Christianity spread from Western Asia to China between the 1st to the 14th century AD, and further to Eastern Asia from the 16th century with the European Age of Discovery. Southwest Asia or Southwestern Asia (largely overlapping with the Middle East) is the southwestern portion of Asia. China ( Wade-Giles ( Mandarin) Chung¹kuo² is a cultural region, an ancient Civilization, and depending on perspective a National The Age of Discovery or Age of Exploration was a period from the early 15th century and continuing into the early 17th century during which Europeans explored

Christianity in Asia has its roots in the very inception of Christianity, which originated in the western part of the Asian continent in the area of the Levant, at the beginning of the 1st millennium AD. Christianity ( Greek Χριστιανισμός from the word Xριστός ( Christ)is a monotheistic Religion centered on the life and teachings See also Names of the Levant The Levant (lə'vænt is a geographical term that denotes a large area in Western Asia, roughly bounded on the north by the

According to tradition, the Christian movement was started by Jesus Christ, and then spread through the missionary work of his Apostles. Jesus of Nazareth (7–2 BC / BCE —26–36 AD / CE) The Twelve Apostles (Greek apostolos, "someone sent out" e Christianity first expanded in the Levant, taking roots in the major cities, such as Jerusalem and Antioch. Jerusalem (יְרוּשָׁלַיִם, he-Latn Yerushaláyim; Arabic: ar القُدس, ar-Latn al-Quds) is the Antioch on the Orontes (Ἀντιόχεια ἡ ἐπὶ Δάφνῃ Ἀντιόχεια ἡ ἐπὶ Ὀρόντου or Ἀντιόχεια ἡ Μεγάλη Antiochia ad Orontem also

