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04 January 2011

Church bells donated to All Saints Church in Pattaya.

The Representative of the Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) in Thailand archimandrite Oleg (Cherepanin) performed the rite of blessing the temple bells for the bell tower of All Saints in Pattaya (Chonburi province). A set of 7 bells was donated to the Russian Orthodox Church by the business "Oasis-Sochi", whose leaders are his parishioners. Additionally, the Foundation of the Orthodox Church in Thailand purchased an "Electronic ringer" in order to provide automatic ringing. The air company Transaero gratuitously shipped the bells from Russia to Thailand, as a charity of the Orthodox Church in Thailand.

In the photo: The Representative of the Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) in Thailand archimandrite Oleg (Cherepanin) blesses the bells.

Unfortunately, during the transportation of bells from Russia, there was a misunderstanding when these bells were thought "old and rare", and their transportation to Thailand considered, "contraband." However, the customs authorities of the Koltsovo airport (Ekaterinburg) in a matter of days resolved the misunderstanding, having the necessary expertise to confirm that the bells were made at a the Moscow factory "Litex" in 2010, the shipment corresponding to the application and declaration documents. Customs officials contacted the Russian Orthodox Church in Thailand by telephone to confirm the order from Russia to the needs of the church in Pattaya. Thereafter, the bells were sent immediately to Thailand to their destination.

The Representative of the Russian Orthodox Church in the Kingdom of Thailand, the Foundation of the Orthodox Church in Thailand and the All Saints parish council in Pattaya sincerely thank the donors - the company "Oasis-Sochi" and a servant of God Alexander and a handmaid of God Natalia Bykova personally, Transaero Airlines, which transported the bell, and everyone who helped to arrange the curch bell ringing in Pattaya. On behalf of the Orthodox Church in Thailand archimandrite Oleg (Cherepanin) regretted the misunderstanding happened, recalling that «no good thing, especially for the glory of God can be done without difficulty and obstacles. And this is just, - says Fr. Oleg, - is the best proof that God accepted the sacrifice».

It was also decided to set a date for lifting the belfry bell, if possible, before the feast of Epiphany. Donors as well as officials from Transaero in Thailand will be invited to the ceremony hoisting the bells.

01 January 2011

Christmas greetings from archimandrite Oleg (Cherepanin)

«Christ is born - thanks...» (irmos from the holiday canon)

Christmas Greetings
Representative of the Russian Orthodox Chruch
(Moscow Patriarchate) in the Kingdom of Thailand
archimandrite Oleg (Cherepanin)

Dear in Born now the Child Christ
my beloved brothers and sisters, all Orthodox Christians,
living in Thailand, and those who care about the dispensation of Orthodoxy on this earth!

Peace be upon you and the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, be multiplied!

I heartily congratulate every one of you with the light of one of Christ’s great feasts, Christmas, when in the words of the Holy Fathers of our Church, "God became man so that man could be deified." The Divine Infant Christ brought to the afflicted world peace and goodwill in man. And the only reason for the Incarnation, as with all the saving deeds of our Lord, is His inexhaustible love for the human race who suffer in their sins, in damaged disobedience to God, the flesh, and dizzying forces of the soul. This was also indicated by the holy Evangelist John the Theologian: “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

In response to God's love, we need to bring gifts to the Child Christ, just as in the days of His Nativity, the divinely wise Magi did and humble shepherds of Bethlehem. Our gift to God should be our heart, our life lived according to His commandments. But the evidence of our love for God can be found only in our love for our neighbors, who are created in the image and likeness of God. "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John 13:35). Today I want you and myself strong in this true love for God and neighbor. The end of the year and upcoming Christmas holiday is always a period when the community, the whole Church, whether consciously or unconsciously, reflects upon the year’s progress or missteps.

The last year for our Church was prosperous. Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee! The Lord has blessed our efforts in the favored land of Thailand. We not only built new temples and decorated already built. But to the best of ability, by the grace of God, we revived parish social, charitable and educational activities. In all this, your financial and moral support was enduring.

