Dear Metropolitan Nikolai:

I was very much honored to receive on November 26 your letter dated October 8, given to me by the Soviet Consulate in Shanghai. I have read it with respect repeatedly, deeply realizing, that you really value the work of the Church in China. I have felt immeasurable comfort; it is a line of hope for the Orthodox community in China. That is why I conscientiously answer your letter, so that it can serve as a reference for you.

Unfortunately, I am not proficient in the Russian language. All previous letters were written by other people, which is why mistakes and omissions were unavoidable, or there were failures to convey my thoughts adequately. I hope you can forgive me. Now I am writing to you in Chinese to report you some facts about the plight of Orthodoxy in the new China. I would be most grateful if you could translate it.

After the birth of the new China, the government of our country declared freedom of religion, and called for the unity of all religious communities. In fact the government is not only concerned about religion, but takes care of minute particulars as well. Except for Orthodoxy, all religions, such as Protestantism and Catholicism, began dynamic development after undergoing renewal. The distressing fact is that only the Orthodox community remains as before, without progress, and tending towards a dead end.

As for the self-determination of Orthodoxy in China, I have never even thought about this impossibility. The paucity of coreligionists, the lack of talented personnel, the financial difficulties, — you know about all of these things. But there are some greater difficulties; there are many ethical shortcomings in our Orthodox community that have become obstacles to the development of the Church. Furthermore, society despises all these numerous shortcomings, some of which are violations of law. You are kindly requested to bless me so that I can give a detailed report.  I particularly hope that you will be able to come to China; the entire truth can then be made known.

Two years earlier there were truly very many Christians and adherents of different faiths who came to learn about Orthodoxy. They were very pleased with our teachings, but in the course of time, when they became aware of the decay of the Russian-Chinese spiritual life, the love of worldly pleasures, and the striving for fame and wealth and other bad things, all of them retreated. As for the issue of Christians joining Orthodoxy, the situation has already changed. It came to nothing a while ago, with many missed opportunities for preaching.

I admire your wisdom and foresight; you teach me and encourage me to remedy all sorts of shortcomings. The foundation of a seminary to train future talent is really very important. I tried to found one in Shanghai, but my effort was ruined. Neither can the work of evangelizing through writing be delayed. Our Church truly has no books in Chinese. In spite of the very difficult situation, I am, for these reasons, ready to undertake these writing tasks without complaint, with the help of God’s grace and your wise guidance.

Concerning Nikolai Golubev’s departure from the country, he voluntarily renounced his Soviet citizenship, and with permission from the Chinese government and the Soviet consul, carried out all the formalities, obtained a visa, and went to Manila with his wife and children. Because of the irregularities he committed, the church community didn’t find it necessary to urge him to stay.

The Shanghai community is in a critical situation, in dire circumstances. But we have a firm belief that the no one can close the door that God opens, and no one can open the door that God closes. We can just believe and hope in God’s benefactions. Pray to God for us pitiful servants of God; I wait respectfully for your wise advice.

Wishing you well-being,

Respectfully presented by Chinese Bishop Du Runchen

December 2, 1953

Fu-Zi №190