http://orthodoxwiki.org/api.php?action=feedcontributions&user=Dmitri&feedformat=atomOrthodoxWiki - User contributions [en]2013-06-19T17:12:31ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.18.0http://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodoxy_in_the_PhilippinesOrthodoxy in the Philippines2007-10-01T03:05:42Z<p>Dmitri: /* External links */</p>
<hr />
<div>This article seeks to be a clearinghouse of information and links regarding the history and state of '''[[Orthodox Christianity]] in the Philippines'''.<br />
<br />
The current Orthodox presence in the Philippines is minimal. However, early in the 20th century a small Russian parish, exclusively for Russian nationals, once existed in Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. The presence of this Russian parish ceased to exist after the Second World War. Another Orthodox parish under the [[jurisdiction]] of the [[Ecumenical Patriarchate]] was founded in Manila during the early 1990s.<br />
<br />
== Beginnings of Christianity in the Philippines ==<br />
[[Image:Magellan's_Cross.jpg|left|thumb|Replica of Magellan's cross planted in Cebu in 1521]]Christianity was first introduced to the Philippines in the 16th century by Spain, when the Philippines became its colony. Until the Philippine Revolution of 1896, it was illegal for any non-[[Roman Catholic]] church to establish itself in the Philippines. The Archbishop of Manila served as both representative of the Spanish Inquisition and, during the absence of the governor-general, the Spanish Crown. <br />
<br />
After fighting a bloody revolution against Spain, the Philippines then fought another war for its independence against the United States. However, the Philippines was annexed by the United States in 1898 and remained a colony until 1946. Religious tolerance was then instituted. The new American governor-generals then encouraged the spread of the [[Anglican Communion|Episcopal Church]] through government donations of land.<br />
<br />
== Arrival of Orthodoxy ==<br />
===1800s - Antiochian Orthodox Christians===<br />
It appears that the first Orthodox Christians on the islands were Syrian and Lebanese merchants and sailors, who arrived in Manila after it was opened to outside trade. The first recorded Orthodox Christians in the Philippines were Syrian and Lebanese sailors in 1802 according to the Syrian Consulate in Manila. Many of the Lebanese sailors married and their families still reside in the Philippines and have become Filipino citizens, including the owners of a famous pizza parlor in Manila. The oldest living Orthodox Christian in the Philippines, a Lebanese by the last name of Assad, was born around 1904. <br />
<br />
===1930s - Russian Orthodox Christians===<br />
[[Image:John Maximovitch Tubabao.jpg|right|thumb|Abp. John Maximovitch in Tubabao]]An influx of Russian emigrees fleeing the Soviet regime occured during the American colonial regime. In 1935, a Russian [[parish]] was established in Manila, and the [[Patriarch]] of Moscow and All Russia appointed Father Mikhail Yerokhin as vicar. The Episcopal Church then permitted Fr. Mikhail to use the north transept of their cathedral for worship. In 1937, the first Orthodox church was built and was named after the Iberian [[Icon]] of the Mother of God. This also became the first Orthodox [[altar]] in the Philippines. Later, both the Episcopal Cathedral and the Russian Orthodox church in Manila were destroyed during the Second World War.<br />
<br />
In 1949, 5,500 Russian Orthodox from China, including then-[[Archbishop]] [[John Maximovitch]], were relocated to Tubabao in the south central Philippines by the International Refugee Organization and with the permission of the newly independent Republic of the Philippines. Abp. John Maximovitch then established a wooden church, orphanage, and other buildings in Tubabao exclusively for the Russian refugees. <br />
<br />
Tubabao, however, was (and still is) an underdeveloped island which is humid, prone to typhoons, and at times inaccessible due to the ocean conditions. When a Russian commented on their fear that a typhoon would destroy their camp to local Filipinos, they replied that there was nothing to worry about because “your holy man blesses your camp from four directions every night.” There were no typhoons or floods while Abp. John was there. <br />
<br />
Abp. John Maximovitch did not preach the Orthodox faith to the native inhabitants of the Philippine islands. No Filipino was baptized, chrismated, ordained or consecrated during his stay in the Philippines. Through the persistent lobbying of Abp. John to the U.S. Congress, the refugees were allowed to settle in the United States and Australia beginning in 1951.<br />
<br />
=== 1990s - Greek Orthodox Christians===<br />
Around the beginning of the twentieth century, Greek sailors settled in Legaspi city on the island of Luzon about a century ago. Descendants of these Greek Orthodox Christian sailors now number no more than 10 families, who have kept their Greek surnames and many of whom have become distinguished public figures and intellectuals in the Philippines, including serving as the Greek consulate in Manila. Though they do not speak Greek, they were largely responsible for the re-establishment of an Orthodox presence in the Philippines through their encouragement of Filipino converts and the Hellenic Orthodox Foundation.<br />
<br />
'''The Hellenic Orthodox Foundation'''<br />
<br />
[[Image:Manila_orthodox_cathedral.jpg|left|thumb|The Annunciation Orthodox Cathedral in Paranaque, Manila]]One of the first Greek Orthodox to arrive in the Philippines was Alexandros Athos Adamopoulos, who came to Legaspi city in 1928. Together with his brother and cousin he co-founded Adamson University in 1932. The university was and is noted for its curriculum directed towards the needs of the Philippines in the areas of science, chemical and industrial engineering. Adamson University, now owned by the Vincentian Fathers of the Roman Catholic Church, has attained recognition as one of the leading institutions for graduate education, law, arts, sciences, chemistry, computer education, engineering, commerce and architechture. The university has a student population of over 22,000. <br />
<br />
Alexandros Adamopoulos (Alexander A. Adamson) was appointed in 1942 by the Greek government to take charge of Greek interests in the Philippines. He was later promoted to the rank of Consul General of Greece. <br />
<br />
In 1989 Alexander Adamson saw the need to establish the first true Greek Orthodox church in the Philippines and thus established the Hellenic Orthodox Foundation Inc. Although he died in 1993 before the church was completed, the Orthodox Cathedral was finished in 1996 and is constructed in true Byzantine style, with all the interior furnishings imported from Greece, and is home to approximately 200 Orthodox in Metro Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. This cathedral was consecrated by the Ecumenical Patriarch on March 5, 2000. <br />
<br />
===1990s - First Filipino converts===<br />
On April 20, 1990, a Filipino [[hieromonk]], Fr. Vincentius Escarcha (a former Benedictine Abbot and a Roman Catholic priest for more than 20 years in Bajada, Cataingan, Masbate island), together with four nuns and faithful members of his community, were received into the Orthodox Church by Metropolitan [[Dionysios (Psiahas) of Proussa|Dionysios]] of the [[Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Zealand]] and assisted by [[Sotirios (Trambas) of Korea|Bishop Sotirios of Zelon]]. On January 19, 1994, Metropolitan Dionysius, assisted by Bishop Sotirios, received by [[Chrismation|Holy Chrismation]] several Filipino Christians in Manila.<br />
<br />
In 2004, the Theotokos Orthodox Church in Bajada, Masbate was consecrated by His Eminence Metropolitan [[Nikitas (Lulias) of Hong Kong|Nikitas]] of Hong Kong and South East Asia. At present, the nuns of the Theotokos Orthodox Monastery in Bajada run a kindergarten.<br />
<br />
==Orthodoxy in the Philippines today==<br />
Within the Ecumenical Patriarchate's [[Orthodox Metropolitanate of Hong Kong and Southeast Asia]], there are currently three Filipino Orthodox priests in the Philippines under the spiritual jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and are administratively under an ecclesiastical vicar from Greece. In these communities, the Divine Liturgy and other Orthodox worship services are said in English, Greek and Filipino.<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
Antioch and the Philippines<br />
<br />
In 1994, the first Filipino priest was ordained under Metropolitan Archbishop Antonio of Mexico along with two Filipino nuns. <br />
<br />
In 2007, Metropolitan Archbishop Paul Saliba, Primate of Australia and New Zealand, established the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Mission in the Philippines under the authority given to him by the Holy and Sacred Synod of Antioch. It currently has two mission areas in MetroManila and only missions under the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Mission in the Philippines are canonical. <br />
<br />
There are also some [[Independent Orthodox churches|independent groups]] in the Philippines that use the term ''Orthodox'' in their names but are not in communion with or are recognized by any canonical Orthodox church.<br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
<br />
*[http://www.ocp.uni.cc Affiliate in the Philippines - Orthodox Metropolitanate of Hong Kong and South East Asia]<br />
*[http://filorthodoxia.googlepages.com/church.htm History of the First Filipino Orthodox Community in the Philippines] by Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis<br />
*[http://www.orthodoxnews.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=WorldNews.one&content_id=7354&CFID=29993857&CFTOKEN=90155693 Ecumenical Patriarch Consecrates Annunciation Church in Manila]<br />
*[http://www.orthodox.cn/news/20000420philippines_en.htm Orthodox Patriarch Visits Fledgling Local Orthodox Church]<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/AUG03.pdf The Theotokos Orthodox Church & Monastery in Masbate] (Information in an issue of The Censer)<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/Phil_major_events.html Major Events of Orthodoxy in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/Phil_history.html A priest's description of Orthodox missionary work in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www.rocor.org.au/lives/stjohnsanfranciscoshanghai Life of St. John Maximovitch]<br />
*[http://www2.mfa.gr/www.mfa.gr/Articles/en-US/03042007_KL1949.htm The Greek Community in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www.hri.org/forum/life/adamson.html Greeks in the Philippines and their contributions to the Filipinos]<br />
*[http://www.stgeorgepantry.org/hogarrafael.html] Reception of Filipinos into Antioch<br />
*[http://www.geocities.com/orthodoxyphilippines/ Official Website of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Mission in the Philippines]. <br />
<br />
<br />
{{Parishes of South, East, and Southeast Asia}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Jurisdictions]]</div>Dmitrihttp://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodoxy_in_the_PhilippinesOrthodoxy in the Philippines2007-10-01T03:05:16Z<p>Dmitri: /* External links */</p>
<hr />
<div>This article seeks to be a clearinghouse of information and links regarding the history and state of '''[[Orthodox Christianity]] in the Philippines'''.<br />
<br />
The current Orthodox presence in the Philippines is minimal. However, early in the 20th century a small Russian parish, exclusively for Russian nationals, once existed in Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. The presence of this Russian parish ceased to exist after the Second World War. Another Orthodox parish under the [[jurisdiction]] of the [[Ecumenical Patriarchate]] was founded in Manila during the early 1990s.<br />
<br />
== Beginnings of Christianity in the Philippines ==<br />
[[Image:Magellan's_Cross.jpg|left|thumb|Replica of Magellan's cross planted in Cebu in 1521]]Christianity was first introduced to the Philippines in the 16th century by Spain, when the Philippines became its colony. Until the Philippine Revolution of 1896, it was illegal for any non-[[Roman Catholic]] church to establish itself in the Philippines. The Archbishop of Manila served as both representative of the Spanish Inquisition and, during the absence of the governor-general, the Spanish Crown. <br />
<br />
After fighting a bloody revolution against Spain, the Philippines then fought another war for its independence against the United States. However, the Philippines was annexed by the United States in 1898 and remained a colony until 1946. Religious tolerance was then instituted. The new American governor-generals then encouraged the spread of the [[Anglican Communion|Episcopal Church]] through government donations of land.<br />
<br />
== Arrival of Orthodoxy ==<br />
===1800s - Antiochian Orthodox Christians===<br />
It appears that the first Orthodox Christians on the islands were Syrian and Lebanese merchants and sailors, who arrived in Manila after it was opened to outside trade. The first recorded Orthodox Christians in the Philippines were Syrian and Lebanese sailors in 1802 according to the Syrian Consulate in Manila. Many of the Lebanese sailors married and their families still reside in the Philippines and have become Filipino citizens, including the owners of a famous pizza parlor in Manila. The oldest living Orthodox Christian in the Philippines, a Lebanese by the last name of Assad, was born around 1904. <br />
<br />
===1930s - Russian Orthodox Christians===<br />
[[Image:John Maximovitch Tubabao.jpg|right|thumb|Abp. John Maximovitch in Tubabao]]An influx of Russian emigrees fleeing the Soviet regime occured during the American colonial regime. In 1935, a Russian [[parish]] was established in Manila, and the [[Patriarch]] of Moscow and All Russia appointed Father Mikhail Yerokhin as vicar. The Episcopal Church then permitted Fr. Mikhail to use the north transept of their cathedral for worship. In 1937, the first Orthodox church was built and was named after the Iberian [[Icon]] of the Mother of God. This also became the first Orthodox [[altar]] in the Philippines. Later, both the Episcopal Cathedral and the Russian Orthodox church in Manila were destroyed during the Second World War.<br />
<br />
In 1949, 5,500 Russian Orthodox from China, including then-[[Archbishop]] [[John Maximovitch]], were relocated to Tubabao in the south central Philippines by the International Refugee Organization and with the permission of the newly independent Republic of the Philippines. Abp. John Maximovitch then established a wooden church, orphanage, and other buildings in Tubabao exclusively for the Russian refugees. <br />
<br />
Tubabao, however, was (and still is) an underdeveloped island which is humid, prone to typhoons, and at times inaccessible due to the ocean conditions. When a Russian commented on their fear that a typhoon would destroy their camp to local Filipinos, they replied that there was nothing to worry about because “your holy man blesses your camp from four directions every night.” There were no typhoons or floods while Abp. John was there. <br />
<br />
Abp. John Maximovitch did not preach the Orthodox faith to the native inhabitants of the Philippine islands. No Filipino was baptized, chrismated, ordained or consecrated during his stay in the Philippines. Through the persistent lobbying of Abp. John to the U.S. Congress, the refugees were allowed to settle in the United States and Australia beginning in 1951.<br />
<br />
=== 1990s - Greek Orthodox Christians===<br />
Around the beginning of the twentieth century, Greek sailors settled in Legaspi city on the island of Luzon about a century ago. Descendants of these Greek Orthodox Christian sailors now number no more than 10 families, who have kept their Greek surnames and many of whom have become distinguished public figures and intellectuals in the Philippines, including serving as the Greek consulate in Manila. Though they do not speak Greek, they were largely responsible for the re-establishment of an Orthodox presence in the Philippines through their encouragement of Filipino converts and the Hellenic Orthodox Foundation.<br />
<br />
'''The Hellenic Orthodox Foundation'''<br />
<br />
[[Image:Manila_orthodox_cathedral.jpg|left|thumb|The Annunciation Orthodox Cathedral in Paranaque, Manila]]One of the first Greek Orthodox to arrive in the Philippines was Alexandros Athos Adamopoulos, who came to Legaspi city in 1928. Together with his brother and cousin he co-founded Adamson University in 1932. The university was and is noted for its curriculum directed towards the needs of the Philippines in the areas of science, chemical and industrial engineering. Adamson University, now owned by the Vincentian Fathers of the Roman Catholic Church, has attained recognition as one of the leading institutions for graduate education, law, arts, sciences, chemistry, computer education, engineering, commerce and architechture. The university has a student population of over 22,000. <br />
<br />
Alexandros Adamopoulos (Alexander A. Adamson) was appointed in 1942 by the Greek government to take charge of Greek interests in the Philippines. He was later promoted to the rank of Consul General of Greece. <br />
<br />
In 1989 Alexander Adamson saw the need to establish the first true Greek Orthodox church in the Philippines and thus established the Hellenic Orthodox Foundation Inc. Although he died in 1993 before the church was completed, the Orthodox Cathedral was finished in 1996 and is constructed in true Byzantine style, with all the interior furnishings imported from Greece, and is home to approximately 200 Orthodox in Metro Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. This cathedral was consecrated by the Ecumenical Patriarch on March 5, 2000. <br />
<br />
===1990s - First Filipino converts===<br />
On April 20, 1990, a Filipino [[hieromonk]], Fr. Vincentius Escarcha (a former Benedictine Abbot and a Roman Catholic priest for more than 20 years in Bajada, Cataingan, Masbate island), together with four nuns and faithful members of his community, were received into the Orthodox Church by Metropolitan [[Dionysios (Psiahas) of Proussa|Dionysios]] of the [[Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Zealand]] and assisted by [[Sotirios (Trambas) of Korea|Bishop Sotirios of Zelon]]. On January 19, 1994, Metropolitan Dionysius, assisted by Bishop Sotirios, received by [[Chrismation|Holy Chrismation]] several Filipino Christians in Manila.<br />
<br />
In 2004, the Theotokos Orthodox Church in Bajada, Masbate was consecrated by His Eminence Metropolitan [[Nikitas (Lulias) of Hong Kong|Nikitas]] of Hong Kong and South East Asia. At present, the nuns of the Theotokos Orthodox Monastery in Bajada run a kindergarten.<br />
<br />
==Orthodoxy in the Philippines today==<br />
Within the Ecumenical Patriarchate's [[Orthodox Metropolitanate of Hong Kong and Southeast Asia]], there are currently three Filipino Orthodox priests in the Philippines under the spiritual jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and are administratively under an ecclesiastical vicar from Greece. In these communities, the Divine Liturgy and other Orthodox worship services are said in English, Greek and Filipino.<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
Antioch and the Philippines<br />
<br />
In 1994, the first Filipino priest was ordained under Metropolitan Archbishop Antonio of Mexico along with two Filipino nuns. <br />
<br />
In 2007, Metropolitan Archbishop Paul Saliba, Primate of Australia and New Zealand, established the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Mission in the Philippines under the authority given to him by the Holy and Sacred Synod of Antioch. It currently has two mission areas in MetroManila and only missions under the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Mission in the Philippines are canonical. <br />
<br />
There are also some [[Independent Orthodox churches|independent groups]] in the Philippines that use the term ''Orthodox'' in their names but are not in communion with or are recognized by any canonical Orthodox church.<br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
<br />
*[http://www.ocp.uni.cc Affiliate in the Philippines - Orthodox Metropolitanate of Hong Kong and South East Asia]<br />
*[http://filorthodoxia.googlepages.com/church.htm History of the First Filipino Orthodox Community in the Philippines] by Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis<br />
*[http://www.orthodoxnews.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=WorldNews.one&content_id=7354&CFID=29993857&CFTOKEN=90155693 Ecumenical Patriarch Consecrates Annunciation Church in Manila]<br />
*[http://www.orthodox.cn/news/20000420philippines_en.htm Orthodox Patriarch Visits Fledgling Local Orthodox Church]<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/AUG03.pdf The Theotokos Orthodox Church & Monastery in Masbate] (Information in an issue of The Censer)<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/Phil_major_events.html Major Events of Orthodoxy in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/Phil_history.html A priest's description of Orthodox missionary work in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www.rocor.org.au/lives/stjohnsanfranciscoshanghai Life of St. John Maximovitch]<br />
*[http://www2.mfa.gr/www.mfa.gr/Articles/en-US/03042007_KL1949.htm The Greek Community in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www.hri.org/forum/life/adamson.html Greeks in the Philippines and their contributions to the Filipinos]<br />
*[http://www.stgeorgepantry.org/hogarrafael.html]<br />
*[http://www.geocities.com/orthodoxyphilippines/ Official Website of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Mission in the Philippines]. <br />
<br />
<br />
{{Parishes of South, East, and Southeast Asia}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Jurisdictions]]</div>Dmitrihttp://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodoxy_in_the_PhilippinesOrthodoxy in the Philippines2007-10-01T03:04:26Z<p>Dmitri: /* Orthodoxy in the Philippines today */</p>
<hr />
<div>This article seeks to be a clearinghouse of information and links regarding the history and state of '''[[Orthodox Christianity]] in the Philippines'''.<br />
<br />
The current Orthodox presence in the Philippines is minimal. However, early in the 20th century a small Russian parish, exclusively for Russian nationals, once existed in Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. The presence of this Russian parish ceased to exist after the Second World War. Another Orthodox parish under the [[jurisdiction]] of the [[Ecumenical Patriarchate]] was founded in Manila during the early 1990s.<br />
<br />
== Beginnings of Christianity in the Philippines ==<br />
[[Image:Magellan's_Cross.jpg|left|thumb|Replica of Magellan's cross planted in Cebu in 1521]]Christianity was first introduced to the Philippines in the 16th century by Spain, when the Philippines became its colony. Until the Philippine Revolution of 1896, it was illegal for any non-[[Roman Catholic]] church to establish itself in the Philippines. The Archbishop of Manila served as both representative of the Spanish Inquisition and, during the absence of the governor-general, the Spanish Crown. <br />
<br />
After fighting a bloody revolution against Spain, the Philippines then fought another war for its independence against the United States. However, the Philippines was annexed by the United States in 1898 and remained a colony until 1946. Religious tolerance was then instituted. The new American governor-generals then encouraged the spread of the [[Anglican Communion|Episcopal Church]] through government donations of land.<br />
<br />
== Arrival of Orthodoxy ==<br />
===1800s - Antiochian Orthodox Christians===<br />
It appears that the first Orthodox Christians on the islands were Syrian and Lebanese merchants and sailors, who arrived in Manila after it was opened to outside trade. The first recorded Orthodox Christians in the Philippines were Syrian and Lebanese sailors in 1802 according to the Syrian Consulate in Manila. Many of the Lebanese sailors married and their families still reside in the Philippines and have become Filipino citizens, including the owners of a famous pizza parlor in Manila. The oldest living Orthodox Christian in the Philippines, a Lebanese by the last name of Assad, was born around 1904. <br />
<br />
===1930s - Russian Orthodox Christians===<br />
[[Image:John Maximovitch Tubabao.jpg|right|thumb|Abp. John Maximovitch in Tubabao]]An influx of Russian emigrees fleeing the Soviet regime occured during the American colonial regime. In 1935, a Russian [[parish]] was established in Manila, and the [[Patriarch]] of Moscow and All Russia appointed Father Mikhail Yerokhin as vicar. The Episcopal Church then permitted Fr. Mikhail to use the north transept of their cathedral for worship. In 1937, the first Orthodox church was built and was named after the Iberian [[Icon]] of the Mother of God. This also became the first Orthodox [[altar]] in the Philippines. Later, both the Episcopal Cathedral and the Russian Orthodox church in Manila were destroyed during the Second World War.<br />
<br />
In 1949, 5,500 Russian Orthodox from China, including then-[[Archbishop]] [[John Maximovitch]], were relocated to Tubabao in the south central Philippines by the International Refugee Organization and with the permission of the newly independent Republic of the Philippines. Abp. John Maximovitch then established a wooden church, orphanage, and other buildings in Tubabao exclusively for the Russian refugees. <br />
<br />
Tubabao, however, was (and still is) an underdeveloped island which is humid, prone to typhoons, and at times inaccessible due to the ocean conditions. When a Russian commented on their fear that a typhoon would destroy their camp to local Filipinos, they replied that there was nothing to worry about because “your holy man blesses your camp from four directions every night.” There were no typhoons or floods while Abp. John was there. <br />
<br />
Abp. John Maximovitch did not preach the Orthodox faith to the native inhabitants of the Philippine islands. No Filipino was baptized, chrismated, ordained or consecrated during his stay in the Philippines. Through the persistent lobbying of Abp. John to the U.S. Congress, the refugees were allowed to settle in the United States and Australia beginning in 1951.<br />
<br />
=== 1990s - Greek Orthodox Christians===<br />
Around the beginning of the twentieth century, Greek sailors settled in Legaspi city on the island of Luzon about a century ago. Descendants of these Greek Orthodox Christian sailors now number no more than 10 families, who have kept their Greek surnames and many of whom have become distinguished public figures and intellectuals in the Philippines, including serving as the Greek consulate in Manila. Though they do not speak Greek, they were largely responsible for the re-establishment of an Orthodox presence in the Philippines through their encouragement of Filipino converts and the Hellenic Orthodox Foundation.<br />
<br />
'''The Hellenic Orthodox Foundation'''<br />
<br />
[[Image:Manila_orthodox_cathedral.jpg|left|thumb|The Annunciation Orthodox Cathedral in Paranaque, Manila]]One of the first Greek Orthodox to arrive in the Philippines was Alexandros Athos Adamopoulos, who came to Legaspi city in 1928. Together with his brother and cousin he co-founded Adamson University in 1932. The university was and is noted for its curriculum directed towards the needs of the Philippines in the areas of science, chemical and industrial engineering. Adamson University, now owned by the Vincentian Fathers of the Roman Catholic Church, has attained recognition as one of the leading institutions for graduate education, law, arts, sciences, chemistry, computer education, engineering, commerce and architechture. The university has a student population of over 22,000. <br />
<br />
Alexandros Adamopoulos (Alexander A. Adamson) was appointed in 1942 by the Greek government to take charge of Greek interests in the Philippines. He was later promoted to the rank of Consul General of Greece. <br />
<br />
In 1989 Alexander Adamson saw the need to establish the first true Greek Orthodox church in the Philippines and thus established the Hellenic Orthodox Foundation Inc. Although he died in 1993 before the church was completed, the Orthodox Cathedral was finished in 1996 and is constructed in true Byzantine style, with all the interior furnishings imported from Greece, and is home to approximately 200 Orthodox in Metro Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. This cathedral was consecrated by the Ecumenical Patriarch on March 5, 2000. <br />
<br />
===1990s - First Filipino converts===<br />
On April 20, 1990, a Filipino [[hieromonk]], Fr. Vincentius Escarcha (a former Benedictine Abbot and a Roman Catholic priest for more than 20 years in Bajada, Cataingan, Masbate island), together with four nuns and faithful members of his community, were received into the Orthodox Church by Metropolitan [[Dionysios (Psiahas) of Proussa|Dionysios]] of the [[Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Zealand]] and assisted by [[Sotirios (Trambas) of Korea|Bishop Sotirios of Zelon]]. On January 19, 1994, Metropolitan Dionysius, assisted by Bishop Sotirios, received by [[Chrismation|Holy Chrismation]] several Filipino Christians in Manila.<br />
<br />
In 2004, the Theotokos Orthodox Church in Bajada, Masbate was consecrated by His Eminence Metropolitan [[Nikitas (Lulias) of Hong Kong|Nikitas]] of Hong Kong and South East Asia. At present, the nuns of the Theotokos Orthodox Monastery in Bajada run a kindergarten.<br />
<br />
==Orthodoxy in the Philippines today==<br />
Within the Ecumenical Patriarchate's [[Orthodox Metropolitanate of Hong Kong and Southeast Asia]], there are currently three Filipino Orthodox priests in the Philippines under the spiritual jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and are administratively under an ecclesiastical vicar from Greece. In these communities, the Divine Liturgy and other Orthodox worship services are said in English, Greek and Filipino.<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
Antioch and the Philippines<br />
<br />
In 1994, the first Filipino priest was ordained under Metropolitan Archbishop Antonio of Mexico along with two Filipino nuns. <br />
<br />
In 2007, Metropolitan Archbishop Paul Saliba, Primate of Australia and New Zealand, established the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Mission in the Philippines under the authority given to him by the Holy and Sacred Synod of Antioch. It currently has two mission areas in MetroManila and only missions under the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Mission in the Philippines are canonical. <br />
<br />
There are also some [[Independent Orthodox churches|independent groups]] in the Philippines that use the term ''Orthodox'' in their names but are not in communion with or are recognized by any canonical Orthodox church.<br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
<br />
*[http://www.ocp.uni.cc Affiliate in the Philippines - Orthodox Metropolitanate of Hong Kong and South East Asia]<br />
*[http://filorthodoxia.googlepages.com/church.htm History of the First Filipino Orthodox Community in the Philippines] by Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis<br />
*[http://www.orthodoxnews.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=WorldNews.one&content_id=7354&CFID=29993857&CFTOKEN=90155693 Ecumenical Patriarch Consecrates Annunciation Church in Manila]<br />
*[http://www.orthodox.cn/news/20000420philippines_en.htm Orthodox Patriarch Visits Fledgling Local Orthodox Church]<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/AUG03.pdf The Theotokos Orthodox Church & Monastery in Masbate] (Information in an issue of The Censer)<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/Phil_major_events.html Major Events of Orthodoxy in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/Phil_history.html A priest's description of Orthodox missionary work in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www.rocor.org.au/lives/stjohnsanfranciscoshanghai Life of St. John Maximovitch]<br />
*[http://www2.mfa.gr/www.mfa.gr/Articles/en-US/03042007_KL1949.htm The Greek Community in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www.hri.org/forum/life/adamson.html Greeks in the Philippines and their contributions to the Filipinos]<br />
*[http://www.geocities.com/orthodoxyphilippines/ Official Website of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Mission in the Philippines]. <br />
<br />
<br />
{{Parishes of South, East, and Southeast Asia}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Jurisdictions]]</div>Dmitrihttp://orthodoxwiki.org/User_talk:ASDamickUser talk:ASDamick2007-09-06T10:16:39Z<p>Dmitri: Detailed Version</p>
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<div><div class="boilerplate" id="stub" style="margin: 0 auto; text-align: center; background: #EEEEEE; padding: 0 10px; border: 1px solid #CCC; width: 60%; align: center">'''Fr. Andrew''' is currently taking a '''wiki-semi-break''' to attend to the business of settling into a new life, so he may only be sporadically available and generally fairly inactive. Please remember him in your prayers.</div><br />
<br />
* [[/Archive 1|Archive 1]] (Dec. 18, 2004 - June 17, 2005)<br />
* [[/Archive 2|Archive 2]] (July 5, 2005 - Dec. 15, 2005)<br />
* [[/Archive 3|Archive 3]] (Dec. 23, 2005 - Aug. 2, 2006)<br />
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== Baby ==<br />
<br />
Congratulations to you both! We are expecting our little baby girl in mid-October 2006. We might have to swap tips! [[User:Joe Rodgers|&#123;&#123;User:Joe Rodgers/sig}}]] 23:48, August 5, 2006 (CDT)<br />