The foremost Orthodox shrine of Thailand - the miraculous icon of St. Nicholas, archbishop of Myra in Lycia, which at the Church of All Saints in Pattaya

In Thailand now, the Orthodox Church has five parishes, two of which already have a working temple (St. Nicholas in Bangkok and All Saints in Pattaya). Russian language courses for Thais and a Sunday school for children are successfully operated at All Saints Church in Pattaya. On a local television channel (TV 1-RU) there is a 15-minute daily Orthodox religious broadcast, which airs in the morning and evening, also widely used are local Russian newspapers. The church is not neglected by local English-language press as well.

In the photo: the Chapel of St. Nicholas, archbishop of Myra in Bangkok and the Church of All Saints in Pattaya.

The Orthodox community in Phuket, a resort oasis of the Kingdom, is completing the construction of the Holy Trinity Church. I would say a cathedral, given the scale of the construction. We are grateful to God and thank the people for their active participation in the building of this temple.

In the photo: Construction of the Church of the Holy Life-Giving Trinity on Phuket.

Construction of the male monastery is nearly completed, the consecration is scheduled for February 2011. In the same place will be the first Orthodox cemetery in Thailand and a catechetical school for local residents, as well as those who live in Laos and Cambodia whose spiritual care is the of ​​responsibility of our mission in Thailand.

In the photo: Holy Dormition Monastery in Ratchaburi province.

The project and documents for construction are already approved for the Holy Ascension Church on Koh Samui, Surat Thani province in the south. God willing, we will soon start construction work there.

The project for the Holy Ascension Church on Samui (Suratthani Province).

In close cooperation with the Diocese of Tomsk in the Russian Orthodox Church, the Orthodox Church in Thailand will translate archpriest Seraphim’s «The Law of God» into the Thai language. The book is about 800 pages of text. To date about 600 pages have been translated. With the blessing of His Eminence archbishop Rostislav of Tomsk and Asino sent a Tomsk Seminary graduate, Yevgeny Petrov to help our Church here. He is now successfully working as an assistant to the Russian Orthodox Church in Thailand for catechetism.

We are exploring opportunities to acquire land for the construction of a temple in Bangkok. Because of the extremely high property prices in the capital of the Kingdom, we are forced to rent. This limits the church presence in Bangkok.

These are the visible fruits that God blessed here. The main conclusion that I can draw from all that I see is the word from the Gospel of St. John the Evangelist «The wind blows where it wishes» (John. 3:8) and urgent call of the Savior: «Go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you» (Мt. 28,19-20)

We are living in difficult conditions. Thailand is associated with a lot of negativity, for example, the network of bars and brothels. For some, this becomes an excuse to fall into their own temptation. But human nature, tainted by sin, is the same everywhere. For us, Orthodox Christians, it would be appropriate to refer to the authority of Scripture «to the pure, all things are pure and to the defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure, but their mind and conscience is contaminated. They profess that they know God, but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and of no good cause.»(Titus 1,15-16). So the matter is not the country or residence, but the inner spiritual state of the person. «... For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, blasphemies»(Mf.15, 19). This is not a specific problem to Thailand, but the general moral decline of modern society, the impoverishment of faith and the result of forgetfulness of God's Law. Surprisingly, modern man has no fear of God, which is «beginning of wisdom» (Ps.110: 10).

Among our flock in Thailand there are Russians, Ukrainians, Romanians, Bulgarians, Serbians, French, Americans, Thais and Laotians natural and citizens of many other countries. For St. Paul the concept of nation, social status and position in society, against Christians, formulated almost 2,000 years ago «in Christ there is neither Greek nor Jew...» (Col. 3:11). Therefore, our Church here is called the Orthodox Church in Thailand. A lot of good can be gleaned from the Thai culture, at least to have a little more tolerance for others. This does not contradict the teachings of the Orthodox Church. «Condemn sin, but do not condemn the sinner », teach Fathers.

We, who live here, need to learn about Thailand, the people of this country, its culture, language and traditions. It is necessary to overcome the vacuum in which the foreigners live in Thailand, to try to understand the inner feeling of Thai life - then the slowness, other specific features of the national character will stop annoying the foreigners. Try to understand the Thai people, you will feel a great pleasure to communicate with these good and simple people and avoid many conflicts. We should not try to look at Thailand and Asia in terms of Euro-centrism.

