Remembering Cambodia’s Revered Buddhist Monk Samdech Tep Vong

Cambodia and beyond have been mourning the passing of His Holiness Samdech Preah Akka Maha Sangharajadhipati Kitti Outes Pundit Tep Vong, the country's Buddhist Supreme Patriarch of Dhamma Mahanikaya, highly respected and loved by many from all walks of life. Samdech Tep Vong passed away on Feb. 26, 2024 at the age of 93, and his body is being kept at Ounalom Pagoda in Phnom Penh until the 100th-day memorial service. Cambodian leaders, foreign delegations, partners, and international religious groups have paid their last tribute at Ounalom Pagoda and sent their condolence messages to the Sangha Council of Mohanikaya Sect over the loss. Feb. 27, 2024, was set as the official mourning day for the late Samdech Tep Vong. Samdech Preah Moha Arey Vong Yorn Seng Yeat, the personal secretary of Samdech Tep Vong, said that Samdech Tep Vong had carried out many humanitarian activities for the cause of the revival of Buddhism in Cambodia. 'What we can all learn from him is his patience and devotion to the cause of Buddhism,' he underlined. Ms. Tan Chhiv Heang, a 60-year-old Phnom Penh resident, who has come to pay homage to Samdech Tep Vong, spoke highly of his compassion toward all Buddhist followers, both near and far. She was very saddened to learn about his passing, and prayed for his soul to rest in peace. His Holiness Samdech Preah Akka Maha Sangharajadhipati Kitti Outes Pundit Tep Vong was born on Jan. 12, 1932, in Trapeang Chhouk village, Chreav commune, Prasat Bakong district, Siem Reap province. A royal procession of Samdech Tep Vong's body from Ounalom Pagoda to the crematorium in front of Botum Vattey Pagoda for the royal cremation ceremony is scheduled for June 3, 2024. Source: Agence Kampuchea Presse