation of the Orthodox Church in Thailand, priest Daniel Wanna officated the ceremony. The ceremony began with the royal anthem, then the ceremony’s representative of the King Lieutenant General Akachai Chintosa lit a candle, as a sign that the monastery was approved by the grace of H.M. King and taken under his high patronage. By tradition, fr. Daniel presented to His Excellency an explanation of the establishment of the monastery and its future development plans. After completing the speech fr. Daniel offered the floor to the representative of the Orthodox Church in Thailand archimandrite Oleg (Cherepanin).

In the photo: Ceremony of the formal civil founding of the monastery, representative of the King of Thailand, Secretary of the Parliamentary Committee of Defense, Lieutenant General Akachai Chintosa

Archimandrite Oleg (Cherepanin) welcomed the participants on behalf of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia and expressed his great satisfaction with the development of Orthodox life in the Kingdom. Father thanked H.M. The King of Thailand and the government for the friendly relations to the Orthodox Church. He urged his flock to try to learn the traditions and culture of Thailand, Thai tolerance and goodwill. In conclusion, archimandrite Oleg (Cherepanin) presented Lieutenant General Akachai Chintosa a gift from His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, which was received with the vote of thanks.

In the photo: The Representative of the Russian Orthodox Church in Thailand archimandrite Oleg (Cherepanin) presents Lieutenant General Akachai Chintosa a gift from His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia.

Counselor of the Russian Embassy in Thailand A. Lyukshin spoke of the importance to the Embassy of the founding of an Orthodox monastery in Thailand. He mentioned the historically friendly relations between Thailand and Russia, thanked the Royal House, the Government, the province and archimandrite Oleg for their efforts in building up another center of Orthodox spirituality in Thailand.

In the photo: Statement of the Russian Counselor A. Lukshin

The head of the district administration, which the monastery is located, spoke to the gathering and expressed his satisfaction at the opening of the Orthodox Holy Dormition Monastery. He spoke about the traditions of religious tolerance inherent among Thais.

In the photo: Statement by the head of the district where the Holy Dormition Monastery is located.

Further Lieutenant General Akachai Chintosa noted the tradition of religious tolerance in the country, in particular, he said: « The history of Orthodoxy in Thailand cannot be separated from the Russian Orthodox Church ... And we can now recognize the sensitivity and respect for religious and cultural traditions of Thailand, which is evident in the work of the Orthodox priests.»

In the photo: Statement by the Secretary of the Parliamentary Committee on Defence Lieutenant General Akachai Chintosa.

Lieutenant General Akachai Chintosa gave archimandrite Oleg, whom he called a "great friend of Thailand", a specially made award - diamond pectoral cross, in recognition of his service to the Thai people. Much attention was given by the Royal representative to the social activities of the Orthodox Church in Thailand.

In the photo: Lieutenant General Akachai Chintosa holds the special award - a diamond pectoral cross as a recognition of archimandrite Oleg’s service to the Thai people.	In the photo: Diamond pectoral cross.

With the civil ceremony of founding finished, the Foundation of the Orthodox Church in Thailand donated needed sports equipment to three schools in the district. The singing of hymns ended the ceremony.

In the photo: Charitable donation (sports equipment) to three schools in the district where the monastery is located. Left - the secretary of the Foundation of the Orthodox Church in Thailand Kvamchay (Nikolai) Manichat.

In memory of the opening of the Holy Dormition Monastery a picture of all present was taken.

In the photo: Participants of the civil ceremony of the Holy Dormition Monastery in Ratchaburi.

The Foundation Committee of the Orthodox Church in Thailand organized a dinner party for the pilgrims, worshipers and members of the Thai authority attending the celebration.

According to archimandrite Oleg, the future has the difficult task of creating a spiritual life in the monastery.

08 February 2011

Course of construction work on Holy Trinity Church on Phuket.

Construction work continues on the largest Orthodox Church in Thailand, the Holy Life-Giving Trinity Church on Phuket. Currently being installed are the decorative elements of the temple’s facade and gilded church domes. The dome of Holy Trinity Church is 6 m in diameter with a height of 6 m to the Cross. One attempt to make the dome of component parts failed and was rejected by the Technical Commission of the parish, which oversees the work. Therefore, the subcontracting organization had its own funds to produce a solid dome at the construction site. It is expected that the completion of gilding work, crosses and raising the dome of the temple will happen within 20 days, after which the construction team will proceed to interior decorating.

In the photo: General view of Trinity Church under construction as of 02/08/2011
In the photo: Gilding the dome of Holy Trinity Church on Phuket

07 February 2011

Sanctification of Holy Dormition Orthodox monastery in Ratchaburi province.

ATTENTION TO ALL ORTHODOX BELIEVERS IN THAILAND!

