The Visit of Archbishop Theophan of Korea to Pyongyang had Concluded

DECR Communication Service, 26.06.2024.

From June 17 to 26, 2024, Archbishop Theophan of Korea made an archpastoral visit to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. For the first time since the restrictions related to the spread of the coronavirus infection, the archpastor was able to visit Pyongyang and conduct services in the only Orthodox church in the DPRK.

On June 17, Archbishop Theophan arrived in the capital of the DPRK, Pyongyang. At the airport, the ruling bishop of the Korean diocese was met by Deacon Pavel Pak of the Holy Trinity Church in Pyongyang and staff of the Russian Embassy in the DPRK.

On June 19, during the state visit of the President of the Russian Federation V.V. Putin to the DPRK, the head of the Russian state visited the Holy Trinity Church in Pyongyang. President Putin was greeted in the church by Archbishop Theophan, Chairman of the Orthodox Committee of the DPRK Viktor Yu, and clergy of the Holy Trinity Church. The diocesan administrator told the distinguished guest about the history of the Russian spiritual mission in Korea, as well as the stages of construction of the Orthodox church in Pyongyang. As a gift to the church, the President of Russia presented an icon of the Holy Trinity.

On June 22, on the occasion of Trinity Parental Saturday, Archbishop Theophan of Korea conducted a memorial service at the cemetery of Soviet soldiers in the Sadong district of the capital. He was assisted by the rector of the Holy Trinity Church in Pyongyang, Priest Vladimir Chan, and Deacons Pavel Pak and Georgy Yun. Diplomats and staff of the Russian Embassy in the DPRK, led by the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the DPRK A.I. Matsegora, participated in the memorial event. They honored the memory of the Soviet soldiers who fought for the liberation of Korea and those who died in the early years of the Republic's formation, contributing invaluable efforts to the country's economic recovery.

On June 23, Archbishop Theophan of Korea celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Holy Trinity Church in the capital of the DPRK, Pyongyang. The archpastor was assisted by the rector of the Holy Trinity Church in Pyongyang, Priest Vladimir Chan, and Deacons Pavel Pak and Georgy Yun.

Ambassador A.I. Matsegora, along with numerous diplomats and staff of the Russian Embassy in the DPRK, attended the festive service.

On June 24, the Day of the Holy Spirit, Archbishop Theophan, assisted by the clergy of the church, celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Holy Trinity Church. After the service, he had a working meeting with Viktor Yu, Chairman of the Orthodox Committee of the DPRK. During the meeting, current issues of parish life were discussed.

On June 26, the archpastor concluded his stay in the DPRK. At the Pyongyang airport, the administrator of the Korean diocese was seen off by the Russian Ambassador to the DPRK A.I. Matsegora, Chairman of the Orthodox Committee of the DPRK Viktor Yu, clergy of the Holy Trinity Church, and staff of the Russian Embassy in Korea.

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The Visit of Archbishop Theophan of Korea to Pyongyang had Concluded

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