By the grace of God, this year’s celebration of the Holy Passion and the Resurrection of our Lord took place in much better conditions than last year at the Metropolis of Korea.
In all the parishes of the Orthodox Metropolis of Korea, the Holy Services were performed according to the Typikon, in compliance with all the prescribed health rules of the state, for the protection of the participants from COVID-19.
At St. Nicholas Cathedral in Seoul, due to the presence of more clergy, double Holy Week services were held for Koreans and Slavic-speaking believers. Also on Holy Saturday night from 7 p.m. until 2:30 a.m. of Easter Sunday, three Resurrection Services were performed followed by the Divine Liturgy. On Sunday morning from 9 to 11:30, the Paschal Matins (Orthros) and the Divine Liturgy were performed again. And at 2 o’clock in the afternoon, the Vespers of Love took place. In each Service various believers participated, according to the lists, compiled since the Saturday of Lazarus and thus gave the opportunity to more believers to participate in the Holy Services, holy the Confession, and Holy Communion.
Our heartfelt prayer and wish is for next year, with the help of God, to celebrate the greatest feast of our Orthodox Church without restrictive measures and life to return to normalcy all over the planet. Christ is Risen!