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== Working on Bishop Basil entry ==<br />
<br />
Dear ASDamick,<br />
<br />
Thank you for your recent changes to the article on [[Basil (Osborne) of Amphipolis]]. I'm glad to see us working on this text together. I would like to see it accurately and dispassionately reflect the full state of affairs surrounding this bishop. I think that most of your revisions to my recent update of the text have been very helpful - again, my many thanks for them.<br />
<br />
A few points that I think still need some further consideration:<br />
<br />
* ''Title:'' The title 'Bishop of Amphipolis' is contested, and highly controversial. It doesn't seem appropriate for the OrthodoxWiki article on the bishop to take a definitive side one way or the other on this matter. I had altered the text to address this, which you refined nicely. However, I do think it appopriate that the issue is left relatively open, by simply referring to him as 'Bishop Basil' in most cases (e.g. in the caption under the photograph). The title of the article gives him the title 'Bishop of Amphipolis' already, which points things in a certain reading; but I think we need to be wary of giving 'our own blessing' to a matter that is disputed amongst the patriarchates.<br />
<br />
* ''Nature of the bishop's retirement:'' I've corrected the paragraph on the nature of the bishop's forced retirement. This was not made because he sought reception in the EP, but because he sought to do so preemptorily, without canonical release and order.<br />
<br />
* ''Title in summary box:'' In line with my point above on the bishop's title, I think it is only fair / accurate to return the small footnote qualifier on the title in the summary box at the bottom. Not to do so seems to claim, in the article, that the matter is disputed and open, only to go on in the summary information to present it as a closed/decided issue. I think in fairness to the actual situation, this small flag is warranted and not in itself a bias (cf. for example the summary boxes on autocephalous churches on Wikipedia, where a small asterisk is used next to churches whose autocephaly is disputed by some).<br />
<br />
I've made edits to the article this morning to account for the above points; I hope they're in general things you approve of (I've made them as separate edits, so you can see the progression).<br />
<br />
--[[User:Antonios aigyptos|Antonios]] 07:08, August 6, 2006 (CDT)<br />
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== Edit count ==<br />
<br />
''"I'm currently in the lead and hoping I hit 10,000 first. (There's probably no prize, though.)"''<br />
:I think we should throw a party. [[User:FrJohn|Fr. John]]<br />
::Seen http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:AmiDaniel/VandalProof ? [[User:FrJohn|Fr. John]]<br />
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==Bp [[Thomas (Joseph) of Oakland]]==<br />
Thanks for responding to the issue on my talk page; I fear that, in the mood I was in, my response would have been somewhat less than an exhibition of perfect charity. &mdash; edited by [[User:Pistevo|<font color="green">Pιs</font><font color="gold">τévο</font>]] <sup>''[[User talk:Pistevo|<font color="blue">talk</font>]]'' ''[[User talk:Pistevo/dev/null|<font color="red">complaints</font>]]''</sup> at 07:13, August 14, 2006 (CDT)<br />
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== Byzantine response to OCA autocephaly ==<br />
<br />
The bullet lists in [[Byzantine response to OCA autocephaly]]: Are they simply listing every single argument made by the Byzantine churches against OCA autocephaly? Because this one really boggles the mind:<br />
" * Moscow's act is an attempt to extend Soviet influence into America. "<br />
<br />
This was perhaps tossed out by someone, somewhere, at some time, in an effort to amass as many objections as possible, but it clearly has no bearing whatsoever on the current state of affairs (as the rest of the article appears to). I'm not going to edit it quit yet (since you put it in there), but a footnote or an external link might be appropriate. Otherwise, it's completely spurious except as a historical curiosity which has clearly proven to be laughable.<br />
--[[User:Basil|Basil]] 16:16, August 14, 2006 (CDT)<br />
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:I agree that documentation would be helpful. Historical arguments would be useful to keep in, as they do give some perspective on the historical relations between the two jurisdictions. [[User:FrJohn|Fr. John]]<br />
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==Return==<br />
A nice, subtle change that has not gone unnoticed. I look forward to your inactive partication! — [[User:FrJohn|<b>FrJohn</b>]] ([http://www.orthodoxwiki.org/User_talk:FrJohn&action=edit&section=new talk])<br />
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Welcome back, Deacon Andrew. I missed your discipline on keeping a consistent format for the articles. I mean this sincerely as I looked forward to your catching my "typos". It had kept me on the 'ball' but I still needed a good editor. [[User:Wsk|Wsk]] 13:57, October 9, 2006 (CDT)<br />
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==Congrats==<br />
I see you signed your last contribution "Father Andrew." Congratulations on your ordination! [[User:Gabriela|Gabriela]] 22:31, October 30, 2006 (CST)<br />
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== corrupted letters ==<br />
<br />
In editing the page [[Timeline of Church History]] with minor edits, the link you added [[bg:Времева лини�? на църковната и�?тори�?]] became corrupted. I would fix it, but the corrupted letters do not display on any of my browsers even if I look at the history. - [[User:Andrew|Andrew]] 10:04, November 7, 2006 (PST)<br />
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:AFAIK, this is a known issue with an upgrade to MySQL 5. I'm not enough of a whiz to fix the problem, and the damage is minimal, so we'll have to do it manually... Sorry! — [[User:FrJohn|<b>FrJohn</b>]] ([http://www.orthodoxwiki.org/User_talk:FrJohn&action=edit&section=new talk])<br />
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== Interwiki ==<br />
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Hi dear Father, I was leaving off the extra interwiki links for the Mian page until the additional localizations are ready for "Beta" stage, by which I mean that all the necessary documents have been translated... The "release" stage will then be when there are strong enough communities and moderation around these wikis to really launch them - i.e content and spam problems are dealt with quickly. — [[User:FrJohn|<b>FrJohn</b>]] ([http://www.orthodoxwiki.org/User_talk:FrJohn&action=edit&section=new talk])<br />
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==Metaxakis entry==<br />
Dear Father,<br />
Thank you for pointing out the issues of NPOV and MCB with the last edit I had entered. Of course I agree with having those standards for an encylopedic entry and I would like to see a better product along the lines you suggest. However I do have a few comments if i may.<br />
* I feel that the substance of what was written - about the agenda of the Pan Orthodox Congress of 1923 - actually was accurate and unbiased; after all history is history, and if those were the subjects that were tabled at that congress, it is a matter of history and a very important matter at that, and information which every Orthodox Christian today has a right to be informed and aware of. Im sure you agree that to simply list the items of the agenda as they were, is, I think is a neutral approach ''(i.e. "here is what what was proposed in 1923: 1, 2, 3, 4,..etc, in fact seven changes in all.)'' Not sure how else to word that part of it, it is what it is; some subjects such as this particular example, may not be neutral in themselves, and for us to attempt to make them so or omit them risks the error of creating our own modern bias instead, a risk every historian is aware of. The writing of history must be impartial, whether the historical facts in themselves are or arent impartial to us is another matter. I agree that the source timeline that I located the information on would be NPOV/MCB, however as for the information in itself, it is either factual or it is isn't (fabricated)....in other words there was no editing or personal opinions presented with that list, just the list of proposals in 1923 itself . And I remember seeing a similar list of items (from the 1923 congress) years ago on an OCA site, which I cannot find now. And so for this reason I believe it is necessary and important to have this part included for the complete and unbiased picture.<br />
* As for the second section I had entered (comparative study), which included a link to a site which detailed things about Metaxakis' early Masonic involvement right down to his troubled death, yes it too did not come from a MCB site, and that will need to be re-worked as you commented, perhaps with more research from other sources; but it too presented disturbing details, which in themselves were by nature * not neutral * (i.e. if he attained 33rd degree in 1909 that's important; if he was buried with Masonic honours in 1935 that fact too is important). It is doubtful how much other written research exists on this subject, at least in English. <br />
At any rate I appreciate the direction. Would be interested in what you think. Cheers,<br />
Chris.<br />
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== Thanks and congrats ==<br />
<br />
Dear Father, thank you for your friendly welcoming and congratulations for your ordination! --[[User:Cat68|Cat68]] 08:55, February 16, 2007 (PST)<br />
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== HC invasion ==<br />
<br />
Yes, indeed, we have descended. Our social ethics project has been, basically, to make sure that there were articles written for just about every article under the Ethics section. This is the first phase, followed by a review by the professor, after which you can expect changes to these articles (whether or not they've been worked on by other people in the mean time). [[User:Vandrona|Vandrona]]<br />
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== Baby ==<br />
<br />
Congrat's on the birth of your first child!--[[User:AKCGY|AKCGY]] 15:08, March 5, 2007 (PST)<br />
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Congratulations from the Andronaches, as well. Magda also wants me to add that she approves of March births :) [[User:Vandrona|Vandrona]] 15:31, March 5, 2007 (PST)<br />
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Aww, wow! I wish you and especially your wife the best of luck. You're going to have your hands full, I'm sure. I can't even imagine the responsibility. [[User:Gabriela|Gabriela]] 20:34, March 5, 2007 (PST)<br />
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== Thanks ==<br />
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Thank you for help, Father. [[User:Ddpbf|Ddpbf]] 18:25, March 10, 2007,(CET)<br />
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==Julian==<br />
Ok, I admit my ignorance. Thanks for the info. [[User:Gabriela|Gabriela]] 17:23, March 12, 2007 (PDT)<br />
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== I Hope I'm Doing this Right ==<br />
<br />
Hello Fr. Andrew,<br />
We have communicated via e-mail before. In fact, I recall you asking me years ago to get involved in this site. Now that I am starting to figure out how it works I will finally try to do so.<br />
<br />
Thanks for your kind words<br />
<br />
[[User:Frjohnwhiteford|Frjohnwhiteford]] 16:41, March 18, 2007 (CDT)<br />
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== See the above comments ==<br />
<br />
I finally figured out the right way. My comments above were added a longer route.<br />
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== Versions of names ==<br />
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Bless father. <br />
I am asking wich versions of names I should to use? I was using Serbian versions, because in articles abut St. Sava, St. Nikolaj etc were used Serbian versions. Now I was told to use English versions. I am confused. Literature in english uses more often Serbian versions. <br />
[[User:Ddpbf|Ddpbf]] March 20, 17:24 (CET)<br />
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== Interwiki ==<br />
<br />
It seams that ww have problems with inter wiki on serbian page. From English to Serbian it works good but problem.--[[User:Ddpbf|Ddpbf]] 10:20, March 27, 2007 (PDT)<br />
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==images' deletion==<br />
<br />
Dear father your blessing.<br />
returning from Mt. Athos yesterday i found your notice about the deletion of my images because of tags' lack. i'm not at all familiar with all that electronic-copyright-jargon and i'm not sure whether the corrections i did will work. i hope i'm not troubling you too much with my ignorance.<br />
may the Holy Week and Easter brings light in your family and to you personally.<br />
<br />
yours<br />
/vassili<br />
: [[User:Vassilip|Vassilip]] 02:47, March 29, 2007 (PDT)<br />
<br />
Dear father<br />
<br />
both images are personal and i have the only original copies. truly i'm not cognizant of copyright policies and i used what i thought as probably more appropriate (i used the ''commons'' one because i read i had to do it).<br />
again, i'm relly sory for all that mess.<br />
<br />
yours indeed<br />
: [[User:Vassilip|Vassilip]] 05:08, March 29, 2007 (PDT)<br />
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== Kallistos Ware ==<br />
<br />
I arrived at his article and was surprised to find that his elevation to Metropolitan had already been updated. Kudos.<br />
<br />
I was at a lecture hosted by His Eminence earlier today at [http://www.gocoos.org/ Greek Orthodox Church of Our Savior] in Rye, NY. The parish priest who introduced him mentioned to the audience that "Bishop" Ware was unaware of his elevation until the priest told him upon his arrival. Thus was I bemused at reading your update. Just out of curiosity, were you at the lecture as well? One of the brother priests perhaps? (There were quite a few other priests, and even a Romanian bishop) Or did you come upon the information some other way?<br />
<br />
[[User:Hellenica|Hellenica]] 20:59, March 31, 2007 (PDT)<br />
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== Capthca for registration ==<br />
<br />
I see you guys are having the same problem as what I also want to deal with on our site. See: http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Captcha_extensions<br />
<br />
As they claim, Capcha at account creation would prevent these spam bots. --[[User:JohnK|JohnK]] 06:47, April 11, 2007 (PDT)<br />
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== Re: Thank you! ==<br />
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Christ Is Risen! Thank you very much, Father Andrew, for your kind words. Yours in Christ, --[[User:Arbible|Arbible]] 09:01, April 13, 2007 (PDT)<br />
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==Article Titles==<br />
Father Andrew,<br />
I have been working on articles concerning Irene, wife of Leo IV, and Theodora, wife of Theophilus. I am about ready to post them on Orthodoxwiki, but I need good titles for the articles. To avoid too much work establishing titles on the web, I've sought your opinion as you have done so well in maintaining discipline of styles among all our articles. I find identifying many saints confusing with many of the saints having different titles applied to them. <br />
<br />
I notice that Wikipedia uses title of their names and a century when they lived, to avoid similarities with other Irenes and Theodoras. These seem bland, but I haven't found any Orthodox source on the web that provides distinct identification for these saints! I noticed in some edits you made to Orthodoxwiki articles that you seem to follow the Wikipedia practice. The Orthodox church sites haven't been any help. <br />
<br />
Following the practice of Theodora (Justinian's wife) does not appear reasonable for Irene or Theodora as their husbands were "Iconoclasts". <br />
For Irene, many if not a majority of the sites identify Irene as "Irene of Athens". I have been thinking of using this as a title for her. Another could be "Irene the Iconodule or Iconophile". For Theodora the Iconodule/iconophile would fit nicely.<br />
<br />
Your comments and suggestions are solicited.<br />
<br />
In passing I notice Irene's feast day does not appear on the calendar of saints, August 9 . An Irene appears for August 13, but after some investiagation this saint appears to be a "Princess of Constantinople-tonsured Xenia with a date of 1124". This confused me for a while!<br />
<br />
Bill Kosar[[User:Wsk|Wsk]] 15:00, April 15, 2007 (PDT)<br />
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::Thanks, Father. I think we are on the same path.[[User:Wsk|Wsk]] 18:13, April 15, 2007 (PDT)<br />
==?????Licensing==<br />
What is going on? I just noticed that you changed the license agreement from being able to export to not being able to export? Right after I quoted it for the exports to Wikipedia I did this morning. What or who grants licensing for Orthodox wiki and how do I get in touch with them? Also what part makes the dual license incompatible and doesn't that violate using the wiki engine?<br />
[[User:LoveMonkey|LoveMonkey]] 13:02, April 24, 2007 (PDT)<br />
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: 1. The wiki engine has nothing to do with licensing. It's just a piece of software.<br />
<br />
: 2. I just clarified the existing terms more explicitly, since I saw that there was some disagreement going on over at Wikipedia on the subject.<br />
<br />
: 3. Licensing on OrthodoxWiki was defined by the administration within the first year of its inception. It is unlikely to be changed at this point, since so many edits here have been contributed under its terms. (This same message is being posted on your talk page.) &mdash;[[User:ASDamick|<font size="3.5" color="green" face="Adobe Garamond Pro, Garamond, Georgia, Times New Roman">Fr. Andrew</font>]] <sup>[[User_talk:ASDamick|<font color="red">talk</font>]]</sup> <small>[[Special:Contributions/ASDamick|<font color="black">contribs</font>]]</small> 14:10, April 24, 2007 (PDT)<br />
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== Thanks ==<br />
Thanks for the welcome, and thanks for helping us sort out the copyright mess over at wikipedia. -- [[User:Pastordavid|Pastordavid]] 09:18, April 25, 2007 (PDT)<br />
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== Deletions ==<br />
<br />
'''Thanks''' I see your following right behind me. I would delete them myself, but... I'm glad that you're apparently patrolling Special:Recentchanges. [[User:Koavf|Koavf]] 16:18, May 2, 2007 (PDT)<br />
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==el.orthodox.org==<br />
<br />
Fistly, I'd like to thank you for your answer. Secondly, if I've undestood well your explanation, I should propose [[:el:User:kostisl]] appointed for host -if he wishes. He has already done excellent work on Orthodoxy in greek wikipedia, and he is the proper person I thing for this kind of job. I wish you the best--[[User:Kalogeropoulos|Kalogeropoulos]] 06:22, May 25, 2007 (PDT)<br />
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== You dont like it when people edit your articles!! ==<br />
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Ive noticed, Father Andrew, that you dont like it when people edit your articles. you get pissy and then re-edit them back to their old and most times INACURATE form. How are you supposed to help this site if you cant put your own ignorant biases??<br />
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Shame on you!! {{unsigned|Fredthomzac}}<br />
<br />
: Well, none of the articles on OrthodoxWiki are "my" articles. I presume this note is regarding the [[Church of Estonia]] article. I've addressed this both on your talk page and at the talk page for the article. &mdash;[[User:ASDamick|<font size="3.5" color="green" face="Adobe Garamond Pro, Garamond, Georgia, Times New Roman">Fr. Andrew</font>]] <sup>[[User_talk:ASDamick|<font color="red">talk</font>]]</sup> <small>[[Special:Contributions/ASDamick|<font color="black">contribs</font>]]</small> 17:43, May 30, 2007 (PDT)<br />
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== Greetings! ==<br />
<br />
Dear Fr. Andrew,<br />
Thank you for the greetings. I'll send your regards if ever I will meet him.<br />
<br />
[[User:Filipino|Filipino]] 03:19, May 31, 2007 (PDT) <br />
<br />
<br />
Fr. Andrew wrote:<br />
Hello! I don't know if you know Archimandrite Philemon (Castro), but in case you do, I wanted to pass on greetings to him. He and I were in seminary together at St. Tikhon's for two years.<br />
<br />
<br />
== Not just a Comment on a Talk Page ==<br />
<br />
Dear Father,<br />
The allegation that the Episcopal seat of the Metropolitanate of Hong Kong and South East Asia is "VACANT" was not merely "a comment on a talk page". This allegation was "incorporated" into the article by a certain Marcus (an Orthodox from the Philippines, a former ROCOR member) and he wrote:<br />
<br />
"The '''Episcopacy is currently vacant as of March, 2007''' and may be abolished pending the decision of the Holy and Sacred Synod of Constantinople."<br />
<br />
- User MARCUS Revision as of 08:56, May 4, 2007<br />
<br />
Please see: <br />
[http://orthodoxwiki.org/index.php?title=Orthodox_Metropolitanate_of_Hong_Kong_and_Southeast_Asia&oldid=50808] User MARCUS Revision on May 04, 2007 in OMHKSEA "Episcopacy".<br />
<br />
[[User:Filipino|Filipino]] 09:48, June 2, 2007 (PDT) <br />
<br />
Fr. Andrew wrote:<br />
...and, in any event, it's just a comment on a talk page. It wasn't even incorporated into the article. —Fr. Andrew talk contribs 05:24, May 30, 2007 (PDT)<br />
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==Let's Hope ==<br />
<br />
Dear Father,<br />
Certain individual/s are out to create confusion in the minds of faithful members belonging to the '''canonical''' Orthodox jurisdictions. Let's hope they will stop spreading lies and rumors.<br />
<br />
[[User:Filipino|Filipino]] 20:51, June 2, 2007 (PDT) <br />
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''Fr. Andrew wrote'': Regarding your recent comment: Sorry about that. When I looked at the article, that edit had already been changed, so all I saw was the talk page comment. My mistake. —Fr. Andrew talk contribs 10:45, June 2, 2007 (PDT) <br />
<br />
Retrieved from "http://orthodoxwiki.org/User_talk:Filipino"<br />
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== About Soko.tica ==<br />
<br />
Dear father, bless,<br />
<br />
I mast to warn you , that some individuals in Serbia, neither of them is cleric, traying to acuse Metropolitan John for warious heresies. They are gathering on website gazimestan.com. Holy Synod condemed this website. They targets are also bishop Ignjatije of Branicevo and some other Serbian and Greek Theoligicans.<br />
<br />
Yors in Christ<br />
<br />
--[[User:Ddpbf|Ddpbf]] 10:04, June 15, 2007 (PDT)<br />
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== Timeline of Church History ==<br />
Hello Father, Eulogeite.<br />
Thanks for your comments on my talk page about the timeline. Yes it's true the later more recent historical entries (esp. after 1991) do amount to mini paragraphs. Its easier of course to add more details about events closer to our own time, but you are right. I was aware of it as well, but originally concentrated on recording the content at first. I will certainly try to go back asap and edit out the extraneous details for those entries. May take some time but I will definitely go back and work on it, aiming for headlines only. If there are articles to place the extra details in will do. Would like to add a few more entires this week, then go back and edit out as much as possible from the long entries I placed.<br />
Many thanks again.<br />
<br />
Cheers.<br />
<br />
Chris<br />
<br />
[[User:Angellight_888|Angellight_888]] 20:45, July 8, 2007 (EDT)<br />
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== Timeline - edited ==<br />
Greetings again Father,<br />
I have made the requested edits as you have suggested. I have listed all the dates edited and shortened in the summary. (I eliminated 5 kilobytes from the total file). I think it is a much better product. Please go through it and let me know what you think. If you think there is room for more please let me know or feel free to amend, however I think it is okay now. Thanks again. Also added several links, another useful way to shorten as you suggested by pointing to info elsewhere. Hope it's better.<br />
<br />
Regards,<br />
<br />
Chris.<br />
[[User:Angellight_888|Angellight_888]] 12:30am, July 8, 2007 (EDT)<br />
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<br />
== Timeline of Church History ==<br />
Hello Father,<br />
Perhaps with the RC entries, I can see your point. However the ongoing persecution of the Ecumenical Patriarchate I think is important in terms of the history of the Church and should be definitely recorded. The new papal document may have bearing since in it it refers to Orthodox Churches as "sisters churches" but with "defects;" and since there is an ongoing dialogue at present, again this is a historical statement bearing on that relationship. In addition, these two news items I think were notable outward expressions of long present conditions and simmering tensions. <br />
<br />
Cheers,<br />
Chris.<br />
[[User:Angellight_888|Angellight_888]] 10:05am, July 16, 2007 (EDT)<br />
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==Thanks! How's parish life, btw?==<br />
Thanks for the kind congratulations. (Don't worry about not noticing earlier&mdash;you've got ''a lot'' going on.) Getting married is definitely one of the best decisions I've ever made, after joining the Church. We have the occasional squabble, of course, but it's well worth it.<br />
<br />
How are you liking South Carolina, though? I'm sure getting used to your first parish is quite an experience. Hope all is well. [[User:Gabriela|Gabriela]] 20:49, August 12, 2007 (PDT)<br />
<br />
:Aha! Well... you know... somewhere in that general mid-Atlantic area. I could have sworn I remembered something about SC&mdash;faulty memory, I guess. In any case, I'm glad it's going well. [[User:Gabriela|Gabriela]] 19:28, August 13, 2007 (PDT)<br />
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== Detailed Version ==<br />
<br />
Your Blessings;<br />
<br />
The section in the Orthodoxy in the Philippines was deleted because the group is uncanonical and the person mentioned is not a clergical member of a canonical Orthodox Church.</div>Dmitrihttp://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodoxy_in_the_PhilippinesOrthodoxy in the Philippines2007-09-06T10:12:56Z<p>Dmitri: /* Orthodoxy in the Philippines today */</p>
<hr />
<div>This article seeks to be a clearinghouse of information and links regarding the history and state of '''[[Orthodox Christianity]] in the Philippines'''.<br />
<br />
The current Orthodox presence in the Philippines is minimal. However, early in the 20th century a small Russian parish, exclusively for Russian nationals, once existed in Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. The presence of this Russian parish ceased to exist after the Second World War. Another Orthodox parish under the [[jurisdiction]] of the [[Ecumenical Patriarchate]] was founded in Manila during the early 1990s.<br />
<br />
== Beginnings of Christianity in the Philippines ==<br />
[[Image:Magellan's_Cross.jpg|left|thumb|Replica of Magellan's cross planted in Cebu in 1521]]Christianity was first introduced to the Philippines in the 16th century by Spain, when the Philippines became its colony. Until the Philippine Revolution of 1896, it was illegal for any non-[[Roman Catholic]] church to establish itself in the Philippines. The Archbishop of Manila served as both representative of the Spanish Inquisition and, during the absence of the governor-general, the Spanish Crown. <br />
<br />
After fighting a bloody revolution against Spain, the Philippines then fought another war for its independence against the United States. However, the Philippines was annexed by the United States in 1898 and remained a colony until 1946. Religious tolerance was then instituted. The new American governor-generals then encouraged the spread of the [[Anglican Communion|Episcopal Church]] through government donations of land.<br />
<br />
== Arrival of Orthodoxy ==<br />
===1800s - Antiochian Orthodox Christians===<br />
It appears that the first Orthodox Christians on the islands were Syrian and Lebanese merchants and sailors, who arrived in Manila after it was opened to outside trade. The first recorded Orthodox Christians in the Philippines were Syrian and Lebanese sailors in 1802 according to the Syrian Consulate in Manila. Many of the Lebanese sailors married and their families still reside in the Philippines and have become Filipino citizens, including the owners of a famous pizza parlor in Manila. The oldest living Orthodox Christian in the Philippines, a Lebanese by the last name of Assad, was born around 1904. <br />
<br />
===1930s - Russian Orthodox Christians===<br />
[[Image:John Maximovitch Tubabao.jpg|right|thumb|Abp. John Maximovitch in Tubabao]]An influx of Russian emigrees fleeing the Soviet regime occured during the American colonial regime. In 1935, a Russian [[parish]] was established in Manila, and the [[Patriarch]] of Moscow and All Russia appointed Father Mikhail Yerokhin as vicar. The Episcopal Church then permitted Fr. Mikhail to use the north transept of their cathedral for worship. In 1937, the first Orthodox church was built and was named after the Iberian [[Icon]] of the Mother of God. This also became the first Orthodox [[altar]] in the Philippines. Later, both the Episcopal Cathedral and the Russian Orthodox church in Manila were destroyed during the Second World War.<br />
<br />
In 1949, 5,500 Russian Orthodox from China, including then-[[Archbishop]] [[John Maximovitch]], were relocated to Tubabao in the south central Philippines by the International Refugee Organization and with the permission of the newly independent Republic of the Philippines. Abp. John Maximovitch then established a wooden church, orphanage, and other buildings in Tubabao exclusively for the Russian refugees. <br />
<br />
Tubabao, however, was (and still is) an underdeveloped island which is humid, prone to typhoons, and at times inaccessible due to the ocean conditions. When a Russian commented on their fear that a typhoon would destroy their camp to local Filipinos, they replied that there was nothing to worry about because “your holy man blesses your camp from four directions every night.” There were no typhoons or floods while Abp. John was there. <br />
<br />
Abp. John Maximovitch did not preach the Orthodox faith to the native inhabitants of the Philippine islands. No Filipino was baptized, chrismated, ordained or consecrated during his stay in the Philippines. Through the persistent lobbying of Abp. John to the U.S. Congress, the refugees were allowed to settle in the United States and Australia beginning in 1951.<br />
<br />
=== 1990s - Greek Orthodox Christians===<br />
Around the beginning of the twentieth century, Greek sailors settled in Legaspi city on the island of Luzon about a century ago. Descendants of these Greek Orthodox Christian sailors now number no more than 10 families, who have kept their Greek surnames and many of whom have become distinguished public figures and intellectuals in the Philippines, including serving as the Greek consulate in Manila. Though they do not speak Greek, they were largely responsible for the re-establishment of an Orthodox presence in the Philippines through their encouragement of Filipino converts and the Hellenic Orthodox Foundation.<br />
<br />
'''The Hellenic Orthodox Foundation'''<br />
<br />
[[Image:Manila_orthodox_cathedral.jpg|left|thumb|The Annunciation Orthodox Cathedral in Paranaque, Manila]]One of the first Greek Orthodox to arrive in the Philippines was Alexandros Athos Adamopoulos, who came to Legaspi city in 1928. Together with his brother and cousin he co-founded Adamson University in 1932. The university was and is noted for its curriculum directed towards the needs of the Philippines in the areas of science, chemical and industrial engineering. Adamson University, now owned by the Vincentian Fathers of the Roman Catholic Church, has attained recognition as one of the leading institutions for graduate education, law, arts, sciences, chemistry, computer education, engineering, commerce and architechture. The university has a student population of over 22,000. <br />
<br />
Alexandros Adamopoulos (Alexander A. Adamson) was appointed in 1942 by the Greek government to take charge of Greek interests in the Philippines. He was later promoted to the rank of Consul General of Greece. <br />
<br />
In 1989 Alexander Adamson saw the need to establish the first true Greek Orthodox church in the Philippines and thus established the Hellenic Orthodox Foundation Inc. Although he died in 1993 before the church was completed, the Orthodox Cathedral was finished in 1996 and is constructed in true Byzantine style, with all the interior furnishings imported from Greece, and is home to approximately 200 Orthodox in Metro Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. This cathedral was consecrated by the Ecumenical Patriarch on March 5, 2000. <br />
<br />
===1990s - First Filipino converts===<br />
On April 20, 1990, a Filipino [[hieromonk]], Fr. Vincentius Escarcha (a former Benedictine Abbot and a Roman Catholic priest for more than 20 years in Bajada, Cataingan, Masbate island), together with four nuns and faithful members of his community, were received into the Orthodox Church by Metropolitan [[Dionysios (Psiahas) of Proussa|Dionysios]] of the [[Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Zealand]] and assisted by [[Sotirios (Trambas) of Korea|Bishop Sotirios of Zelon]]. On January 19, 1994, Metropolitan Dionysius, assisted by Bishop Sotirios, received by [[Chrismation|Holy Chrismation]] several Filipino Christians in Manila.<br />
