How South Korean Christians helped build North Korea’s only Orthodox cathedral
A Seoul diocese still claims jurisdiction over Pyongyang cathedral, which has drifted into Russia’s orbit over the years
The Cathedral of the Life-Giving Trinity in Pyongyang in 2012 (left) and members of the Orthodox Metropolis of Korea at the cathedral during a visit in the 2000s | Images: Eric Lafforgue and Orthodox Metropolis of Korea, edited by NK News
The only Orthodox cathedral in North Korea gained new prominence when Russian President Vladimir Putin visited during his trip to Pyongyang this year, meeting the local priest and gifting an icon.
But while the Cathedral of the Life-Giving Trinity appears to be an extension of Moscow’s influence, it did not begin as the symbol of Russia-Korea friendship that it has become.
The only Orthodox cathedral in North Korea gained new prominence when Russian President Vladimir Putin visited during his trip to Pyongyang this year, meeting the local priest and gifting an icon.
But while the Cathedral of the Life-Giving Trinity appears to be an extension of Moscow’s influence, it did not begin as the symbol of Russia-Korea friendship that it has become.
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