On Friday, June 13, 2025, the three-year Memorial service of the late Metropolitan Soterios was celebrated with an All Night Vigil at the Holy Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Savior in Gapyeong.
The All Night Vigil was presided over by Metropolitan Ambrosios of Korea and Exarch of Japan, assisted by Rev. Fr. Roman Kavchak, Rev. Fr. Anthony Lim, and Deacon Christopher Jonker. The participation of many faithful from Seoul and Jeonju was incredible.
The All Night Vigil began at 8 p.m. with the Trisagion at the tomb of the late Metropolitan Soterios. Then everyone was led to the Monastery’s Katholikon, where the Great Vespers of the Apodosis of Pentecost and the Divine Liturgy were celebrated.
Metropolitan Ambrosios, in his sermon, interpreted the deep meaning of the prayer: “Holy Trinity have mercy on us…” and urged the faithful, whenever they recite the “Trisagion” prayer, not to recite it mechanically and formally, but with a deep awareness that they are praying to the Holy Trinity. Following the sermon, the faithful were asked to recite, one by one, the Jesus prayer, “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me” for about an hour.
Immediately after this, the Service of Orthros, the Divine Liturgy, and the Memorial Service for Metropolitan Soterios. After the All-Night Vigil, a commemorative booklet containing speeches by Metropolitan Soterios and memories of the faithful from their acquaintance with their late spiritual Father was distributed to the faithful at the same time as the Antidoron and the Artoklasia.
The next day, Saturday, June 14, at 10 a.m., the First Hour was read at the Katholikon of the Monastery, and it was followed by a monastic banquet, during which the attendants shared personal experiences from the life and ministry of Metropolitan Soterios in Korea.
Many heartfelt thanks are due to all those who helped in every way, materially and spiritually, for the celebration of the All-Night Vigil and the Memorial Service. The participating faithful stated that Metropolitan Soterios remains alive in their hearts. May his memory be eternal!