In an atmosphere of spiritual joy, the Synaxis of the 24 Patron Saints of the Orthodox Church of Korea was celebrated this year on Friday, October 3, 2025, at the Holy Monastery of the Holy Transfiguration of the Savior in Gapyeong, where their holy relics are kept.
On the eve of the feast, Fr. Antonios Woo celebrated the Great Vespers with the blessing of the loaves (artoklasia), and on the following day, Metropolitan Ambrosios of Korea and Exarch of Japan presiding, accompanied by concelebrants Fr. Antonios Woo, Fr. Roman Kavchak, Fr. Jeremiah Cho, Fr. Antonios Lim, Fr. Yohan Park, Fr. Epiphanios Gregoriates, and Deacon Fr. Christopher Jonker, the Orthros service and the Divine Liturgy were held.
After the Readings, the Metropolitan delivered a sermon on the theme, “Faith as a Prerequisite for Holiness,” stating, “Without faith, it is impossible to do God’s will. The athletic struggles of the Martyrs, the ascetic endeavors of the holy Fathers, and the labors of the Righteous are achievements of faith.” He then analyzed the definition of faith: “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Addressing the question of whom we believe in, he concluded, “Faith is not a mental process. In matters of faith and salvation, we let our hearts believe and obey. Ultimately, faith is love for the person of Jesus Christ. In other words, love is faith, trust, and obedience. The more you love Christ, the more you believe in Him. When the Apostles said, ‘Lord, increase our faith,’ it was as if they were saying, ‘Lord, help us love You more, for the more we love You, the more we believe in You as our Savior and Redeemer.’”
After the Divine Liturgy, everyone proceeded to the tomb of the late Metropolitan Soterios of Pisidia, formerly of Korea, where a memorial prayer was offered for the repose of his blessed soul.
A monastic meal followed, during which the Metropolitan thanked the monastery’s priest, Fr. Antonios Woo, and Sister Agathe Paik for the excellent organization of the feast and their warm welcome and hospitality to all.