ANNOUNCEMENT

ON SATURDAY, 12TH FEBRUARY 2011, THERE WILL BE SANCTIFICATION OF HOLY DORMITION ORTHODOX MONASTERY IN RATCHABURI PROVINCE. AFTER THE SERVICE OF SANCTIFICATION THERE WILL BE DIVINE LITURGY SERVED AND AN OPENING CEREMONY OF THE MONASTERY BY THAI CIVIL AUTHORITIES WILL BE CONDUCTED.

THOSE WHO WISH TO VISIT THE SERVICE IN RATCHABURI THAT DAY, SHOULD NOTIFY IN ADVANCE THE DEAN OF ST. NICHOLAS CHAPEL OR HIS ASSISTANT AND ACQUIRE AN INVITATION LETTER. AN INVITATION ALLOWS TRANSPORTATION BY THE BUS AND HAVING LUNCH AT LOCAL RESTAURANT.

THE FOLLOWING TRANSPORTATION WILL BE PROVIDED:

• FROM ALL-SAINTS CHURCH IN PATTAYA, ON 12TH FEBRUARY 2011, SATURDAY, AT 5.00 A.M.
• FROM ST. NICHOLAS CHURCH IN BANGKOK, ON 12TH FEBRUARY 2011, SATURDAY, AT 6.00 A.M.

PILGRIMS, WHO DO NOT HAVE AN INVITATION WILL NOT BE ABLE TO USE THE BUS, BECAUSE ALL PLACES MIGHT BE OCCUPIED. THOSE WHO WHISH TO DRIVE TO THE MONASTERY BY THEMSELVES, MAY USE THE ATTACHED MAP. IN THAT CASE THEY NEED TO TAKE CARE OF THEIR MEALS BY THEMSELVES AS WELL.

CONTACT TEL.: 081-732-50-21

Location map of the monastery (zoomed-in, for printing ):

THE COMMITTEE OF CHRISTIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH IN THAILAND FOUNDATION

24.01.2010

04 February 2011

Emergency assistance plan developed for compatriots in trouble.

The Representative of the Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) in Thailand archimandrite Oleg (Cherepanin) and Deputy Honorary Consul in the provinces of Chonburi and Rayong Victor Kriventsov discussed the principles of emergency care for our compatriots who are in trouble in Thailand. Discussion took place in the light of a tragedy that occurred in Pattaya. The young girl Victoria Tatarintseva was in a car accident and is currently in a coma. All financial assistance to Victoria has been resolved, but the case highlights the general principles of cooperation in charity situations.

By the Representative of the Church, it was proposed:

1. In the case of an emergency and an appeal to the Orthodox Church in Thailand (MP) for help, the Church asks for confirmation from the Honorary Consulate of the facts, as well as the identity of the victims and their contact information.
2. Then the Church checks the insurance coverage of the incident case. In order to help raise funds or make announcements, insurance coverage should be obviously insufficient.
3. Then checks what steps the employer company (if the injured person worked) is taking to help the person. The Orthodox Church in Thailand cannot insist on help from the company, but in the event of failure of such help, the Church is his own opinion about the moral principles of the company, which is brought to the flock, and those who like to view the Church opinion.
4. followed by clarifying of the material status of the victim and his family.

Under appropriate conditions, the Orthodox Church in Thailand can begin collecting funds or allocate available funds.

A major issue is always determining the amount needed to help. This can be clarified by the following outline:

• Upon the appropriate decision, the Foundation of the Orthodox Church in Thailand can guarantee payment of medical bills of the injured person to the hospital.
• The hospital, recognizing the victim’s expenses will be paid, can begin their systematic treatment. The Church then begins the collection of funds.
• The expenses are calculated and recorded, and the collection and expenditure can be shown on the official website of the Orthodox Church in Thailand for the public.

The opinion of the Honorary Consulate of Russia in Pattaya was expressed in a letter from the Deputy Honorary Consul V. Kriventsov, which coincided with the opinion of the Representative of the Russian Orthodox Church in Thailand.

As commented archimandrite Oleg (Cherepanin): «The agreement will assist in emergency situations to provide help more quickly and avoid fraud and deception».

01 February 2011

Day of the enthronement of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia.

On the occasion of the enthronement of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, the Orthodox churches in Thailand offered prayers for the prosperity of Primate of the Russian Church. The Orthodox flock, united in the Kingdom of Thailand under His Holiness’ omophorion pray God grant many good years its patriarch, God's help in his difficult, apostolic work and strength carrying the cross. Many warmly remembered the visit of His Holiness to the Kingdom of Thailand in 2001, when he was Metropolitan of Smolensk and Kaliningrad, the DECR chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate. In their speeches in this day to flock, the priests of the Orthodox Church in Thailand stressed the care of the Primate of Orthodoxy in Thailand and beyond the borders of the Fatherland. Having led the DECR Moscow Patriarchate for years, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, as no one else, knows the hardships of the priestly ministry overseas, away from their shrines. Deep gratitude goes to His Holiness for his selfless work and pastoral love for his flock.

