Mindanao, the Philippines
Thomas, the faithful servant and disciple of Christ, filled with divine grace, cried out from the depth of his love: You are my Lord and my God!
The Saint Thomas Mission is a thriving Orthodox community of 140 former Old Catholics who entered the Church in 2008 through Antioch and, after obtaining canonical release, were later received by ROCOR with the blessing of Metropolitan Hilarion. They, and their pastor, whom they refer to as Father from habit and affection (and therefore so do their brothers and sisters in Christ in England), own their own church building which they use for regular Sunday services and meetings throughout the week. The faithfulness of these people worshipping together and raising their children in the Faith without a priest of their own is an inspiring witness. They are all Chrismated Orthodox and have for the past year received occasional visits from Orthodox clergy. The mission is in the middle of an area where the moslem Abbu Sayyef terrorists operate and no Priest serving this mission visiting from Australia will be named or have his schedule known.
Advice on travel and terrorism in the Philippines from the Australian government
“We strongly advise you not to travel to Mindanao, including mainland Mindanao, the Zamboanga Peninsula and the Sulu Archipelago, due to the very high threat of terrorist attack, including kidnapping, and related counter-terrorism operations. Armed clashes between Philippine security forces and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front could occur without warning, including in central Mindanao”.
St Thomas' traditionally built church.
Some of the faithful of St Thomas’ Mission who came as a family to the fullness of Christ in Holy Orthodoxy.
Interior of the church.
As you can see there are many children and young people, please pray particularly for them that they continue to be blessed to grow up in the Orthodox Church.
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Saint Anastasia Orthodox Mission
Mimndanao, the Philippines
This formerly Old Catholic mission is without its own pastor, with only some lay leaders and occasional visits from Orthodox clergy. About eighty people, it incorporated as a ROCOR mission and is searching for a property to use for worship.
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Jeptah Aguas Aniceto and Chrysostom Canezal
We realise that the activities of these two have caused legitimate concern and remind you that they have been formally excluded from involvement in the Philippines Missions by the Metropolitan at Fr Michael’s request. The formal document of exclusion has been circulated in the Philippines, the original is held in Saint Petroc Monastery.