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04 February 2011

Emergency assistance plan developed for compatriots in trouble.

The Representative of the Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) in Thailand archimandrite Oleg (Cherepanin) and Deputy Honorary Consul in the provinces of Chonburi and Rayong Victor Kriventsov discussed the principles of emergency care for our compatriots who are in trouble in Thailand. Discussion took place in the light of a tragedy that occurred in Pattaya. The young girl Victoria Tatarintseva was in a car accident and is currently in a coma. All financial assistance to Victoria has been resolved, but the case highlights the general principles of cooperation in charity situations.

By the Representative of the Church, it was proposed:

1. In the case of an emergency and an appeal to the Orthodox Church in Thailand (MP) for help, the Church asks for confirmation from the Honorary Consulate of the facts, as well as the identity of the victims and their contact information.
2. Then the Church checks the insurance coverage of the incident case. In order to help raise funds or make announcements, insurance coverage should be obviously insufficient.
3. Then checks what steps the employer company (if the injured person worked) is taking to help the person. The Orthodox Church in Thailand cannot insist on help from the company, but in the event of failure of such help, the Church is his own opinion about the moral principles of the company, which is brought to the flock, and those who like to view the Church opinion.
4. followed by clarifying of the material status of the victim and his family.

Under appropriate conditions, the Orthodox Church in Thailand can begin collecting funds or allocate available funds.

A major issue is always determining the amount needed to help. This can be clarified by the following outline:

• Upon the appropriate decision, the Foundation of the Orthodox Church in Thailand can guarantee payment of medical bills of the injured person to the hospital.
• The hospital, recognizing the victim’s expenses will be paid, can begin their systematic treatment. The Church then begins the collection of funds.
• The expenses are calculated and recorded, and the collection and expenditure can be shown on the official website of the Orthodox Church in Thailand for the public.

The opinion of the Honorary Consulate of Russia in Pattaya was expressed in a letter from the Deputy Honorary Consul V. Kriventsov, which coincided with the opinion of the Representative of the Russian Orthodox Church in Thailand.

As commented archimandrite Oleg (Cherepanin): «The agreement will assist in emergency situations to provide help more quickly and avoid fraud and deception».

01 February 2011

Day of the enthronement of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia.

On the occasion of the enthronement of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, the Orthodox churches in Thailand offered prayers for the prosperity of Primate of the Russian Church. The Orthodox flock, united in the Kingdom of Thailand under His Holiness’ omophorion pray God grant many good years its patriarch, God's help in his difficult, apostolic work and strength carrying the cross. Many warmly remembered the visit of His Holiness to the Kingdom of Thailand in 2001, when he was Metropolitan of Smolensk and Kaliningrad, the DECR chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate. In their speeches in this day to flock, the priests of the Orthodox Church in Thailand stressed the care of the Primate of Orthodoxy in Thailand and beyond the borders of the Fatherland. Having led the DECR Moscow Patriarchate for years, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, as no one else, knows the hardships of the priestly ministry overseas, away from their shrines. Deep gratitude goes to His Holiness for his selfless work and pastoral love for his flock.

Many good years to His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia!

27 January 2011

Blessing of the monastery gate.

In anticipation of the opening and consecration of the Holy Dormition Monastery, scheduled for February 12, 2011, the Representative of the Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) in Thailand, archimandrite Oleg ( Cherepanin) visited the monastery in Ratchaburi province. He was accompanied by students from the local population. Fr. Oleg was acquainted with the preparation for the celebration of the monastery, blessing four domes with cross to be raised over the gates of the monastery and chapel of the Iberian Mother of God, located in the monastery cemetery. The Representative of the Russian Orthodox Church in Thailand concluded that some work will not be carried out as scheduled. At present the landscaping has finished and gardening has begun at the Holy Dormition Monastery. The future blessing and opening of the monastery was of great interest, both among the Orthodox believers in the Kingdom, as well as among the local Buddhist population.

In the photo: Blessing the gates and domes of the monastery in Ratchaburi.

25 January 2011

Memorial service for the victims of the terrorist act in the airport «Domodedovo».

January 25, 2011 the Representative of the Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) in Thailand, archimandrite Oleg (Cherepanin) served a memorial service at All Saints Church in Pattaya (Chonburi province), remembering the victims of the terrorist attack at the «Domodedovo» Moscow airport where 35 people were killed and more than 180 people injured.

