History of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in China

The monograph of well-known Russian Chinese scientist V.G. Datsyshen "History of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in China," published by the parish of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul in Hong Kong, continues a series of recent publications devoted to studying the history of relations between Russia and China, primarily in the field of spiritual and religious ties. Detailing the history of the oldest institution - the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in China, this launched a domestic Chinese Studies, which laid the foundation of the Chinese Autonomous Orthodox Church and was a major influence on the tradition of Russian-Chinese friendship. This edition is dedicated to special date - 60th anniversary of consecration of the first Chinese hierarch, Bishop Simeon (Du). Detailing the history of the Beijing Mission based on both rare and basic research, and unique archival materials, the author of the monograph guides the reader on a continuous historical path of the mission - from its beginning by Peter the Great to its closure with the formation of the Chinese Autonomous Orthodox Church. The author of the monograph paid particular attention to the evangelistic works of members of the Mission, describing the translation of catechetical and liturgical books, the opening of missionary posts in China in the early 20th century, the establishment in China of the national Orthodox Church. The monograph is notable by the attention to cultural dialogue, and to a deep and comprehensive coverage of church-historical issues. Preface to this edition tells the story about the actual problems of Orthodoxy in the modern Chinese world, its prospects and current issues.