Gwangju, South Korea, April 29, 2026
Photo: churchkr.com
A new parish of the Russian Orthodox Church has been established in Gwangju, South Korea, named in honor of the Exaltation of the Holy and Life-Giving Cross. It was formally established on April 26, the Sunday of the Myrrh-bearing Women.
The decision to open the parish came in response to requests from believers in Gwangju, the sixth-largest metropolis in South Korea, which is home to a substantial Russian-speaking diaspora, the Korean Diocese reports.
Orthodox Christians in the area had previously faced difficulties attending regular services due to the considerable distance to existing churches of the Korean Diocese.
Photo: churchkr.com
His Eminence Archbishop Theophan of Korea celebrated the first Divine Liturgy at the newly formed parish, assisted by Hierodeacon Nectarius (Lim). Before the service, the Archbishop served a moleben with the rite of blessing water and sprinkled the walls of the parish premises with holy water.
The inaugural service drew not only local residents but also Orthodox faithful from Mokpo, Yeosu, and other cities in South Jeolla Province, of which Gwangju is the historical center. Many parishioners were able to participate in the Sacraments of Confession and Holy Communion for the first time in a considerable period.
The parish currently occupies rented premises.
Following the Liturgy, the Archbishop congratulated the congregation on the long-awaited occasion and called on everyone to work toward the further development of parish life and the construction of a future church building. The celebrations concluded with a fellowship meal and conversation between the Archbishop and parishioners.
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