<br />
In 2004, the Theotokos Orthodox Church in Bajada, Masbate was consecrated by His Eminence Metropolitan [[Nikitas (Lulias) of Hong Kong|Nikitas]] of Hong Kong and South East Asia. At present, the nuns of the Theotokos Orthodox Monastery in Bajada run a kindergarten.<br />
<br />
==Orthodoxy in the Philippines today==<br />
Within the Ecumenical Patriarchate's [[Orthodox Metropolitanate of Hong Kong and Southeast Asia]], there are currently three Filipino Orthodox priests in the Philippines under the spiritual jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and are administratively under an ecclesiastical vicar from Greece. In these communities, the Divine Liturgy and other Orthodox worship services are said in English, Greek and Filipino.<br />
<br />
In 2007, Metropolitan Paul Saliba established the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Mission in the Philippines. It currently has two mission areas in MetroManila. <br />
<br />
There are also some [[Independent Orthodox churches|independent groups]] in the Philippines that use the term ''Orthodox'' in their names but are not in communion with or are recognized by any canonical Orthodox church.<br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
<br />
*[http://filorthodoxia.googlepages.com/church.htm History of the First Filipino Orthodox Community in the Philippines] by Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis<br />
*[http://www.orthodoxnews.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=WorldNews.one&content_id=7354&CFID=29993857&CFTOKEN=90155693 Ecumenical Patriarch Consecrates Annunciation Church in Manila]<br />
*[http://www.orthodox.cn/news/20000420philippines_en.htm Orthodox Patriarch Visits Fledgling Local Orthodox Church]<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/AUG03.pdf The Theotokos Orthodox Church & Monastery in Masbate] (Information in an issue of The Censer)<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/Phil_major_events.html Major Events of Orthodoxy in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/Phil_history.html A priest's description of Orthodox missionary work in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www.rocor.org.au/lives/stjohnsanfranciscoshanghai Life of St. John Maximovitch]<br />
*[http://www2.mfa.gr/www.mfa.gr/Articles/en-US/03042007_KL1949.htm The Greek Community in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www.hri.org/forum/life/adamson.html Greeks in the Philippines and their contributions to the Filipinos]<br />
*[http://www.geocities.com/orthodoxyphilippines/ Official Website of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Mission in the Philippines]. <br />
<br />
<br />
{{Parishes of South, East, and Southeast Asia}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Jurisdictions]]</div>Dmitrihttp://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodoxy_in_the_PhilippinesOrthodoxy in the Philippines2007-09-06T10:09:55Z<p>Dmitri: /* External links */</p>
<hr />
<div>This article seeks to be a clearinghouse of information and links regarding the history and state of '''[[Orthodox Christianity]] in the Philippines'''.<br />
<br />
The current Orthodox presence in the Philippines is minimal. However, early in the 20th century a small Russian parish, exclusively for Russian nationals, once existed in Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. The presence of this Russian parish ceased to exist after the Second World War. Another Orthodox parish under the [[jurisdiction]] of the [[Ecumenical Patriarchate]] was founded in Manila during the early 1990s.<br />
<br />
== Beginnings of Christianity in the Philippines ==<br />
[[Image:Magellan's_Cross.jpg|left|thumb|Replica of Magellan's cross planted in Cebu in 1521]]Christianity was first introduced to the Philippines in the 16th century by Spain, when the Philippines became its colony. Until the Philippine Revolution of 1896, it was illegal for any non-[[Roman Catholic]] church to establish itself in the Philippines. The Archbishop of Manila served as both representative of the Spanish Inquisition and, during the absence of the governor-general, the Spanish Crown. <br />
<br />
After fighting a bloody revolution against Spain, the Philippines then fought another war for its independence against the United States. However, the Philippines was annexed by the United States in 1898 and remained a colony until 1946. Religious tolerance was then instituted. The new American governor-generals then encouraged the spread of the [[Anglican Communion|Episcopal Church]] through government donations of land.<br />
<br />
== Arrival of Orthodoxy ==<br />
===1800s - Antiochian Orthodox Christians===<br />
It appears that the first Orthodox Christians on the islands were Syrian and Lebanese merchants and sailors, who arrived in Manila after it was opened to outside trade. The first recorded Orthodox Christians in the Philippines were Syrian and Lebanese sailors in 1802 according to the Syrian Consulate in Manila. Many of the Lebanese sailors married and their families still reside in the Philippines and have become Filipino citizens, including the owners of a famous pizza parlor in Manila. The oldest living Orthodox Christian in the Philippines, a Lebanese by the last name of Assad, was born around 1904. <br />
<br />
===1930s - Russian Orthodox Christians===<br />
[[Image:John Maximovitch Tubabao.jpg|right|thumb|Abp. John Maximovitch in Tubabao]]An influx of Russian emigrees fleeing the Soviet regime occured during the American colonial regime. In 1935, a Russian [[parish]] was established in Manila, and the [[Patriarch]] of Moscow and All Russia appointed Father Mikhail Yerokhin as vicar. The Episcopal Church then permitted Fr. Mikhail to use the north transept of their cathedral for worship. In 1937, the first Orthodox church was built and was named after the Iberian [[Icon]] of the Mother of God. This also became the first Orthodox [[altar]] in the Philippines. Later, both the Episcopal Cathedral and the Russian Orthodox church in Manila were destroyed during the Second World War.<br />
<br />
In 1949, 5,500 Russian Orthodox from China, including then-[[Archbishop]] [[John Maximovitch]], were relocated to Tubabao in the south central Philippines by the International Refugee Organization and with the permission of the newly independent Republic of the Philippines. Abp. John Maximovitch then established a wooden church, orphanage, and other buildings in Tubabao exclusively for the Russian refugees. <br />
<br />
Tubabao, however, was (and still is) an underdeveloped island which is humid, prone to typhoons, and at times inaccessible due to the ocean conditions. When a Russian commented on their fear that a typhoon would destroy their camp to local Filipinos, they replied that there was nothing to worry about because “your holy man blesses your camp from four directions every night.” There were no typhoons or floods while Abp. John was there. <br />
<br />
Abp. John Maximovitch did not preach the Orthodox faith to the native inhabitants of the Philippine islands. No Filipino was baptized, chrismated, ordained or consecrated during his stay in the Philippines. Through the persistent lobbying of Abp. John to the U.S. Congress, the refugees were allowed to settle in the United States and Australia beginning in 1951.<br />
<br />
=== 1990s - Greek Orthodox Christians===<br />
Around the beginning of the twentieth century, Greek sailors settled in Legaspi city on the island of Luzon about a century ago. Descendants of these Greek Orthodox Christian sailors now number no more than 10 families, who have kept their Greek surnames and many of whom have become distinguished public figures and intellectuals in the Philippines, including serving as the Greek consulate in Manila. Though they do not speak Greek, they were largely responsible for the re-establishment of an Orthodox presence in the Philippines through their encouragement of Filipino converts and the Hellenic Orthodox Foundation.<br />
<br />
'''The Hellenic Orthodox Foundation'''<br />
<br />
[[Image:Manila_orthodox_cathedral.jpg|left|thumb|The Annunciation Orthodox Cathedral in Paranaque, Manila]]One of the first Greek Orthodox to arrive in the Philippines was Alexandros Athos Adamopoulos, who came to Legaspi city in 1928. Together with his brother and cousin he co-founded Adamson University in 1932. The university was and is noted for its curriculum directed towards the needs of the Philippines in the areas of science, chemical and industrial engineering. Adamson University, now owned by the Vincentian Fathers of the Roman Catholic Church, has attained recognition as one of the leading institutions for graduate education, law, arts, sciences, chemistry, computer education, engineering, commerce and architechture. The university has a student population of over 22,000. <br />
<br />
Alexandros Adamopoulos (Alexander A. Adamson) was appointed in 1942 by the Greek government to take charge of Greek interests in the Philippines. He was later promoted to the rank of Consul General of Greece. <br />
<br />
In 1989 Alexander Adamson saw the need to establish the first true Greek Orthodox church in the Philippines and thus established the Hellenic Orthodox Foundation Inc. Although he died in 1993 before the church was completed, the Orthodox Cathedral was finished in 1996 and is constructed in true Byzantine style, with all the interior furnishings imported from Greece, and is home to approximately 200 Orthodox in Metro Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. This cathedral was consecrated by the Ecumenical Patriarch on March 5, 2000. <br />
<br />
===1990s - First Filipino converts===<br />
On April 20, 1990, a Filipino [[hieromonk]], Fr. Vincentius Escarcha (a former Benedictine Abbot and a Roman Catholic priest for more than 20 years in Bajada, Cataingan, Masbate island), together with four nuns and faithful members of his community, were received into the Orthodox Church by Metropolitan [[Dionysios (Psiahas) of Proussa|Dionysios]] of the [[Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Zealand]] and assisted by [[Sotirios (Trambas) of Korea|Bishop Sotirios of Zelon]]. On January 19, 1994, Metropolitan Dionysius, assisted by Bishop Sotirios, received by [[Chrismation|Holy Chrismation]] several Filipino Christians in Manila.<br />
<br />
In 2004, the Theotokos Orthodox Church in Bajada, Masbate was consecrated by His Eminence Metropolitan [[Nikitas (Lulias) of Hong Kong|Nikitas]] of Hong Kong and South East Asia. At present, the nuns of the Theotokos Orthodox Monastery in Bajada run a kindergarten.<br />
<br />
==Orthodoxy in the Philippines today==<br />
Within the Ecumenical Patriarchate's [[Orthodox Metropolitanate of Hong Kong and Southeast Asia]], there are currently three Filipino Orthodox priests in the Philippines under the spiritual jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and are administratively under an ecclesiastical vicar from Greece. In these communities, the Divine Liturgy and other Orthodox worship services are said in English, Greek and Filipino.<br />
<br />
<br />
There are also some [[Independent Orthodox churches|independent groups]] in the Philippines that use the term ''Orthodox'' in their names but are not in communion with or are recognized by any canonical Orthodox church.<br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
<br />
*[http://filorthodoxia.googlepages.com/church.htm History of the First Filipino Orthodox Community in the Philippines] by Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis<br />
*[http://www.orthodoxnews.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=WorldNews.one&content_id=7354&CFID=29993857&CFTOKEN=90155693 Ecumenical Patriarch Consecrates Annunciation Church in Manila]<br />
*[http://www.orthodox.cn/news/20000420philippines_en.htm Orthodox Patriarch Visits Fledgling Local Orthodox Church]<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/AUG03.pdf The Theotokos Orthodox Church & Monastery in Masbate] (Information in an issue of The Censer)<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/Phil_major_events.html Major Events of Orthodoxy in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/Phil_history.html A priest's description of Orthodox missionary work in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www.rocor.org.au/lives/stjohnsanfranciscoshanghai Life of St. John Maximovitch]<br />
*[http://www2.mfa.gr/www.mfa.gr/Articles/en-US/03042007_KL1949.htm The Greek Community in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www.hri.org/forum/life/adamson.html Greeks in the Philippines and their contributions to the Filipinos]<br />
*[http://www.geocities.com/orthodoxyphilippines/ Official Website of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Mission in the Philippines]. <br />
<br />
<br />
{{Parishes of South, East, and Southeast Asia}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Jurisdictions]]</div>Dmitrihttp://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodoxy_in_the_PhilippinesOrthodoxy in the Philippines2007-09-06T10:09:24Z<p>Dmitri: /* Orthodoxy in the Philippines today */</p>
<hr />
<div>This article seeks to be a clearinghouse of information and links regarding the history and state of '''[[Orthodox Christianity]] in the Philippines'''.<br />
<br />
The current Orthodox presence in the Philippines is minimal. However, early in the 20th century a small Russian parish, exclusively for Russian nationals, once existed in Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. The presence of this Russian parish ceased to exist after the Second World War. Another Orthodox parish under the [[jurisdiction]] of the [[Ecumenical Patriarchate]] was founded in Manila during the early 1990s.<br />
<br />
== Beginnings of Christianity in the Philippines ==<br />
[[Image:Magellan's_Cross.jpg|left|thumb|Replica of Magellan's cross planted in Cebu in 1521]]Christianity was first introduced to the Philippines in the 16th century by Spain, when the Philippines became its colony. Until the Philippine Revolution of 1896, it was illegal for any non-[[Roman Catholic]] church to establish itself in the Philippines. The Archbishop of Manila served as both representative of the Spanish Inquisition and, during the absence of the governor-general, the Spanish Crown. <br />
<br />
After fighting a bloody revolution against Spain, the Philippines then fought another war for its independence against the United States. However, the Philippines was annexed by the United States in 1898 and remained a colony until 1946. Religious tolerance was then instituted. The new American governor-generals then encouraged the spread of the [[Anglican Communion|Episcopal Church]] through government donations of land.<br />
<br />
== Arrival of Orthodoxy ==<br />
===1800s - Antiochian Orthodox Christians===<br />
It appears that the first Orthodox Christians on the islands were Syrian and Lebanese merchants and sailors, who arrived in Manila after it was opened to outside trade. The first recorded Orthodox Christians in the Philippines were Syrian and Lebanese sailors in 1802 according to the Syrian Consulate in Manila. Many of the Lebanese sailors married and their families still reside in the Philippines and have become Filipino citizens, including the owners of a famous pizza parlor in Manila. The oldest living Orthodox Christian in the Philippines, a Lebanese by the last name of Assad, was born around 1904. <br />
<br />
===1930s - Russian Orthodox Christians===<br />
[[Image:John Maximovitch Tubabao.jpg|right|thumb|Abp. John Maximovitch in Tubabao]]An influx of Russian emigrees fleeing the Soviet regime occured during the American colonial regime. In 1935, a Russian [[parish]] was established in Manila, and the [[Patriarch]] of Moscow and All Russia appointed Father Mikhail Yerokhin as vicar. The Episcopal Church then permitted Fr. Mikhail to use the north transept of their cathedral for worship. In 1937, the first Orthodox church was built and was named after the Iberian [[Icon]] of the Mother of God. This also became the first Orthodox [[altar]] in the Philippines. Later, both the Episcopal Cathedral and the Russian Orthodox church in Manila were destroyed during the Second World War.<br />
<br />
In 1949, 5,500 Russian Orthodox from China, including then-[[Archbishop]] [[John Maximovitch]], were relocated to Tubabao in the south central Philippines by the International Refugee Organization and with the permission of the newly independent Republic of the Philippines. Abp. John Maximovitch then established a wooden church, orphanage, and other buildings in Tubabao exclusively for the Russian refugees. <br />
<br />
Tubabao, however, was (and still is) an underdeveloped island which is humid, prone to typhoons, and at times inaccessible due to the ocean conditions. When a Russian commented on their fear that a typhoon would destroy their camp to local Filipinos, they replied that there was nothing to worry about because “your holy man blesses your camp from four directions every night.” There were no typhoons or floods while Abp. John was there. <br />
<br />
Abp. John Maximovitch did not preach the Orthodox faith to the native inhabitants of the Philippine islands. No Filipino was baptized, chrismated, ordained or consecrated during his stay in the Philippines. Through the persistent lobbying of Abp. John to the U.S. Congress, the refugees were allowed to settle in the United States and Australia beginning in 1951.<br />
<br />
=== 1990s - Greek Orthodox Christians===<br />
Around the beginning of the twentieth century, Greek sailors settled in Legaspi city on the island of Luzon about a century ago. Descendants of these Greek Orthodox Christian sailors now number no more than 10 families, who have kept their Greek surnames and many of whom have become distinguished public figures and intellectuals in the Philippines, including serving as the Greek consulate in Manila. Though they do not speak Greek, they were largely responsible for the re-establishment of an Orthodox presence in the Philippines through their encouragement of Filipino converts and the Hellenic Orthodox Foundation.<br />
<br />
'''The Hellenic Orthodox Foundation'''<br />
<br />
[[Image:Manila_orthodox_cathedral.jpg|left|thumb|The Annunciation Orthodox Cathedral in Paranaque, Manila]]One of the first Greek Orthodox to arrive in the Philippines was Alexandros Athos Adamopoulos, who came to Legaspi city in 1928. Together with his brother and cousin he co-founded Adamson University in 1932. The university was and is noted for its curriculum directed towards the needs of the Philippines in the areas of science, chemical and industrial engineering. Adamson University, now owned by the Vincentian Fathers of the Roman Catholic Church, has attained recognition as one of the leading institutions for graduate education, law, arts, sciences, chemistry, computer education, engineering, commerce and architechture. The university has a student population of over 22,000. <br />
<br />
Alexandros Adamopoulos (Alexander A. Adamson) was appointed in 1942 by the Greek government to take charge of Greek interests in the Philippines. He was later promoted to the rank of Consul General of Greece. <br />
<br />
In 1989 Alexander Adamson saw the need to establish the first true Greek Orthodox church in the Philippines and thus established the Hellenic Orthodox Foundation Inc. Although he died in 1993 before the church was completed, the Orthodox Cathedral was finished in 1996 and is constructed in true Byzantine style, with all the interior furnishings imported from Greece, and is home to approximately 200 Orthodox in Metro Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. This cathedral was consecrated by the Ecumenical Patriarch on March 5, 2000. <br />
<br />
===1990s - First Filipino converts===<br />
On April 20, 1990, a Filipino [[hieromonk]], Fr. Vincentius Escarcha (a former Benedictine Abbot and a Roman Catholic priest for more than 20 years in Bajada, Cataingan, Masbate island), together with four nuns and faithful members of his community, were received into the Orthodox Church by Metropolitan [[Dionysios (Psiahas) of Proussa|Dionysios]] of the [[Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Zealand]] and assisted by [[Sotirios (Trambas) of Korea|Bishop Sotirios of Zelon]]. On January 19, 1994, Metropolitan Dionysius, assisted by Bishop Sotirios, received by [[Chrismation|Holy Chrismation]] several Filipino Christians in Manila.<br />
<br />
In 2004, the Theotokos Orthodox Church in Bajada, Masbate was consecrated by His Eminence Metropolitan [[Nikitas (Lulias) of Hong Kong|Nikitas]] of Hong Kong and South East Asia. At present, the nuns of the Theotokos Orthodox Monastery in Bajada run a kindergarten.<br />
<br />
==Orthodoxy in the Philippines today==<br />
Within the Ecumenical Patriarchate's [[Orthodox Metropolitanate of Hong Kong and Southeast Asia]], there are currently three Filipino Orthodox priests in the Philippines under the spiritual jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and are administratively under an ecclesiastical vicar from Greece. In these communities, the Divine Liturgy and other Orthodox worship services are said in English, Greek and Filipino.<br />
<br />
<br />
There are also some [[Independent Orthodox churches|independent groups]] in the Philippines that use the term ''Orthodox'' in their names but are not in communion with or are recognized by any canonical Orthodox church.<br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
<br />
*[http://filorthodoxia.googlepages.com/church.htm History of the First Filipino Orthodox Community in the Philippines] by Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis<br />
*[http://www.orthodoxnews.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=WorldNews.one&content_id=7354&CFID=29993857&CFTOKEN=90155693 Ecumenical Patriarch Consecrates Annunciation Church in Manila]<br />
*[http://www.orthodox.cn/news/20000420philippines_en.htm Orthodox Patriarch Visits Fledgling Local Orthodox Church]<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/AUG03.pdf The Theotokos Orthodox Church & Monastery in Masbate] (Information in an issue of The Censer)<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/Phil_major_events.html Major Events of Orthodoxy in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/Phil_history.html A priest's description of Orthodox missionary work in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www.rocor.org.au/lives/stjohnsanfranciscoshanghai Life of St. John Maximovitch]<br />
*[http://www2.mfa.gr/www.mfa.gr/Articles/en-US/03042007_KL1949.htm The Greek Community in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www.hri.org/forum/life/adamson.html Greeks in the Philippines and their contributions to the Filipinos]<br />
*[http://www.geocities.com/orthodoxyphilippines/ Official Website of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Mission in the Philippines]. <br />
*[http://www.orthodox.org.ph Website of the Iglesia Orthodoxa ng Pilipinas].<br />
<br />
{{Parishes of South, East, and Southeast Asia}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Jurisdictions]]</div>Dmitrihttp://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodoxy_in_the_PhilippinesOrthodoxy in the Philippines2007-09-03T11:47:28Z<p>Dmitri: /* External links */</p>
<hr />
<div>This article seeks to be a clearinghouse of information and links regarding the history and state of '''[[Orthodox Christianity]] in the Philippines'''.<br />
<br />
The current Orthodox presence in the Philippines is minimal. However, early in the 20th century a small Russian parish, exclusively for Russian nationals, once existed in Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. The presence of this Russian parish ceased to exist after the Second World War. Another Orthodox parish under the [[jurisdiction]] of the [[Ecumenical Patriarchate]] was founded in Manila during the early 1990s.<br />
<br />
== Beginnings of Christianity in the Philippines ==<br />
[[Image:Magellan's_Cross.jpg|left|thumb|Replica of Magellan's cross planted in Cebu in 1521]]Christianity was first introduced to the Philippines in the 16th century by Spain, when the Philippines became its colony. Until the Philippine Revolution of 1896, it was illegal for any non-[[Roman Catholic]] church to establish itself in the Philippines. The Archbishop of Manila served as both representative of the Spanish Inquisition and, during the absence of the governor-general, the Spanish Crown. <br />
<br />
After fighting a bloody revolution against Spain, the Philippines then fought another war for its independence against the United States. However, the Philippines was annexed by the United States in 1898 and remained a colony until 1946. Religious tolerance was then instituted. The new American governor-generals then encouraged the spread of the [[Anglican Communion|Episcopal Church]] through government donations of land.<br />
<br />
== Arrival of Orthodoxy ==<br />
===1800s - Antiochian Orthodox Christians===<br />
It appears that the first Orthodox Christians on the islands were Syrian and Lebanese merchants and sailors, who arrived in Manila after it was opened to outside trade. The first recorded Orthodox Christians in the Philippines were Syrian and Lebanese sailors in 1802 according to the Syrian Consulate in Manila. Many of the Lebanese sailors married and their families still reside in the Philippines and have become Filipino citizens, including the owners of a famous pizza parlor in Manila. The oldest living Orthodox Christian in the Philippines, a Lebanese by the last name of Assad, was born around 1904. <br />
<br />
===1930s - Russian Orthodox Christians===<br />
[[Image:John Maximovitch Tubabao.jpg|right|thumb|Abp. John Maximovitch in Tubabao]]An influx of Russian emigrees fleeing the Soviet regime occured during the American colonial regime. In 1935, a Russian [[parish]] was established in Manila, and the [[Patriarch]] of Moscow and All Russia appointed Father Mikhail Yerokhin as vicar. The Episcopal Church then permitted Fr. Mikhail to use the north transept of their cathedral for worship. In 1937, the first Orthodox church was built and was named after the Iberian [[Icon]] of the Mother of God. This also became the first Orthodox [[altar]] in the Philippines. Later, both the Episcopal Cathedral and the Russian Orthodox church in Manila were destroyed during the Second World War.<br />
<br />
In 1949, 5,500 Russian Orthodox from China, including then-[[Archbishop]] [[John Maximovitch]], were relocated to Tubabao in the south central Philippines by the International Refugee Organization and with the permission of the newly independent Republic of the Philippines. Abp. John Maximovitch then established a wooden church, orphanage, and other buildings in Tubabao exclusively for the Russian refugees. <br />
<br />
Tubabao, however, was (and still is) an underdeveloped island which is humid, prone to typhoons, and at times inaccessible due to the ocean conditions. When a Russian commented on their fear that a typhoon would destroy their camp to local Filipinos, they replied that there was nothing to worry about because “your holy man blesses your camp from four directions every night.” There were no typhoons or floods while Abp. John was there. <br />
<br />
Abp. John Maximovitch did not preach the Orthodox faith to the native inhabitants of the Philippine islands. No Filipino was baptized, chrismated, ordained or consecrated during his stay in the Philippines. Through the persistent lobbying of Abp. John to the U.S. Congress, the refugees were allowed to settle in the United States and Australia beginning in 1951.<br />
<br />
=== 1990s - Greek Orthodox Christians===<br />
Around the beginning of the twentieth century, Greek sailors settled in Legaspi city on the island of Luzon about a century ago. Descendants of these Greek Orthodox Christian sailors now number no more than 10 families, who have kept their Greek surnames and many of whom have become distinguished public figures and intellectuals in the Philippines, including serving as the Greek consulate in Manila. Though they do not speak Greek, they were largely responsible for the re-establishment of an Orthodox presence in the Philippines through their encouragement of Filipino converts and the Hellenic Orthodox Foundation.<br />
<br />
'''The Hellenic Orthodox Foundation'''<br />
<br />
[[Image:Manila_orthodox_cathedral.jpg|left|thumb|The Annunciation Orthodox Cathedral in Paranaque, Manila]]One of the first Greek Orthodox to arrive in the Philippines was Alexandros Athos Adamopoulos, who came to Legaspi city in 1928. Together with his brother and cousin he co-founded Adamson University in 1932. The university was and is noted for its curriculum directed towards the needs of the Philippines in the areas of science, chemical and industrial engineering. Adamson University, now owned by the Vincentian Fathers of the Roman Catholic Church, has attained recognition as one of the leading institutions for graduate education, law, arts, sciences, chemistry, computer education, engineering, commerce and architechture. The university has a student population of over 22,000. <br />
<br />
Alexandros Adamopoulos (Alexander A. Adamson) was appointed in 1942 by the Greek government to take charge of Greek interests in the Philippines. He was later promoted to the rank of Consul General of Greece. <br />
<br />
In 1989 Alexander Adamson saw the need to establish the first true Greek Orthodox church in the Philippines and thus established the Hellenic Orthodox Foundation Inc. Although he died in 1993 before the church was completed, the Orthodox Cathedral was finished in 1996 and is constructed in true Byzantine style, with all the interior furnishings imported from Greece, and is home to approximately 200 Orthodox in Metro Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. This cathedral was consecrated by the Ecumenical Patriarch on March 5, 2000. <br />
<br />
===1990s - First Filipino converts===<br />
On April 20, 1990, a Filipino [[hieromonk]], Fr. Vincentius Escarcha (a former Benedictine Abbot and a Roman Catholic priest for more than 20 years in Bajada, Cataingan, Masbate island), together with four nuns and faithful members of his community, were received into the Orthodox Church by Metropolitan [[Dionysios (Psiahas) of Proussa|Dionysios]] of the [[Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Zealand]] and assisted by [[Sotirios (Trambas) of Korea|Bishop Sotirios of Zelon]]. On January 19, 1994, Metropolitan Dionysius, assisted by Bishop Sotirios, received by [[Chrismation|Holy Chrismation]] several Filipino Christians in Manila.<br />
<br />
In 2004, the Theotokos Orthodox Church in Bajada, Masbate was consecrated by His Eminence Metropolitan [[Nikitas (Lulias) of Hong Kong|Nikitas]] of Hong Kong and South East Asia. At present, the nuns of the Theotokos Orthodox Monastery in Bajada run a kindergarten.<br />
<br />
==Orthodoxy in the Philippines today==<br />
Within the Ecumenical Patriarchate's [[Orthodox Metropolitanate of Hong Kong and Southeast Asia]], there are currently three Filipino Orthodox priests in the Philippines under the spiritual jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and are administratively under an ecclesiastical vicar from Greece. In these communities, the Divine Liturgy and other Orthodox worship services are said in English, Greek and Filipino.<br />
<br />
In 2007, the Antiochian Orthodox Mission in the Philippines was established directly under Metropolitan Archbishop Paul Saliba. <br />
<br />
There are also some [[Independent Orthodox churches|independent groups]] in the Philippines that use the term ''Orthodox'' in their names but are not in communion with or are recognized by any canonical Orthodox church.<br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
<br />
*[http://filorthodoxia.googlepages.com/church.htm History of the First Filipino Orthodox Community in the Philippines] by Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis<br />
*[http://www.orthodoxnews.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=WorldNews.one&content_id=7354&CFID=29993857&CFTOKEN=90155693 Ecumenical Patriarch Consecrates Annunciation Church in Manila]<br />
*[http://www.orthodox.cn/news/20000420philippines_en.htm Orthodox Patriarch Visits Fledgling Local Orthodox Church]<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/AUG03.pdf The Theotokos Orthodox Church & Monastery in Masbate] (Information in an issue of The Censer)<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/Phil_major_events.html Major Events of Orthodoxy in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/Phil_history.html A priest's description of Orthodox missionary work in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www.rocor.org.au/lives/stjohnsanfranciscoshanghai Life of St. John Maximovitch]<br />
*[http://www2.mfa.gr/www.mfa.gr/Articles/en-US/03042007_KL1949.htm The Greek Community in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www.hri.org/forum/life/adamson.html Greeks in the Philippines and their contributions to the Filipinos]<br />
<br />
*[http://www.geocities.com/orthodoxyphilippines/church.html] Official Website of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Mission in the Philippines. <br />
<br />
{{Parishes of South, East, and Southeast Asia}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Jurisdictions]]</div>Dmitrihttp://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodoxy_in_the_PhilippinesOrthodoxy in the Philippines2007-09-03T11:46:15Z<p>Dmitri: /* Orthodoxy in the Philippines today */</p>
<hr />
<div>This article seeks to be a clearinghouse of information and links regarding the history and state of '''[[Orthodox Christianity]] in the Philippines'''.<br />
