The Russian Orthodox Community in Hong Kong: Religion, Ethnicity, and Intercultural Relations

Hong Kong has been a hub of interregional and international migration, hosting people from many racial, ethnic, and cultural groups. This book examines the evolution of the Russian Orthodox Church community in Hong Kong, which was first developed in the 1930s and revived in the 1970s with the founding of the Orthodox Parish of Apostles Saints Peter and Paul (OPASPP). The OPASPP has become a vital provider of knowledge about Russian language and culture and a religious institution serving both heritage and convert believers. This community is important to foster Sino-Russian relations based on individual-to-individual contact and mutual exposure to Chinese and Russian cultures.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 23 August 2021
Publisher: Lexington Books

Hong Kong, a unique society from its inception as a political region separate from mainland China in the 19th century under British colonial rule, has evolved into a special administrative region of the People's Republic of China. As a hub of interregional and international migration, it has served as a temporary and long-term home for people from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. This book delves into the evolution of a community established by clergy and congregants of the Russian Orthodox Church in Hong Kong. This community, first developed in the 1930s and revived after a hiatus of over two decades from the 1970s to the 1990s, gained new momentum with the founding of the Orthodox Parish of Apostles Saints Peter and Paul (OPASPP) at the turn of the 21st century. This study highlights the significant role that the OPASPP has played in providing knowledge about Russian language and culture, as well as serving as a religious institution for both heritage and convert believers. The community formed by and around the OPASPP holds immense importance in fostering Sino-Russian relations, based on individual-to-individual contact and mutual exposure to Chinese and Russian cultures in a region that allows for spiritual and social diversity with minimal political constraints.

Introduction:
Hong Kong, a former British colony, has a rich history and a unique identity that sets it apart from mainland China. Since its establishment as a political region in the 19th century, Hong Kong has undergone significant changes, including its transition from British colonial rule to becoming a special administrative region of the People's Republic of China in 1997. As a hub of interregional and international migration, Hong Kong has attracted people from all over the world, fostering a diverse and multicultural society.

The Russian Orthodox Church in Hong Kong:
The Russian Orthodox Church has played a significant role in shaping the cultural and religious landscape of Hong Kong. The community formed by clergy and congregants of the Russian Orthodox Church has evolved over the years, reflecting the changing demographics and social dynamics of the city.

The Evolution of the Community:
The community established by clergy and congregants of the Russian Orthodox Church in Hong Kong dates back to the 1930s. At that time, a small group of Russian immigrants arrived in Hong Kong, seeking a new home and a sense of community. They established the Russian Orthodox Church in Hong Kong, which quickly grew in size and influence.

Revival and Expansion:
However, the community faced challenges in the 1970s and 1980s, including the political unrest and social changes that swept across Hong Kong. The Russian Orthodox Church faced difficulties in maintaining its presence and influence in the face of these challenges.

The Founding of the Orthodox Parish of Apostles Saints Peter and Paul (OPASPP):
In the early 2000s, a group of dedicated clergy and congregants recognized the need for a revival of the Russian Orthodox Church in Hong Kong. They founded the Orthodox Parish of Apostles Saints Peter and Paul (OPASPP) with the aim of providing a spiritual home for Russian Orthodox believers and promoting Russian language and culture in the city.

The Role of OPASPP:
Since its founding, OPASPP has played a vital role in the community. It has become a hub of knowledge about Russian language and culture, offering language classes, cultural events, and religious services to its members and the wider community. OPASPP has also served as a religious institution for both heritage and convert believers, providing a place of worship and spiritual guidance.

Fostering Sino-Russian Relations:
The community formed by and around OPASPP is important in fostering Sino-Russian relations based on individual-to-individual contact and mutual exposure to Chinese and Russian cultures. Hong Kong, as a special administrative region of China, allows for spiritual and social diversity with minimal political constraints. The OPASPP community provides a platform for people from both countries to interact and learn from each other, promoting understanding and appreciation of different cultures.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Hong Kong has been a unique society from its establishment as a political region separate from mainland China in the 19th century until the present day. The Russian Orthodox Church has played a significant role in shaping the cultural and religious landscape of Hong Kong, and the community formed by and around the Orthodox Parish of Apostles Saints Peter and Paul (OPASPP) has been vital in fostering Sino-Russian relations based on individual-to-individual contact and mutual exposure to Chinese and Russian cultures. The OPASPP community provides a platform for people from both countries to interact and learn from each other, promoting understanding and appreciation of different cultures.

Weight: 667g
Dimension: 229 x 160 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793616739