The Feast of the 24 Patron Saints of the Orthodox Church in Korea
In an atmosphere of spiritual joy, the Synaxis of the 24 Patron Saints of the Orthodox Church of Korea was celebrated this year as well on Friday, 3 October 2025, at the Holy Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Saviour in Capeong, where their holy relics are kept.
On the eve of the feast, Fr. Antonios Woo served the Great Vespers with the blessing of loaves (Artoklasia), and on the following day, under the presidency of Metropolitan Ambrosios of Korea and Exarch of Japan, concelebrated by Fr. Antonios Woo, Fr. Romanos Kavchak, Fr. Ieremias Cho, Fr. Antonios Lim, Fr. John Park, Fr. Epiphanios of Gregoriou, and Deacon Fr. Christophoros Jonker, the services of Matins and the Divine Liturgy were celebrated.
After the Scripture readings, the Metropolitan delivered the homily entitled: “Faith as a prerequisite of holiness,” saying: “Without faith it is impossible to do the will of God. The athletic struggles of the Martyrs, the ascetic struggles of the Venerable Fathers, and the labors of the Righteous are accomplishments of faith.” He then explained the definition of faith: “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Addressing the question of whom we believe in, he concluded: “Faith is not an intellectual process. In matters of faith and salvation, we allow our heart to believe and to obey. Therefore, ultimately, faith is love for the person of Jesus Christ. In other words, love is both faith and trust and obedience. The more you love Christ, the more you believe. When the Apostles said, ‘Lord, increase our faith,’ it was as if they were saying: Lord, help us to love You more, because the more we love You, the more we believe You as our Savior and Redeemer.”
After the Divine Liturgy, all proceeded to the grave of the late Metropolitan Sotirios of Pisidia, formerly of Korea, and a memorial service was chanted for the repose of his blessed soul in the Kingdom of God.
A monastic meal followed, during which the Metropolitan thanked the parish priest of the Holy Monastery, Fr. Antonios Woo, and Sister Agathi Paik for the excellent organization of the feast and the warm welcome and hospitality offered to all.
