New Missionary Monastery Opens in South Korea
OCP News Service – 23/01/2024
Incheon – South Korea: On January 18, 2024, the Korean Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church marked a significant milestone with the establishment of a new missionary monastery on Yeongjong Island, near the city of Incheon, South Korea. This momentous occasion, coinciding with Epiphany Eve, signifies the Church’s dedication to spreading its message and serving the faithful in the region.
The initiative spearheaded by Archbishop Theophan of Korea and Hierodeacon Nektary saw the transformation of a rented private house into a monastery complex. A nearby container house was repurposed and equipped to serve as a temple dedicated to St. Anthony the Great, a revered figure in the history of Christian monasticism.
“Today can be considered the founding date of our monastery,” declared Archbishop Feofan in a message posted on the monastery’s Telegram channel on January 18. He further elaborated on the inaugural day’s celebrations, which included Vespers combined with the Liturgy of St. Basil the Great and the grand blessing of water. Notably, the monastery welcomed its first parishioners, marking a heartwarming beginning to its journey.
The establishment of the monastery addresses a specific need within the Korean Orthodox community. As Archbishop Feofan explained, “several families from among the parishioners of the Korean diocese live on Yeongjong Island, who previously had to get to the temple in Seoul for one and a half to two hours by public transport.” With the new monastery just “10 minutes away,” these families can now access religious services with greater ease and convenience.
The Korean Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church is currently served entirely by clergy in the monastic rank, comprising a bishop, two hieromonks, and one monastic deacon. The founding of the monastery, therefore, aligns with the existing ecclesiastical structure and provides a dedicated space for fostering spiritual growth and community within the diocese.
The opening of the new monastery on Yeongjong Island represents a promising chapter for the Korean Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church. It underscores the Church’s commitment to serving its faithful, spreading its message, and establishing a stronger presence in the region. As the monastery welcomes more devotees and contributes to the spiritual life of the local community, its impact is sure to be felt for years to come.
Source:
OCP News Service