Christmas Day, we remember how God Almighty came to save the human race, incarnated by the Blessed Virgin Mary. He takes upon Himself human flesh and became a man to be one with us His people. Therefore, we must always remember that the Thais are the same children of God, as we are, and for them Christ shed His precious Blood, suffered and rose again from the dead. Perhaps at the Last Judgment we shall be judged more severely for what we were not able to convey to them from the word of God, than they are for the fact that they would not accept Him. Any mission must begin with ourselves. There is only one way to find His way in Thailand. Genuinely love these people, consider these people their own people, to share their grief and joy to participate in all the circumstances of their lives. There is no other way. The words of the Gospel will remain a dead letter if they are not confirmed by the practical actions of life. Here, as elsewhere, the principle set forth by the Apostle James «Show me the faith from your works » (James. 2,17-19).

Conducting philanthropy, helping our compatriots in trouble who are in Thailand, we can say that most of the time their problems are created by themselves. This occurs either because the person does not want to read and follow the basic rules of conduct in Thailand (and sometimes in any normal society), or disregard for Thais and a sense of permissiveness. By purchasing an air-trip ticket to Thailand and paying a thousand dollars, some of our visitors feel that they have acquired Thailand in personal property, at least for time of the trip. Unfortunately it is not. We must understand that Thailand is not for sale. For the money you spend, you are only allowed to rest in Thailand and no more. Patriotism and national pride is one of the Thais inherent qualities. The name of the country - "Thailand" is translated from the Thai language not only as "the land of the Thais" but also as "the land of the free." I advise this not be forgotten.

On behalf of our Church and myself, I sincerely thank the clergy and laity, all those who provide assistance to our Church in its efforts to support and help her hard service. I wish each of you in these holy days all the best from the Lord, God's help to do good works, health and welfare.

With love and prayers for all of you, my beloved,

archimandrite Oleg (Cherepanin),
Representative of the Russian Orthodox Church
(Moscow Patriarchate) in the Kingdom of Thailand

Nativity
2010/2011 г.
Bangkok.

23 December 2010

Divine service schedule for Christmas.

CHURCH IN THE NAME OF SAINT NICHOLAS THE WONDER-WORKER, BANGKOK.

CHURCH IN THE NAME OF ALL SAINTS, PATTAYA

19 December 2010

The anniversary of the first Russian kindergarten in Pattaya.

Chairman of the Committee of the Orthodox Christian Church in Thailand Foundation and priest-in-charge of All Saints Church in Pattaya (Chonburi province) fr. Daniel Wanna with an assistant to Representative of the Russian Orthodox Church in the Kingdom for catechism Yevgeny Petrov, attended the first anniversary of the Russian kindergarten in Pattaya. More than 50 people took part in a special evening hosted by the administration of the kindergarten for its anniversary. In his interview with the local Russian-language TV channel Yevgeny Petrov pointed out the success that the organizers accomplished during the past year, and the special relationship between the kindergarten and the All Saints Church of the Russian Orthodox Church in Pattaya. «The Orthodox Church is largely concerned with the formation of a decent human being », - said E. Petrov, congratulating kindergarten employees, students and their parents, as well as invited guests. He also conveyed all the blessings and wishes of the representative of Russian Orthodox Church in Thailand archimandrite Oleg (Cherepanin).

03 December 2010

Ukrainian National Thai boxing team visited St. Nicholas Chapel in Bangkok.

Competing in the championship competition in Thailand, on the occasion of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) birthday, the Ukrainian national team of Thai boxing requested a prayer service from the Representative of the Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) and rector of St. Nicholas Chapel in Bangkok archimandrite Oleg (Cherepanin). Prayers were offered to prosper the athletes finishing in the finals. After the service archimandrite Oleg wished the Ukrainian sportsmen future accomplishments and victories, but also warned against excessive cruelty in competition and the need to respect the opponent in the ring, which is dictated by the code of honor. Thai boxing is the oldest and the most popular sport in Thailand.

In the photo: Ukrainian national team of Thai boxing after the prayer service in the Chapel of St. Nicholas in Bangkok.

01 December 2010

Birthday of the King of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) the Great.