Early spread in Asia

Western Asia

Levant

Christianity spread through the Levant from the 1st century AD. Christianity ( Greek Χριστιανισμός from the word Xριστός ( Christ)is a monotheistic Religion centered on the life and teachings The following table pertains to Christianity by country, notably population statistics Christianity is a religion active also in Cuba. From 1959 to 1961 eighty percent of the professional Catholic priests and Protestant ministers of Cuban churches left Cuba for Panama is a predominantly Christian country a result of the Spanish Conquistadors and centuries of missionaries The largest religion in the United States is Christianity, with nearly 78 More than 95 % of the population of Colombia are Christians 81% are Roman Catholic. The majority of the population of Belarus is Eastern Orthodox. Christianity is the largest Religion in Europe. History The Roman Empire officially adopted Christianity in AD 380. The majority of the population of Belarus is Eastern Orthodox. France is a secular country where Freedom of thought and of religion are preserved in virtue of the 1789 Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Roman Catholicism is the largest Christian Denomination in Italy. In the small Mediterranean Island nation of Malta the predominant religion is Roman Catholicism. Christians in Russia constitute by some estimates the largest religion of the country (from 15% to 80% of total population by some sources Christianity has a long history in Turkey, which is the birth place of numerous Christian Apostles and Saints such as Apostle Paul This article should include material from Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate, Ukrainian Orthodox Church - Kiev Patriarchate, Ukrainian Christianity has its origin in the Middle East and was the major religion of the region from the time of Jesus and for some time after Christianity in Afghanistan is an historically small community There are a large number of Christians in Bahrain -- with a very small local Bahraini christian community Christianity in Iran has had a long history dating back to the very early years of the faith The Christians of Iraq are considered a minority population and number about 636000 in 2005 representing 2% of the population of the country Religion in Israel is a central feature of the country and plays a major role in shaping Israeli culture and lifestyle Christians constitute about 7% of the population (about 400000 people though the percentage dropped sharply from 18% in the early beginning of the Twentieth century Christianity which accounts for about 12% of her population is a minority religion in Kuwait. Christianity in Lebanon has a long history and has been closely connected with many recent conflicts in that country Christianity is the religion of 25 % of the population of Oman, which are 64 000 persons The Christian community in Qatar is a diverse mix of Indians Filipinos Europeans Lebanese and Americans Saudi Arabia allows Christians to enter the country as temporary workers but does not allow them to practice their faith Christians in Syria make up about 10% of the population with most of these being Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholics in addition to many different Churches Christianity is a minority religion in Yemen. The constitution mentions religious liberty The presence of Christianity in Africa began by the end of the first century in Egypt, and by the end of the second century in the region around Carthage. Christianity came to North Africa in the Roman era Its influence declined during the chaotic period of the Vandal invasions but was strengthened in the succeeding According to the 2002 census 271 percent of the population of Benin is Roman Catholic, 24 While exact statistics on religion in Burkina Faso are not available and vary widely the Government of Burkina Faso estimated in its most recent census (1996 that Christianity in the Comoros is a minority religion Roman Catholics in the Comoros are about 4300 (0 Christianity is the religion of 48 % of the population of Djibouti. The Coptic Christian population in Egypt is the largest Christian community in the Middle East. The Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church is an Oriental Orthodox church. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (in transliterated Amharic: Yäityop'ya ortodoks täwahedo bétäkrestyan) is an Oriental Christianity is a minority religion in Libya. The largest Christian group in Libya is the Coptic Orthodox, with a population of over 60000 Christianity is a small minority in Mauritania. There are about 4500 Roman Catholics in Mauritania Christianity in Morocco appeared since the Roman times Before the arrival of Islam in the 8th century, Berber Christians had Several religions in Nigeria coexist helping to accentuate regional and ethnic distinctions Christianity is a minority religion in Somalia. Most Christians in Somalia belong to the Church of the Nazarene. Christianity reached what is now northern Sudan by about the fourth century The Roman Catholic Church in Western Sahara is part of the worldwide Roman Catholic Church, under the spiritual leadership of the Pope and Curia in Christianity in Angola began in 1491 with a Catholic mission in the São Salvador area The Armenian Apostolic Church (Հայաստանեայց Առաքելական Եկեղեցի Hayasdaneaytz