The First Liturgy Was Celebrated in the Church of the Apostle Thomas under Construction on the Island of Mindanao

DECR Communication service, 01.04.2026.

On March 29, the Fifth Sunday of Great Lent, commemorating St. Mary of Egypt, the first Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the Church of the Apostle Thomas, which is under construction in the village of Kinabalan on the island of Mindanao (Philippines).

The service was celebrated by the rector of the parish, Priest Stefan Bingkal. The Liturgy was served in the Cebuano language, reports the Telegram channel of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Southeast Asia.

At the conclusion of the service, Father Stefan delivered a sermon, congratulating the faithful on the beginning of liturgical life in the new church.

After the Liturgy, the parishioners, following Sunday tradition, shared a common meal.

Construction of the stone church, whose design was developed taking into account high seismic activity and humidity, began in 2021. Throughout this time, services were held in a temporary church. Now the names of all benefactors are commemorated with gratitude in the new church.

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The First Liturgy Was Celebrated in the Church of the Apostle Thomas under Construction on the Island of Mindanao

Patriarch

Department Chairman

Sermons

Patriarch

Department Chairman

Sermons