With particular spiritual joy and in an atmosphere of deep contrition, on Saturday, December 20, 2025—the day on which our Church honored the memory of Saint Ignatius the God-bearer—the baptism of seven new members took place at the headquarters of the Orthodox Metropolis of Korea and Exarchate of Japan in Seoul. The holy Sacrament was performed during the baptismal Divine Liturgy, which was celebrated by Fr. Roman Kavchak, Fr. Antonios Lim, Fr. Epiphanios Grigoriatis, and Deacon Christopher Jonker.
After the conclusion of the Liturgy, those present gathered in the hall of the Metropolis, where Metropolitan Ambrosios delivered a speech of spiritual edification to the newly illumined. In his address, he elaborated on the close connection between the Sacrament of baptism and the personality of St. Ignatios, emphasizing that the highest purpose of every Christian is to become “God-bearer,” conveying the grace of God to the world. At the same time, referring to a related hymn from the Christmas period, he reminded us of the profound meaning of the Incarnation: that “God became man to save man as the only lover of mankind (Philanthropos).”
We wholeheartedly wish to our seven newly illumined brothers that the Lord grant them strength and spiritual progress, and that the light of the Holy Spirit guide every step of theirs in their new life within the Church. Worthy!