Studies in sinology and translations of the Russian orthodox works into Chinese by archimandrite Daniil (Sivillov)

The paper aims to systematically review the works of the outstanding Russian sinologist, a missionary of the 10th Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Beijing - Archimandrite Daniil (Dmitry P. Sivillov, 1789-1871). The novelty of the study is in the systematic analysis of already known facts about Sivillov`s scholarly endeavors and translations replenished with new facts discovered by the authors, shedding light on Sivillov`s translations of the works of the fathers of the Russian Orthodox church into Chinese. Three previously unknown hand-written translations of religious works made by Arch. Daniil are introduced for the first time. They are stored at the library of St. Petersburg State University and include: ‘The Mirror of the Orthodox Confession’ by St. Dimitry Rostovsky, ‘The Hundred Words by St. Gennady’, liturgical texts and prayers. The paper provides detailed accounts of these manuscripts and draws comparisons between them, concluding that the books contain three versions of the translator`s preface and a short catechism translated into Chinese in order to introduce basic principles of the Christian religion to the descendants of the Albazinians (originally Russian nationals captured by the Qing) who had forgotten their fathers` language and religion. The purpose of these translations has also been in teaching this audience prayers required by the Russian Orthodox church for daily use.