The epiphany church in Shanghai: the foundation of the Russian community (1903-1932)

The Epiphany Church, established in 1903, became the first Orthodox church in Shanghai. During the Russo-Japanese War, in addition to conducting religious services and running a children’s school, the church played a significant role in resettling and providing for Russian refugees from Port Arthur. After the departure of those in need, the church continued its educational activities and solidified its position as a regional missionary center. Following the 1917 revolution, the Shanghai parish once again took on the role of providing accommodation and employment for immigrants. The parish played a pivotal role in supporting the immigrant population, setting an example of an effective charitable organization. By the time the parish lost its buildings in 1932 due to a military conflict, the Russian community had already established itself, created a network of mutual assistance organizations, and embarked on the construction of new churches. However, the destruction of the Orthodox parish in Shanghai was a lamentable loss for both the city’s architectural landscape and the preservation of the memory of the Russian diaspora in Asia. The history of the mission parish and the Epiphany Church, as presented in this article, sheds light on the early years of the Russian diaspora in Shanghai and allows us to trace the dynamics of its formation