Arakelagan Christianity arrived in what is now Bangladesh during the late sixteenth to early seventeenth century AD through the Portuguese traders and missionaries Christians are 65000 in Bhutan. Christian faith officially does not exist in Bhutan Christianity is the religion of about 10 % of the population of Brunei. Religion in Cambodia is predominantly Buddhist with 95% of the population being Theravada Buddhist. Christianity in China is a growing minority religion that comprises Protestants (called 基督教 Jī dū jiào or Christ Religion) Catholics Christianity is India's third-largest religion, with approximately 24 million followers constituting 2 Christianity in Indonesia is a minority religion About 585 % of the population of Indonesia are Protestants and about 3 % are Catholics Christians in Japan are a religious minority making up about 1 million to 3 million persons Christianity in Kazakhstan is the second most practiced religion after Islam, with 46% of the population Christian and 47% Muslim Christianity is a minority Religion in Laos. There has been Imprisonment of persons due to their Christian faith in 2006. Christianity in Malaysia is a minority religion practised by 9 Christians in Mongolia are considered a growing minority group Christianity in Myanmar has a history dating to the early 18th century There are 7105 Catholics in Nepal forming an Apostolic Prefecture (2004 Protestants in Nepal are a small religious minority accounting for only. The adherents of Christianity are the largest religious minority community in Pakistan. The Philippines is one of 2 predominantly Christian countrys in Asia (the other being East Timor) Christians in Russia constitute by some estimates the largest religion of the country (from 15% to 80% of total population by some sources Christians in Singapore constitute approximately 146% of the country's population 4 The practice of Christianity in Korea has a relatively short history but after a difficult beginning it has seen significant growth and success Christianity is a minority religion in Sri Lanka. Roman Catholicism was introduced by the Portuguese in 1505. Taiwan ( Taiwanese: Tâi-oân (known to the Dutch as Formosa was seized by the Dutch in 1624 Christianity is a minority religion in the Central Asian nation of Tajikistan. Christianity was first introduced to Thailand by European missionaries in 16-17th centuries There are 5 % Christians in Turkmenistan. The constitution mentions Freedom of religion. About 9 % of the population of Uzbekistan are orthodox There are about 4000 Roman Catholics in Uzbekistan Christianity was first introduced to Vietnam in 16th century and established a solid position in Vietnamese society since 17-18th centuries See also Religion in Australia While Australia is a highly secular country with those identifying themselves as Christians Christianity in New Zealand dates to the arrival of missionaries in the early 19th Century, and is the country's primary religion The following table pertains to Christianity by country, notably population statistics See also Names of the Levant The Levant (lə'vænt is a geographical term that denotes a large area in Western Asia, roughly bounded on the north by the One of the key centers of Christianity became the city of Antioch, previous capital of the Hellenistic Seleucid Empire. Antioch on the Orontes (Ἀντιόχεια ἡ ἐπὶ Δάφνῃ Ἀντιόχεια ἡ ἐπὶ Ὀρόντου or Ἀντιόχεια ἡ Μεγάλη Antiochia ad Orontem also This article focuses on the cultural aspects of the Hellenistic age for the historical aspects see Hellenistic period. The Seleucid Empire /sə'lusɪd/ ( 312 - 63 BC) was a Hellenistic empire i It was evangelized perhaps by Peter the Apostle, according to the tradition upon which the Antiochene patriarchate still rests its claim for primacy (cf. Acts xi. ), and certainly by Barnabas and Paul. Saint Barnabas (1st century born Joseph was an early Christian convert one of the earliest disciples in Jerusalem. Paul the apostle (שאול התרסי Šaʾul HaTarsi, meaning " Saul of Tarsus " Σαούλ Saul and Σαῦλος Saulos and Its converts were the first to be called Christians (Acts 11:26). The Acts of the Apostles is a book of the Bible, which now stands fifth in the New Testament. They multiplied exceedingly, and by the time of Theodosius were reckoned by Chrysostom at about 100,000 people. Flavius Theodosius (January 11 347 – January 17 395 also called Theodosius I and Theodosius the Great ( Greek: Θεοδόσιος Α΄ Between 252 and 300, ten assemblies of the church were held at Antioch and it became the seat of one of the four original patriarchates, along with Jerusalem, Alexandria, and Rome (see Pentarchy). Events By Place Roman Empire Valerian recreates Legio III Augusta to fight the Berbers. Events By place Roman Empire The Franks penetrate into what is now northern Belgium (approximate date A patriarchate is the Office or jurisdiction of a Patriarch. A patriarch as the term is used here is either one of the highest-ranking Jerusalem (יְרוּשָׁלַיִם, he-Latn Yerushaláyim; Arabic: ar القُدس, ar-Latn al-Quds) is the Alexandria ( Egyptian Arabic: اسكندريه Eskendereyya; Standard Arabic: ar الإسكندرية Al-Iskandariyya; Ἀλεξάνδρεια Rome ( Roma ˈroma Roma is the capital city of Italy and Lazio, and is Italy's largest and most populous city with more than 2 Pentarchy is a Greek -derived word meaning "rule by five"

