An archpastoral visit of Archbishop Theophanes of Korea to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea took place June 17-26, 2024. The Vladyka was able to visit Pyongyang for the first time after restrictions related to the spread of the coronavirus infection and to perform divine services in the only Orthodox church in the DPRK.
Theophan was able to visit Pyongyang and perform divine services in the only Orthodox church in the DPRK.
On June 17, Archbishop Theophanes arrived in Pyongyang, the capital of the DPRK. At the airport, the ruling bishop of the Korean Diocese was met by Deacon Pavel Pak, cleric of the Holy Trinity Church in Pyongyang, and staff of the Russian Embassy in the DPRK.
The Archbishop Feofan arrived in Pyongyang, the capital of the DPRK.
On June 19, within the framework of the state visit to the DPRK of the President of the Russian Federation V.V. Putin. Putin visited the Holy Trinity Church in Pyongyang. V.V. Putin was met in the temple by Archbishop Theophan, chairman of the Orthodox Committee of the DPRK Victor Yu and clerics of Holy Trinity Church. The manager of the diocese told the distinguished guest about the history of the Russian Spiritual Mission in Korea, as well as the stages of construction of the Orthodox Church in Pyongyang. As a gift to the temple, the President of the Russian Federation handed over an icon of the Holy Trinity.
On June 22 on the occasion of Trinity Saturday at the cemetery of Soviet soldiers in Pyongyang. Archbishop Feofan conducted a memorial service with the clergy of the Holy Trinity Church. Diplomats and staff of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in the DPRK headed by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the DPRK A.I. Matsegora took part in the commemorative event. They honored the memory of the fallen Soviet soldiers who fought for the liberation of Korea, as well as the USSR citizens who died in the early years of the establishment of the Republic and made an invaluable contribution to the restoration of the national economy of the country.
On June 23, Bishop Theophan celebrated the Divine Liturgy at Holy Trinity Church in Pyongyang. At the Liturgy, the bishop was served by the clergy of Holy Trinity Church in Pyongyang, Priest Vladimir Chang, Deacon Pavel Pak and Deacon George Yun.
The festive service was attended by A.I. Matsegora, as well as numerous diplomats and staff of the Russian Embassy in the DPRK.
On June 24, the Day of the Holy Spirit, Archbishop Theophan celebrated the Divine Liturgy in Holy Trinity Church. At the end of the service, the bishop had a working meeting with the chairman of the Orthodox Committee of the DPRK. During the meeting they discussed current issues of parish life.
June 26, Archbishop Theophanes completed his stay in the DPRK. В A.I. Matsegora, Victor Yu, clerics of the Holy Trinity Church, and staff of the Russian Embassy in the DPRK saw off the head of the Korean Diocese at the airport in Pyongyang.
EVCS Communication Service/Patriarchy.ru
