Russian Orthodox Missions

For at least three centuries prior to the Revolution the Russian Orthodox Church sent missionaries eastwards into Asia. They brought Christianity not only into Russian territory but also penetrated China, Japan, Korea, and even North America via the Aleutian Islands.

These Missions were sponsored not only by the ruling Synod but also by a special missionary society set up for the purpose. After a considerable amount of experience the Church developed a distinct method to its missionary work, that was inspired by the example of Sts Cyril and Methodios in the 10th century but perfected later by St Stephen of Perm. First of all a mission was established usually by monastics. The service books and scriptures were then translated as quickly as possible into the language of the people, and finally churches, schools and even villages were established.

RUSSIAN ORTHODOX MISSIONS, first published in 1903 tells the story of these remarkable missionaries. Many faced unbelievable hardships and privations, and they were confronted with problems that seem almost unbelievable to the modern civilised man. For instance the problem of translating the service books into a language where there was no word for Love or Body, where bread was unknown and where the only fruit was the Rowan Berry!