This week in Christian history: Francis Asbury dies, Russian bishop consecrated, Sylvester II becomes pope
Nicholas of Japan made a bishop – March 30, 1880
This week marks the anniversary of Archbishop Nicholas of Japan, a notable Russian Orthodox Church missionary to Japan, being elevated to the rank of bishop.
Born Ivan Dimitrievich Kasatkin and the son of a deacon, Nicholas was consecrated as a bishop at a ceremony held at the Holy Trinity Cathedral at Alexander Nevsky Lavra.
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“In the course of his missionary work, Father Nicholas translated the Holy Scriptures and other liturgical books into Japanese; he established a theological seminary, six theological schools for girls and boys, a library, a shelter and other institutions,” according to the Orthodox Church in America.
“He published the Orthodox journal Church Herald in Japanese. According to his report to the Holy Synod, by the end of 1890 the Orthodox Church in Japan numbered 216 communities with 18,625 Christians in them.”
