中文 | Русский | Beijing, May 20, 2010

OFASC President meets new rector of Beijing's Dormition Church

In the afternoon of May 18, 2010, at a local Russian restaurant at Dongzhimen Neidajie, Nelson Mitrophan Chin, president of the Orthodox Fellowship of All Saints of China was introduced to Rev. Sergiy Voronin, rector of the Orthodox Community of the Dormition at the Russian embassy by Archpriest Dionisy Pozdnyaev, rector of Sts Peter and Paul's Church in Hong Kong. Mitrophan conveyed his congratulatons to Fr Sergiy in his new role as rector of the Dormition Church now allowing for regular divine services. Fr Sergiy also participated in the consecration of this newly restored permanent church building back in October 2009. Mitrophan noted that Fr Sergiy's role as rector is also historical continuation with the carrying the spiritual torch of the original Russian Mission and may this torch be a spiritual enlightenment in due time to the rest of city.

Once intermittent showers lighten up, Fr Sergiy escorted Mitrophan to visit the premise of the Russian Embassy, also known as Beiguan — the former site of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Beijing. At the restored Dormition Church, Fr Sergiy also introduced the visiting Prof. Vladimir Datsyshen, Dept Chair of World History at the Siberian Federal University. Prof Datsyshen presented the Russian book "Christianity in China: History and Modernity" which he authored, to both Fr Sergiy and Mitrophan. Mitrophan also presented to each of them the January volume in Chinese of monthly lives of saints drawn primarily from the Prologue of Ohrid by St Nikolai of Zica, published with full color icons in paper back.

They next visited the historical Museum on the upper floor adjoining the narthex. At the Museum, Mitrophan presented on behalf of OFASC Board of Trustees to Fr Sergiy with a photo posterboard depicting historical photos of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Beijing. Fr Sergiy placed the photo poster at the church library next to the Museum.

Outside the Dormition Church, they toured the tranquil and scenic park of the Embassy. Walking by the Red Fangzi architected in the traditional Chinese style, which was the former archbishopric residence and cross church of St Innokenty of Irkutsk, the inside appeared empty and is currently being remodeled for Embassy use. For the past several years, the Red Fangzi was used for divine services until the restoration of the Dormition Church. One former parishioner who also participated in the tour feels a special connection with the Red Fangzi as a church since this was the house of worship when she lived in Beijing. They next visited and venerated the memorial cross built in honor of the Fallen Soldiers in Beijing. They then strolled by the playground where several children of Russian Embassy employees were gathered playing. Next to the playground, Mitrophan spotted the memorial cross and plaque built in honor of the Chinese Martyrs. This was the final stop of the informal tour where they stood at the exact spot which once stood the Church of All Martyrs. Presently, one corner of the foundation wall is visible and covered by a walking glass directly behind the memorial plaque.

After visiting the Russian Embassy, Mitrophan rejoined his family and visited the recently built Nanguan Park where many Chinese families gathered to enjoy the park, artificial pond and waterfalls. Originally named after the site of the Russian diplomatic mission located to the south of Beiguan, Nanguan Park is today an essential balance for a "Green" Beijing in the congested urban surrounding of the city. The historical and spirital legacy of Beiguan that is currently being restored on the territory of the Russian Embassy are priceless gems that with prayer will one day illuminate and transfigure not only those who work and live at the Embassy, but beyond its walls to the surrounding neighborhoods just like how Nanguan has already started to transform and raise the quality of living for its neighbors.