08 March 2017 MOSCOW – Philippine Embassy officials met with Filipino members of the Jehovah’s Witnesses in Moscow to assure them of the Embassy’s readiness to assist should the need arise. In turn, they told the embassy officials that they are able to freely practice their religion in Russia.  Russia passed a new law on the practice of religion that has raised concerns in some sectors.

Ms. Rosant Acio and Ms. Thlipsis Malassab, Filipino members of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, shared with Embassy officials the precautions adopted by their religious organization in light of the changes made to the law, particularly the relevant provisions on the conduct of missionary work.

Ms. Acio and Ms. Malassab expressed their appreciation on behalf of their organization for the Embassy’s assistance and concern. They related that they have not encountered any problems when congregating at their place of worship in Moscow and that they carefully follow nonetheless the advisories issued by their leadership. According to them, there are about twenty Filipinos who regularly attend service.

Embassy officials took the opportunity to extend an invitation to all Filipino Jehova’s Witnesses in Moscow to attend the seminar, “Religious Laws in Russia: Practical Tips for the Filipino Community.” END