During the memorial service, archimandrite Oleg, in particular, said: «It is bitter that in times of peace this harm can happen. Human life, the great gift of God, is so devalued that doubtlessly is sacrificed to political ambitions, the disadvantaged vanity and just high emotions. Their own lives having been destroyed, they destroy the lives of innocent people. Obviously behind this criminal madness are well-financed, powerful forces which indoctrinate and psychologically subjugate the so-called suicide bombers. Communication with words of exhortation, calling for reconciliation with such people is simply useless. Today, as never before, the public authorities of Russia are responsible for the people. How long will it be like this? What tools or authority have the power necessary to protect the people from this type of violence? Not once, not twice, we heard that for such tragedies every effort to prevent them will be made. It takes some time, and our tranquility, relaxation allow terrorists to take back the dirty deed. Once again, rushing to the sky funeral mourning those who lost their dear loved ones. Power, in the words of the apostle Paul, should not bear the sword in vain. One consoles the despair and hopeless grief which live in the heart - trust in God, for whom "they are alive", in the hope of eternal life, "where there is no sickness, no sighing." Eternal rest to you, our dearly commemorated brethren, God give rest you in His heavenly abode. Yes, the Judgment will deliver the righteous from the tormentors and from their own grief, suffering and untimely death. Eternal memory for all murdered by the terrorist act at the «Domodedovo» airport January 24. Lord, heal the wounds of those in hospitals and clinics, and soften the grief of the survivors».

The memorial service at All Saints Church in Pattaya was attended by a Representative of the Russian Embassy in Thailand - the first secretary of the Russian Embassy, V.A. Voronin and his wife.

21 January 2011

Epiphany Services (Baptism of the Lord).

The Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) in Thailand held holiday services for Holy Epiphany. On the eve of Epiphany and the feast day, following the Divine Liturgy the rite of the Great Blessing of Water was performed.

All Saints Church in Pattaya was especially crowded with many of our countrymen vacationing. Replying to numerous requests of believers an extra great blessing of the water was performed at midnight from 18 to 19 January. After that, the believers, because of lack of "Jordan ice hole" in Thailand, poured holy water straight from the bucket near the temple. From early morning on January 18 to January 20 the temple in Pattaya was open. Many believers came to light candles, pray and take holy water. The festal Liturgy was filled with worshipers for the day of Epiphany. Among the worshipers at the Church on that day were the popular singers Alexander Yagya and Roman Zhukov, along with their families. After the Divine Liturgy, archimandrite Oleg (Cherepanin) baptized Sofia, the youngest daughter of Roman Zhukov.

With the assistance of parishioners Natalia and Alexander Bykov, executive at "Oasis World" a yacht was rented on which the church clergy, choir and worshipers performed the rite of great Blessing of water, while anchored in the Gulf of Thailand, located off the coast of Pattaya. For the first time the deep waters of the Gulf of Thailand received the Orthodox cross. After the blessing of the water many dove into the open sea to swim in the consecrated water.

The same evening, the restaurant hosts from "Eurasia", Tatiana and Igor Kim arranged a gala dinner during which they donated a set of Eucharistic vessels to All Saints Church in Pattaya. For all present, popular singers Alexander Yagya and Roman Zhukov sang their most famous songs. At the end of the evening archimandrite Oleg (Cherepanin), the Representative of the Russian Orthodox Church in Thailand congratulated all present on the occasion of the Epiphany. Father thanked Tatiana and Igor Kim for the gift to the Church and for their constant care for the needs of the parish. The evening ended with the singing of festal troparion and kontakion, as well as many years for all present.

13 January 2011

The decision to start construction of the Holy Ascension Orthodox temple on Samui.

At the representation of the Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) in Bangkok the Committee of the Orthodox Christian Church in Thailand Foundation held a meeting. In addition to the Committee members, the meeting was attended by the Representative of the Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) in Thailand archimandrite Oleg (Cherepanin). Along with a number of current issues of life of the Orthodox Church in Thailand, the agenda particularly addressed beginning construction of a temple of the Holy Ascension on Koh Samui, Surat Thani Province.

In this regard, the Committee heard the report of fr. Oleg’s visit to Samui, meeting with Orthodox believers living on the island. Archimandrite Oleg conveyed to the Committee the enthusiastic support from Samui Orthodox believers for the rapid construction of a temple on the island and their willingness to sacrifice for this endeavor. The chairman of the Orthodox Christian Church in Thailand Foundation priest Daniel Wanna also confirmed this after visiting. The Foundation received about 1.2 million Thai baht from the Orthodox community on the island for the construction of the Holy Ascension Church. However, fr. Daniel Wanna noted that as coordinated with the community if this project is approved by the Church authorities, the church is the most expensive of all the proposed temples. The architectural design is most suitable for the complicated lot and landscaping of the property. He also briefed those present on the construction documents for Holy Ascension Church. The necessary amount is, in the opinion of professional, 14 million Thai baht, making it the most expensive of the church built in Thailand. At the end of the discussion the Foundation Committee decided:

1. Approve the construction documents for the temple of Holy Ascension on Koh Samui, Surat Thani Province. Agree with the general costs of its construction in the amount of 14 million Thai baht.
2. Chairman of the Committee of the Foundation priest Daniel Wanna to visit Samui soon to ask the local authority for building permits, according to the draft of the temple.
3. Chairman of the Committee of the Foundation priest Daniel Wanna to sign a contract with the construction company for the works of the temple.
4. Ask the treasurer of Holy Ascension parish on Samui, Mr. Alexei Tyutin to exercise direct control over use of funds allocated for the construction, the extent and quality of work accomplished by the builders.
5. Ask archimandrite Oleg (Cherepanin) to appeal to all Orthodox believers living in Thailand, and those who support the Orthodox mission in Thailand, to make offerings for the construction of Holy Ascension Church on Samui.
6. Publish on the official website of the Orthodox Church in Thailand all the necessary materials for the construction of the temple to inform donors and parishioners.
7. Construction of the Holy Ascension Church on Samui will be done simultaneously with the completion of the Holy Trinity Church in Phuket.

