Icons of Chinese Martyrs in Birobidzhan were delivered from Mt Athos
222 Holy Chinese Martyrs
Hieromartyr Mitrophan of Beijing
MAY – 2010
Chinese Orthodox Church
In Annunciation cathedral in the city of Birobidzhan were delivered icons of the 222 Holy Chinese Martyrs and Hieromartyr Mitrophan of Beijing, executed on the Holy Mount Athos (Greece) by monks of the holy Kelii of Holy Archangels.
The first Chinese priest Mitrofan (Ji Chong), and baptized Orthodox Chinese – old men, women and children – have suffered during the Boxer Rebellion in 1900. The Holy Synod by Decree №2874 of April 22, 1902 decided to number the 222 Chinese martyrs to the locally venerated lists of saints and establish their annual celebration on June 11 (24 new style). In honor of the Chinese martyrs was written a special service. Executed on Mount Athos, the icons commissioned by one of Moscow benefactors are a gift to Birobidzhan diocese and will be placed in the interior of the upper house of the cathedral.
English translation by:
Katherine Ilachinski