During the 4th century, Antioch was one of the three most important cities in the eastern Roman empire (along with Alexandria and Constantinople), which led to it being recognized as the seat of one of the five early Christian patriarchates (see Pentarchy). Pentarchy is a Greek -derived word meaning "rule by five"

Caucasus

In Armenia, the Armenian Church was founded by two of Jesus' twelve apostles -Thaddaeus and Bartholomew- who preached Christianity in Armenia between 40-60 AD. Armenia (Հայաստան transliterated: Hayastan,) officially the Republic of Armenia (Հայաստանի Հանրապետություն Hayastani The Twelve Apostles (Greek apostolos, "someone sent out" e Saint Jude was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. He is generally identified with Thaddeus, and is also variously called Jude of James Saint Bartholomew was one of the twelve Apostles of Jesus. Bartholomew (Βαρθολομαίος transliterated "Bartholomaios" comes from Because of these two founding apostles, the official name of the Armenian Church is Armenian Apostolic Church. The Twelve Apostles (Greek apostolos, "someone sent out" e The Armenian Apostolic Church (Հայաստանեայց Առաքելական Եկեղեցի Hayasdaneaytz Arakelagan Armenia was the first nation to adopt Christianity as a state religion, in 301. In Georgia, Christianity was first preached by the Apostles Simon and Andrew in the first century, and became the state religion of Kartli (Iberia) in 327, making Georgia the second oldest Christian country after Armenia. Georgia ( საქართველო, Sakartvelo) is a Transcontinental country in the Caucasus region situated at the dividing line between The Twelve Apostles (Greek apostolos, "someone sent out" e This article is about the people of ancient Georgia For the Iberians of ancient Iberian Peninsula see Iberians. Armenia (Հայաստան transliterated: Hayastan,) officially the Republic of Armenia (Հայաստանի Հանրապետություն Hayastani The final conversion of Georgia to Christianity in 327 is credited to St. Nino of Cappadocia. Saint Nino (წმინდა ნინო Αγία Νίνω (sometimes St Cappadocia (or Capadocia, Turkish Kapadokya, from Greek: Καππαδοκία / Kappadokía which in turn is from the Persian: ^[1]

Parthian Empire

Christianity further spread eastward under the Parthian Empire, which displayed a high tolerance of religious matters. ^[2] According to tradition, Christian prozelitism in Central Asia, starting with Mesopotamia and the Iranian plateau, was put under the responsibility of Saint Thomas the Apostle, and started in the first century AD. Mesopotamia (from the Greek meaning "land between the rivers" is an area geographically located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers largely corresponding Thomas the Apostle, also called Judas Thomas, Doubting Thomas, or Didymus, was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. ^[3] Saint Thomas is also credited with the estalishment of Christianity in India.

The Christians of Mesopotamia and Iran were organized under several bishops, of whom at least one is known by name, and were present at the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. Mesopotamia (from the Greek meaning "land between the rivers" is an area geographically located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers largely corresponding For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Iran topics. The First Council of Nicaea, held in Nicaea in Bithynia (present-day İznik in Turkey) convoked by the Roman Emperor Constantine ^[4]

Expansion to Central Asia

The spread of Christianity in Central Asia seems to have been facilitated by the great diffusion of Greek in the region (Seleucid Empire, Greco-Bactrian Kingdom, Indo-Greek Kingdom), as well as Aramaic, the language of Jesus Christ. The Seleucid Empire /sə'lusɪd/ ( 312 - 63 BC) was a Hellenistic empire i The Gr(aeco-Bactrian Kingdom was the easternmost part of the Hellenistic world covering Bactria and Sogdiana in Central Asia from 250 The Indo-Greek Kingdom (or sometimes Graeco-Indian Kingdom) covered various parts of the northwest and northern Indian subcontinent during the last two centuries Aramaic is a Semitic language with The spread of the Jews in Asia since the deportation from Babylone and the capture of Jerusalem by Titus also seems to have been a contributing factor. Jerusalem (יְרוּשָׁלַיִם, he-Latn Yerushaláyim; Arabic: ar القُدس, ar-Latn al-Quds) is the Titus Flavius Vespasianus, commonly known as Titus ( December 30 39 &ndash September 13 81) was a Roman Emperor who ^[5]

