Welcome to Holy Trinity Church, Forbes Park, Manila!
The Holy Trinity Church is a multicultural Anglican church that exists to bring Jesus Christ to the peoples of our community, reflecting Him in our lives, our worship, our study and our fellowship; working to restore all to unity with God and each other.
Who are we?
The church of the Holy Trinity serves a diverse parish and community. Our congregation is made up of local Filipinos who through birth or choice are Anglicans, as well as expatriates from all continents. Our foreign members may be working for international companies, members of the diplomatic community, or married to Filipinos, and find within the Holy Trinity community both acceptance as individuals as well as familiarity with the form of worship common in the Philippines.
We are open and sensitive to the needs of our remarkably diverse congregation while preserving a tradition of good worship and musical excellence.
What is our story?
The Holy Trinity community has been an active Episcopal congregation since the end of World War II, first in Ermita near Manila Bay and, since 1969, in Forbes Park, Makati. As part of the worldwide Anglican community, our parish continues the work and witness that the Episcopal Church in the Philippines has pursued since the start of the 20th century.
One of our denomination's most famous leaders was Charles Henry Brent (1862–1929), a missionary bishop to the Philippines and ecumenical visionary. He was also responsible for the establishment of the Brent International schools and St. Luke's Hospital.
Since 1990, the Episcopal Church in the Philippines has been an independent member province of the worldwide Anglican Communion. Holy Trinity was raised to cathedral status in that year and served the Diocese of the Central Philippines in that capacity until 2003. Holy Trinity is now a regular parish again.
Within the Philippines, the total membership of our Episcopal Church is almost 120,000 spread among 590 congregations and served by 10 bishops, 242 priests and deacons, and 896 lay personnel.
How do we worship?
Our worship is centered on giving praise to the Lord and our central celebration as a community is the Parish Eucharist. This takes place at 7:30 am and again at 9:30 am each Sunday. At the earlier service we use the more traditional texts while at the later service we use modern language. Our Sunday School children have a special time set aside for instruction within the latter service.
From our worshipping life grow the rest of our activities. These include:
Sunday School: Our Sunday school meets each week at 9:15 am prior to the 9:30 am service. The children usually join the adults following the sermon and are addressed separately in order to reinforce what they have learned from the teachers and also to make them comfortable with our normal service of worship.
Youth activities: Our church youth group meets once a fortnight following the 9:30 am service and pursues a range of activities chosen by the group members themselves. Our youth group is open to all between the ages of 12 to 18.
Bible study: Bible study classes are held each Wednesday evening at 7pm in the home of the Rector and finish promptly by 9pm.
Church choir: Giving praise to God through music is an important part of our tradition and our choir plays a vital role in bringing our services of worship alive. If you have musical skills and would like to become a member of our choir then we welcome all those who can keep a tune.
Episcopal Church Women: Our church offers an active and international fellowship group that includes a range of activities to enrich the personal and spiritual lives of our members. This group provides an ideal way for newcomers to feel part of our local Manila community.
Vestry: Our Church is managed by the Rector and a Vestry of men and women who set policy and ensure that the finances remain healthy. A number of sub committees look after the day to day matters. Our parish office staffed by two administrators and an accountant can deal with many requests and assist visitors. Click here to meet all the members of our Vestry.
For more information
The website of the Philippines Episcopal Church
A directory of other Anglican and Episcopal websites and resources
A list of current Vestry members