Total project types Ascension Church on Samui (Suratthani Province)

12 January 2011

Working visit of archimandrite Oleg (Cherepanin) to Samui.

The Representative of the Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) in Thailand archimandrite Oleg (Cherepanin) paid a working visit to Samui island in Surat Thani province. The main purpose of the trip was to meet with members of the local Orthodox community and to discuss the construction of an Orthodox temple on Samui. Archimandrite Oleg was warmly received by the parishioners who have expressed their unequivocal opinion to build a temple in honor of the Holy Ascension immediately since February of this year. They also made donations for the construction of the temple, which allowed the start of the first phase of the work. Fr. Oleg, seeing the enthusiasm of Orthodox believers in Samui, intends to immediately ask the Committee of the Orthodox Christian Church in Thailand Foundation to hold its meeting and take a positive solution for the construction.

09 January 2011

Orthodox Christians greet Christmastide in Thailand.

Orthodox Christians in Thailand celebrated the great feast of the Nativity of Christ. The vigil held in Bangkok at St. Nicholas chapel was served by priest Daniel Wanna, while All Saints Church in Pattaya was served by archimandrite Oleg (Cherepanin), Representative of the Russian Orthodox Church in Thailand.

All-Saints Church in Pattaya was especially crowded because Christmas Day falls during the peak of the tourist season. Early in the morning of January 6 numerous pilgrims streamed into All Saints Church, with offering holiday candles for the Festive icon and for the miracle-working icon of St. Nicholas, archbishop of Myra in Lycia, located in the Pattaya church. Christmas worship began in Pattaya at 10 p.m., when the temple was no longer able to accommodate all who came to worship the Child Christ on this holy night. Many of those who came to church confessed and receive the Holy Gifts.

A little earlier in the day, archimandrite Oleg offered Christmas prayers at the "Royal Cliff" hotel. This tradition of Orthodox believers in Pattaya has been kept as a memory of a time when the parish in the absence of a church had to spend the holiday in a hotel. This hotel "Royal Cliff" which has traditionally specialized in the Russian-speaking guests, first provided their premises for Orthodox worship. At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy archimandrite Oleg immediately traveled to Bangkok, where he managed to be present at the Divine Liturgy at the Chapel of St. Nicholas, archbishop of Myra and congratulated the Bangkok parish for Christmas. In the evening in the same chapel festal Vespers was served, followed by dinner arranged by the parish council of St. Nicholas Church in Bangkok. On January 9, 2011 a festive Christmas dinner was also organized at All Saints Church in Pattaya by their parish council.

In the photo: Christmas service at St. Nicholas Chapel, Bangkok

08 January 2011

The bell peal from Pattaya.

On Saturday, January 8, 2011, the installation of a set of church bells from Russia was finished at All Saints Church in Pattaya. Vigil for Sunday at All Saints began with the peal of the bells. Not only did Orthodox believers gather in front of the temple, in order to hear the ringing of the church bells, but Thais stopped with interest and attention, listening to unfamiliar sound. As the Representative of the Russian Orthodox Church in Thailand archimandrite Oleg (Cherepanin) said, visiting All Saints church in Pattaya, - «doing everything possible to decorate temples and properly establish Church life on earth of Thailand, our main principle should remain the words of Holy Scriptures, which are inscribed on the largest bell of the temple belfry: «not to us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy Name give glory» (Ps 113). Fr. Oleg warmly congratulated the priest-in-charge fr. Daniel Wanna and local parishioners on the happy event in the life of the parish.

In the photo: The set of bells in the belfry of All Saints Church in Pattaya (Chonburi province).

07 January 2011

Charity Christmas Concert in Pattaya.

The evening of January 7 in Pattaya, a concert was given by Alexander Yagya, former member of the "White Eagle" band entitled, "How delightful evenings in Russia." A number of commercial companies in Pattaya organized the charity Christmas concert, which was attended by a number of popular artists from Russia. At the request of the Russian Orthodox Church in Thailand, archimandrite Oleg the concert was postponed from the previously scheduled date of January 6 to January 7, not break the fast on Christmas Eve and distract people from the holiday service. Archimandrite Oleg’s request was met with understanding and the concert date was changed, which allowed the participants themselves to attend Christmas service at the Church of All Saints in Pattaya.

During the evening concert sponsors including such commercial companies as "Oasis WORLD", "Russian House", "Natalie Tours", "Pegasus", "Ilves Tour" TV channel "1-RU», the airline "Transaero", contributed to needs of the Orthodox Church in Thailand 20,000 Thai baht, awarding this amount to the assistant of the Representative of the Russian Orthodox Church in Thailand, Dr. Vladimir Buntilov.