In his word uttered before the prayer, Hegumen Ioann recalled two significant events that took place on April 10, 1970 – granting Tomos of Autocephaly to the Japanese Orthodox Church and the Sanctification of Archbishop Nicholas of Japan. These occasions are of paramount importance to the history of the Russian and Japanese Orthodox Churches. The Rector of the Seminary also pointed to the great feat of this missionary, especially exemplary and instructive for every Christian in the current trying time. Equal-to-the-Apostles Nicholas of Japan is an example of inexhaustible optimism, remarkable self-sacrifice and full trust in Lord in the great work of the Christian mission.

For several years, Nikolo-Ugreshskaya Theological Seminary has had a scientific center for the study of the heritage of Equal-to-the-Apostles Nicholas of Japan; an important project on publishing the works of the great missionary is being currently carried out. The seminary's scientific and publishing project is dedicated to the 150th Anniversary of the establishment of the Russian Spiritual Mission in Japan and the 50th Anniversary of Sanctification of Archbishop Nicholas of Japan. To date, the 1st and 2nd Volumes have been published, containing official correspondence from the Russian Spiritual Mission in Japan, as well as the 3d Volume, embracing personal letters of the Saint’s. The 4th and 5th Volumes are scheduled for publication this year, covering diaries of Nicholas of Japan, in 1870-1895.

The 150th Anniversary of the Russian Spiritual Mission in Japan (since 1870) will be marked next week on April, 18.

Russian version