Round table on Orthodox Mission in China: History and Prospects takes place in Russian Orthodox University

DECR Communication Service, 18/03/2025

On March 12^th, the Saint John the Theologian Russian Orthodox University in Moscow hosted a round table meeting on Orthodox Mission in China: History and Prospects. Presiding at the meeting was Dr V.A. Shchipkov, associate professor of the Department of International Journalism at the MGIMO University. Deacon Anatoly Goldman, senior lecturer at the Russian Orthodox University’s Theology Department, missionary of the Chinese Patriarchal Metochion in Moscow, acted as moderator.

Mr V.A. Shchipkov delivered an opening address, in which he focused on missionary activities of the Russian Orthodox Church in China as a subject of research studies.

The participants in the round table discussed the Russian Orthodox mission in China from the historical perspective and dwelt on its importance for both countries, as well as on the role of Russian Orthodox priests in the development of Sinology in Russia, patriarchia.ru reports.

The list of speakers included Archpriest Igor Yakimchuk, deputy chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations; Archpriest Pyotr Ivanov, rector of the Holy Trinity Church in Lyubertsy, executive editor of the Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate, author of a book entitled On the History of Christianity in China; Priest Alexy Yusupov, secretary of the Chinese Patriarchal Metochion; Mr D.I. Petrovsky, adviser to the director of the Institute of China and Contemporary Asia of the Russian Academy of Sciences; Mr T.V. Ivchenko, member of the translation team of the Chinese Patriarchal Metochion, director of the Confucius Institute of the Russian State University for the Humanities; and Mr V.B. Kashkin, director of the Centre for Comprehensive European and International Studies of the HSE University.

Taking part in the meeting remotely were Mr A.V. Mikhalev, director of the Political Transformations Research Centre of the Dorji Banzarov Buryat State University; Archpriest Dionisy Pozdnyaev, rector of the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Hong Kong; and Hieromonk Kirill (Peregudin) of the DECR Secretariat for Far Abroad Countries.

A discussion that followed the speakers’ addresses centred on historical aspects and prospects of the activities of the Russian Orthodox Church in China and on the role of Orthodoxy and cultural diplomacy in promoting cooperation between Russia and China. The participants in the meeting outlined areas of future research studies and agreed to hold follow-up meetings.

Print publication

Round table on Orthodox Mission in China: History and Prospects takes place in Russian Orthodox University

Patriarch

Department Chairman

Sermons

Patriarch

Department Chairman

Sermons