<br />
The current Orthodox presence in the Philippines is minimal. However, early in the 20th century a small Russian parish, exclusively for Russian nationals, once existed in Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. The presence of this Russian parish ceased to exist after the Second World War. Another Orthodox parish under the [[jurisdiction]] of the [[Ecumenical Patriarchate]] was founded in Manila during the early 1990s.<br />
<br />
== Beginnings of Christianity in the Philippines ==<br />
[[Image:Magellan's_Cross.jpg|left|thumb|Replica of Magellan's cross planted in Cebu in 1521]]Christianity was first introduced to the Philippines in the 16th century by Spain, when the Philippines became its colony. Until the Philippine Revolution of 1896, it was illegal for any non-[[Roman Catholic]] church to establish itself in the Philippines. The Archbishop of Manila served as both representative of the Spanish Inquisition and, during the absence of the governor-general, the Spanish Crown. <br />
<br />
After fighting a bloody revolution against Spain, the Philippines then fought another war for its independence against the United States. However, the Philippines was annexed by the United States in 1898 and remained a colony until 1946. Religious tolerance was then instituted. The new American governor-generals then encouraged the spread of the [[Anglican Communion|Episcopal Church]] through government donations of land.<br />
<br />
== Arrival of Orthodoxy ==<br />
===1800s - Antiochian Orthodox Christians===<br />
It appears that the first Orthodox Christians on the islands were Syrian and Lebanese merchants and sailors, who arrived in Manila after it was opened to outside trade. The first recorded Orthodox Christians in the Philippines were Syrian and Lebanese sailors in 1802 according to the Syrian Consulate in Manila. Many of the Lebanese sailors married and their families still reside in the Philippines and have become Filipino citizens, including the owners of a famous pizza parlor in Manila. The oldest living Orthodox Christian in the Philippines, a Lebanese by the last name of Assad, was born around 1904. <br />
<br />
===1930s - Russian Orthodox Christians===<br />
[[Image:John Maximovitch Tubabao.jpg|right|thumb|Abp. John Maximovitch in Tubabao]]An influx of Russian emigrees fleeing the Soviet regime occured during the American colonial regime. In 1935, a Russian [[parish]] was established in Manila, and the [[Patriarch]] of Moscow and All Russia appointed Father Mikhail Yerokhin as vicar. The Episcopal Church then permitted Fr. Mikhail to use the north transept of their cathedral for worship. In 1937, the first Orthodox church was built and was named after the Iberian [[Icon]] of the Mother of God. This also became the first Orthodox [[altar]] in the Philippines. Later, both the Episcopal Cathedral and the Russian Orthodox church in Manila were destroyed during the Second World War.<br />
<br />
In 1949, 5,500 Russian Orthodox from China, including then-[[Archbishop]] [[John Maximovitch]], were relocated to Tubabao in the south central Philippines by the International Refugee Organization and with the permission of the newly independent Republic of the Philippines. Abp. John Maximovitch then established a wooden church, orphanage, and other buildings in Tubabao exclusively for the Russian refugees. <br />
<br />
Tubabao, however, was (and still is) an underdeveloped island which is humid, prone to typhoons, and at times inaccessible due to the ocean conditions. When a Russian commented on their fear that a typhoon would destroy their camp to local Filipinos, they replied that there was nothing to worry about because “your holy man blesses your camp from four directions every night.” There were no typhoons or floods while Abp. John was there. <br />
<br />
Abp. John Maximovitch did not preach the Orthodox faith to the native inhabitants of the Philippine islands. No Filipino was baptized, chrismated, ordained or consecrated during his stay in the Philippines. Through the persistent lobbying of Abp. John to the U.S. Congress, the refugees were allowed to settle in the United States and Australia beginning in 1951.<br />
<br />
=== 1990s - Greek Orthodox Christians===<br />
Around the beginning of the twentieth century, Greek sailors settled in Legaspi city on the island of Luzon about a century ago. Descendants of these Greek Orthodox Christian sailors now number no more than 10 families, who have kept their Greek surnames and many of whom have become distinguished public figures and intellectuals in the Philippines, including serving as the Greek consulate in Manila. Though they do not speak Greek, they were largely responsible for the re-establishment of an Orthodox presence in the Philippines through their encouragement of Filipino converts and the Hellenic Orthodox Foundation.<br />
<br />
'''The Hellenic Orthodox Foundation'''<br />
<br />
[[Image:Manila_orthodox_cathedral.jpg|left|thumb|The Annunciation Orthodox Cathedral in Paranaque, Manila]]One of the first Greek Orthodox to arrive in the Philippines was Alexandros Athos Adamopoulos, who came to Legaspi city in 1928. Together with his brother and cousin he co-founded Adamson University in 1932. The university was and is noted for its curriculum directed towards the needs of the Philippines in the areas of science, chemical and industrial engineering. Adamson University, now owned by the Vincentian Fathers of the Roman Catholic Church, has attained recognition as one of the leading institutions for graduate education, law, arts, sciences, chemistry, computer education, engineering, commerce and architechture. The university has a student population of over 22,000. <br />
<br />
Alexandros Adamopoulos (Alexander A. Adamson) was appointed in 1942 by the Greek government to take charge of Greek interests in the Philippines. He was later promoted to the rank of Consul General of Greece. <br />
<br />
In 1989 Alexander Adamson saw the need to establish the first true Greek Orthodox church in the Philippines and thus established the Hellenic Orthodox Foundation Inc. Although he died in 1993 before the church was completed, the Orthodox Cathedral was finished in 1996 and is constructed in true Byzantine style, with all the interior furnishings imported from Greece, and is home to approximately 200 Orthodox in Metro Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. This cathedral was consecrated by the Ecumenical Patriarch on March 5, 2000. <br />
<br />
===1990s - First Filipino converts===<br />
On April 20, 1990, a Filipino [[hieromonk]], Fr. Vincentius Escarcha (a former Benedictine Abbot and a Roman Catholic priest for more than 20 years in Bajada, Cataingan, Masbate island), together with four nuns and faithful members of his community, were received into the Orthodox Church by Metropolitan [[Dionysios (Psiahas) of Proussa|Dionysios]] of the [[Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Zealand]] and assisted by [[Sotirios (Trambas) of Korea|Bishop Sotirios of Zelon]]. On January 19, 1994, Metropolitan Dionysius, assisted by Bishop Sotirios, received by [[Chrismation|Holy Chrismation]] several Filipino Christians in Manila.<br />
<br />
In 2004, the Theotokos Orthodox Church in Bajada, Masbate was consecrated by His Eminence Metropolitan [[Nikitas (Lulias) of Hong Kong|Nikitas]] of Hong Kong and South East Asia. At present, the nuns of the Theotokos Orthodox Monastery in Bajada run a kindergarten.<br />
<br />
==Orthodoxy in the Philippines today==<br />
Within the Ecumenical Patriarchate's [[Orthodox Metropolitanate of Hong Kong and Southeast Asia]], there are currently three Filipino Orthodox priests in the Philippines under the spiritual jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and are administratively under an ecclesiastical vicar from Greece. In these communities, the Divine Liturgy and other Orthodox worship services are said in English, Greek and Filipino.<br />
<br />
In 2007, the Antiochian Orthodox Mission in the Philippines was established directly under Metropolitan Archbishop Paul Saliba. <br />
<br />
There are also some [[Independent Orthodox churches|independent groups]] in the Philippines that use the term ''Orthodox'' in their names but are not in communion with or are recognized by any canonical Orthodox church.<br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
*[http://www.orthodox.org.ph/ Orthodox Church in the Philippines] (Antiochian)<br />
*[http://filorthodoxia.googlepages.com/church.htm History of the First Filipino Orthodox Community in the Philippines] by Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis<br />
*[http://www.orthodoxnews.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=WorldNews.one&content_id=7354&CFID=29993857&CFTOKEN=90155693 Ecumenical Patriarch Consecrates Annunciation Church in Manila]<br />
*[http://www.orthodox.cn/news/20000420philippines_en.htm Orthodox Patriarch Visits Fledgling Local Orthodox Church]<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/AUG03.pdf The Theotokos Orthodox Church & Monastery in Masbate] (Information in an issue of The Censer)<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/Phil_major_events.html Major Events of Orthodoxy in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/Phil_history.html A priest's description of Orthodox missionary work in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www.rocor.org.au/lives/stjohnsanfranciscoshanghai Life of St. John Maximovitch]<br />
*[http://www2.mfa.gr/www.mfa.gr/Articles/en-US/03042007_KL1949.htm The Greek Community in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www.hri.org/forum/life/adamson.html Greeks in the Philippines and their contributions to the Filipinos]<br />
<br />
<br />
{{Parishes of South, East, and Southeast Asia}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Jurisdictions]]</div>Dmitrihttp://orthodoxwiki.org/Talk:Orthodoxy_in_the_PhilippinesTalk:Orthodoxy in the Philippines2007-06-12T05:27:35Z<p>Dmitri: /* Antiochians in the Philippines */</p>
<hr />
<div>=="clandestine and cultic"==<br />
This language is pretty strong -- maybe it would be helpful to have more identification here -- what are these groups like, what are they called? "Clandestine and cultic" should have some documentation to fill it out, otherwise this language is just regarded as personal opinion. — [[User:FrJohn|<b>FrJohn</b>]] ([http://www.orthodoxwiki.org/User_talk:FrJohn&action=edit&section=new talk])<br />
<br />
<br />
=="clandestine and cultic"==<br />
<br />
Dear Father John,<br />
The online dictionary defined the word '''clandestine''' as "'''existing or operating in a way so as to ensure complete concealment and confidentiality'''" ([http://www.answers.com/topic/clandestine]). The American Heritage Dictionary defined the word '''cult''' as "a religion or religious sect generally considered to be extremist or '''false''', with its followers often living in an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader. The followers of such a religion or sect. Listed below are registered churches in the Philippines claiming to be "Orthodox". No other information can be obtained from the internet except the name of their church. I have talked with some members and clergymen of these "orthodox" groups years back while I was searchin for the true Orthodox Church and I found out that they professed the Hindu, Buddhist and "New Age" doctrine of Karma and '''Reincarnation'''. They also believed in "mediums" (i.e., Christ, God the Father, the Holy Spirit, the Theotokos, the Child Jesus etc. possesing their spiritual leaders (priests and bishops) thereby receiving from them the power to heal, prophesy etc.).<br />
<br />
1. ARCHBISHOP ISAAC NEE DANIEL L. GOROSPE EASTERN ORTHODOX CATHOLIC MISSION CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST, INC. <br />
<br />
2. ARCHBISHOP JAMES NEE LEON C. CACHERO JR. INTL. ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST IS LORD, INC. <br />
<br />
3. ARCHBISHOP PATRIARCH ABRAHAM JOHN PAUL I NEE ARTEMIO FRANCISCO. <br />
<br />
4. PAULINO CANETE-PINERO D.D. OF THE ORTHODOX MISSIONARY FATHERS. <br />
<br />
5. BISHOP OF LOS BANOS OF THE ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CHURCH INC. <br />
<br />
6. BISHOP PRIMATE OF THE ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CHURCH INC. <br />
<br />
7. BISHOP UNITED ORTHODOX APOSTOLIC EASTERN CHURCH, INC.<br />
<br />
8. CONGREGATION OF ORTHODOX CATHOLIC MISSIONARIES INC. <br />
<br />
9. DIOCESAN BISHOP OF THE ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CANONICAL DIOCESE OF THE PHILS. INC. <br />
<br />
10. DIVINE ORTHODOX CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST INC.<br />
<br />
11. FAR EAST ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CHURCH INC. <br />
<br />
12. GOVERNING HIERARCH OF THE ASIAN ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CHURCH INC. <br />
<br />
13. HOLY ORTHODOX CATHOLIC APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST INC. <br />
<br />
14. KATHOLIKOS ARCHIEREUS OF ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CHURCH ORD. IN PHILS. <br />
<br />
15. ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CHURCH OF AMERICAS & ASIA INC. <br />
<br />
16. ORTHODOX CATHOLIC MISSION INCORPORATED <br />
<br />
17. ORTHODOX CHURCH IN THE PHILIPPINES, INC. <br />
<br />
18. PHIL. ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CHURCH INC. <br />
<br />
19. PHIL. PATRIARCH OF THE HOLY ORTHODOX CATHOLIC APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST INC. <br />
<br />
20. PRESIDING PRESBYTER OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCH IN THE PHILS. INC. <br />
<br />
21. PRIMATE OF THE ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CHURCH INC. <br />
<br />
22. SAN AGUSTIN III (DASMARINAS CAVITE) RESIDENTS & MEMBERS OF INTL. ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST IS LORD. <br />
<br />
23. SOVEREIGN ORDER OF THE ORTHODOX HOSPITALLERS OF ST. JOHN.<br />
<br />
24. ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CHURCH, INC. <br />
<br />
25. UNITED ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF GOD IN THE PHILS., INC. <br />
<br />
26. WESTERN AND EASTERN ORTHODOX CATHOLIC APOSTOLIC CHURCH MISSIONARIES SOCIETY INC. <br />
<br />
27. WESTERN ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CHURCH IN THE PHILS., INC. <br />
<br />
<br />
'''Source''': The Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission<br />
[http://www.sec.gov.ph/]<br />
<br />
<br />
There are other unregistered clandestine and cultic "churches" claiming to be orthodox which are not included in the above list. <br />
<br />
Father, since you find the language "pretty strong" please provide a more appropriate alternative. Thank you very much. [[User:Filipino|Filipino]] 21:27, June 7, 2007 (PDT)<br />
<br />
::Thanks, Filipino - it's very interesting, if not helpful, to see all of those groups. Perhaps strong language is appropriate, but maybe they are not all clandestine or cultic according to your definitions? Definitely they breed confusion, and it can be good to identify groups to avoid. — [[User:FrJohn|<b>FrJohn</b>]] ([http://www.orthodoxwiki.org/User_talk:FrJohn&action=edit&section=new talk])<br />
<br />
<br />
::Dear Father John I already removed the "strong language". Thank you for your unbiased insight and kind remarks.<br />
[[User:Filipino|Filipino]] 10:24, June 8, 2007 (PDT)<br />
<br />
If they are clandestine as you say "Filipino, then why are they listed with the Philippine Exchange Commission, have been recognized as religious entities by the Philippine government, and some of these groups are members of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines. Please stop politicizing this entry. ---Marcus<br />
<br />
:The term "clandestine" has been removed. The groups are what they are - it isn't really of concern to us here. Marcus, can you provide any solid documentation related to the arrival of the Lebanese families you metioned in the 1800's? Thanks, — [[User:FrJohn|<b>FrJohn</b>]] ([http://www.orthodoxwiki.org/User_talk:FrJohn&action=edit&section=new talk])</div>Dmitrihttp://orthodoxwiki.org/Talk:Orthodoxy_in_the_PhilippinesTalk:Orthodoxy in the Philippines2007-06-12T05:08:34Z<p>Dmitri: /* Deleted Reference to Fr. Deacon Chris Gain and his church */</p>
<hr />
<div>=="clandestine and cultic"==<br />
This language is pretty strong -- maybe it would be helpful to have more identification here -- what are these groups like, what are they called? "Clandestine and cultic" should have some documentation to fill it out, otherwise this language is just regarded as personal opinion. — [[User:FrJohn|<b>FrJohn</b>]] ([http://www.orthodoxwiki.org/User_talk:FrJohn&action=edit&section=new talk])<br />
<br />
<br />
=="clandestine and cultic"==<br />
<br />
Dear Father John,<br />
The online dictionary defined the word '''clandestine''' as "'''existing or operating in a way so as to ensure complete concealment and confidentiality'''" ([http://www.answers.com/topic/clandestine]). The American Heritage Dictionary defined the word '''cult''' as "a religion or religious sect generally considered to be extremist or '''false''', with its followers often living in an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader. The followers of such a religion or sect. Listed below are registered churches in the Philippines claiming to be "Orthodox". No other information can be obtained from the internet except the name of their church. I have talked with some members and clergymen of these "orthodox" groups years back while I was searchin for the true Orthodox Church and I found out that they professed the Hindu, Buddhist and "New Age" doctrine of Karma and '''Reincarnation'''. They also believed in "mediums" (i.e., Christ, God the Father, the Holy Spirit, the Theotokos, the Child Jesus etc. possesing their spiritual leaders (priests and bishops) thereby receiving from them the power to heal, prophesy etc.).<br />
<br />
1. ARCHBISHOP ISAAC NEE DANIEL L. GOROSPE EASTERN ORTHODOX CATHOLIC MISSION CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST, INC. <br />
<br />
2. ARCHBISHOP JAMES NEE LEON C. CACHERO JR. INTL. ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST IS LORD, INC. <br />
<br />
3. ARCHBISHOP PATRIARCH ABRAHAM JOHN PAUL I NEE ARTEMIO FRANCISCO. <br />
<br />
4. PAULINO CANETE-PINERO D.D. OF THE ORTHODOX MISSIONARY FATHERS. <br />
<br />
5. BISHOP OF LOS BANOS OF THE ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CHURCH INC. <br />
<br />
6. BISHOP PRIMATE OF THE ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CHURCH INC. <br />
<br />
7. BISHOP UNITED ORTHODOX APOSTOLIC EASTERN CHURCH, INC.<br />
<br />
8. CONGREGATION OF ORTHODOX CATHOLIC MISSIONARIES INC. <br />
<br />
9. DIOCESAN BISHOP OF THE ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CANONICAL DIOCESE OF THE PHILS. INC. <br />
<br />
10. DIVINE ORTHODOX CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST INC.<br />
<br />
11. FAR EAST ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CHURCH INC. <br />
<br />
12. GOVERNING HIERARCH OF THE ASIAN ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CHURCH INC. <br />
<br />
13. HOLY ORTHODOX CATHOLIC APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST INC. <br />
<br />
14. KATHOLIKOS ARCHIEREUS OF ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CHURCH ORD. IN PHILS. <br />
<br />
15. ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CHURCH OF AMERICAS & ASIA INC. <br />
<br />
16. ORTHODOX CATHOLIC MISSION INCORPORATED <br />
<br />
17. ORTHODOX CHURCH IN THE PHILIPPINES, INC. <br />
<br />
18. PHIL. ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CHURCH INC. <br />
<br />
19. PHIL. PATRIARCH OF THE HOLY ORTHODOX CATHOLIC APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST INC. <br />
<br />
20. PRESIDING PRESBYTER OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCH IN THE PHILS. INC. <br />
<br />
21. PRIMATE OF THE ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CHURCH INC. <br />
<br />
22. SAN AGUSTIN III (DASMARINAS CAVITE) RESIDENTS & MEMBERS OF INTL. ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST IS LORD. <br />
<br />
23. SOVEREIGN ORDER OF THE ORTHODOX HOSPITALLERS OF ST. JOHN.<br />
<br />
24. ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CHURCH, INC. <br />
<br />
25. UNITED ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF GOD IN THE PHILS., INC. <br />
<br />
26. WESTERN AND EASTERN ORTHODOX CATHOLIC APOSTOLIC CHURCH MISSIONARIES SOCIETY INC. <br />
<br />
27. WESTERN ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CHURCH IN THE PHILS., INC. <br />
<br />
<br />
'''Source''': The Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission<br />
[http://www.sec.gov.ph/]<br />
<br />
<br />
There are other unregistered clandestine and cultic "churches" claiming to be orthodox which are not included in the above list. <br />
<br />
Father, since you find the language "pretty strong" please provide a more appropriate alternative. Thank you very much. [[User:Filipino|Filipino]] 21:27, June 7, 2007 (PDT)<br />
<br />
::Thanks, Filipino - it's very interesting, if not helpful, to see all of those groups. Perhaps strong language is appropriate, but maybe they are not all clandestine or cultic according to your definitions? Definitely they breed confusion, and it can be good to identify groups to avoid. — [[User:FrJohn|<b>FrJohn</b>]] ([http://www.orthodoxwiki.org/User_talk:FrJohn&action=edit&section=new talk])<br />
<br />
<br />
::Dear Father John I already removed the "strong language". Thank you for your unbiased insight and kind remarks.<br />
[[User:Filipino|Filipino]] 10:24, June 8, 2007 (PDT)<br />
<br />
If they are clandestine as you say "Filipino, then why are they listed with the Philippine Exchange Commission, have been recognized as religious entities by the Philippine government, and some of these groups are members of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines. Please stop politicizing this entry. ---Marcus<br />
<br />
:The term "clandestine" has been removed. The groups are what they are - it isn't really of concern to us here. Marcus, can you provide any solid documentation related to the arrival of the Lebanese families you metioned in the 1800's? Thanks, — [[User:FrJohn|<b>FrJohn</b>]] ([http://www.orthodoxwiki.org/User_talk:FrJohn&action=edit&section=new talk])<br />
<br />
== Antiochians in the Philippines ==<br />
<br />
It appears that there is some polemic here, with Marcus representing the Antiochian side and Filipino representing the Greek side. Both have provided different histories of the origins of Orthodoxy in the Philippines, which each seem to bolster jurisdictional claims.<br />
<br />
It's difficult for me to imagine that Antiochians aren't in communion with Greeks -- is this really the case? Was the deacon merely representing himself, or was he sent by his bishop?<br />
<br />
I can definitely see the canonical problems here, though. It may be helpful to keep in mind that these canonical issues persist throughout the "diaspora" - hence the historical interest in claiming first landing in the country. There is no doubt that these conflicts will remain with us for some time. My hope is that on the wiki we can seek to describe the situation as completely and dispassionately as possible, with attention to the historical circumstance and competing canonical claims. We are definitely biased towards the what we call "Mainstream Chalcedonian Orthodoxy", i.e. those churches in communion with the ancient patriarchates (with the exception of Rome), but I would prefer to remain as neutral as possible in the midst of inter-jurisdictional disputes such as this. — [[User:FrJohn|<b>FrJohn</b>]] ([http://www.orthodoxwiki.org/User_talk:FrJohn&action=edit&section=new talk]) 10:45, June 8, 2007 (PDT)<br />
<br />
Chris Gain is not a deacon within the Antiochian Archdiocese of Australia and New Zealand or any Orthdox Church. His views do not represent the views of any canonical bishop in Australia --Marcus<br />
<br />
<br />
: I reverted the article to the previus revision as of 17:37, June 8, 2007 by Fr. John. Marcus, please justify your act of deleting the reference to the first reception of Filipino Orthodox Christians in the Philippines and for removing the links to the canonical Orthodox Church in the Philippines. Likewise, Marcus, please cite your sources and historical documents to support your claim about the Lebanese and Syrian Christians in the Philippines. If you can provide evidence and documentation for this then reference to Lebanese and Syrian Christians as the "first" Orthodox Christians in the Philippines should be included in the article.<br />
[[User:Filipino|Filipino]] 20:31, June 8, 2007 (PDT)<br />
<br />
<br />
:Would you want the family names? The Syrian and Lebanese Consulates in Manila confirmed that after the opening of foreign trade, a number of Ottoman subjects from the Greater Syria province arrived in the Philippines including the Sa-id and Saliba (which became Filipino-nized into "Soliba") families. The Sa-id family has the records to show that their ancestors worked on British ships in the Philippines. <br />
<br />
Furthermore, I deleted the references because it is too politicized and shows blind papal-cesaerism, not to mention its highly inaccurate and anti-Arab. The Greek Orthodox Church in the Philippines can not call itself ''the'' Orthodox Church of the Philippines because it is not legally entitled to do so, check the SEC registration again. Nor does it have the canonical or moral authority to do so. According to the 1, 2, 3 Ecumenical Councils, Antioch is entitled to the jurisdictional territory of the "East" which means all of Asia and for this reason Antioch had parishes in China, Indonesia, and India as early as the 2nd century in the year of our Lord. It is also known that the Patriarchate of Moscow still considers the Philippines its missionary area because of its early presence here and also a major concern has arisen with the stories coming out of Indonesia about the Greek Orthodox Church and how 3/4 of the Indonesian Orthodox Christians are now under the omphorion of the ROCOR. <br />
<br />
However, all God-fearing Russian and Antiochian Orthodox in Australia share a general sorrow for what has happened in SE Asia after stories from Indonesia have emerged.<br />
<br />
Also if you would have taken the time to examine the SEC registration, you would have noticed that the registration of the Orthodox Church in the Philippines was a gift from Chris Gain to Patriarch Ignatius IV of (the City of God of) Antioch and All the East. That is why Chris Gain is mentioned in the paperwork. The Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese has nothing to do with gifts to the patriarchate and they would appreciate it if you would stop mentioning them in the article without their authorization. I would like to repeat that the Antiochian Archdiocese of Australia, New Zealand, and All Oceania has had nothing to do with Chris Gain nor with his Iglesia Ortodoxa ng Pilipinas. The Antiochian Archdiocese was as uninformed as was the Greek Metropolitanate of Hong Kong about this gift. <br />
<br />
<br />
May God grant you guidance and wisdom to refrain from attacking the ancient See of Antioch and for showing more discernment in your writing about Orthodoxy in the Philippines.<br />
<br />
--Marcus<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
:It seems to me that we should keep the reference in to the Lebenese families. Not sure why it is so contentious. Certainly, any canonical claims cannot merely rest on the "a few families from someplace arrived here first" argument. It's an interesting historical tidbit, anyway. <br />
<br />
:About the other matters, I kindly request that you both refrain from personal attacks and from attributing bad motives to one another, at least here. These are difficult issues, and it's a difficult time in church history (can't think of one that wasn't...). Ultimately, the bishops must work these things out. Honestly, I think that all of these "it's my territory" claims are doomed to failure in the so-called diaspora. The world has changed - increased mobility of peoples and other forces of globalization means that traditionally Orthodox peoples, each with their own histories, find themselves in far corners of the earth. Naturally, they bring their heritage -- and their hierarchy -- with them when there is no established and deeply rooted Orthodox church body in the region. The various jurisdictions will simply have to learn to live with each other under these new circumstances, observing and preserving carefully the bonds of communion which tie us together. I am sympathetic with the desire for canonical order that I see reflected in Filipino's statements, as well as the desire for an authentically indigenous Orthodoxy I see in Marcus' comments. It seems to me that these issues won't be really worked out unless there is a functioning primacy according to Orthodox canonical tradition, that bears the interests of the whole deeply in its heart. We may all dream of such a day, but it doesn't appear that this will happen anytime soon.<br />
<br />
:I want to emphasize once again that the role of OrthodoxWiki is not to take a side in these debates, but to honestly reflect the situation as clearly as possibly, avoiding gossip, speculation, and slander. The articles should reflect ''who'' says ''what'', ''where'', ''when'' and (to the degree it can be ascertained) ''why''. This may not solve anything -- but that's not the purpose here. I hope this approach will be of service to people trying to figure these things out on all sides. <br />
<br />
:May God bless us and have mercy on all of His struggling children! — [[User:FrJohn|<b>FrJohn</b>]] ([http://www.orthodoxwiki.org/User_talk:FrJohn&action=edit&section=new talk])<br />
<br />
<br />
:: Dear Father John, I totally agree with you. Truly, any canonical claims cannot merely rest on the "a few families from some place arrived here first" argument. Sadly, it is a well known fact that those who deny the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the diaspora are mostly those who belong from the uncanonical group of eastern orthodoxy. Again, thank you very much for your valuable insight. Marcus, can you tell us more about the "Orthodox Church in the Philippines" which is registered at the Philippine SEC as the "'''Iglesia Orthodoxa ng Pilipinas'''". Its website does not indicate any address in the Philippines and abroad. Is it under the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch? In the year 2007 Antiochian Archbishop's Report Fr. Deacon Chris Gain's name is listed as one of the Deacons under the Antiochian Archdiocese of Australia (pls. see [http://www.antiochian.org.au/content/view/615/22/ Archbishop's Report.])His name is also listed at number 14 under "Clergy no longer with the Archdiocese". You wrote that "Chris Gain is not a deacon within the Antiochian Archdiocese of Australia and New Zealand '''or any Orthdox Church'''" but the February 06, 2007 ([http://www.antiochian.org.au/content/view/602/0/ Antiochian Archdiocese News.])wrote: "With the written blessing of Metropolitan Archbishop Paul, Father Deacon Christopher was released from the Archdiocese of Australia and New Zealand this day '''to assist the Patriarchate located in Damascus, Syria'''." But you said Chris Gain is not a deacon in "any other Orthodox Church". And why did you refer to Fr. Deacon Chris Gain simply as "Chris Gain"? I hope you can shed more light on this. Thank you. [[User:Filipino|Filipino]] 04:09, June 9, 2007 (PDT)</div>Dmitrihttp://orthodoxwiki.org/Talk:Orthodoxy_in_the_PhilippinesTalk:Orthodoxy in the Philippines2007-06-12T05:07:59Z<p>Dmitri: /* Deleting the Divulged Schemes */</p>
<hr />
<div>=="clandestine and cultic"==<br />
This language is pretty strong -- maybe it would be helpful to have more identification here -- what are these groups like, what are they called? "Clandestine and cultic" should have some documentation to fill it out, otherwise this language is just regarded as personal opinion. — [[User:FrJohn|<b>FrJohn</b>]] ([http://www.orthodoxwiki.org/User_talk:FrJohn&action=edit&section=new talk])<br />
<br />
<br />
=="clandestine and cultic"==<br />
<br />
Dear Father John,<br />
The online dictionary defined the word '''clandestine''' as "'''existing or operating in a way so as to ensure complete concealment and confidentiality'''" ([http://www.answers.com/topic/clandestine]). The American Heritage Dictionary defined the word '''cult''' as "a religion or religious sect generally considered to be extremist or '''false''', with its followers often living in an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader. The followers of such a religion or sect. Listed below are registered churches in the Philippines claiming to be "Orthodox". No other information can be obtained from the internet except the name of their church. I have talked with some members and clergymen of these "orthodox" groups years back while I was searchin for the true Orthodox Church and I found out that they professed the Hindu, Buddhist and "New Age" doctrine of Karma and '''Reincarnation'''. They also believed in "mediums" (i.e., Christ, God the Father, the Holy Spirit, the Theotokos, the Child Jesus etc. possesing their spiritual leaders (priests and bishops) thereby receiving from them the power to heal, prophesy etc.).<br />
<br />
1. ARCHBISHOP ISAAC NEE DANIEL L. GOROSPE EASTERN ORTHODOX CATHOLIC MISSION CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST, INC. <br />
<br />
2. ARCHBISHOP JAMES NEE LEON C. CACHERO JR. INTL. ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST IS LORD, INC. <br />
<br />
3. ARCHBISHOP PATRIARCH ABRAHAM JOHN PAUL I NEE ARTEMIO FRANCISCO. <br />
<br />
4. PAULINO CANETE-PINERO D.D. OF THE ORTHODOX MISSIONARY FATHERS. <br />
<br />
5. BISHOP OF LOS BANOS OF THE ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CHURCH INC. <br />
<br />
6. BISHOP PRIMATE OF THE ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CHURCH INC. <br />
