The Christian Orthodox Church celebrates and honors many saints of various ethnicities, including St. Metrophanes Chi-Sung, a Chinese saint among them.
St. Metrophanes Chi-Sung: Early life and role in orthodoxy
St. Metrophanes Chi-Sung, also known as Father Metrophanes, is a key figure in the history of Orthodoxy in China. On June 11, the Church commemorates Saint Mitrophan Chi-Sung and those martyred with him. These include Tatiana, Isaiah and John, his sons; Maria, his bride; Saint Ia (or Iya), his teacher; and 222 other Chinese martyrs.
He was the first Chinese priest ordained within the Russian Orthodox Church in 1882. Metrophanes played a pivotal role in serving the Orthodox Christian community in China, including translating and editing Christian texts, in addition to his pastoral duties. His commitment to his faith remained steadfast, even in the face of intense suffering and persecution.
Sino-western tensions and the boxer rebellion
The 19th century was a challenging time in Sino-Western relations. The Western powers were pushing China to open up to trade. They often used both legitimate and unfair methods, with an eye on securing financial interests.
China, however, was wary of these foreign powers. It saw no need to engage in expanded trade, believing that it had little to gain from interaction with the West. Initially, the first Western merchants were confined to the coastal city of Canton. Over time, pressure mounted on China to open up further, despite the country’s reluctance.
This discontent with foreign influence eventually manifested itself in the Boxer Rebellion (Yihetuan, “Militia of Justice and Harmony”). The Boxers, who were anti-Western and anti-dynastic, also turned against the Qing Dynasty, which they blamed for China’s perceived weakness. The dynasty’s behavior angered the Chinese, who saw foreign missionaries as exploitative and viewed Chinese converts to Christianity as abandoning their traditional Confucian values.
On June 10, the Boxers posted announcements announcements throughout Beijing calling for the slaughter of Christians, and they made threats against them. The following night, armed with torches, they raided the homes of Christians. Some, terrified of martyrdom, burned incense before idols to save their lives, while others boldly confessed their faith.
After burning down the homes of the Christians, the Boxers drove them out of the city and into pagan temples. Father Metrophanes Chi-Sung, the first Chinese priest ordained by St. Nicholas of Japan, had been helping those who took refuge in his home after the destruction of the Russian mission buildings. Unfortunately, many of those Christians would ultimately suffer martyrdom for their faith during this time. Metrophanes was stabbed to death under a date tree.
Martyrdom and legacy of St. Metrophanes Chi-Sung
Saint Metrophanes’ legacy is significant for the Christian Orthodox church, particularly within the Chinese Orthodox Christian community. His martyrdom, alongside the deaths of many other Chinese Christians during the uprising, highlights the courage and faith of those who stood firm in their beliefs despite extreme adversity.
The Russian Orthodox Church celebrates him as a saint. They remember his selflessness and dedication to the Christian faith in the face of persecution.
Metrophanes’ story serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by Orthodox Christians in non-Christian countries and exemplifies the strength of faith under pressure.
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