Draft Instruction for the Head of the XIIIth Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Beijing

The article analyzes the draft instructions for the 13th (1849–1859) Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Beijing, prepared by officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Empire and now stored in the Archive of Foreign Policy of the Russian Empire (Moscow). The document is dated 1849. The draft instruction includes nine main points: 1. The composition of the mission. 2. Procedure for changing the previous Mission. 3. The main responsibilities of the Chief of Mission. 4. Spiritual lessons and education of Albazinians. 5. Educational lessons. 6. Relations with the Fatherland. Connections with Chinese people and way of life. 7. Internal order and mission advice. 8. The economic order. 9. Awards. The document describes the staffing of missionaries, outlines the range of their research interests in China, as well as the order of relations with the Russian Empire. A significant part of the instruction is devoted to missionary work among the Albazinians, incl. bringing up mission helpers from among them. The diplomatic activity entrusted to the head of the mission and aimed at establishing favorable relations with the Qing dignitaries and various authorities involved in Russian-Chinese relations of the 19th century is especially stipulated. The relevant paragraph of the instruction provides important information about the economic situation of Russian missionaries in China, including their monetary allowance, the availability of real estate and recommendations for the leader on the rational management of the mission's expenses and income. Throughout the instruction, strict requirements for the moral character of Russian missionaries in China are mentioned. The instruction is fully published and commented on for the first time

Beijing · Business · China · Christian ministry · Empire · Fatherland · Ministry of Foreign Affairs · Political science · Politics · Sociology · Global Political and Economic Relations · Law · Public Administration · Regional Socio-Economic Development Trends · Religious, Philosophical, and Educational Studies · Finance

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