<br />
7. BISHOP UNITED ORTHODOX APOSTOLIC EASTERN CHURCH, INC.<br />
<br />
8. CONGREGATION OF ORTHODOX CATHOLIC MISSIONARIES INC. <br />
<br />
9. DIOCESAN BISHOP OF THE ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CANONICAL DIOCESE OF THE PHILS. INC. <br />
<br />
10. DIVINE ORTHODOX CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST INC.<br />
<br />
11. FAR EAST ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CHURCH INC. <br />
<br />
12. GOVERNING HIERARCH OF THE ASIAN ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CHURCH INC. <br />
<br />
13. HOLY ORTHODOX CATHOLIC APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST INC. <br />
<br />
14. KATHOLIKOS ARCHIEREUS OF ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CHURCH ORD. IN PHILS. <br />
<br />
15. ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CHURCH OF AMERICAS & ASIA INC. <br />
<br />
16. ORTHODOX CATHOLIC MISSION INCORPORATED <br />
<br />
17. ORTHODOX CHURCH IN THE PHILIPPINES, INC. <br />
<br />
18. PHIL. ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CHURCH INC. <br />
<br />
19. PHIL. PATRIARCH OF THE HOLY ORTHODOX CATHOLIC APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST INC. <br />
<br />
20. PRESIDING PRESBYTER OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCH IN THE PHILS. INC. <br />
<br />
21. PRIMATE OF THE ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CHURCH INC. <br />
<br />
22. SAN AGUSTIN III (DASMARINAS CAVITE) RESIDENTS & MEMBERS OF INTL. ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST IS LORD. <br />
<br />
23. SOVEREIGN ORDER OF THE ORTHODOX HOSPITALLERS OF ST. JOHN.<br />
<br />
24. ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CHURCH, INC. <br />
<br />
25. UNITED ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF GOD IN THE PHILS., INC. <br />
<br />
26. WESTERN AND EASTERN ORTHODOX CATHOLIC APOSTOLIC CHURCH MISSIONARIES SOCIETY INC. <br />
<br />
27. WESTERN ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CHURCH IN THE PHILS., INC. <br />
<br />
<br />
'''Source''': The Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission<br />
[http://www.sec.gov.ph/]<br />
<br />
<br />
There are other unregistered clandestine and cultic "churches" claiming to be orthodox which are not included in the above list. <br />
<br />
Father, since you find the language "pretty strong" please provide a more appropriate alternative. Thank you very much. [[User:Filipino|Filipino]] 21:27, June 7, 2007 (PDT)<br />
<br />
::Thanks, Filipino - it's very interesting, if not helpful, to see all of those groups. Perhaps strong language is appropriate, but maybe they are not all clandestine or cultic according to your definitions? Definitely they breed confusion, and it can be good to identify groups to avoid. — [[User:FrJohn|<b>FrJohn</b>]] ([http://www.orthodoxwiki.org/User_talk:FrJohn&action=edit&section=new talk])<br />
<br />
<br />
::Dear Father John I already removed the "strong language". Thank you for your unbiased insight and kind remarks.<br />
[[User:Filipino|Filipino]] 10:24, June 8, 2007 (PDT)<br />
<br />
If they are clandestine as you say "Filipino, then why are they listed with the Philippine Exchange Commission, have been recognized as religious entities by the Philippine government, and some of these groups are members of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines. Please stop politicizing this entry. ---Marcus<br />
<br />
:The term "clandestine" has been removed. The groups are what they are - it isn't really of concern to us here. Marcus, can you provide any solid documentation related to the arrival of the Lebanese families you metioned in the 1800's? Thanks, — [[User:FrJohn|<b>FrJohn</b>]] ([http://www.orthodoxwiki.org/User_talk:FrJohn&action=edit&section=new talk])<br />
<br />
== Antiochians in the Philippines ==<br />
<br />
It appears that there is some polemic here, with Marcus representing the Antiochian side and Filipino representing the Greek side. Both have provided different histories of the origins of Orthodoxy in the Philippines, which each seem to bolster jurisdictional claims.<br />
<br />
It's difficult for me to imagine that Antiochians aren't in communion with Greeks -- is this really the case? Was the deacon merely representing himself, or was he sent by his bishop?<br />
<br />
I can definitely see the canonical problems here, though. It may be helpful to keep in mind that these canonical issues persist throughout the "diaspora" - hence the historical interest in claiming first landing in the country. There is no doubt that these conflicts will remain with us for some time. My hope is that on the wiki we can seek to describe the situation as completely and dispassionately as possible, with attention to the historical circumstance and competing canonical claims. We are definitely biased towards the what we call "Mainstream Chalcedonian Orthodoxy", i.e. those churches in communion with the ancient patriarchates (with the exception of Rome), but I would prefer to remain as neutral as possible in the midst of inter-jurisdictional disputes such as this. — [[User:FrJohn|<b>FrJohn</b>]] ([http://www.orthodoxwiki.org/User_talk:FrJohn&action=edit&section=new talk]) 10:45, June 8, 2007 (PDT)<br />
<br />
Chris Gain is not a deacon within the Antiochian Archdiocese of Australia and New Zealand or any Orthdox Church. His views do not represent the views of any canonical bishop in Australia --Marcus<br />
<br />
<br />
: I reverted the article to the previus revision as of 17:37, June 8, 2007 by Fr. John. Marcus, please justify your act of deleting the reference to the first reception of Filipino Orthodox Christians in the Philippines and for removing the links to the canonical Orthodox Church in the Philippines. Likewise, Marcus, please cite your sources and historical documents to support your claim about the Lebanese and Syrian Christians in the Philippines. If you can provide evidence and documentation for this then reference to Lebanese and Syrian Christians as the "first" Orthodox Christians in the Philippines should be included in the article.<br />
[[User:Filipino|Filipino]] 20:31, June 8, 2007 (PDT)<br />
<br />
<br />
:Would you want the family names? The Syrian and Lebanese Consulates in Manila confirmed that after the opening of foreign trade, a number of Ottoman subjects from the Greater Syria province arrived in the Philippines including the Sa-id and Saliba (which became Filipino-nized into "Soliba") families. The Sa-id family has the records to show that their ancestors worked on British ships in the Philippines. <br />
<br />
Furthermore, I deleted the references because it is too politicized and shows blind papal-cesaerism, not to mention its highly inaccurate and anti-Arab. The Greek Orthodox Church in the Philippines can not call itself ''the'' Orthodox Church of the Philippines because it is not legally entitled to do so, check the SEC registration again. Nor does it have the canonical or moral authority to do so. According to the 1, 2, 3 Ecumenical Councils, Antioch is entitled to the jurisdictional territory of the "East" which means all of Asia and for this reason Antioch had parishes in China, Indonesia, and India as early as the 2nd century in the year of our Lord. It is also known that the Patriarchate of Moscow still considers the Philippines its missionary area because of its early presence here and also a major concern has arisen with the stories coming out of Indonesia about the Greek Orthodox Church and how 3/4 of the Indonesian Orthodox Christians are now under the omphorion of the ROCOR. <br />
<br />
However, all God-fearing Russian and Antiochian Orthodox in Australia share a general sorrow for what has happened in SE Asia after stories from Indonesia have emerged.<br />
<br />
Also if you would have taken the time to examine the SEC registration, you would have noticed that the registration of the Orthodox Church in the Philippines was a gift from Chris Gain to Patriarch Ignatius IV of (the City of God of) Antioch and All the East. That is why Chris Gain is mentioned in the paperwork. The Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese has nothing to do with gifts to the patriarchate and they would appreciate it if you would stop mentioning them in the article without their authorization. I would like to repeat that the Antiochian Archdiocese of Australia, New Zealand, and All Oceania has had nothing to do with Chris Gain nor with his Iglesia Ortodoxa ng Pilipinas. The Antiochian Archdiocese was as uninformed as was the Greek Metropolitanate of Hong Kong about this gift. <br />
<br />
<br />
May God grant you guidance and wisdom to refrain from attacking the ancient See of Antioch and for showing more discernment in your writing about Orthodoxy in the Philippines.<br />
<br />
--Marcus<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
:It seems to me that we should keep the reference in to the Lebenese families. Not sure why it is so contentious. Certainly, any canonical claims cannot merely rest on the "a few families from someplace arrived here first" argument. It's an interesting historical tidbit, anyway. <br />
<br />
:About the other matters, I kindly request that you both refrain from personal attacks and from attributing bad motives to one another, at least here. These are difficult issues, and it's a difficult time in church history (can't think of one that wasn't...). Ultimately, the bishops must work these things out. Honestly, I think that all of these "it's my territory" claims are doomed to failure in the so-called diaspora. The world has changed - increased mobility of peoples and other forces of globalization means that traditionally Orthodox peoples, each with their own histories, find themselves in far corners of the earth. Naturally, they bring their heritage -- and their hierarchy -- with them when there is no established and deeply rooted Orthodox church body in the region. The various jurisdictions will simply have to learn to live with each other under these new circumstances, observing and preserving carefully the bonds of communion which tie us together. I am sympathetic with the desire for canonical order that I see reflected in Filipino's statements, as well as the desire for an authentically indigenous Orthodoxy I see in Marcus' comments. It seems to me that these issues won't be really worked out unless there is a functioning primacy according to Orthodox canonical tradition, that bears the interests of the whole deeply in its heart. We may all dream of such a day, but it doesn't appear that this will happen anytime soon.<br />
<br />
:I want to emphasize once again that the role of OrthodoxWiki is not to take a side in these debates, but to honestly reflect the situation as clearly as possibly, avoiding gossip, speculation, and slander. The articles should reflect ''who'' says ''what'', ''where'', ''when'' and (to the degree it can be ascertained) ''why''. This may not solve anything -- but that's not the purpose here. I hope this approach will be of service to people trying to figure these things out on all sides. <br />
<br />
:May God bless us and have mercy on all of His struggling children! — [[User:FrJohn|<b>FrJohn</b>]] ([http://www.orthodoxwiki.org/User_talk:FrJohn&action=edit&section=new talk])<br />
<br />
<br />
:: Dear Father John, I totally agree with you. Truly, any canonical claims cannot merely rest on the "a few families from some place arrived here first" argument. Sadly, it is a well known fact that those who deny the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the diaspora are mostly those who belong from the uncanonical group of eastern orthodoxy. Again, thank you very much for your valuable insight. Marcus, can you tell us more about the "Orthodox Church in the Philippines" which is registered at the Philippine SEC as the "'''Iglesia Orthodoxa ng Pilipinas'''". Its website does not indicate any address in the Philippines and abroad. Is it under the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch? In the year 2007 Antiochian Archbishop's Report Fr. Deacon Chris Gain's name is listed as one of the Deacons under the Antiochian Archdiocese of Australia (pls. see [http://www.antiochian.org.au/content/view/615/22/ Archbishop's Report.])His name is also listed at number 14 under "Clergy no longer with the Archdiocese". You wrote that "Chris Gain is not a deacon within the Antiochian Archdiocese of Australia and New Zealand '''or any Orthdox Church'''" but the February 06, 2007 ([http://www.antiochian.org.au/content/view/602/0/ Antiochian Archdiocese News.])wrote: "With the written blessing of Metropolitan Archbishop Paul, Father Deacon Christopher was released from the Archdiocese of Australia and New Zealand this day '''to assist the Patriarchate located in Damascus, Syria'''." But you said Chris Gain is not a deacon in "any other Orthodox Church". And why did you refer to Fr. Deacon Chris Gain simply as "Chris Gain"? I hope you can shed more light on this. Thank you. [[User:Filipino|Filipino]] 04:09, June 9, 2007 (PDT)<br />
<br />
<br />
==Deleted Reference to Fr. Deacon Chris Gain and his church==<br />
<br />
<br />
Marcus, could you please justify the reason why edited your previous post and deleted reference to Fr. Deacon Chris Gain? Let me quote here the deleted portion (emphasis and italics mine):<br />
<br />
<br />
"Also if you would have taken the time to examine the SEC registration since you specifically mention it, you would have noticed that '''the registration of the Orthodox Church in the Philippines was a gift from Chris Gain to Patriarch Ignatius IV of (the City of God of) Antioch and All the East'''. That is why '''Chris Gain''' is mentioned in the paperwork. The Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese has nothing to do with gifts to the patriarchate and they would appreciate it if you would stop mentioning them in the article without their authorization. ''I would like to repeat that the Antiochian Archdiocese of Australia, New Zealand, and All Oceania '''has had nothing to do with Chris Gain nor with his Iglesia Ortodoxa ng Pilipinas'''.'' The Antiochian Archdiocese was as '''uninformed''' as was the Greek Metropolitanate of Hong Kong about this gift and the Archdiocese only found out about this recently." -Marcus -(Pls see: [http://orthodoxwiki.org/index.php?title=Talk:Orthodoxy_in_the_Philippines&diff=52668&oldid=52663 Talk Page Revisions])<br />
<br />
<br />
I guess the reason for your deletion is that you just made this all up (except of course for the fact that the the Metropolitan in Hong Kong and the local Orthodox Clergy in the Philippines were '''not informed''' by Fr. Deacon Chris Gain when he "clandestinely" registered his ''"Iglesia Orthodoxa ng Pilipinas"'' or Orthodox Church of the Philippines at the Philippine SEC in Manila last December 2006. I used the strong word "clandestinely registered" because of the fact that Fr. Deacon Chris Gain did not inform anyone at the Orthodox Metropolitanate of Hong Kong including the local Filipino Orthodox clergy in the Philippines as you yourself affirmed. You also alleged that the Antiochian Archdiocese in Australia was also "'''uninformed'''" and worse, the Antiochian Archbishop "only found out about this recently", hence, if this allegation of yours is true, this only serves to confirm without any reason of a doubt the '''clandestine''' manner by which Fr. Deacon Chris Gain registered and established this ''"Iglesia Orthodoxa ng Pilipinas".'' As for the questionable canonicity of this clandestinely established church, the ''"Iglesia Orthodoxa ng Pilipinas",'' this is clearly demonstrated based on your revelations.<br />
<br />
Everyone should also know Fr. Deacon Chris and his Filipino contacts in the Philippines also clandestinely registered the "'''GREEK ORTHODOX PATRIARCHATE OF ANTIOCH AND ALL THE EAST, INC'''. " in the Philippine SEC last December 2006 (pls. see [http://iregister.sec.gov.ph/MainServlet Philippine Securities and Echange Commission.]). Now my question Marcus, was His Beatitude Ignatius IV Patriarch of Antioch informed beforehand by Fr. Deacon Chris Gain and by the Antiochian Archbishop of Australia of the registration of the '''GREEK ORTHODOX PATRIARCHATE OF ANTIOCH AND ALL THE EAST, INC ''' or was he also '''"uninformed"'''? If the Patriarch of Antioch himself was '''uninformed''' so who gave Fr. Deacon Chris Gain authorization and blessing to register and establish the "'''GREEK ORTHODOX PATRIARCHATE OF ANTIOCH AND ALL THE EAST, INC'''. " and the "Iglesia Orthodoxa ng Pilipinas"? Now the doubtful and questionable canonicity of both entities becomes more apparent because of your revelations here at Wikipedia Talk Page. Our readers should thank you for these information.<br />
<br />
Surprisingly, you even strongly declared that the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese in Australia has nothing to do, not only with these questionable entities but also with its founder when you wrote: '''I would like to repeat that the Antiochian Archdiocese of <br />
Australia, New Zealand, and All Oceania has had nothing to do with Chris Gain nor with his Iglesia Ortodoxa ng Pilipinas'''. - Marcus <br />
<br />
You have a lot of explaining to do Marcus. So why did you deleted all these information in your previous post? Was it because they are merely allegations based on speculations? Or you just made it all up? I have reasons to believe that it could be both. Please answer also my questions about the ''Iglesia Orthodoxa sa Pilipinas'' in my previous post. I would also advice you to be extra careful with what you post here in Wikepedia. I observed that many of them are purely speculations and mostly allegations or totally unsupported claims (please review my first edits in the Orthodoxy in the Philippines article you wrote). Thank you. --[[User:Filipino|Filipino]] 03:34, June 10, 2007 (PDT)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Dear Filipino,<br />
<br />
As stated before by Father John, you should refrain from personal attacks. This Orthodox wikipedia is not the forum to discuss matters that you raised. Furthermore, I also would remind you that Antioch and Istanbul are two separate independent churches and you are under the spiritual jurisdiction of Constantinople. Therefore, you as a layman and as someone from outside of the Antiochian jurisdiction, should also refrain from commenting on internal matters and problems with the Antiochian church and making such lamentable comments on Orthodox wikipedia because that is not the proper forum to do so. If Constantinople is concerned about this matter with "Iglesia Orthodoxa..." then its canonical hierarchs should write to the canonical hierarchs of Antioch. This is not a lay concern and I stand by what I have already stated. I do not need to elaborate anything more because we are not even in the same jurisdiction and for me to state anything further would be gossip. I will not engage in gossip and once again I am not the spokesperson for the Archdiocese. <br />
It is very unbecoming of Orthodox Christians to attack other Orthodox Christians in this type of forum. <br />
<br />
--Marcus</div>Dmitrihttp://orthodoxwiki.org/User_talk:FrJohnUser talk:FrJohn2007-06-11T06:17:15Z<p>Dmitri: Orthodoxy in the Philippines</p>
<hr />
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== Orthodoxwiki in Greek ==<br />
<br />
Father bless. I have to apologise for my English and I'll like to ask you what i have to do to create the greek version of the Orthodoxwiki?<br />
Your blesses and I hope for the success of the progect--[[User:Adolapts|Adolapts]] 04:34, May 8, 2007 (PDT)<br />
<br />
== Romanian documents about ECOF==<br />
<br />
Le Patriarcat Roumain <br />
Le département des relations ecclésiastiques extérieures <br />
Roumanie <br />
<br />
423/3.III.1993 <br />
<br />
A son Excellence l’évêque Germain de St Denis <br />
Paris France <br />
<br />
VOTRE EXCELLENCE <br />
<br />
Nous portons à votre connaissance que le saint Synode de l’Eglise Roumaine, dans sa session de travail du 23 janvier 1993, a de nouveau examiné la situation de Votre Excellence et de l’Evêché Orthodoxe Catholique de France, <br />
<br />
Comme Vous savez, en 1972, ce diocèse Français, à la demande instante de ses représentants, a été reçu par le patriarcat Roumain sous sa juridiction, afin de lui offrir, par économie ecclésiastique, la communion canonique de même que la possibilité de s’intégrer dans l’ensemble de l’Orthodoxie et de progresser spirituellement. <br />
<br />
Peu de temps après avoir été reçu sous notre juridiction et après le sacre épiscopal de Votre excellence, au sein du diocèse et dans Votre activité commencèrent à se manifester. diverses erreurs d’ordre dogmatique, liturgique et de discipline canonique, ainsi que des enseignements et des pratiques contraires à l’orthodoxie universelle, qui ne firent que se multiplier avec le temps continuant à présent encore et étant maintes fois portées à notre connaissance. <br />
<br />
Au long de toutes ces années, le Saint synode, dans l’Esprit de la charité chrétienne et de la tolérance à l’égard de votre excellence et du clergé et des fidèles de l’Evêché Orthodoxe Catholique de France, a fait de considérables efforts pour vous aider à faire remédier les erreurs et à redresser la vie religieuse de ce diocèse, afin que vous puissiez entrer dans la communion de l’orthodoxie universelle. <br />
<br />
Par conséquent vous avez été maintes fois invité par le patriarcat Roumain de participer, accompagné par vos collaborateurs, à des discussions dans le cadre de diverses commissions synodales. Chaque fois ont été dressés des protocoles et vous avez signé des engagements et des déclarations (1974,1976, 1978,1979, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990), stipulant que vous allez vous intégrer dans l’orthodoxie universelle. Vous les avez cependant chaque fois ignorés et transgressés sciemment, faisant preuve de désobéissance et d ‘insoumission. <br />
<br />
Etant donné que vous n’avez pas respecté les susdits protocoles, les déclarations et vos propres engagements de vous intégrer effectivement et sincèrement avec le diocèse dans l’orthodoxie universelle ; <br />
<br />
Compte tenu de l’attitude permanente de désobéissance et de la transgression délibérée de vos propres engagements quant à l’observation et de la doctrine et de la pratique de la vie religieuse orthodoxe, <br />
<br />
Le saint synode de l’Eglise Orthodoxe Roumaine a décidé de retirer définitivement la juridiction canonique de l’Eglise orthodoxe roumaine à Votre excellence et à l’Evêché Orthodoxe catholique de France. Par conséquent, l’exercice de toute fonction épiscopale vous est désormais défendu. Toute correspondance reçue de Votre part à ce sujet ne sera plus prise en considération. <br />
<br />
Il a été également décidé que les prêtres ou les communautés du respectif diocèse qui souhaiteraient maintenir les liens canoniques avec L’Orthodoxie universelle puissent s’adresser à cet effet aux juridictions canoniques orthodoxes locales. <br />
<br />
Les susdites décisions seront communiquées aussi au conseil diocésain de l’Evêché Orthodoxe Catholique de France, aux prêtres appartenant à ce diocèse, au Comité Inter-épiscopal orthodoxe de Paris et aux Eglises Orthodoxes sœurs. <br />
Avec le regret que le patriarcat roumain ait été contraint de prendre de telles mesures disciplinaires, nous prions le Seigneur de vous accorder son aide et sa lumière et de vous protéger dans la grâce miséricordieuse ; <br />
<br />
Président du saint Synode <br />
+ Théoctiste <br />
Patriarche de l’Eglise orthodoxe Roumaine <br />
<br />
Secrétaire du Saint synode, <br />
+ Evêque Nifon Ploiesteanul <br />
Vicaire patriarcal <br />
<br />
PATRIARHIA ROMANA <br />
CANCELARIA SFANTULUI SINOD <br />
SECTORUL PENTRU RELATII EXTERNE BISERICESTI <br />
<br />
AVIS D’EXPERTISE CANONIQUE <br />
<br />
No 9 /3 Janvier 2001 <br />
<br />
Après une suite d’erreurs de l’ex-évêque Germain de Saint Denis, le Saint Synode de l’Eglise orthodoxe Roumaine a été obligé de prendre la. décision disciplinaire de lui interdire l’exercice de toutes fonctions épiscopales. Cette décision no. 423 / 1993, ci-après annexée, a été communiquée aux intéressés par une lettre du 3 mars 1993, ci-incluse. <br />
<br />
Pour expliciter cette décision du Saint Synode nous précisons que “retirer définitivement la juridiction canonique” et ‘l’exercice de route fonction épiscopale vous est désormais défendu” signifient du point de vue canonique que l’ex-évêque Germain est exclu de l’épiscopat (c’est à dire la déposition), et est réduit â l’état laïc et ainsi n’a plus le droit de célébrer la Sainte Liturgie, ni aucun office religieux, ni de effectuer des ordinations et dispenser les Saints Sacrements, ni de conduire une communauté cultuelle orthodoxe. Par suite il n’est reçu par aucune autre juridiction Orthodoxe. <br />
<br />
Contrairement à la décision du Saint Synode de l’Eglise orthodoxe Roumaine, l’ex-évêque Germain, aggrave sa situation ecclésiale en poursuivant l’exercice des fonctions épiscopales, et ainsi tombe sous l’incidence des canons l’excluant de l’Eglise. Tout acte de culte et d’autorité excercé par un évêque après sa déposition sont nuls de fait et de droit (28eme règle apostolique et no. 4 du concile d’Antioche 74ème règle apostolique 9 et 17 du IV concile oecuménique et no. 15 du concile d’ Antioche). Les ordinations pourront être soumises par économie à l’examen de l’autorité canonique. <br />
<br />
En continuant ses errements et passant au delà de toutes règles canoniques l’ex-évêque Germain, M. Gilles BERTRAND-HARDY, en se mariant est tombé définitivement de son état épiscopal et conformément aux Saints Canons la sanction appliquée par le Saint Synode pourrait être l’anathème, (no. 6 du VI concile oecuménique, no. I Néocésarée et no 12 et 48 du VI concile oecuménique). <br />
<br />
En conclusion, par application des Saints Canons cités qui sont valabLes dans toutes les Eglises orthodoxes, l’ex-évêque Germain, M. Gilles BERTRAND-HARDY non seulement aperdu sa qualité d'évêque mais de plus encourt l’exclusion de l’Eglise orthodoxe, <br />
<br />
Le secrétariat du Saint Synode de l’Eglise orthodoxe Roumaine <br />
<br />
Evêque Ambrosie Sinaitul Vicaire administratif <br />
P. Constantin Parvu <br />
Vicaire Patriarcal <br />
<br />
'''I hope you wont,like fr Lev, considers Romanian Orthodox Church like a liar, dictatorial church having made no canonical trial to B Germain before deposing him.<br />
And all canonical dioceses in France: liar too ???'''<br />
<br />
== ECOF ==<br />
Binecuvinteaze parinte,<br />
<br />
I think it is quite important to inform readers about the situation as it is. And, in France, all the canonical Orthodoxy considers ECOF being non-canonical, and bishop Germain deposed. You can ask every diocese, the A.E.O.F, St Serge Institute...<br />
When a laity come to join a canonical diocese, what happens ? If he was a member of ECOF after 1993, he receive anointment of Myrron, the sacrament of Confirmation or "Chrismation" as in baptisma. And then only he can receive holy gifts.<br />
If it is a member of ECOF clergy after 1993, he is examinated by a canonical commission, and if there is no problems, is ordained by a canonical bishop.<br />
That clearly means that for Orthodox Church in France (canonical one), ECOF is non-canonical and its sacraments after 1993 have no value.<br />
<br />
It does not mean that situation is fair, that Germain and ECOF were wrong, but that's the situation, as it is.<br />
<br />
Most, to say the truth, nearly all french orthodoxs were formed and instructed by ECOF, french traductions were done by ECOF, and still of a very high quality. Contribution of ECOF to French Orthodoxy is enormous and well known. There are ex-members of ECOF in all dioceses of canonical churches established in France, most french priests come from ECOF. French orthodoxs still grateful to ECOF, its foundators like bishop Jean, Maxime Kovalevsky (his litugical chant is still used for instance in Romanian Deanery)and all the work done.<br />
Bishop Marc (Alric), vicar of Metropolitan Joseph, was a member of ECOF!<br />
So, every body knows the true story of ECOF, and the subject stills touchy and painful to many french orthodoxs.<br />
That 's why we cannot, to my opinion, let false or incomplete informations about its canonical status written. <br />
People who want to join ECOF must know the truth, and choose to embrase the situation of canonical isolation, the western rite, difficulties about M.Germain must be accepted and so on. They can choose to fight this situation, by considering like fr Lev ECOF is right.<br />
<br />
Forgive me and pray for me, <br />
<br />
Glikerie of Neamt.<br />
<br />
== content on wikipedia ==<br />
<br />
Fr John - template added. Which page is being lifted to wikipedia? &mdash; edited by [[User:Pistevo|<font color="green">Pιs</font><font color="gold">τévο</font>]] <sup>''[[User talk:Pistevo|<font color="blue">talk</font>]]'' ''[[User talk:Pistevo/dev/null|<font color="red">complaints</font>]]''</sup> at 17:29, May 17, 2007 (PDT)<br />
<br />
Fr John you are considered host of this wiki. Please could you point out who is '''host''' on el.OrthodoxWiki? --[[User:Kalogeropoulos|Kalogeropoulos]] 03:59, May 25, 2007 (PDT)<br />
<br />
== el.orthodoxwiki ==<br />
<br />
Dear FrJohn, thank you for promoting me in sysop status. You 've done it exactly at the moment I was ready to ask for it, for a short period, in order to translate some messages of the system. Please feel free to take it back when basic job is done and other more qualified persons arrive. In due time I should propose [[:el:User:kostisl]] appointed for sysop -if he wishes, starts and continues editing articles. He has already done excellent work on Orthodoxy in greek wikipedia, and he is the proper person I think for this kind of job, as it concerns special terminology about theology and orthodoxy. <br />
<br />
I'm working on a systematic excavation -the first of the Aegean University- in Kymisala area, in Rhodes Island of Dodecanese, Aegean Sea. Please feel free to ask detailed informations when you need it for your friends. I 've met OrthodoxWiki long ago, searching links about Innocent of Alaska and Alascan Diocese in order to use them on Patrology Project (electronic publication of Patrology's texts) of the University. I came back because of a link in greek wikipedia, and I'll try to help as much as I can. I 've found it a splendid idea for Orthodoxy all around the world and here maybe is the proper place to thank all who are working toward this purpose. I must confess that I am not exactly the religious type, who is able to conform to a dogma. I prefer the mystical type of approaching Christ, that's why I consider other users fitter than me. I wish you the best--[[User:Kalogeropoulos|Kalogeropoulos]] 09:01, May 25, 2007 (PDT)<br />
<br />
== Deleted photos ==<br />
<br />
Please restore the photos you deleted. I am not doing it over again!! I took the photos myself! They are not from other sources. http://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodoxy_in_Hawaii {{unsigned|Nectarios}}<br />
<br />
== Could you do me a favor? ==<br />
<br />
Could you please restore the article of Archbishop Anthony of San Francisco? I had received permission to post it from the author of the article, Fr. Peter. I should have made that clear....sorry.<br />
--[[User:Nectarios|Nectarios]] 12:19, May 31, 2007 (PDT)<br />
<br />
:Hi Nectarios, I've restored the article and its images, both under our default copyright terms. If this is incorrect - if the author of the article or source of the image though they were giving a one-time permission for use on this site rather than a licensing under CC/GFDL, PLEASE let me know. Thanks! — [[User:FrJohn|<b>FrJohn</b>]] ([http://www.orthodoxwiki.org/User_talk:FrJohn&action=edit&section=new talk])<br />
<br />
== el.orthodox.wiki ==<br />
<br />
Thank you for good words. Actually my interest at the moment is directed towards translating context, and localising system's messages. MediaWiki has not yet adopted all this work done in greek wikipedia, so we have to do it over and over again in every fresh wiki. I think that sooner or later this wiki will keep on going and what matters, as far as I'm concerned, is to offer a solid ground, upon which everybody is going to work without special difficalties. Something you could discuss for us with server administrator is timezone differences, if there is some way to solve this problem. I wish you the best--[[User:Kalogeropoulos|Kalogeropoulos]] 13:08, May 31, 2007 (PDT)<br />
<br />
el.orthodox.wiki is lost. Did you have any kind of changes in the database?--[[User:Kalogeropoulos|Kalogeropoulos]] 09:23, June 4, 2007 (PDT)<br />
<br />
There were some more problems but now I think it's allright. Thanks and best wishes--[[User:Kalogeropoulos|Kalogeropoulos]] 12:59, June 4, 2007 (PDT)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
== Thanks ==<br />
<br />
Father Bless. I must thank you for the honor of upgraded my account to sysop status. I hope that I'll be worthy of your trust.--[[User:Adolap|Adolap]] 07:37, June 9, 2007 (PDT)<br />
<br />
== Moderation ==<br />
<br />
Father John,<br />
<br />
Your Blessings!<br />
<br />
Would you mind removing all posts from the discussion section and keep a watch on the Orthodoxy in the Philippines page, please? The reason is that I feel that the posts have degenerated into personal attacks, gossip, and slander and that these posts are upsetting certain hierarchs. <br />
<br />
Marcus<br />
<br />
== Orthodoxy in the Philippines ==<br />
<br />
Dear Father John,<br />
<br />
Would you mind deleting the entries on the discussion page and monitoring it a little more? The discussions about Antioch and Constantinople I believe are not appropriate for Orthodox wikipedia. Things should be kept on a scholarly and dispassionate level and the two persons, Filipino and Marcus, should not be discussing the issues mentioned because it is bound to upset a few bishops.<br />
<br />