The earliest known references to Christian communities in Central Asia is from a writing by Bar Daisan around 196 AD: "Nor do our sisters among the Gilanians and Bactrians have any intercourse with strangers". Bardaisan (ܒܪܕܝܨܢ Bardaiṣān; 154–222 also Latinized as Bardesanes) was a Syriac Gnostic, founder of the Bardaisanites The Bactrians were an Indo-European people originally of Bactria, situated in what is now modern northern Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and southern ^[2]

The Sasanians also proved rather tolerant of the Christian faith until the persecution by the Zoroastrian priest Kartir under Bahram II (276−93 AD). The Sassanid Empire or Sassanian Dynasty or Sassanian Dynasty (ساسانیان) is the name used for the third Iranian dynasty and the second Persian empire Zoroastrianism (ˌzɔroʊˈæstriəˌnɪzəm is the religion and philosophy based on the teachings Kartir Hangirpe (alternatively Karder or Kirdir) was a highly influential Zoroastrian high-priest of the late 3rd century CE and served as advisor to at Bahram II was the fifth Sassanid King of Persia in 276&ndash293 Further persecutions seems to have taken place under Shapur II (310-379) and Yazdegerd II (438-457), with 338 events having brought significant damage to the faith. Shapur II was the ninth King of the Sassanid Empire from 309 to 379 Yazdegerd II, ("made by God" Izdegerdes) fifteenth Sassanid King of Persia, was the son of Bahram V (421&ndash438 and reigned ^[6]

India (1st century AD)

Main articles: Christianity in India and Christianity in Pakistan

According to tradition, the Indo-Parthian king Gondophares was proselitized by St Thomas, who continued on to southern India. Christianity is India's third-largest religion, with approximately 24 million followers constituting 2 The adherents of Christianity are the largest religious minority community in Pakistan. The Indo-Parthian Kingdom was established during the 1st century by Gondophares, and at its greatest extent extended into areas that are in present-day Afghanistan Gondophares was the first king of the Indo-Parthian Kingdom. He seems to have ruled from 21 CE for at least 26 years Thomas the Apostle, also called Judas Thomas, Doubting Thomas, or Didymus, was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country

As soon as the first century AD, the Indo-Parthian king Gondophares, ruling in northwestern India, is connected to St Thomas in early Christian traditions embodied in the Acts of Thomas. The Indo-Parthian Kingdom was established during the 1st century by Gondophares, and at its greatest extent extended into areas that are in present-day Afghanistan Gondophares was the first king of the Indo-Parthian Kingdom. He seems to have ruled from 21 CE for at least 26 years Thomas the Apostle, also called Judas Thomas, Doubting Thomas, or Didymus, was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, a monotheistic Religion centered on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth The early 3rd century text called Acts of Thomas is arguably the most Gnostic of the New Testament apocrypha, portraying Christ as the "Heavenly In that miracle-filled romance Thomas was sold in Syria to Habban, an envoy of Gondophares, and travelled in slavery by sea to India, was presented to Gondophares to undertake the erection of the building the king required:

According to the lot, therefore, India fell unto Judas Thomas… And while he thus spake and thought, it chanced that there was there a certain merchant come from India whose name was Abbanes, sent from the King Gundaphorus, and having commandment from him to buy a carpenter and bring him unto him. As a Literary genre of High culture, romance or chivalric romance refers to a style of heroic Prose and verse Narrative Syria ( سوريّة or) officially the Syrian Arab Republic (Arabic ar الجمهورية العربية السورية India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country " Acts of Thomas, I, 1−2.

Now when the apostle was come into the cities of India with Abbanes the merchant, Abbanes went to salute the king Gundaphorus, and reported to him of the carpenter whom he had brought with him. And the king was glad, and commanded him to come in to him. " Acts of Thomas I, 17^[7].

Thomas instead spent all the king's money on alms, and as a consequence was imprisoned by him. Allegedly, Gondophares ultimately rehabilitated Thomas and recognized the validity of Christianity.

