Nicolas du Japon
1836-1912 19th century Feast day: February 16
Patient proclamation that draws near to a language and a people, effacing itself before the Church it has served.
Who was Nicolas du Japon?
A Russian priest who arrived young at the consulate in Hakodate, he devoted half a century to bringing a Japanese Orthodox Church to birth, learning the language and translating the Scriptures and liturgy. He formed Japanese priests and built the cathedral of Tokyo. During the Russo-Japanese war, remaining among his faithful, he asked them to pray for their homeland while withdrawing himself from public prayer.
In their own words
You are citizens of Japan; your duty is to pray for the victory of your own country.