Many good years to His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia!

27 January 2011

Blessing of the monastery gate.

In anticipation of the opening and consecration of the Holy Dormition Monastery, scheduled for February 12, 2011, the Representative of the Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) in Thailand, archimandrite Oleg ( Cherepanin) visited the monastery in Ratchaburi province. He was accompanied by students from the local population. Fr. Oleg was acquainted with the preparation for the celebration of the monastery, blessing four domes with cross to be raised over the gates of the monastery and chapel of the Iberian Mother of God, located in the monastery cemetery. The Representative of the Russian Orthodox Church in Thailand concluded that some work will not be carried out as scheduled. At present the landscaping has finished and gardening has begun at the Holy Dormition Monastery. The future blessing and opening of the monastery was of great interest, both among the Orthodox believers in the Kingdom, as well as among the local Buddhist population.

In the photo: Blessing the gates and domes of the monastery in Ratchaburi.

25 January 2011

Memorial service for the victims of the terrorist act in the airport «Domodedovo».

January 25, 2011 the Representative of the Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) in Thailand, archimandrite Oleg (Cherepanin) served a memorial service at All Saints Church in Pattaya (Chonburi province), remembering the victims of the terrorist attack at the «Domodedovo» Moscow airport where 35 people were killed and more than 180 people injured.

During the memorial service, archimandrite Oleg, in particular, said: «It is bitter that in times of peace this harm can happen. Human life, the great gift of God, is so devalued that doubtlessly is sacrificed to political ambitions, the disadvantaged vanity and just high emotions. Their own lives having been destroyed, they destroy the lives of innocent people. Obviously behind this criminal madness are well-financed, powerful forces which indoctrinate and psychologically subjugate the so-called suicide bombers. Communication with words of exhortation, calling for reconciliation with such people is simply useless. Today, as never before, the public authorities of Russia are responsible for the people. How long will it be like this? What tools or authority have the power necessary to protect the people from this type of violence? Not once, not twice, we heard that for such tragedies every effort to prevent them will be made. It takes some time, and our tranquility, relaxation allow terrorists to take back the dirty deed. Once again, rushing to the sky funeral mourning those who lost their dear loved ones. Power, in the words of the apostle Paul, should not bear the sword in vain. One consoles the despair and hopeless grief which live in the heart - trust in God, for whom "they are alive", in the hope of eternal life, "where there is no sickness, no sighing." Eternal rest to you, our dearly commemorated brethren, God give rest you in His heavenly abode. Yes, the Judgment will deliver the righteous from the tormentors and from their own grief, suffering and untimely death. Eternal memory for all murdered by the terrorist act at the «Domodedovo» airport January 24. Lord, heal the wounds of those in hospitals and clinics, and soften the grief of the survivors».

The memorial service at All Saints Church in Pattaya was attended by a Representative of the Russian Embassy in Thailand - the first secretary of the Russian Embassy, V.A. Voronin and his wife.

21 January 2011

Epiphany Services (Baptism of the Lord).

The Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) in Thailand held holiday services for Holy Epiphany. On the eve of Epiphany and the feast day, following the Divine Liturgy the rite of the Great Blessing of Water was performed.

All Saints Church in Pattaya was especially crowded with many of our countrymen vacationing. Replying to numerous requests of believers an extra great blessing of the water was performed at midnight from 18 to 19 January. After that, the believers, because of lack of "Jordan ice hole" in Thailand, poured holy water straight from the bucket near the temple. From early morning on January 18 to January 20 the temple in Pattaya was open. Many believers came to light candles, pray and take holy water. The festal Liturgy was filled with worshipers for the day of Epiphany. Among the worshipers at the Church on that day were the popular singers Alexander Yagya and Roman Zhukov, along with their families. After the Divine Liturgy, archimandrite Oleg (Cherepanin) baptized Sofia, the youngest daughter of Roman Zhukov.

With the assistance of parishioners Natalia and Alexander Bykov, executive at "Oasis World" a yacht was rented on which the church clergy, choir and worshipers performed the rite of great Blessing of water, while anchored in the Gulf of Thailand, located off the coast of Pattaya. For the first time the deep waters of the Gulf of Thailand received the Orthodox cross. After the blessing of the water many dove into the open sea to swim in the consecrated water.

The same evening, the restaurant hosts from "Eurasia", Tatiana and Igor Kim arranged a gala dinner during which they donated a set of Eucharistic vessels to All Saints Church in Pattaya. For all present, popular singers Alexander Yagya and Roman Zhukov sang their most famous songs. At the end of the evening archimandrite Oleg (Cherepanin), the Representative of the Russian Orthodox Church in Thailand congratulated all present on the occasion of the Epiphany. Father thanked Tatiana and Igor Kim for the gift to the Church and for their constant care for the needs of the parish. The evening ended with the singing of festal troparion and kontakion, as well as many years for all present.