Saint Metrophanes Chi Sung of Beijing

Hand painted icon of Saint Metrophanes Tsi Chung made on Mount Athos, on natural wood. The icon is delivered in a wooden box.

Saint Metrophanes Chi Sung (or Tsi Chung) was the first Chinese Orthodox priest and played a pivotal role in the spread of Christianity in China. Saint Metrophanes Chi Sung was ordained to the holy priesthood by Saint Nicholas of Japan and served the Russian Orthodox mission faithfully for fifteen years. At the dawn of the 20th century, the secret martial society known as the "Boxers" initiated a fierce persecution against Christians, under the direction of the Empress of the time. During this period of trial, Saint Mitrophan stood firm in his faith and provided refuge and protection to many faithful who sought his help. His martyrdom came alongside seventy other Christians who had taken shelter in his house in an effort to escape the violence. Saint Metrophanes, together with his wife and their two sons, Isaiah and John, endured cruel tortures and were put to death. Isaiah’s fiancée, Maria, after first helping others escape, was also martyred. Saint Mitrophan and his family are numbered among the Orthodox martyrs who endured unspeakable sufferings. The Church commemorates their holy memory on June 11.