Passing on to the realm of another king, named in the Syrian versions as "Mazdai" (thought to refer to the Kushan king Vasudeva I), he allegedly suffered martyrdom before being redeemed. The Kushan Empire (c 1st &ndash 3rd centuries) was a Bactrian state that at its cultural zenith Circa 105 &ndash 250 Vasudeva I ( Kushan: ΒΑΖΟΔΗΟ "Bazodeo" Chinese: 波調 "Bodiao" was a Kushan /Bactrian emperor last of the "Great St Thomas thereafter went to Kerala and baptized the natives, whose descendants form the Saint Thomas Christians. Kerala ( Malayalam: {{Kerala in Malayalam}}; This article addresses the Saint Thomas Christians and the various churches and denominations that form the Nasrani people. ^[8]

Expansion of Nestorianism (431-1360 AD)

Main article: History of Eastern Christianity in Asia

The eastern development of Christianity was effectively cut off from the west by the 431 Council of Ephesus, in which the Syrian bishop Nestorius, Patriarch of Constantinople since 428, was deposed and banished. See also Christianity in Asia Judging from the New Testament account of the rise and expansion of the early church during the first few centuries of Christianity the This article covers the Ecumenical council of 431 For the council of 449 see Second Council of Ephesus. Nestorius (in Greek: Νεστόριος; c 386&ndash c 451 was Archbishop of Constantinople from 10 April 428 Eastern Christianity then seceded to form the Church of the East, colloquially known as the Nestorian Church. The Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East (ܥܕܬܐ ܩܕܝܫܬܐ ܘܫܠܝܚܝܬܐ ܩܬܘܠܝܩܝ ܕܡܕܢܚܐ ܕܐܬܘܪ̈ܝܐ ‘Ittā Qaddishtā wa-Shlikhāitā Qattoliqi The Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East (ܥܕܬܐ ܩܕܝܫܬܐ ܘܫܠܝܚܝܬܐ ܩܬܘܠܝܩܝ ܕܡܕܢܚܐ ܕܐܬܘܪ̈ܝܐ ‘Ittā Qaddishtā wa-Shlikhāitā Qattoliqi

Expansion to Sogdiana and eastern Central Asia

Prozelitism combined with sporadic Sasanian persecutions to encourage the spread of Christinity to the east. Since the Edict of Milan (313) Christianity was considered as state religion of the Roman Empire, and therefore considered as a political threat by the Sasanians. The Edict of Milan was a letter signed by emperors Constantine and Licinius, that proclaimed Religious toleration in the Roman Empire. The Roman Empire was the post-Republican phase of the ancient Roman civilization, characterised by an autocratic form of government and large territorial They are known to have exiled Christian communities to the east, such as a community of Orthodox Melchites who were installed in Romagyri near Tashkent, or a community of Jacobites, who were sent to Yarkand in the Xinjiang at the doorstep of China. The term Melkite (also written Melchite) is used to refer to various Christian churches and their members originating in the Middle East. Jacobus Baradaeus or James Baradaeus (other spellings of his surname include Al Baradai Burdoho Burdeono Burdeana or Burdeaya also Phaselita or Zanzalus was ordained Yarkand, Yarkent, and Yarkant are spelling variants and may refer to Yarkent County Yarkand River Xinjiang ( Uyghur: شىنجاڭ Shinjang;; Postal map spelling: Sinkiang; Turkish: Sincan, Sincan Uygur Özerk ^[9]

The Hephthalites are known to have been open somewhat to Christianity since 498, and they requested to the Catholicos the establishment of a diocesan bishop in their lands in 549. The Hephthalites or White Huns were a Central Asian Nomadic confederation whose precise origins and composition remain obscure ^[10]