Dimitri</div>Dmitrihttp://orthodoxwiki.org/Talk:Orthodoxy_in_the_PhilippinesTalk:Orthodoxy in the Philippines2007-06-11T06:13:58Z<p>Dmitri: /* Antiochians in the Philippines */</p>
<hr />
<div>=="clandestine and cultic"==<br />
This language is pretty strong -- maybe it would be helpful to have more identification here -- what are these groups like, what are they called? "Clandestine and cultic" should have some documentation to fill it out, otherwise this language is just regarded as personal opinion. — [[User:FrJohn|<b>FrJohn</b>]] ([http://www.orthodoxwiki.org/User_talk:FrJohn&action=edit&section=new talk])<br />
<br />
<br />
=="clandestine and cultic"==<br />
<br />
Dear Father John,<br />
The online dictionary defined the word '''clandestine''' as "'''existing or operating in a way so as to ensure complete concealment and confidentiality'''" ([http://www.answers.com/topic/clandestine]). The American Heritage Dictionary defined the word '''cult''' as "a religion or religious sect generally considered to be extremist or '''false''', with its followers often living in an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader. The followers of such a religion or sect. Listed below are registered churches in the Philippines claiming to be "Orthodox". No other information can be obtained from the internet except the name of their church. I have talked with some members and clergymen of these "orthodox" groups years back while I was searchin for the true Orthodox Church and I found out that they professed the Hindu, Buddhist and "New Age" doctrine of Karma and '''Reincarnation'''. They also believed in "mediums" (i.e., Christ, God the Father, the Holy Spirit, the Theotokos, the Child Jesus etc. possesing their spiritual leaders (priests and bishops) thereby receiving from them the power to heal, prophesy etc.).<br />
<br />
1. ARCHBISHOP ISAAC NEE DANIEL L. GOROSPE EASTERN ORTHODOX CATHOLIC MISSION CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST, INC. <br />
<br />
2. ARCHBISHOP JAMES NEE LEON C. CACHERO JR. INTL. ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST IS LORD, INC. <br />
<br />
3. ARCHBISHOP PATRIARCH ABRAHAM JOHN PAUL I NEE ARTEMIO FRANCISCO. <br />
<br />
4. PAULINO CANETE-PINERO D.D. OF THE ORTHODOX MISSIONARY FATHERS. <br />
<br />
5. BISHOP OF LOS BANOS OF THE ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CHURCH INC. <br />
<br />
6. BISHOP PRIMATE OF THE ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CHURCH INC. <br />
<br />
7. BISHOP UNITED ORTHODOX APOSTOLIC EASTERN CHURCH, INC.<br />
<br />
8. CONGREGATION OF ORTHODOX CATHOLIC MISSIONARIES INC. <br />
<br />
9. DIOCESAN BISHOP OF THE ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CANONICAL DIOCESE OF THE PHILS. INC. <br />
<br />
10. DIVINE ORTHODOX CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST INC.<br />
<br />
11. FAR EAST ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CHURCH INC. <br />
<br />
12. GOVERNING HIERARCH OF THE ASIAN ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CHURCH INC. <br />
<br />
13. HOLY ORTHODOX CATHOLIC APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST INC. <br />
<br />
14. KATHOLIKOS ARCHIEREUS OF ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CHURCH ORD. IN PHILS. <br />
<br />
15. ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CHURCH OF AMERICAS & ASIA INC. <br />
<br />
16. ORTHODOX CATHOLIC MISSION INCORPORATED <br />
<br />
17. ORTHODOX CHURCH IN THE PHILIPPINES, INC. <br />
<br />
18. PHIL. ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CHURCH INC. <br />
<br />
19. PHIL. PATRIARCH OF THE HOLY ORTHODOX CATHOLIC APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST INC. <br />
<br />
20. PRESIDING PRESBYTER OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCH IN THE PHILS. INC. <br />
<br />
21. PRIMATE OF THE ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CHURCH INC. <br />
<br />
22. SAN AGUSTIN III (DASMARINAS CAVITE) RESIDENTS & MEMBERS OF INTL. ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST IS LORD. <br />
<br />
23. SOVEREIGN ORDER OF THE ORTHODOX HOSPITALLERS OF ST. JOHN.<br />
<br />
24. ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CHURCH, INC. <br />
<br />
25. UNITED ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF GOD IN THE PHILS., INC. <br />
<br />
26. WESTERN AND EASTERN ORTHODOX CATHOLIC APOSTOLIC CHURCH MISSIONARIES SOCIETY INC. <br />
<br />
27. WESTERN ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CHURCH IN THE PHILS., INC. <br />
<br />
<br />
'''Source''': The Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission<br />
[http://www.sec.gov.ph/]<br />
<br />
<br />
There are other unregistered clandestine and cultic "churches" claiming to be orthodox which are not included in the above list. <br />
<br />
Father, since you find the language "pretty strong" please provide a more appropriate alternative. Thank you very much. [[User:Filipino|Filipino]] 21:27, June 7, 2007 (PDT)<br />
<br />
::Thanks, Filipino - it's very interesting, if not helpful, to see all of those groups. Perhaps strong language is appropriate, but maybe they are not all clandestine or cultic according to your definitions? Definitely they breed confusion, and it can be good to identify groups to avoid. — [[User:FrJohn|<b>FrJohn</b>]] ([http://www.orthodoxwiki.org/User_talk:FrJohn&action=edit&section=new talk])<br />
<br />
<br />
::Dear Father John I already removed the "strong language". Thank you for your unbiased insight and kind remarks.<br />
[[User:Filipino|Filipino]] 10:24, June 8, 2007 (PDT)<br />
<br />
If they are clandestine as you say "Filipino, then why are they listed with the Philippine Exchange Commission, have been recognized as religious entities by the Philippine government, and some of these groups are members of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines. Please stop politicizing this entry. ---Marcus<br />
<br />
:The term "clandestine" has been removed. The groups are what they are - it isn't really of concern to us here. Marcus, can you provide any solid documentation related to the arrival of the Lebanese families you metioned in the 1800's? Thanks, — [[User:FrJohn|<b>FrJohn</b>]] ([http://www.orthodoxwiki.org/User_talk:FrJohn&action=edit&section=new talk])<br />
<br />
== Antiochians in the Philippines ==<br />
<br />
It appears that there is some polemic here, with Marcus representing the Antiochian side and Filipino representing the Greek side. Both have provided different histories of the origins of Orthodoxy in the Philippines, which each seem to bolster jurisdictional claims.<br />
<br />
It's difficult for me to imagine that Antiochians aren't in communion with Greeks -- is this really the case? Was the deacon merely representing himself, or was he sent by his bishop?<br />
<br />
I can definitely see the canonical problems here, though. It may be helpful to keep in mind that these canonical issues persist throughout the "diaspora" - hence the historical interest in claiming first landing in the country. There is no doubt that these conflicts will remain with us for some time. My hope is that on the wiki we can seek to describe the situation as completely and dispassionately as possible, with attention to the historical circumstance and competing canonical claims. We are definitely biased towards the what we call "Mainstream Chalcedonian Orthodoxy", i.e. those churches in communion with the ancient patriarchates (with the exception of Rome), but I would prefer to remain as neutral as possible in the midst of inter-jurisdictional disputes such as this. — [[User:FrJohn|<b>FrJohn</b>]] ([http://www.orthodoxwiki.org/User_talk:FrJohn&action=edit&section=new talk]) 10:45, June 8, 2007 (PDT)<br />
<br />
Chris Gain is not a deacon within the Antiochian Archdiocese of Australia and New Zealand or any Orthdox Church. His views do not represent the views of any canonical bishop in Australia --Marcus<br />
<br />
<br />
: I reverted the article to the previus revision as of 17:37, June 8, 2007 by Fr. John. Marcus, please justify your act of deleting the reference to the first reception of Filipino Orthodox Christians in the Philippines and for removing the links to the canonical Orthodox Church in the Philippines. Likewise, Marcus, please cite your sources and historical documents to support your claim about the Lebanese and Syrian Christians in the Philippines. If you can provide evidence and documentation for this then reference to Lebanese and Syrian Christians as the "first" Orthodox Christians in the Philippines should be included in the article.<br />
[[User:Filipino|Filipino]] 20:31, June 8, 2007 (PDT)<br />
<br />
<br />
:It seems to me that we should keep the reference in to the Lebenese families. Not sure why it is so contentious. Certainly, any canonical claims cannot merely rest on the "a few families from someplace arrived here first" argument. It's an interesting historical tidbit, anyway. <br />
<br />
:About the other matters, I kindly request that you both refrain from personal attacks and from attributing bad motives to one another, at least here. These are difficult issues, and it's a difficult time in church history (can't think of one that wasn't...). Ultimately, the bishops must work these things out. Honestly, I think that all of these "it's my territory" claims are doomed to failure in the so-called diaspora. The world has changed - increased mobility of peoples and other forces of globalization means that traditionally Orthodox peoples, each with their own histories, find themselves in far corners of the earth. Naturally, they bring their heritage -- and their hierarchy -- with them when there is no established and deeply rooted Orthodox church body in the region. The various jurisdictions will simply have to learn to live with each other under these new circumstances, observing and preserving carefully the bonds of communion which tie us together. I am sympathetic with the desire for canonical order that I see reflected in Filipino's statements, as well as the desire for an authentically indigenous Orthodoxy I see in Marcus' comments. It seems to me that these issues won't be really worked out unless there is a functioning primacy according to Orthodox canonical tradition, that bears the interests of the whole deeply in its heart. We may all dream of such a day, but it doesn't appear that this will happen anytime soon.<br />
<br />
:I want to emphasize once again that the role of OrthodoxWiki is not to take a side in these debates, but to honestly reflect the situation as clearly as possibly, avoiding gossip, speculation, and slander. The articles should reflect ''who'' says ''what'', ''where'', ''when'' and (to the degree it can be ascertained) ''why''. This may not solve anything -- but that's not the purpose here. I hope this approach will be of service to people trying to figure these things out on all sides. <br />
<br />
:May God bless us and have mercy on all of His struggling children! — [[User:FrJohn|<b>FrJohn</b>]] ([http://www.orthodoxwiki.org/User_talk:FrJohn&action=edit&section=new talk])<br />
<br />
:Dear Father John, I totally agree with you. Truly, any canonical claims cannot merely rest on the "a few families from some place arrived here first" argument. Sadly, it is a well known fact that those who deny the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the diaspora are mostly those who belong from the uncanonical group of eastern orthodoxy. Again, thank you very much for your valuable insight. Marcus, can you tell us more about the "Orthodox Church in the Philippines" which is registered at the Philippine SEC as the "'''Iglesia Orthodoxa ng Pilipinas'''". Its website does not indicate any address in the Philippines and abroad. Is it under the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch? In the year 2007 Antiochian Archbishop's Report Fr. Deacon Chris Gain's name is listed as one of the Deacons under the Antiochian Archdiocese of Australia (pls. see [http://www.antiochian.org.au/content/view/615/22/ Archbishop's Report.])His name is also listed at number 14 under "Clergy no longer with the Archdiocese". You wrote that "Chris Gain is not a deacon within the Antiochian Archdiocese of Australia and New Zealand '''or any Orthdox Church'''" but the February 06, 2007 ([http://www.antiochian.org.au/content/view/602/0/ Antiochian Archdiocese News.])wrote: "With the written blessing of Metropolitan Archbishop Paul, Father Deacon Christopher was released from the Archdiocese of Australia and New Zealand this day '''to assist the Patriarchate located in Damascus, Syria'''." But you said Chris Gain is not a deacon in "any other Orthodox Church". And why did you refer to Fr. Deacon Chris Gain simply as "Chris Gain"? I hope you can shed more light on this. Thank you. [[User:Filipino|Filipino]] 04:09, June 9, 2007 (PDT)<br />
<br />
Dear Filipino,<br />
<br />
As stated before by Father John, you should refrain from personal attacks. This Orthodox wikipedia is not the forum to discuss matters that you raised. Furthermore, I also would remind you that Antioch and Istanbul are two separate independent churches and you are under the spiritual jurisdiction of Constantinople. Therefore, you as a layman and as someone from outside of the Antiochian jurisdiction, should also refrain from commenting on internal matters and problems with the Antiochian church and making such lamentable comments on Orthodox wikipedia because that is not the proper forum to do so. If Constantinople is concerned about this matter with "Iglesia Orthodoxa..." then its canonical hierarchs should write to the canonical hierarchs of Antioch. This is not a lay concern and I stand by what I have already stated. I do not need to elaborate anything more because we are not even in the same jurisdiction and for me to state anything further would be gossip. I will not engage in gossip and once again I am not the spokesperson for the Archdiocese. <br />
It is very unbecoming of Orthodox Christians to attack other Orthodox Christians in this type of forum. <br />
<br />
--Marcus</div>Dmitrihttp://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodoxy_in_the_PhilippinesOrthodoxy in the Philippines2007-06-11T06:11:22Z<p>Dmitri: /* Orthodoxy in the Philippines Today */</p>
<hr />
<div>This article seeks to be a clearinghouse of information and links regarding the history and state of '''[[Orthodox Christianity]] in the Philippines'''.<br />
<br />
The current Orthodox presence in the Philippines is minimal. However, early in the 20th century a small Russian parish, exclusively for Russian nationals, once existed in Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. The presence of this Russian parish ceased to exist after the Second World War. Another Orthodox parish under the [[jurisdiction]] of the [[Ecumenical Patriarchate]] was founded in Manila during the early 1990s.<br />
<br />
== The beginnings of Christianity in the Philippines ==<br />
[[Image:Magellan's_Cross.jpg|left|thumb|Replica of Magellan's cross planted in Cebu in 1521]]Christianity was first introduced to the Philippines in the 16th century by Spain, when the Philippines became its colony. Until the Philippine Revolution of 1896, it was illegal for any non-[[Roman Catholic]] church to establish itself in the Philippines. The Archbishop of Manila served as both representative of the Spanish Inquisition and, during the absence of the governor-general, the Spanish Crown. <br />
<br />
After fighting a bloody revolution against Spain, the Philippines then fought another war for its independence against the United States. However, the Philippines was annexed by the United States in 1898 and remained a colony until 1946. Religious tolerance was then instituted. The new American governor-generals then encouraged the spread of the [[Anglican Communion|Episcopal Church]] through government donations of land.<br />
<br />
<br />
== The Arrival Of Orthodoxy ==<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Antiochian Orthodox Christians'''<br />
It appears that the first Orthodox Christians on the islands were Syrian and Lebanese merchants and sailors, who arrived in Manila after Manila was opened to outside trade. The first recorded Orthodox Christians in the Philippines were Syrian and Lebanese sailors in 1802 according to the Syrian Consulate in Manila. Many of the Lebanese sailors married and their families still reside in the Philippines and have become Filipino citizens, including the owners of a famous pizza parlor in Manila. The oldest Orthodox Christian in the Philippines, a Lebanese by the last name of Assad, was born around 1904 and is still alive. <br />
<br />
<br />
'''Russian Orthodox Christians'''<br />
An influx of Russian emigrees fleeing the Soviet regime occured during the American colonial regime. In 1935, a Russian [[parish]] was established in Manila, and the [[Patriarch]] of Moscow and All Russia appointed Father Mikhail Yerokhin as vicar. The Episcopal Church then permitted Fr. Mikhail to use the north transept of their cathedral for worship. In 1937, the first Orthodox church was built and was named after the Iberian [[Icon]] of the Mother of God. This also became the first Orthodox [[altar]] in the Philippines. Later, both the Episcopal Cathedral and the Russian Orthodox church in Manila were destroyed during the Second World War. [[Image:John Maximovitch Tubabao.jpg|left|thumb|Abp. John Maximovitch in Tubabao]]<br />
<br />
===St. John of Shanghai and San Franciso===<br />
In 1949, 5,500 Russian Orthodox from China, including then-[[Archbishop]] [[John Maximovitch]], were relocated to Tubabao in the south central Philippines by the International Refugee Organization and with the permission of the newly independent Republic of the Philippines. Abp. John Maximovitch then established a wooden church, orphanage, and other buildings in Tubabao exclusively for the Russian refugees. <br />
<br />
Tubabao, however, was (and still is) an underdeveloped island which is humid, prone to typhoons, and at times inaccessible due to the ocean conditions. When a Russian commented on their fear that a typhoon would destroy their camp to local Filipinos, they replied that there was nothing to worry about because “your holy man blesses your camp from four directions every night.” There were no typhoons or floods while Abp. John was there. <br />
<br />
Arbp. John Maximovitch did not preach the Orthodox faith to the native inhabitants of the Philippine islands. No Filipino was baptized, chrismated, ordained and consecrated during his stay in the Philippines.<br />
<br />
Through the persistent lobbying of Abp. John to the U.S. Congress, the refugees were allowed to settle in the United States and Australia beginning in 1951.<br />
<br />
== Greek Orthodox Christians and the Rebirth of Orthodoxy ==<br />
<br />
'''The Arrival of Greek Orthodox Christians'''<br />
<br />
Around the beginning of the twentieth century, Greek sailors settled in Legaspi city on the island of Luzon about a century ago. Descendants of these Greek Orthodox Christian sailors now number no more than 10 families, who have kept their Greek surnames and many of whom have become distinguished public figures and intellectuals in the Philippines, including serving as the Greek consulate in Manila. Though they do not speak Greek, they were largely responsible for the re-establishment of an Orthodox presence in the Philippines through their encouragement of Filipino converts and the Hellenic Orthodox Foundation.<br />
<br />
'''The Hellenic Orthodox Foundation'''<br />
<br />
One of the first Greek Orthodox to arrive in the Philippines was Alexandros Athos Adamopoulos, who came to Legaspi city in 1928. Together with his brother and cousin he co-founded Adamson University in 1932. The university was and is noted for its curriculum directed towards the needs of the Philippines in the areas of science, chemical and industrial engineering. Today Adamson University has attained recognition as on of the leading institutions for graduate education, law, arts, sciences, chemistry, computer education, engineering, commerce and architechture. The university has a student population of over 22,000. <br />
<br />
Alexandros Adamopoulos (Alexander A. Adamson) was appointed in 1942 by the Greek government to take charge of Greek interests in the Philippines. He was later promoted to the rank of Consul General of Greece. <br />
<br />
In 1989 Alexander Adamson saw the need to establish the first true Greek Orthodox church in the Philippines and thus established the Hellenic Orthodox Foundation Inc. Although he died in 1993 before the church was completed, the Orthodox Cathedral was finished in 1996 and is constructed in true Byzantine style, with all the interior furnishings imported from Greece, and is home to approximately 200 Orthodox in Metro Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. This cathedral was consecrated by the Ecumenical Patriarch on March 5, 2000. <br />
<br />
'''Ordination of the First Filipino Orthodox Christians'''<br />
<br />
In 1992, a Filipino [[hieromonk]], Fr. Vincentius Escarcha (a former Benedictine Abbot and a Roman Catholic priest for more than 20 years in Bajada, Cataingan, Masbate island), together with four nuns and faithful members of his community, were received into the Orthodox Church by Metropolitan [[Dionysios (Psiahas) of Proussa|Dionysios]] of the [[Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Zealand]] and assisted by [[Sotirios (Trambas) of Korea|Bishop Sotirios of Zelon]]. <br />
<br />
On January 19, 1994, Metropolitan Dionysius, assisted by Bishop Sotirios, received by [[Chrismation|Holy Chrismation]] several Filipino Christians in Manila.<br />
<br />
In 2004, the Theotokos Orthodox Church in Bajada, Masbate was consecrated by His Eminence Metropolitan [[Nikitas (Lulias) of Hong Kong|Nikitas]] of Hong Kong and South East Asia. At present, the nuns of the Theotokos Orthodox Monastery in Bajada run a kindergarten.<br />
<br />
==Orthodoxy in the Philippines Today==<br />
[[Image:Manila_orthodox_cathedral.jpg|left|thumb|The Annunciation Orthodox Cathderal in Paranaque, Manila]]<br />
There are some groups today in the Philippines that use the term "Orthodox"; however, they are not in communion with or are recognized by any canonical Eastern or Oriental Orthodox Church. <br />
<br />
'''Ecumenical Patriarchate'''<br />
<br />
Currently, there are three canonically ordained Filipino Orthodox priests in the Philippines under the spiritual jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and are administratively under an ecclesiastical vicar from Greece. <br />
<br />
The Divine Liturgy and other Orthodox worship services are said in English and Tagalog.<br />
<br />
==Links==<br />
<br />
*[http://filorthodoxia.googlepages.com/church.htm History of the First Filipino Orthodox Community in the Philippines by Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis]<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/Phil_major_events.html Major Events of Orthodoxy in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www.exarchate.uni.cc/ The Annunciation of the Theotokos Cathedral in Manila ]<br />
*[http://www.rocor.org.au/lives/stjohnsanfranciscoshanghai Life of St. John Maximovitch]<br />
*[http://www.hri.org/forum/life/adamson.html Greeks in the Philippines and their contributions to the Filipinos]<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/Phil_history.html A priest's description of missionary work in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www2.mfa.gr/www.mfa.gr/Articles/en-US/03042007_KL1949.htm The Greek Community in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/AUG03.pdf The Theotokos Orthodox Church & Monastery in Masbate]<br />
*[http://www.orthodox.cn/news/20000420philippines_en.htm Orthodox Patriarch Visits Fledgling Local Orthodox Church]<br />
<br />
<br />
{{Parishes of South, East, and Southeast Asia}}<br />
[[Category:Jurisdictions]]</div>Dmitrihttp://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodoxy_in_the_PhilippinesOrthodoxy in the Philippines2007-06-11T06:05:29Z<p>Dmitri: /* The Arrival Of Antiochian and Russian Orthodox Christians */</p>
<hr />
<div>This article seeks to be a clearinghouse of information and links regarding the history and state of '''[[Orthodox Christianity]] in the Philippines'''.<br />
<br />
The current Orthodox presence in the Philippines is minimal. However, early in the 20th century a small Russian parish, exclusively for Russian nationals, once existed in Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. The presence of this Russian parish ceased to exist after the Second World War. Another Orthodox parish under the [[jurisdiction]] of the [[Ecumenical Patriarchate]] was founded in Manila during the early 1990s.<br />
<br />
== The beginnings of Christianity in the Philippines ==<br />
[[Image:Magellan's_Cross.jpg|left|thumb|Replica of Magellan's cross planted in Cebu in 1521]]Christianity was first introduced to the Philippines in the 16th century by Spain, when the Philippines became its colony. Until the Philippine Revolution of 1896, it was illegal for any non-[[Roman Catholic]] church to establish itself in the Philippines. The Archbishop of Manila served as both representative of the Spanish Inquisition and, during the absence of the governor-general, the Spanish Crown. <br />
<br />
After fighting a bloody revolution against Spain, the Philippines then fought another war for its independence against the United States. However, the Philippines was annexed by the United States in 1898 and remained a colony until 1946. Religious tolerance was then instituted. The new American governor-generals then encouraged the spread of the [[Anglican Communion|Episcopal Church]] through government donations of land.<br />
<br />
<br />
== The Arrival Of Orthodoxy ==<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Antiochian Orthodox Christians'''<br />
It appears that the first Orthodox Christians on the islands were Syrian and Lebanese merchants and sailors, who arrived in Manila after Manila was opened to outside trade. The first recorded Orthodox Christians in the Philippines were Syrian and Lebanese sailors in 1802 according to the Syrian Consulate in Manila. Many of the Lebanese sailors married and their families still reside in the Philippines and have become Filipino citizens, including the owners of a famous pizza parlor in Manila. The oldest Orthodox Christian in the Philippines, a Lebanese by the last name of Assad, was born around 1904 and is still alive. <br />
<br />
<br />
'''Russian Orthodox Christians'''<br />
An influx of Russian emigrees fleeing the Soviet regime occured during the American colonial regime. In 1935, a Russian [[parish]] was established in Manila, and the [[Patriarch]] of Moscow and All Russia appointed Father Mikhail Yerokhin as vicar. The Episcopal Church then permitted Fr. Mikhail to use the north transept of their cathedral for worship. In 1937, the first Orthodox church was built and was named after the Iberian [[Icon]] of the Mother of God. This also became the first Orthodox [[altar]] in the Philippines. Later, both the Episcopal Cathedral and the Russian Orthodox church in Manila were destroyed during the Second World War. [[Image:John Maximovitch Tubabao.jpg|left|thumb|Abp. John Maximovitch in Tubabao]]<br />
<br />
===St. John of Shanghai and San Franciso===<br />
In 1949, 5,500 Russian Orthodox from China, including then-[[Archbishop]] [[John Maximovitch]], were relocated to Tubabao in the south central Philippines by the International Refugee Organization and with the permission of the newly independent Republic of the Philippines. Abp. John Maximovitch then established a wooden church, orphanage, and other buildings in Tubabao exclusively for the Russian refugees. <br />
<br />
Tubabao, however, was (and still is) an underdeveloped island which is humid, prone to typhoons, and at times inaccessible due to the ocean conditions. When a Russian commented on their fear that a typhoon would destroy their camp to local Filipinos, they replied that there was nothing to worry about because “your holy man blesses your camp from four directions every night.” There were no typhoons or floods while Abp. John was there. <br />
<br />
Arbp. John Maximovitch did not preach the Orthodox faith to the native inhabitants of the Philippine islands. No Filipino was baptized, chrismated, ordained and consecrated during his stay in the Philippines.<br />
<br />
Through the persistent lobbying of Abp. John to the U.S. Congress, the refugees were allowed to settle in the United States and Australia beginning in 1951.<br />
<br />
== Greek Orthodox Christians and the Rebirth of Orthodoxy ==<br />
<br />
'''The Arrival of Greek Orthodox Christians'''<br />
<br />
Around the beginning of the twentieth century, Greek sailors settled in Legaspi city on the island of Luzon about a century ago. Descendants of these Greek Orthodox Christian sailors now number no more than 10 families, who have kept their Greek surnames and many of whom have become distinguished public figures and intellectuals in the Philippines, including serving as the Greek consulate in Manila. Though they do not speak Greek, they were largely responsible for the re-establishment of an Orthodox presence in the Philippines through their encouragement of Filipino converts and the Hellenic Orthodox Foundation.<br />
<br />
'''The Hellenic Orthodox Foundation'''<br />
<br />
One of the first Greek Orthodox to arrive in the Philippines was Alexandros Athos Adamopoulos, who came to Legaspi city in 1928. Together with his brother and cousin he co-founded Adamson University in 1932. The university was and is noted for its curriculum directed towards the needs of the Philippines in the areas of science, chemical and industrial engineering. Today Adamson University has attained recognition as on of the leading institutions for graduate education, law, arts, sciences, chemistry, computer education, engineering, commerce and architechture. The university has a student population of over 22,000. <br />
<br />
Alexandros Adamopoulos (Alexander A. Adamson) was appointed in 1942 by the Greek government to take charge of Greek interests in the Philippines. He was later promoted to the rank of Consul General of Greece. <br />
<br />
In 1989 Alexander Adamson saw the need to establish the first true Greek Orthodox church in the Philippines and thus established the Hellenic Orthodox Foundation Inc. Although he died in 1993 before the church was completed, the Orthodox Cathedral was finished in 1996 and is constructed in true Byzantine style, with all the interior furnishings imported from Greece, and is home to approximately 200 Orthodox in Metro Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. This cathedral was consecrated by the Ecumenical Patriarch on March 5, 2000. <br />
<br />
'''Ordination of the First Filipino Orthodox Christians'''<br />
<br />
In 1992, a Filipino [[hieromonk]], Fr. Vincentius Escarcha (a former Benedictine Abbot and a Roman Catholic priest for more than 20 years in Bajada, Cataingan, Masbate island), together with four nuns and faithful members of his community, were received into the Orthodox Church by Metropolitan [[Dionysios (Psiahas) of Proussa|Dionysios]] of the [[Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Zealand]] and assisted by [[Sotirios (Trambas) of Korea|Bishop Sotirios of Zelon]]. <br />
<br />
On January 19, 1994, Metropolitan Dionysius, assisted by Bishop Sotirios, received by [[Chrismation|Holy Chrismation]] several Filipino Christians in Manila.<br />
<br />
In 2004, the Theotokos Orthodox Church in Bajada, Masbate was consecrated by His Eminence Metropolitan [[Nikitas (Lulias) of Hong Kong|Nikitas]] of Hong Kong and South East Asia. At present, the nuns of the Theotokos Orthodox Monastery in Bajada run a kindergarten.<br />
<br />
==Orthodoxy in the Philippines Today==<br />
[[Image:Manila_orthodox_cathedral.jpg|left|thumb|The Annunciation Orthodox Cathderal in Paranaque, Manila]]<br />
There are some groups today in the Philippines that claim to be Eastern Orthodox; however, they all lack [[apostolic succession]] and do not adhere to the traditions and [[canon law|canons]] of the canonical Orthodox Church. <br />
<br />
At present there are three canonically ordained Filipino Orthodox priests in the Philippines under the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. The Divine Liturgy and other Orthodox worship services are said in English and in the Filipino vernacular. The only true Orthodox parish in Manila is under the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and is spiritually administered by an ecclesiastical vicar from Greece.<br />
<br />
==Links==<br />
<br />
*[http://filorthodoxia.googlepages.com/church.htm History of the First Filipino Orthodox Community in the Philippines by Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis]<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/Phil_major_events.html Major Events of Orthodoxy in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www.exarchate.uni.cc/ The Annunciation of the Theotokos Cathedral in Manila ]<br />
*[http://www.rocor.org.au/lives/stjohnsanfranciscoshanghai Life of St. John Maximovitch]<br />
*[http://www.hri.org/forum/life/adamson.html Greeks in the Philippines and their contributions to the Filipinos]<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/Phil_history.html A priest's description of missionary work in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www2.mfa.gr/www.mfa.gr/Articles/en-US/03042007_KL1949.htm The Greek Community in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/AUG03.pdf The Theotokos Orthodox Church & Monastery in Masbate]<br />
*[http://www.orthodox.cn/news/20000420philippines_en.htm Orthodox Patriarch Visits Fledgling Local Orthodox Church]<br />
<br />
<br />
{{Parishes of South, East, and Southeast Asia}}<br />
[[Category:Jurisdictions]]</div>Dmitrihttp://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodoxy_in_the_PhilippinesOrthodoxy in the Philippines2007-06-11T06:04:42Z<p>Dmitri: /* Greek Orthodox Christians and the Rebirth of Orthodoxy */</p>
<hr />
