Korea: Three-Year Memorial Service for the Late Metropolitan Sotirios at the Holy Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Saviour
On Friday, 13 June 2025, the three-year memorial service for the late Metropolitan Sotirios took place with a vigil at the Holy Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Saviour in Gapyeong, Korea.
His Eminence Metropolitan Ambrosios of Korea and Exarch of Japan presided over the vigil, assisted by Fr. Romanos Kavchak, Fr. Antonios Lim, and Deacon Christoforos Jonker. The presence of many faithful from Seoul and Jeonju was also deeply moving.
The vigil began at 8 p.m. with the Trisagion at the tomb of the ever-memorable Metropolitan Sotirios. Then, everyone moved to the Katholikon of the monastery, where the Great Vespers of the Apodosis (Leave-Taking) of Pentecost and the Artoklasia (Blessing of the Five Loaves) were celebrated.
In his sermon, Metropolitan Ambrosios interpreted the profound meaning of the prayer: “Holy Trinity, have mercy on us…” He urged the faithful not to recite the “Trisagion” mechanically or formally, but with the deep awareness that they are praying to the Holy Trinity. After the sermon, the faithful recited the prayer of the heart, “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me,” one by one for about an hour.
Then, Matins, the Divine Liturgy were celebrated, and the memorial service for Metropolitan Sotirios took place. After the vigil concluded, a commemorative booklet containing the words of the Late Metropolitan Sotirios, as well as recollections of the faithful regarding their late spiritual father, was distributed to the congregation, along with the antidoron and artoklasia.
The following day, Saturday, 14 June at 10 a.m., the First Hour prayer was read. This was followed by a monastic meal during which testimonies about the life and conduct of the Late Metropolitan Sotirios in Korea were shared.
