Russian Orthodox clergy participate in conference of Russian compatriots living in China

The 4th Conference of Russian Compatriots in China took place on May 4-5, 2010, in Harbin under the theme ‘Russian Historical Heritage in China: Problems of Study, Preservation and Popularization in the Light of the 65th Anniversary of the Great Victory'. It was attended by representatives from all the regions in China as well as Russian Orthodox clergy including Archpriest Dionisy Pozdnyaev, rector of Sts Peter and Paul's Church in Hong Kong, and Rev. Sergiy Voronin, rector of the Orthodox Community of the Dormition at the Russian embassy.

During the opening of the conference, Father Dionisy read out a message of greetings from Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, head of the Moscow Patriarchate's department for external church relations.

Russian Ambassador in China S. Razov, in his report, pointed to the importance of pastoral care for Russian compatriots living in China and spoke of the positive outcome of efforts taken by the Russian Orthodox Church to restore the Church of the Dormition in Beijing.

A few reports by Russian compatriots living in China were devoted to the Russian historical and spiritual heritage. Father Dionisy, in particular, put forth an initiative to compile a single list of all the monuments of Russian spiritual heritage in China.

The program of the conference provides for a visit to the Church of the Protecting Veil in Harbin and the Orthodox cemetery there.

DECR Communication Service