<div>This article seeks to be a clearinghouse of information and links regarding the history and state of '''[[Orthodox Christianity]] in the Philippines'''.<br />
<br />
The current Orthodox presence in the Philippines is minimal. However, early in the 20th century a small Russian parish, exclusively for Russian nationals, once existed in Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. The presence of this Russian parish ceased to exist after the Second World War. Another Orthodox parish under the [[jurisdiction]] of the [[Ecumenical Patriarchate]] was founded in Manila during the early 1990s.<br />
<br />
== The beginnings of Christianity in the Philippines ==<br />
[[Image:Magellan's_Cross.jpg|left|thumb|Replica of Magellan's cross planted in Cebu in 1521]]Christianity was first introduced to the Philippines in the 16th century by Spain, when the Philippines became its colony. Until the Philippine Revolution of 1896, it was illegal for any non-[[Roman Catholic]] church to establish itself in the Philippines. The Archbishop of Manila served as both representative of the Spanish Inquisition and, during the absence of the governor-general, the Spanish Crown. <br />
<br />
After fighting a bloody revolution against Spain, the Philippines then fought another war for its independence against the United States. However, the Philippines was annexed by the United States in 1898 and remained a colony until 1946. Religious tolerance was then instituted. The new American governor-generals then encouraged the spread of the [[Anglican Communion|Episcopal Church]] through government donations of land.<br />
<br />
<br />
== The Arrival Of Antiochian and Russian Orthodox Christians ==<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Antiochian Orthodox Christians'''<br />
It appears that the first Orthodox Christians on the islands were Syrian and Lebanese merchants and sailors, who arrived in Manila after Manila was opened to outside trade. The first recorded Orthodox Christians in the Philippines were Syrian and Lebanese sailors in 1802 according to the Syrian Consulate in Manila. Many of the Lebanese sailors married and their families still reside in the Philippines and have become Filipino citizens, including the owners of a famous pizza parlor in Manila. The oldest Orthodox Christian in the Philippines, a Lebanese by the last name of Assad, was born around 1904 and is still alive. <br />
<br />
<br />
'''Russian Orthodox Christians'''<br />
An influx of Russian emigrees fleeing the Soviet regime occured during the American colonial regime. In 1935, a Russian [[parish]] was established in Manila, and the [[Patriarch]] of Moscow and All Russia appointed Father Mikhail Yerokhin as vicar. The Episcopal Church then permitted Fr. Mikhail to use the north transept of their cathedral for worship. In 1937, the first Orthodox church was built and was named after the Iberian [[Icon]] of the Mother of God. This also became the first Orthodox [[altar]] in the Philippines. Later, both the Episcopal Cathedral and the Russian Orthodox church in Manila were destroyed during the Second World War. [[Image:John Maximovitch Tubabao.jpg|left|thumb|Abp. John Maximovitch in Tubabao]]<br />
<br />
===St. John of Shanghai and San Franciso===<br />
In 1949, 5,500 Russian Orthodox from China, including then-[[Archbishop]] [[John Maximovitch]], were relocated to Tubabao in the south central Philippines by the International Refugee Organization and with the permission of the newly independent Republic of the Philippines. Abp. John Maximovitch then established a wooden church, orphanage, and other buildings in Tubabao exclusively for the Russian refugees. <br />
<br />
Tubabao, however, was (and still is) an underdeveloped island which is humid, prone to typhoons, and at times inaccessible due to the ocean conditions. When a Russian commented on their fear that a typhoon would destroy their camp to local Filipinos, they replied that there was nothing to worry about because “your holy man blesses your camp from four directions every night.” There were no typhoons or floods while Abp. John was there. <br />
<br />
Arbp. John Maximovitch did not preach the Orthodox faith to the native inhabitants of the Philippine islands. No Filipino was baptized, chrismated, ordained and consecrated during his stay in the Philippines.<br />
<br />
Through the persistent lobbying of Abp. John to the U.S. Congress, the refugees were allowed to settle in the United States and Australia beginning in 1951.<br />
<br />
== Greek Orthodox Christians and the Rebirth of Orthodoxy ==<br />
<br />
'''The Arrival of Greek Orthodox Christians'''<br />
<br />
Around the beginning of the twentieth century, Greek sailors settled in Legaspi city on the island of Luzon about a century ago. Descendants of these Greek Orthodox Christian sailors now number no more than 10 families, who have kept their Greek surnames and many of whom have become distinguished public figures and intellectuals in the Philippines, including serving as the Greek consulate in Manila. Though they do not speak Greek, they were largely responsible for the re-establishment of an Orthodox presence in the Philippines through their encouragement of Filipino converts and the Hellenic Orthodox Foundation.<br />
<br />
'''The Hellenic Orthodox Foundation'''<br />
<br />
One of the first Greek Orthodox to arrive in the Philippines was Alexandros Athos Adamopoulos, who came to Legaspi city in 1928. Together with his brother and cousin he co-founded Adamson University in 1932. The university was and is noted for its curriculum directed towards the needs of the Philippines in the areas of science, chemical and industrial engineering. Today Adamson University has attained recognition as on of the leading institutions for graduate education, law, arts, sciences, chemistry, computer education, engineering, commerce and architechture. The university has a student population of over 22,000. <br />
<br />
Alexandros Adamopoulos (Alexander A. Adamson) was appointed in 1942 by the Greek government to take charge of Greek interests in the Philippines. He was later promoted to the rank of Consul General of Greece. <br />
<br />
In 1989 Alexander Adamson saw the need to establish the first true Greek Orthodox church in the Philippines and thus established the Hellenic Orthodox Foundation Inc. Although he died in 1993 before the church was completed, the Orthodox Cathedral was finished in 1996 and is constructed in true Byzantine style, with all the interior furnishings imported from Greece, and is home to approximately 200 Orthodox in Metro Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. This cathedral was consecrated by the Ecumenical Patriarch on March 5, 2000. <br />
<br />
'''Ordination of the First Filipino Orthodox Christians'''<br />
<br />
In 1992, a Filipino [[hieromonk]], Fr. Vincentius Escarcha (a former Benedictine Abbot and a Roman Catholic priest for more than 20 years in Bajada, Cataingan, Masbate island), together with four nuns and faithful members of his community, were received into the Orthodox Church by Metropolitan [[Dionysios (Psiahas) of Proussa|Dionysios]] of the [[Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Zealand]] and assisted by [[Sotirios (Trambas) of Korea|Bishop Sotirios of Zelon]]. <br />
<br />
On January 19, 1994, Metropolitan Dionysius, assisted by Bishop Sotirios, received by [[Chrismation|Holy Chrismation]] several Filipino Christians in Manila.<br />
<br />
In 2004, the Theotokos Orthodox Church in Bajada, Masbate was consecrated by His Eminence Metropolitan [[Nikitas (Lulias) of Hong Kong|Nikitas]] of Hong Kong and South East Asia. At present, the nuns of the Theotokos Orthodox Monastery in Bajada run a kindergarten.<br />
<br />
==Orthodoxy in the Philippines Today==<br />
[[Image:Manila_orthodox_cathedral.jpg|left|thumb|The Annunciation Orthodox Cathderal in Paranaque, Manila]]<br />
There are some groups today in the Philippines that claim to be Eastern Orthodox; however, they all lack [[apostolic succession]] and do not adhere to the traditions and [[canon law|canons]] of the canonical Orthodox Church. <br />
<br />
At present there are three canonically ordained Filipino Orthodox priests in the Philippines under the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. The Divine Liturgy and other Orthodox worship services are said in English and in the Filipino vernacular. The only true Orthodox parish in Manila is under the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and is spiritually administered by an ecclesiastical vicar from Greece.<br />
<br />
==Links==<br />
<br />
*[http://filorthodoxia.googlepages.com/church.htm History of the First Filipino Orthodox Community in the Philippines by Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis]<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/Phil_major_events.html Major Events of Orthodoxy in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www.exarchate.uni.cc/ The Annunciation of the Theotokos Cathedral in Manila ]<br />
*[http://www.rocor.org.au/lives/stjohnsanfranciscoshanghai Life of St. John Maximovitch]<br />
*[http://www.hri.org/forum/life/adamson.html Greeks in the Philippines and their contributions to the Filipinos]<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/Phil_history.html A priest's description of missionary work in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www2.mfa.gr/www.mfa.gr/Articles/en-US/03042007_KL1949.htm The Greek Community in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/AUG03.pdf The Theotokos Orthodox Church & Monastery in Masbate]<br />
*[http://www.orthodox.cn/news/20000420philippines_en.htm Orthodox Patriarch Visits Fledgling Local Orthodox Church]<br />
<br />
<br />
{{Parishes of South, East, and Southeast Asia}}<br />
[[Category:Jurisdictions]]</div>Dmitrihttp://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodoxy_in_the_PhilippinesOrthodoxy in the Philippines2007-06-11T05:58:37Z<p>Dmitri: /* Orthodoxy in the Philippines Today */</p>
<hr />
<div>This article seeks to be a clearinghouse of information and links regarding the history and state of '''[[Orthodox Christianity]] in the Philippines'''.<br />
<br />
The current Orthodox presence in the Philippines is minimal. However, early in the 20th century a small Russian parish, exclusively for Russian nationals, once existed in Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. The presence of this Russian parish ceased to exist after the Second World War. Another Orthodox parish under the [[jurisdiction]] of the [[Ecumenical Patriarchate]] was founded in Manila during the early 1990s.<br />
<br />
== The beginnings of Christianity in the Philippines ==<br />
[[Image:Magellan's_Cross.jpg|left|thumb|Replica of Magellan's cross planted in Cebu in 1521]]Christianity was first introduced to the Philippines in the 16th century by Spain, when the Philippines became its colony. Until the Philippine Revolution of 1896, it was illegal for any non-[[Roman Catholic]] church to establish itself in the Philippines. The Archbishop of Manila served as both representative of the Spanish Inquisition and, during the absence of the governor-general, the Spanish Crown. <br />
<br />
After fighting a bloody revolution against Spain, the Philippines then fought another war for its independence against the United States. However, the Philippines was annexed by the United States in 1898 and remained a colony until 1946. Religious tolerance was then instituted. The new American governor-generals then encouraged the spread of the [[Anglican Communion|Episcopal Church]] through government donations of land.<br />
<br />
<br />
== The Arrival Of Antiochian and Russian Orthodox Christians ==<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Antiochian Orthodox Christians'''<br />
It appears that the first Orthodox Christians on the islands were Syrian and Lebanese merchants and sailors, who arrived in Manila after Manila was opened to outside trade. The first recorded Orthodox Christians in the Philippines were Syrian and Lebanese sailors in 1802 according to the Syrian Consulate in Manila. Many of the Lebanese sailors married and their families still reside in the Philippines and have become Filipino citizens, including the owners of a famous pizza parlor in Manila. The oldest Orthodox Christian in the Philippines, a Lebanese by the last name of Assad, was born around 1904 and is still alive. <br />
<br />
<br />
'''Russian Orthodox Christians'''<br />
An influx of Russian emigrees fleeing the Soviet regime occured during the American colonial regime. In 1935, a Russian [[parish]] was established in Manila, and the [[Patriarch]] of Moscow and All Russia appointed Father Mikhail Yerokhin as vicar. The Episcopal Church then permitted Fr. Mikhail to use the north transept of their cathedral for worship. In 1937, the first Orthodox church was built and was named after the Iberian [[Icon]] of the Mother of God. This also became the first Orthodox [[altar]] in the Philippines. Later, both the Episcopal Cathedral and the Russian Orthodox church in Manila were destroyed during the Second World War. [[Image:John Maximovitch Tubabao.jpg|left|thumb|Abp. John Maximovitch in Tubabao]]<br />
<br />
===St. John of Shanghai and San Franciso===<br />
In 1949, 5,500 Russian Orthodox from China, including then-[[Archbishop]] [[John Maximovitch]], were relocated to Tubabao in the south central Philippines by the International Refugee Organization and with the permission of the newly independent Republic of the Philippines. Abp. John Maximovitch then established a wooden church, orphanage, and other buildings in Tubabao exclusively for the Russian refugees. <br />
<br />
Tubabao, however, was (and still is) an underdeveloped island which is humid, prone to typhoons, and at times inaccessible due to the ocean conditions. When a Russian commented on their fear that a typhoon would destroy their camp to local Filipinos, they replied that there was nothing to worry about because “your holy man blesses your camp from four directions every night.” There were no typhoons or floods while Abp. John was there. <br />
<br />
Arbp. John Maximovitch did not preach the Orthodox faith to the native inhabitants of the Philippine islands. No Filipino was baptized, chrismated, ordained and consecrated during his stay in the Philippines.<br />
<br />
Through the persistent lobbying of Abp. John to the U.S. Congress, the refugees were allowed to settle in the United States and Australia beginning in 1951.<br />
<br />
== Greek Orthodox Christians and the Rebirth of Orthodoxy ==<br />
<br />
'''The Arrival of Greek Orthodox Christians'''<br />
<br />
Around the beginning of the twentieth century, Greek sailors settled in Legaspi city on the island of Luzon about a century ago. Descendants of these Greek Orthodox Christian sailors now number no more than 10 families, who have kept their Greek surnames and many of whom have become distinguished public figures and intellectuals in the Philippines, including serving as the Greek consulate in Manila. They do not, however, speak Greek. They also helped to re-establish an Orthodox presence in the Philippines by helping to bring the first Filipino converts to Orthodoxy and by building an Orthodox temple and a few chapels in the 1990s for the use of converted Filipino Orthodox Christians. They were also influential in the establishment of the Metropolitan of Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. <br />
<br />
'''Ordination of the First Filipino Orthodox Christians'''<br />
<br />
In 1992, a Filipino [[hieromonk]], Fr. Vincentius Escarcha (a former Benedictine Abbot and a Roman Catholic priest for more than 20 years in Bajada, Cataingan, Masbate island), together with four nuns and faithful members of his community, were received into the Orthodox Church by Metropolitan [[Dionysios (Psiahas) of Proussa|Dionysios]] of the [[Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Zealand]] and assisted by [[Sotirios (Trambas) of Korea|Bishop Sotirios of Zelon]]. <br />
<br />
On January 19, 1994, Metropolitan Dionysius, assisted by Bishop Sotirios, received by [[Chrismation|Holy Chrismation]] several Filipino Christians in Manila.<br />
<br />
In 2004, the Theotokos Orthodox Church in Bajada, Masbate was consecrated by His Eminence Metropolitan [[Nikitas (Lulias) of Hong Kong|Nikitas]] of Hong Kong and South East Asia. At present, the nuns of the Theotokos Orthodox Monastery in Bajada run a kindergarten.<br />
<br />
==Orthodoxy in the Philippines Today==<br />
[[Image:Manila_orthodox_cathedral.jpg|left|thumb|The Annunciation Orthodox Cathderal in Paranaque, Manila]]<br />
There are some groups today in the Philippines that claim to be Eastern Orthodox; however, they all lack [[apostolic succession]] and do not adhere to the traditions and [[canon law|canons]] of the canonical Orthodox Church. <br />
<br />
At present there are three canonically ordained Filipino Orthodox priests in the Philippines under the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. The Divine Liturgy and other Orthodox worship services are said in English and in the Filipino vernacular. The only true Orthodox parish in Manila is under the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and is spiritually administered by an ecclesiastical vicar from Greece.<br />
<br />
==Links==<br />
<br />
*[http://filorthodoxia.googlepages.com/church.htm History of the First Filipino Orthodox Community in the Philippines by Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis]<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/Phil_major_events.html Major Events of Orthodoxy in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www.exarchate.uni.cc/ The Annunciation of the Theotokos Cathedral in Manila ]<br />
*[http://www.rocor.org.au/lives/stjohnsanfranciscoshanghai Life of St. John Maximovitch]<br />
*[http://www.hri.org/forum/life/adamson.html Greeks in the Philippines and their contributions to the Filipinos]<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/Phil_history.html A priest's description of missionary work in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www2.mfa.gr/www.mfa.gr/Articles/en-US/03042007_KL1949.htm The Greek Community in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/AUG03.pdf The Theotokos Orthodox Church & Monastery in Masbate]<br />
*[http://www.orthodox.cn/news/20000420philippines_en.htm Orthodox Patriarch Visits Fledgling Local Orthodox Church]<br />
<br />
<br />
{{Parishes of South, East, and Southeast Asia}}<br />
[[Category:Jurisdictions]]</div>Dmitrihttp://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodoxy_in_the_PhilippinesOrthodoxy in the Philippines2007-06-11T05:56:31Z<p>Dmitri: /* Greek Orthodox Christians and the Rebirth of Orthodoxy */</p>
<hr />
<div>This article seeks to be a clearinghouse of information and links regarding the history and state of '''[[Orthodox Christianity]] in the Philippines'''.<br />
<br />
The current Orthodox presence in the Philippines is minimal. However, early in the 20th century a small Russian parish, exclusively for Russian nationals, once existed in Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. The presence of this Russian parish ceased to exist after the Second World War. Another Orthodox parish under the [[jurisdiction]] of the [[Ecumenical Patriarchate]] was founded in Manila during the early 1990s.<br />
<br />
== The beginnings of Christianity in the Philippines ==<br />
[[Image:Magellan's_Cross.jpg|left|thumb|Replica of Magellan's cross planted in Cebu in 1521]]Christianity was first introduced to the Philippines in the 16th century by Spain, when the Philippines became its colony. Until the Philippine Revolution of 1896, it was illegal for any non-[[Roman Catholic]] church to establish itself in the Philippines. The Archbishop of Manila served as both representative of the Spanish Inquisition and, during the absence of the governor-general, the Spanish Crown. <br />
<br />
After fighting a bloody revolution against Spain, the Philippines then fought another war for its independence against the United States. However, the Philippines was annexed by the United States in 1898 and remained a colony until 1946. Religious tolerance was then instituted. The new American governor-generals then encouraged the spread of the [[Anglican Communion|Episcopal Church]] through government donations of land.<br />
<br />
<br />
== The Arrival Of Antiochian and Russian Orthodox Christians ==<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Antiochian Orthodox Christians'''<br />
It appears that the first Orthodox Christians on the islands were Syrian and Lebanese merchants and sailors, who arrived in Manila after Manila was opened to outside trade. The first recorded Orthodox Christians in the Philippines were Syrian and Lebanese sailors in 1802 according to the Syrian Consulate in Manila. Many of the Lebanese sailors married and their families still reside in the Philippines and have become Filipino citizens, including the owners of a famous pizza parlor in Manila. The oldest Orthodox Christian in the Philippines, a Lebanese by the last name of Assad, was born around 1904 and is still alive. <br />
<br />
<br />
'''Russian Orthodox Christians'''<br />
An influx of Russian emigrees fleeing the Soviet regime occured during the American colonial regime. In 1935, a Russian [[parish]] was established in Manila, and the [[Patriarch]] of Moscow and All Russia appointed Father Mikhail Yerokhin as vicar. The Episcopal Church then permitted Fr. Mikhail to use the north transept of their cathedral for worship. In 1937, the first Orthodox church was built and was named after the Iberian [[Icon]] of the Mother of God. This also became the first Orthodox [[altar]] in the Philippines. Later, both the Episcopal Cathedral and the Russian Orthodox church in Manila were destroyed during the Second World War. [[Image:John Maximovitch Tubabao.jpg|left|thumb|Abp. John Maximovitch in Tubabao]]<br />
<br />
===St. John of Shanghai and San Franciso===<br />
In 1949, 5,500 Russian Orthodox from China, including then-[[Archbishop]] [[John Maximovitch]], were relocated to Tubabao in the south central Philippines by the International Refugee Organization and with the permission of the newly independent Republic of the Philippines. Abp. John Maximovitch then established a wooden church, orphanage, and other buildings in Tubabao exclusively for the Russian refugees. <br />
<br />
Tubabao, however, was (and still is) an underdeveloped island which is humid, prone to typhoons, and at times inaccessible due to the ocean conditions. When a Russian commented on their fear that a typhoon would destroy their camp to local Filipinos, they replied that there was nothing to worry about because “your holy man blesses your camp from four directions every night.” There were no typhoons or floods while Abp. John was there. <br />
<br />
Arbp. John Maximovitch did not preach the Orthodox faith to the native inhabitants of the Philippine islands. No Filipino was baptized, chrismated, ordained and consecrated during his stay in the Philippines.<br />
<br />
Through the persistent lobbying of Abp. John to the U.S. Congress, the refugees were allowed to settle in the United States and Australia beginning in 1951.<br />
<br />
== Greek Orthodox Christians and the Rebirth of Orthodoxy ==<br />
<br />
'''The Arrival of Greek Orthodox Christians'''<br />
<br />
Around the beginning of the twentieth century, Greek sailors settled in Legaspi city on the island of Luzon about a century ago. Descendants of these Greek Orthodox Christian sailors now number no more than 10 families, who have kept their Greek surnames and many of whom have become distinguished public figures and intellectuals in the Philippines, including serving as the Greek consulate in Manila. They do not, however, speak Greek. They also helped to re-establish an Orthodox presence in the Philippines by helping to bring the first Filipino converts to Orthodoxy and by building an Orthodox temple and a few chapels in the 1990s for the use of converted Filipino Orthodox Christians. They were also influential in the establishment of the Metropolitan of Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. <br />
<br />
'''Ordination of the First Filipino Orthodox Christians'''<br />
<br />
In 1992, a Filipino [[hieromonk]], Fr. Vincentius Escarcha (a former Benedictine Abbot and a Roman Catholic priest for more than 20 years in Bajada, Cataingan, Masbate island), together with four nuns and faithful members of his community, were received into the Orthodox Church by Metropolitan [[Dionysios (Psiahas) of Proussa|Dionysios]] of the [[Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Zealand]] and assisted by [[Sotirios (Trambas) of Korea|Bishop Sotirios of Zelon]]. <br />
<br />
On January 19, 1994, Metropolitan Dionysius, assisted by Bishop Sotirios, received by [[Chrismation|Holy Chrismation]] several Filipino Christians in Manila.<br />
<br />
In 2004, the Theotokos Orthodox Church in Bajada, Masbate was consecrated by His Eminence Metropolitan [[Nikitas (Lulias) of Hong Kong|Nikitas]] of Hong Kong and South East Asia. At present, the nuns of the Theotokos Orthodox Monastery in Bajada run a kindergarten.<br />
<br />
==Orthodoxy in the Philippines Today==<br />
[[Image:Manila_orthodox_cathedral.jpg|left|thumb|The Annunciation Orthodox Cathderal in Paranaque, Manila]]<br />
There are some groups today in the Philippines that claim to be Eastern Orthodox; however, they all lack [[apostolic succession]] and do not adhere to the traditions and [[canon law|canons]] of the canonical Orthodox Church. <br />
<br />
One of the first Greek Orthodox to arrive in the Philippines was Alexandros Athos Adamopoulos, who came to Legaspi city in 1928. Together with his brother and cousin he co-founded Adamson University in 1932. The university was and is noted for its curriculum directed towards the needs of the Philippines in the areas of science, chemical and industrial engineering. Today Adamson University has attained recognition as on of the leading institutions for graduate education, law, arts, sciences, chemistry, computer education, engineering, commerce and architechture. The university has a student population of over 22,000. <br />
<br />
Alexandros Adamopoulos (Alexander A. Adamson) was appointed in 1942 by the Greek government to take charge of Greek interests in the Philippines. He was later promoted to the rank of Consul General of Greece. <br />
<br />
In 1989 Alexander Adamson saw the need to establish the first true Greek Orthodox church in the Philippines and thus established the Hellenic Orthodox Foundation Inc. Although he died in 1993 before the church was completed, the Orthodox Cathedral was finished in 1996 and is constructed in true Byzantine style, with all the interior furnishings imported from Greece, and is home to approximately 200 Orthodox in Metro Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. This cathedral was consecrated by the Ecumenical Patriarch on March 5, 2000. <br />
<br />
At present there are three canonically ordained Filipino Orthodox priests in the Philippines. The Divine Liturgy and other Orthodox worship services are said in English and in the Filipino vernacular. The only true Orthodox parish in Manila is under the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and is spiritually administered by an ecclesiastical vicar from Greece.<br />
<br />
==Links==<br />
<br />
*[http://filorthodoxia.googlepages.com/church.htm History of the First Filipino Orthodox Community in the Philippines by Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis]<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/Phil_major_events.html Major Events of Orthodoxy in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www.exarchate.uni.cc/ The Annunciation of the Theotokos Cathedral in Manila ]<br />
*[http://www.rocor.org.au/lives/stjohnsanfranciscoshanghai Life of St. John Maximovitch]<br />
*[http://www.hri.org/forum/life/adamson.html Greeks in the Philippines and their contributions to the Filipinos]<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/Phil_history.html A priest's description of missionary work in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www2.mfa.gr/www.mfa.gr/Articles/en-US/03042007_KL1949.htm The Greek Community in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/AUG03.pdf The Theotokos Orthodox Church & Monastery in Masbate]<br />
*[http://www.orthodox.cn/news/20000420philippines_en.htm Orthodox Patriarch Visits Fledgling Local Orthodox Church]<br />
<br />
<br />
{{Parishes of South, East, and Southeast Asia}}<br />
[[Category:Jurisdictions]]</div>Dmitrihttp://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodoxy_in_the_PhilippinesOrthodoxy in the Philippines2007-06-11T05:53:24Z<p>Dmitri: /* The beginnings of Christianity in the Philippines */</p>
<hr />
<div>This article seeks to be a clearinghouse of information and links regarding the history and state of '''[[Orthodox Christianity]] in the Philippines'''.<br />
<br />
The current Orthodox presence in the Philippines is minimal. However, early in the 20th century a small Russian parish, exclusively for Russian nationals, once existed in Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. The presence of this Russian parish ceased to exist after the Second World War. Another Orthodox parish under the [[jurisdiction]] of the [[Ecumenical Patriarchate]] was founded in Manila during the early 1990s.<br />
<br />
== The beginnings of Christianity in the Philippines ==<br />
[[Image:Magellan's_Cross.jpg|left|thumb|Replica of Magellan's cross planted in Cebu in 1521]]Christianity was first introduced to the Philippines in the 16th century by Spain, when the Philippines became its colony. Until the Philippine Revolution of 1896, it was illegal for any non-[[Roman Catholic]] church to establish itself in the Philippines. The Archbishop of Manila served as both representative of the Spanish Inquisition and, during the absence of the governor-general, the Spanish Crown. <br />
<br />
After fighting a bloody revolution against Spain, the Philippines then fought another war for its independence against the United States. However, the Philippines was annexed by the United States in 1898 and remained a colony until 1946. Religious tolerance was then instituted. The new American governor-generals then encouraged the spread of the [[Anglican Communion|Episcopal Church]] through government donations of land.<br />
<br />
<br />
== The Arrival Of Antiochian and Russian Orthodox Christians ==<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Antiochian Orthodox Christians'''<br />
It appears that the first Orthodox Christians on the islands were Syrian and Lebanese merchants and sailors, who arrived in Manila after Manila was opened to outside trade. The first recorded Orthodox Christians in the Philippines were Syrian and Lebanese sailors in 1802 according to the Syrian Consulate in Manila. Many of the Lebanese sailors married and their families still reside in the Philippines and have become Filipino citizens, including the owners of a famous pizza parlor in Manila. The oldest Orthodox Christian in the Philippines, a Lebanese by the last name of Assad, was born around 1904 and is still alive. <br />
<br />
<br />
'''Russian Orthodox Christians'''<br />
An influx of Russian emigrees fleeing the Soviet regime occured during the American colonial regime. In 1935, a Russian [[parish]] was established in Manila, and the [[Patriarch]] of Moscow and All Russia appointed Father Mikhail Yerokhin as vicar. The Episcopal Church then permitted Fr. Mikhail to use the north transept of their cathedral for worship. In 1937, the first Orthodox church was built and was named after the Iberian [[Icon]] of the Mother of God. This also became the first Orthodox [[altar]] in the Philippines. Later, both the Episcopal Cathedral and the Russian Orthodox church in Manila were destroyed during the Second World War. [[Image:John Maximovitch Tubabao.jpg|left|thumb|Abp. John Maximovitch in Tubabao]]<br />
<br />
===St. John of Shanghai and San Franciso===<br />
In 1949, 5,500 Russian Orthodox from China, including then-[[Archbishop]] [[John Maximovitch]], were relocated to Tubabao in the south central Philippines by the International Refugee Organization and with the permission of the newly independent Republic of the Philippines. Abp. John Maximovitch then established a wooden church, orphanage, and other buildings in Tubabao exclusively for the Russian refugees. <br />
<br />
Tubabao, however, was (and still is) an underdeveloped island which is humid, prone to typhoons, and at times inaccessible due to the ocean conditions. When a Russian commented on their fear that a typhoon would destroy their camp to local Filipinos, they replied that there was nothing to worry about because “your holy man blesses your camp from four directions every night.” There were no typhoons or floods while Abp. John was there. <br />
<br />
Arbp. John Maximovitch did not preach the Orthodox faith to the native inhabitants of the Philippine islands. No Filipino was baptized, chrismated, ordained and consecrated during his stay in the Philippines.<br />
<br />
Through the persistent lobbying of Abp. John to the U.S. Congress, the refugees were allowed to settle in the United States and Australia beginning in 1951.<br />
<br />
== Greek Orthodox Christians and the Rebirth of Orthodoxy ==<br />
'''The Arrival of Greek Orthodox Christians'''<br />
Around the beginning of the twentieth century, Greek sailors settled in Legaspi city on the island of Luzon about a century ago. Descendants of these Greek Orthodox Christian sailors now number no more than 10 families, who have kept their Greek surnames and many of whom have become distinguished public figures and intellectuals in the Philippines. They do not, however, speak Greek. They also helped to re-establish an Orthodox presence in the Philippines by helping to bring the first Filipino converts to Orthodoxy and by building Orthodox temples and chapels in the 1990s. <br />
<br />
'''Ordination of the First Filipino Orthodox Christians'''<br />