The Representative of the Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) in Thailand archimandrite Oleg (Cherepanin) on behalf of the Russian Orthodox Church sent formal congratulations to His Majesty the King of Thailand Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) The Great for the birthday of His Majesty. This day is a major national holiday. December 5, 2010 His Majesty the King of Thailand celebrates 83 years. Archimandrite Oleg wished His Majesty good health and many years of life and prosperity of the Kingdom; and assured His Majesty of the unceasing prayers of Orthodox believers in the Kingdom for the welfare of His Majesty and the Royal House of Thailand. According to the Constitution, His Majesty the King is a Buddhist. Also, His Majesty is the supreme patron of all religions in the Kingdom. For this reason, in front of an Orthodox church in Thailand, along with the flag of the Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, there is posted the flag of the King of Thailand Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) The Great. In divine services intercessions are offered for the "King, the Royal House and his people".

In the photo: His Majesty The King of Thailand Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) The Great.

30 November 2010

AUA Language Center students visit the Representation of the Russian Orthodox Church in Thailand.

With the blessing of archimandrite Oleg (Cherepanin), his assistant Yevgeny Petrov invited a group of students learning English to the St. Nicholas Chapel in Bangkok. The students were from the American University Alumni (AUA Language Center) which included not only citizens of Thailand, but also thos from Taiwan and Mongolia. At the temple, guests met Fr. Daniel Wanna, who told them about Orthodoxy, and answered many questions from young people who first visited the Orthodox church. Then, in the dining hall, Yevgeny Petrov presented several documentary films about the life of the Orthodox Church in Russia. One of the films was centered on the Tomsk Seminary. After watching films guests were offered tea and they engaged in friendly conversaton. Some of the guests expressed their wish to visit other churches of the Orthodox Church in Thailand and, if possible, to be present at the service.

In the photo: AUA students at the Representation of the Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) in Thailand.

30 November 2010

Clergy of St. Nicholas Chapel in Bangkok visit Phuket.

The Representative of the Russian Orthodox Church in Thailand (Moscow Patriarchate) archimandrite Oleg accompanied by hierodeacon Seraphim (Raicea) visited Phuket for the opening of the "Russian Club", a non-profit social organization of our compatriots living on the island. In his speech for the occasion, Fr. Oleg encouraged those present to remember that wherever a Russian community exists, whether as a result of politics as in 1917 or after World War II, or later - for economic reasons – their communal identity is found in God’s temple. Father Oleg reminded of the words of Psalm 126: "Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain that build it... ". He also talked about the construction of a temple in Phuket in honor of Holy Life-giving Trinity and encouraged those present to offer a greater sacrifice and cooperation in its construction. Those present assured him that the concern for the construction of an Orthodox church in Phuket will be one of the prerogatives of the "Russian Club".

30 November 2010

Birthday of archimandrite Oleg (Cherepanin).

In connection with his birthday, the Representative of the Russian Orthodox Church in Thailand archimandrite Oleg (Cherepanin), received congratulations for the occasion. Due to the large number of correspondence, archimandrite Oleg is physically unable to personally thank each one but asked that through the website of the Orthodox Church in Thailand his personal thanks be returned to all who remembered him that day, for your kind words and good wishes praying for all those who know and remember him.

26 November 2010

Construction process for the monastery in Ratchaburi province (Thailand).

The Representative of the Russian Orthodox Church in Thailand archimandrite Oleg (Cherepanin) and the Chairman of the Committee of the Orthodox Christian Church in Thailand Foundation priest Daniel Wanna made ​​a working trip to the province of Ratchaburi, where they were introduced to the final stage of construction on the Holy Dormition Monastery. It was stated that the construction work, as well as the internal arrangement of the temple of the Holy Dormition of the Mother of God was near completion.

During the trip the drafts for the monastery entrance gates, cemetery wall and a chapel in honor of the Mother of God “Iver” were considered and approved. A construction of additional facilities for household is already approved by Land Development Authority. According to statements from the construction company, the additional work will be completed within one and a half to two months. Chairman of the Foundation of the Orthodox Church in Thailand priest Daniel with archiamndrite Oleg assured that the Foundation will finance the additional work time.

Also Fr. Oleg and Fr. Daniel visited bronze factory in Saraburi province, where the individual sketches for the altar are to be cast in bronze, along with candlesticks and other utensils for the Holy Dormition Church. Presumably these works will be completed within three weeks.

The overall plan of the Orthodox monastery (Thailand)	Gates of the holy monastery project
Cemetery wall project	The project is a chapel in honor of the Mother of God «Iver»