Script: Russian inscription on front, Chinese on back Publisher: Brotherhood of SS Peter & Paul, Hong Kong Date: May 2008 Format/Dimension: laminated print / 17.5 X 23.5 CM ISBN: N/A Availability: in stock Price: $2.00 USD ($16 HKD)
This Chinese Martyrs icon was painted in Russia around 1997. At the upper left is depicted the Church of All Holy Martyrs in Beiguan, where the relics of the Chinese Martyrs were originally kept in the church's crypt.
This icon was delivered to Beijing and is currently venerated in the former St Innocent of Irkutsk Church at the Russian Embassy. Since St Innocent is also being used as an assembly hall by the Embassy, this icon will find its new home at the Dormition of the Theotokos Church when the Embassy Garage is restored to its former use as an Orthodox Temple.
The reverse side depicts Chinese calligraphy of the "Our Father" by Subdeacon Papi Fu. This vertical calligraphy which flows from left to right was done in 2006 and the original is currently located in Sergiev Posad.
Recommended addition to any icon corner for those interested in venerating the Chinese Martyrs. The majority of Chinese Martyrs were killed for their faith at the Russian Mission in Beijing during the beginning of the Yihetuan Uprising (aka Boxer Rebellion) on the night of June 10/23 to June 11/24, 1900. In May 1902 by decree №2874 of the Russian Holy Synod, June 11/24 has been established for the commemoration of the New Holy Martyrs of China.