In 1992, a Filipino [[hieromonk]], Fr. Vincentius Escarcha (a former Benedictine Abbot and a Roman Catholic priest for more than 20 years in Bajada, Cataingan, Masbate island), together with four nuns and faithful members of his community, were received into the Orthodox Church by Metropolitan [[Dionysios (Psiahas) of Proussa|Dionysios]] of the [[Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Zealand]] and assisted by [[Sotirios (Trambas) of Korea|Bishop Sotirios of Zelon]]. <br />
<br />
On January 19, 1994, Metropolitan Dionysius, assisted by Bishop Sotirios, received by [[Chrismation|Holy Chrismation]] several Filipino Christians in Manila.<br />
<br />
In 2004, the Theotokos Orthodox Church in Bajada, Masbate was consecrated by His Eminence Metropolitan [[Nikitas (Lulias) of Hong Kong|Nikitas]] of Hong Kong and South East Asia. At present, the nuns of the Theotokos Orthodox Monastery in Bajada run a kindergarten.<br />
<br />
==Orthodoxy in the Philippines Today==<br />
[[Image:Manila_orthodox_cathedral.jpg|left|thumb|The Annunciation Orthodox Cathderal in Paranaque, Manila]]<br />
There are some groups today in the Philippines that claim to be Eastern Orthodox; however, they all lack [[apostolic succession]] and do not adhere to the traditions and [[canon law|canons]] of the canonical Orthodox Church. <br />
<br />
One of the first Greek Orthodox to arrive in the Philippines was Alexandros Athos Adamopoulos, who came to Legaspi city in 1928. Together with his brother and cousin he co-founded Adamson University in 1932. The university was and is noted for its curriculum directed towards the needs of the Philippines in the areas of science, chemical and industrial engineering. Today Adamson University has attained recognition as on of the leading institutions for graduate education, law, arts, sciences, chemistry, computer education, engineering, commerce and architechture. The university has a student population of over 22,000. <br />
<br />
Alexandros Adamopoulos (Alexander A. Adamson) was appointed in 1942 by the Greek government to take charge of Greek interests in the Philippines. He was later promoted to the rank of Consul General of Greece. <br />
<br />
In 1989 Alexander Adamson saw the need to establish the first true Greek Orthodox church in the Philippines and thus established the Hellenic Orthodox Foundation Inc. Although he died in 1993 before the church was completed, the Orthodox Cathedral was finished in 1996 and is constructed in true Byzantine style, with all the interior furnishings imported from Greece, and is home to approximately 200 Orthodox in Metro Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. This cathedral was consecrated by the Ecumenical Patriarch on March 5, 2000. <br />
<br />
At present there are three canonically ordained Filipino Orthodox priests in the Philippines. The Divine Liturgy and other Orthodox worship services are said in English and in the Filipino vernacular. The only true Orthodox parish in Manila is under the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and is spiritually administered by an ecclesiastical vicar from Greece.<br />
<br />
==Links==<br />
<br />
*[http://filorthodoxia.googlepages.com/church.htm History of the First Filipino Orthodox Community in the Philippines by Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis]<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/Phil_major_events.html Major Events of Orthodoxy in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www.exarchate.uni.cc/ The Annunciation of the Theotokos Cathedral in Manila ]<br />
*[http://www.rocor.org.au/lives/stjohnsanfranciscoshanghai Life of St. John Maximovitch]<br />
*[http://www.hri.org/forum/life/adamson.html Greeks in the Philippines and their contributions to the Filipinos]<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/Phil_history.html A priest's description of missionary work in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www2.mfa.gr/www.mfa.gr/Articles/en-US/03042007_KL1949.htm The Greek Community in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/AUG03.pdf The Theotokos Orthodox Church & Monastery in Masbate]<br />
*[http://www.orthodox.cn/news/20000420philippines_en.htm Orthodox Patriarch Visits Fledgling Local Orthodox Church]<br />
<br />
<br />
{{Parishes of South, East, and Southeast Asia}}<br />
[[Category:Jurisdictions]]</div>Dmitrihttp://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodoxy_in_the_PhilippinesOrthodoxy in the Philippines2007-06-11T05:52:01Z<p>Dmitri: /* Reception of the first Filipino converts to Orthodoxy */</p>
<hr />
<div>This article seeks to be a clearinghouse of information and links regarding the history and state of '''[[Orthodox Christianity]] in the Philippines'''.<br />
<br />
The current Orthodox presence in the Philippines is minimal. However, early in the 20th century a small Russian parish, exclusively for Russian nationals, once existed in Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. The presence of this Russian parish ceased to exist after the Second World War. Another Orthodox parish under the [[jurisdiction]] of the [[Ecumenical Patriarchate]] was founded in Manila during the early 1990s.<br />
<br />
== The beginnings of Christianity in the Philippines ==<br />
[[Image:Magellan's_Cross.jpg|left|thumb|Replica of Magellan's cross planted in Cebu in 1521]]Christianity was first introduced to the Philippines in the 16th century by Spain, when the Philippines became its colony. Until the Philippine Revolution of 1896, it was illegal for any non-[[Roman Catholic]] church to establish itself in the Philippines. The Archbishop of Manila served as both representative of the Spanish Inquisition and, during the absence of the governor-general, the Spanish Crown. <br />
<br />
After fighting a bloody revolution against Spain, the Philippines then fought another war for its independence against the United States. However, the Philippines was annexed by the United States in 1898 and remained a colony until 1946. Religious tolerance was then instituted. The new American governor-generals then encouraged the spread of the [[Anglican Communion|Episcopal Church]] through government donations of land.<br />
<br />
'''== Orthodoxy in the Philippines =='''<br />
There are a number of accounts about the history of Orthodoxy in the Philippines. <br />
<br />
'''Antiochian Orthodox Christians'''<br />
It appears that the first Orthodox Christians on the islands were Syrian and Lebanese merchants and sailors, who arrived in Manila after Manila was opened to outside trade. The first recorded Orthodox Christians in the Philippines were Syrian and Lebanese sailors in 1802 according to the Syrian Consulate in Manila. Many of the Lebanese sailors married and their families still reside in the Philippines and have become Filipino citizens, including the owners of a famous pizza parlor in Manila. The oldest Orthodox Christian in the Philippines, a Lebanese by the last name of Assad, was born around 1904 and is still alive. <br />
<br />
<br />
'''Russian Orthodox Christians'''<br />
An influx of Russian emigrees fleeing the Soviet regime occured during the American colonial regime. In 1935, a Russian [[parish]] was established in Manila, and the [[Patriarch]] of Moscow and All Russia appointed Father Mikhail Yerokhin as vicar. The Episcopal Church then permitted Fr. Mikhail to use the north transept of their cathedral for worship. In 1937, the first Orthodox church was built and was named after the Iberian [[Icon]] of the Mother of God. This also became the first Orthodox [[altar]] in the Philippines. Later, both the Episcopal Cathedral and the Russian Orthodox church in Manila were destroyed during the Second World War. [[Image:John Maximovitch Tubabao.jpg|left|thumb|Abp. John Maximovitch in Tubabao]]<br />
<br />
===St. John of Shanghai and San Franciso===<br />
In 1949, 5,500 Russian Orthodox from China, including then-[[Archbishop]] [[John Maximovitch]], were relocated to Tubabao in the south central Philippines by the International Refugee Organization and with the permission of the newly independent Republic of the Philippines. Abp. John Maximovitch then established a wooden church, orphanage, and other buildings in Tubabao exclusively for the Russian refugees. <br />
<br />
Tubabao, however, was (and still is) an underdeveloped island which is humid, prone to typhoons, and at times inaccessible due to the ocean conditions. When a Russian commented on their fear that a typhoon would destroy their camp to local Filipinos, they replied that there was nothing to worry about because “your holy man blesses your camp from four directions every night.” There were no typhoons or floods while Abp. John was there. <br />
<br />
Arbp. John Maximovitch did not preach the Orthodox faith to the native inhabitants of the Philippine islands. No Filipino was baptized, chrismated, ordained and consecrated during his stay in the Philippines.<br />
<br />
Through the persistent lobbying of Abp. John to the U.S. Congress, the refugees were allowed to settle in the United States and Australia beginning in 1951.<br />
<br />
== Greek Orthodox Christians and the Rebirth of Orthodoxy ==<br />
'''The Arrival of Greek Orthodox Christians'''<br />
Around the beginning of the twentieth century, Greek sailors settled in Legaspi city on the island of Luzon about a century ago. Descendants of these Greek Orthodox Christian sailors now number no more than 10 families, who have kept their Greek surnames and many of whom have become distinguished public figures and intellectuals in the Philippines. They do not, however, speak Greek. They also helped to re-establish an Orthodox presence in the Philippines by helping to bring the first Filipino converts to Orthodoxy and by building Orthodox temples and chapels in the 1990s. <br />
<br />
'''Ordination of the First Filipino Orthodox Christians'''<br />
In 1992, a Filipino [[hieromonk]], Fr. Vincentius Escarcha (a former Benedictine Abbot and a Roman Catholic priest for more than 20 years in Bajada, Cataingan, Masbate island), together with four nuns and faithful members of his community, were received into the Orthodox Church by Metropolitan [[Dionysios (Psiahas) of Proussa|Dionysios]] of the [[Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Zealand]] and assisted by [[Sotirios (Trambas) of Korea|Bishop Sotirios of Zelon]]. <br />
<br />
On January 19, 1994, Metropolitan Dionysius, assisted by Bishop Sotirios, received by [[Chrismation|Holy Chrismation]] several Filipino Christians in Manila.<br />
<br />
In 2004, the Theotokos Orthodox Church in Bajada, Masbate was consecrated by His Eminence Metropolitan [[Nikitas (Lulias) of Hong Kong|Nikitas]] of Hong Kong and South East Asia. At present, the nuns of the Theotokos Orthodox Monastery in Bajada run a kindergarten.<br />
<br />
==Orthodoxy in the Philippines Today==<br />
[[Image:Manila_orthodox_cathedral.jpg|left|thumb|The Annunciation Orthodox Cathderal in Paranaque, Manila]]<br />
There are some groups today in the Philippines that claim to be Eastern Orthodox; however, they all lack [[apostolic succession]] and do not adhere to the traditions and [[canon law|canons]] of the canonical Orthodox Church. <br />
<br />
One of the first Greek Orthodox to arrive in the Philippines was Alexandros Athos Adamopoulos, who came to Legaspi city in 1928. Together with his brother and cousin he co-founded Adamson University in 1932. The university was and is noted for its curriculum directed towards the needs of the Philippines in the areas of science, chemical and industrial engineering. Today Adamson University has attained recognition as on of the leading institutions for graduate education, law, arts, sciences, chemistry, computer education, engineering, commerce and architechture. The university has a student population of over 22,000. <br />
<br />
Alexandros Adamopoulos (Alexander A. Adamson) was appointed in 1942 by the Greek government to take charge of Greek interests in the Philippines. He was later promoted to the rank of Consul General of Greece. <br />
<br />
In 1989 Alexander Adamson saw the need to establish the first true Greek Orthodox church in the Philippines and thus established the Hellenic Orthodox Foundation Inc. Although he died in 1993 before the church was completed, the Orthodox Cathedral was finished in 1996 and is constructed in true Byzantine style, with all the interior furnishings imported from Greece, and is home to approximately 200 Orthodox in Metro Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. This cathedral was consecrated by the Ecumenical Patriarch on March 5, 2000. <br />
<br />
At present there are three canonically ordained Filipino Orthodox priests in the Philippines. The Divine Liturgy and other Orthodox worship services are said in English and in the Filipino vernacular. The only true Orthodox parish in Manila is under the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and is spiritually administered by an ecclesiastical vicar from Greece.<br />
<br />
==Links==<br />
<br />
*[http://filorthodoxia.googlepages.com/church.htm History of the First Filipino Orthodox Community in the Philippines by Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis]<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/Phil_major_events.html Major Events of Orthodoxy in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www.exarchate.uni.cc/ The Annunciation of the Theotokos Cathedral in Manila ]<br />
*[http://www.rocor.org.au/lives/stjohnsanfranciscoshanghai Life of St. John Maximovitch]<br />
*[http://www.hri.org/forum/life/adamson.html Greeks in the Philippines and their contributions to the Filipinos]<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/Phil_history.html A priest's description of missionary work in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www2.mfa.gr/www.mfa.gr/Articles/en-US/03042007_KL1949.htm The Greek Community in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/AUG03.pdf The Theotokos Orthodox Church & Monastery in Masbate]<br />
*[http://www.orthodox.cn/news/20000420philippines_en.htm Orthodox Patriarch Visits Fledgling Local Orthodox Church]<br />
<br />
<br />
{{Parishes of South, East, and Southeast Asia}}<br />
[[Category:Jurisdictions]]</div>Dmitrihttp://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodoxy_in_the_PhilippinesOrthodoxy in the Philippines2007-06-11T05:51:15Z<p>Dmitri: /* Reception of the first Filipino converts to Orthodoxy */</p>
<hr />
<div>This article seeks to be a clearinghouse of information and links regarding the history and state of '''[[Orthodox Christianity]] in the Philippines'''.<br />
<br />
The current Orthodox presence in the Philippines is minimal. However, early in the 20th century a small Russian parish, exclusively for Russian nationals, once existed in Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. The presence of this Russian parish ceased to exist after the Second World War. Another Orthodox parish under the [[jurisdiction]] of the [[Ecumenical Patriarchate]] was founded in Manila during the early 1990s.<br />
<br />
== The beginnings of Christianity in the Philippines ==<br />
[[Image:Magellan's_Cross.jpg|left|thumb|Replica of Magellan's cross planted in Cebu in 1521]]Christianity was first introduced to the Philippines in the 16th century by Spain, when the Philippines became its colony. Until the Philippine Revolution of 1896, it was illegal for any non-[[Roman Catholic]] church to establish itself in the Philippines. The Archbishop of Manila served as both representative of the Spanish Inquisition and, during the absence of the governor-general, the Spanish Crown. <br />
<br />
After fighting a bloody revolution against Spain, the Philippines then fought another war for its independence against the United States. However, the Philippines was annexed by the United States in 1898 and remained a colony until 1946. Religious tolerance was then instituted. The new American governor-generals then encouraged the spread of the [[Anglican Communion|Episcopal Church]] through government donations of land.<br />
<br />
'''== Orthodoxy in the Philippines =='''<br />
There are a number of accounts about the history of Orthodoxy in the Philippines. <br />
<br />
'''Antiochian Orthodox Christians'''<br />
It appears that the first Orthodox Christians on the islands were Syrian and Lebanese merchants and sailors, who arrived in Manila after Manila was opened to outside trade. The first recorded Orthodox Christians in the Philippines were Syrian and Lebanese sailors in 1802 according to the Syrian Consulate in Manila. Many of the Lebanese sailors married and their families still reside in the Philippines and have become Filipino citizens, including the owners of a famous pizza parlor in Manila. The oldest Orthodox Christian in the Philippines, a Lebanese by the last name of Assad, was born around 1904 and is still alive. <br />
<br />
<br />
'''Russian Orthodox Christians'''<br />
An influx of Russian emigrees fleeing the Soviet regime occured during the American colonial regime. In 1935, a Russian [[parish]] was established in Manila, and the [[Patriarch]] of Moscow and All Russia appointed Father Mikhail Yerokhin as vicar. The Episcopal Church then permitted Fr. Mikhail to use the north transept of their cathedral for worship. In 1937, the first Orthodox church was built and was named after the Iberian [[Icon]] of the Mother of God. This also became the first Orthodox [[altar]] in the Philippines. Later, both the Episcopal Cathedral and the Russian Orthodox church in Manila were destroyed during the Second World War. [[Image:John Maximovitch Tubabao.jpg|left|thumb|Abp. John Maximovitch in Tubabao]]<br />
<br />
===St. John of Shanghai and San Franciso===<br />
In 1949, 5,500 Russian Orthodox from China, including then-[[Archbishop]] [[John Maximovitch]], were relocated to Tubabao in the south central Philippines by the International Refugee Organization and with the permission of the newly independent Republic of the Philippines. Abp. John Maximovitch then established a wooden church, orphanage, and other buildings in Tubabao exclusively for the Russian refugees. <br />
<br />
Tubabao, however, was (and still is) an underdeveloped island which is humid, prone to typhoons, and at times inaccessible due to the ocean conditions. When a Russian commented on their fear that a typhoon would destroy their camp to local Filipinos, they replied that there was nothing to worry about because “your holy man blesses your camp from four directions every night.” There were no typhoons or floods while Abp. John was there. <br />
<br />
Arbp. John Maximovitch did not preach the Orthodox faith to the native inhabitants of the Philippine islands. No Filipino was baptized, chrismated, ordained and consecrated during his stay in the Philippines.<br />
<br />
Through the persistent lobbying of Abp. John to the U.S. Congress, the refugees were allowed to settle in the United States and Australia beginning in 1951.<br />
<br />
== Reception of the first Filipino converts to Orthodoxy ==<br />
'''Greek Orthodox Christians and the Rebirth of Orthodoxy'''<br />
Around the beginning of the twentieth century, Greek sailors settled in Legaspi city on the island of Luzon about a century ago. Descendants of these Greek Orthodox Christian sailors now number no more than 10 families, who have kept their Greek surnames and many of whom have become distinguished public figures and intellectuals in the Philippines. They do not, however, speak Greek. They also helped to re-establish an Orthodox presence in the Philippines by helping to bring the first Filipino converts to Orthodoxy and by building Orthodox temples and chapels in the 1990s. <br />
<br />
'''Ordination of the First Filipino Orthodox Christians'''<br />
In 1992, a Filipino [[hieromonk]], Fr. Vincentius Escarcha (a former Benedictine Abbot and a Roman Catholic priest for more than 20 years in Bajada, Cataingan, Masbate island), together with four nuns and faithful members of his community, were received into the Orthodox Church by Metropolitan [[Dionysios (Psiahas) of Proussa|Dionysios]] of the [[Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Zealand]] and assisted by [[Sotirios (Trambas) of Korea|Bishop Sotirios of Zelon]]. <br />
<br />
On January 19, 1994, Metropolitan Dionysius, assisted by Bishop Sotirios, received by [[Chrismation|Holy Chrismation]] several Filipino Christians in Manila.<br />
<br />
In 2004, the Theotokos Orthodox Church in Bajada, Masbate was consecrated by His Eminence Metropolitan [[Nikitas (Lulias) of Hong Kong|Nikitas]] of Hong Kong and South East Asia. At present, the nuns of the Theotokos Orthodox Monastery in Bajada run a kindergarten.<br />
<br />
==Orthodoxy in the Philippines Today==<br />
[[Image:Manila_orthodox_cathedral.jpg|left|thumb|The Annunciation Orthodox Cathderal in Paranaque, Manila]]<br />
There are some groups today in the Philippines that claim to be Eastern Orthodox; however, they all lack [[apostolic succession]] and do not adhere to the traditions and [[canon law|canons]] of the canonical Orthodox Church. <br />
<br />
One of the first Greek Orthodox to arrive in the Philippines was Alexandros Athos Adamopoulos, who came to Legaspi city in 1928. Together with his brother and cousin he co-founded Adamson University in 1932. The university was and is noted for its curriculum directed towards the needs of the Philippines in the areas of science, chemical and industrial engineering. Today Adamson University has attained recognition as on of the leading institutions for graduate education, law, arts, sciences, chemistry, computer education, engineering, commerce and architechture. The university has a student population of over 22,000. <br />
<br />
Alexandros Adamopoulos (Alexander A. Adamson) was appointed in 1942 by the Greek government to take charge of Greek interests in the Philippines. He was later promoted to the rank of Consul General of Greece. <br />
<br />
In 1989 Alexander Adamson saw the need to establish the first true Greek Orthodox church in the Philippines and thus established the Hellenic Orthodox Foundation Inc. Although he died in 1993 before the church was completed, the Orthodox Cathedral was finished in 1996 and is constructed in true Byzantine style, with all the interior furnishings imported from Greece, and is home to approximately 200 Orthodox in Metro Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. This cathedral was consecrated by the Ecumenical Patriarch on March 5, 2000. <br />
<br />
At present there are three canonically ordained Filipino Orthodox priests in the Philippines. The Divine Liturgy and other Orthodox worship services are said in English and in the Filipino vernacular. The only true Orthodox parish in Manila is under the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and is spiritually administered by an ecclesiastical vicar from Greece.<br />
<br />
==Links==<br />
<br />
*[http://filorthodoxia.googlepages.com/church.htm History of the First Filipino Orthodox Community in the Philippines by Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis]<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/Phil_major_events.html Major Events of Orthodoxy in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www.exarchate.uni.cc/ The Annunciation of the Theotokos Cathedral in Manila ]<br />
*[http://www.rocor.org.au/lives/stjohnsanfranciscoshanghai Life of St. John Maximovitch]<br />
*[http://www.hri.org/forum/life/adamson.html Greeks in the Philippines and their contributions to the Filipinos]<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/Phil_history.html A priest's description of missionary work in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www2.mfa.gr/www.mfa.gr/Articles/en-US/03042007_KL1949.htm The Greek Community in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/AUG03.pdf The Theotokos Orthodox Church & Monastery in Masbate]<br />
*[http://www.orthodox.cn/news/20000420philippines_en.htm Orthodox Patriarch Visits Fledgling Local Orthodox Church]<br />
<br />
<br />
{{Parishes of South, East, and Southeast Asia}}<br />
[[Category:Jurisdictions]]</div>Dmitrihttp://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodoxy_in_the_PhilippinesOrthodoxy in the Philippines2007-06-11T05:47:28Z<p>Dmitri: /* Orthodoxy in the Philippines */</p>
<hr />
<div>This article seeks to be a clearinghouse of information and links regarding the history and state of '''[[Orthodox Christianity]] in the Philippines'''.<br />
<br />
The current Orthodox presence in the Philippines is minimal. However, early in the 20th century a small Russian parish, exclusively for Russian nationals, once existed in Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. The presence of this Russian parish ceased to exist after the Second World War. Another Orthodox parish under the [[jurisdiction]] of the [[Ecumenical Patriarchate]] was founded in Manila during the early 1990s.<br />
<br />
== The beginnings of Christianity in the Philippines ==<br />
[[Image:Magellan's_Cross.jpg|left|thumb|Replica of Magellan's cross planted in Cebu in 1521]]Christianity was first introduced to the Philippines in the 16th century by Spain, when the Philippines became its colony. Until the Philippine Revolution of 1896, it was illegal for any non-[[Roman Catholic]] church to establish itself in the Philippines. The Archbishop of Manila served as both representative of the Spanish Inquisition and, during the absence of the governor-general, the Spanish Crown. <br />
<br />
After fighting a bloody revolution against Spain, the Philippines then fought another war for its independence against the United States. However, the Philippines was annexed by the United States in 1898 and remained a colony until 1946. Religious tolerance was then instituted. The new American governor-generals then encouraged the spread of the [[Anglican Communion|Episcopal Church]] through government donations of land.<br />
<br />
'''== Orthodoxy in the Philippines =='''<br />
There are a number of accounts about the history of Orthodoxy in the Philippines. <br />
<br />
'''Antiochian Orthodox Christians'''<br />
It appears that the first Orthodox Christians on the islands were Syrian and Lebanese merchants and sailors, who arrived in Manila after Manila was opened to outside trade. The first recorded Orthodox Christians in the Philippines were Syrian and Lebanese sailors in 1802 according to the Syrian Consulate in Manila. Many of the Lebanese sailors married and their families still reside in the Philippines and have become Filipino citizens, including the owners of a famous pizza parlor in Manila. The oldest Orthodox Christian in the Philippines, a Lebanese by the last name of Assad, was born around 1904 and is still alive. <br />
<br />
<br />
'''Russian Orthodox Christians'''<br />
An influx of Russian emigrees fleeing the Soviet regime occured during the American colonial regime. In 1935, a Russian [[parish]] was established in Manila, and the [[Patriarch]] of Moscow and All Russia appointed Father Mikhail Yerokhin as vicar. The Episcopal Church then permitted Fr. Mikhail to use the north transept of their cathedral for worship. In 1937, the first Orthodox church was built and was named after the Iberian [[Icon]] of the Mother of God. This also became the first Orthodox [[altar]] in the Philippines. Later, both the Episcopal Cathedral and the Russian Orthodox church in Manila were destroyed during the Second World War. [[Image:John Maximovitch Tubabao.jpg|left|thumb|Abp. John Maximovitch in Tubabao]]<br />
<br />
===St. John of Shanghai and San Franciso===<br />
In 1949, 5,500 Russian Orthodox from China, including then-[[Archbishop]] [[John Maximovitch]], were relocated to Tubabao in the south central Philippines by the International Refugee Organization and with the permission of the newly independent Republic of the Philippines. Abp. John Maximovitch then established a wooden church, orphanage, and other buildings in Tubabao exclusively for the Russian refugees. <br />
<br />
Tubabao, however, was (and still is) an underdeveloped island which is humid, prone to typhoons, and at times inaccessible due to the ocean conditions. When a Russian commented on their fear that a typhoon would destroy their camp to local Filipinos, they replied that there was nothing to worry about because “your holy man blesses your camp from four directions every night.” There were no typhoons or floods while Abp. John was there. <br />
<br />
Arbp. John Maximovitch did not preach the Orthodox faith to the native inhabitants of the Philippine islands. No Filipino was baptized, chrismated, ordained and consecrated during his stay in the Philippines.<br />
<br />
Through the persistent lobbying of Abp. John to the U.S. Congress, the refugees were allowed to settle in the United States and Australia beginning in 1951.<br />
<br />
== Reception of the first Filipino converts to Orthodoxy ==<br />
<br />
In 1992, a Filipino [[hieromonk]], Fr. Vincentius Escarcha (a former Benedictine Abbot and a Roman Catholic priest for more than 20 years in Bajada, Cataingan, Masbate island), together with four nuns and faithful members of his community, were received into the Orthodox Church by Metropolitan [[Dionysios (Psiahas) of Proussa|Dionysios]] of the [[Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Zealand]] and assisted by [[Sotirios (Trambas) of Korea|Bishop Sotirios of Zelon]]. <br />
<br />
On January 19, 1994, Metropolitan Dionysius, assisted by Bishop Sotirios, received by [[Chrismation|Holy Chrismation]] several Filipino Christians in Manila.<br />
<br />
In 2004, the Theotokos Orthodox Church in Bajada, Masbate was consecrated by His Eminence Metropolitan [[Nikitas (Lulias) of Hong Kong|Nikitas]] of Hong Kong and South East Asia. At present, the nuns of the Theotokos Orthodox Monastery in Bajada run a kindergarten.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
==Orthodoxy in the Philippines Today==<br />
[[Image:Manila_orthodox_cathedral.jpg|left|thumb|The Annunciation Orthodox Cathderal in Paranaque, Manila]]<br />
There are some groups today in the Philippines that claim to be Eastern Orthodox; however, they all lack [[apostolic succession]] and do not adhere to the traditions and [[canon law|canons]] of the canonical Orthodox Church. <br />
<br />
One of the first Greek Orthodox to arrive in the Philippines was Alexandros Athos Adamopoulos, who came to Legaspi city in 1928. Together with his brother and cousin he co-founded Adamson University in 1932. The university was and is noted for its curriculum directed towards the needs of the Philippines in the areas of science, chemical and industrial engineering. Today Adamson University has attained recognition as on of the leading institutions for graduate education, law, arts, sciences, chemistry, computer education, engineering, commerce and architechture. The university has a student population of over 22,000. <br />
<br />
Alexandros Adamopoulos (Alexander A. Adamson) was appointed in 1942 by the Greek government to take charge of Greek interests in the Philippines. He was later promoted to the rank of Consul General of Greece. <br />
<br />
In 1989 Alexander Adamson saw the need to establish the first true Greek Orthodox church in the Philippines and thus established the Hellenic Orthodox Foundation Inc. Although he died in 1993 before the church was completed, the Orthodox Cathedral was finished in 1996 and is constructed in true Byzantine style, with all the interior furnishings imported from Greece, and is home to approximately 200 Orthodox in Metro Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. This cathedral was consecrated by the Ecumenical Patriarch on March 5, 2000. <br />
<br />
At present there are three canonically ordained Filipino Orthodox priests in the Philippines. The Divine Liturgy and other Orthodox worship services are said in English and in the Filipino vernacular. The only true Orthodox parish in Manila is under the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and is spiritually administered by an ecclesiastical vicar from Greece.<br />
<br />
==Links==<br />
<br />
*[http://filorthodoxia.googlepages.com/church.htm History of the First Filipino Orthodox Community in the Philippines by Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis]<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/Phil_major_events.html Major Events of Orthodoxy in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www.exarchate.uni.cc/ The Annunciation of the Theotokos Cathedral in Manila ]<br />
*[http://www.rocor.org.au/lives/stjohnsanfranciscoshanghai Life of St. John Maximovitch]<br />
*[http://www.hri.org/forum/life/adamson.html Greeks in the Philippines and their contributions to the Filipinos]<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/Phil_history.html A priest's description of missionary work in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www2.mfa.gr/www.mfa.gr/Articles/en-US/03042007_KL1949.htm The Greek Community in the Philippines]<br />
*[http://www.cs.ust.hk/faculty/dimitris/metro/AUG03.pdf The Theotokos Orthodox Church & Monastery in Masbate]<br />
*[http://www.orthodox.cn/news/20000420philippines_en.htm Orthodox Patriarch Visits Fledgling Local Orthodox Church]<br />
<br />
<br />
{{Parishes of South, East, and Southeast Asia}}<br />
[[Category:Jurisdictions]]</div>Dmitrihttp://orthodoxwiki.org/User:DmitriUser:Dmitri2007-06-11T05:42:21Z<p>Dmitri: New page: Image:StDimitriOfRostov.jpg "He who loves his enemy subdues the waves of the sea and stills the storm. Therefore love your enemy, and you will be a new wonderworker, saving his soul a...</p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:StDimitriOfRostov.jpg]]<br />
<br />
"He who loves his enemy subdues the waves of the sea and stills the storm. Therefore love your enemy, and you will be a new wonderworker, saving his soul and your own... Begin from henceforth to love everyone. The Son of God will be your guarantor. Without a doubt you will become a son of the Most High. I desire this sonship for myself and for everyone. Amen" --St. Dmitri of Rostov</div>Dmitri