The russian spiritual mission in japan and the role of nikolai kasatkin

Abstract

Spiritual religious relations among states and peoples are one of the most relevant topics for modern researchers since these relations become a unifying factor among states and nations even under conditions of armed conflict. A vivid example would be the activities of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Japan that have become an illustration of successful activity of the Orthodox Church. Especially it must be mentioned that this religious mission can’t be successful without the fruitful activity of such historical persons as Nikolai Kasatkin. The multifaceted activity of Archbishop Nicholas deserves study at once for many reasons. Firstly, Nikolai Kasatkin was not only the spiritual representative of Russia in Japan, but an educator. He made a huge contribution through his translations of religious books. Nikolai Kasatkin began his translation activity from the study of Japan itself, its culture, religious literature and society. Secondly, he devoted an important role to pedagogical activity. Under his leadership the Catechetical College, Theological seminary, Seminary foe Girls and other institutions were opened. Thirdly, despite the prohibition of Christianity in the initial period of the formation of missionary activity and further on the Russo-Japanese war, Nikolai Kasatkin continued to persistently explain to the Japanese people the attitude of the Orthodox religion. He found new ways to finance the activities of the spiritual mission in Japan persistently describing in detail all the necessary information to the Russian government in his telegrams. With the enormous support of the Japanese people and the Russian government, and through other sources of funding, Nikolai Kasatkin founded several churches that serve as spiritual centers in Japan to this day.