Christianity continued its eastward development. By 650 AD, there were 20 Nestorian dioceses east of the Oxus river. The Amu Darya (formerly Oxus River the Greeks (Ptolemeus called it Oxiana palus) is the longest river in Central Asia. ^[11] The development of Islam started to cut off Christianity from its western territories, but eastern expansion of the faith continued nonetheless. For other meanings including people named 'Islam' see Islam (disambiguation. Relations with Islam were good enough for the Catholicos to leave Seleucia-Ctesiphon to set up his seat in Baghdad upon the establishment of the Abbassids in 750. Catholicos (plural Catholicoi) is a title used by the Patriarch (head/regional head Bishop) of any of certain Eastern churches Al-Mada'in ( Arabic المدائن "The cities" also known under the Aramaic name "Mahoze" or as "Madayn" is the name of Baghdad (بغداد) is the Capital of Iraq and of Baghdad Governorate, with which it is also coterminous

From the 7th century onward, the nomadic Turks of Central Asia started to convert to Nestorian Christianity. The Turkish people (Türk Halkı also known as " Turks " ( Türkler) are defined mainly as being speakers of Turkish as a First language Mass conversions are recorded in 781−2 and later in 1007, when 200,000 Turks and Mongols reportedly became Christians. ^[12] The Turkish Kipchaks are also known to have converted to Christianity at the suggestion of the Georgians as they allied in their conflicts against the Muslims. The Georgians (ქართველები kartvelebi) are a Nation and Ethnic group originating in the Caucasus, the oldest group of the A great number were baptized at the request of the Georgian king David II. David IV, also known as David II or David III, or David the Builder ( Georgian: დავით აღმაშენებელი From 1120, there was a Kipchak national Christian church and an important clergy. ^[13]

Nestorianism in China

Main article: Nestorianism in China

The Nestorian Stele in China, erected in 781. See also Christianity in China First Centuries Some Christian tradition suggests that St The Nestorian Stele or Nestorian Stone, formally the Memorial of the Propagation in China of the Luminous Religion from Daqin (大秦景教流行中國碑 Pinyin The title is :大秦景教流行中國碑 "Stele of the propagation of the luminous Roman faith in China". Daqin ( is the ancient Chinese name for the Roman Empire and the Near East. Christianity ( Greek Χριστιανισμός from the word Xριστός ( Christ)is a monotheistic Religion centered on the life and teachings China ( Wade-Giles ( Mandarin) Chung¹kuo² is a cultural region, an ancient Civilization, and depending on perspective a National

Christianity is thought to have been introduced into China during the Tang Dynasty, but it has also been suggested that the Patriarch of Seleucia-Ctesiphon created a metropolitan see in China in 411. The Tang Dynasty ( Middle Chinese: dhɑng (June 18 618&ndashJune 4 907 was an imperial dynasty of China preceded by the Sui Dynasty and followed by Al-Mada'in ( Arabic المدائن "The cities" also known under the Aramaic name "Mahoze" or as "Madayn" is the name of In Hierarchical Christian churches the rank of metropolitan bishop, or simply metropolitan, pertains to the Diocesan bishop or It came through representatives of the Assyrian Church of the East. The Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East (ܥܕܬܐ ܩܕܝܫܬܐ ܘܫܠܝܚܝܬܐ ܩܬܘܠܝܩܝ ܕܡܕܢܚܐ ܕܐܬܘܪ̈ܝܐ ‘Ittā Qaddishtā wa-Shlikhāitā Qattoliqi Christians Bactrians under Alopen are known to have arrived in 635, were they received an Imperial Edict allowing for the establishment of a church. The Bactrians were an Indo-European people originally of Bactria, situated in what is now modern northern Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and southern Alopen Abraham (阿罗本 （also "Olopen" "Olopan" or "Olopuen" is the first recorded Christian Missionary to reach China ^[14]

In China, the religion was known as Dàqín Jǐngjiào (大秦景教), or the Luminous Religion of the Romans (大秦 Dàqín designates Rome and the Near East). Daqin ( is the ancient Chinese name for the Roman Empire and the Near East. They initially entered China more as traders than as professional missionaries. The Nestorians were largely of Hebrew extraction, tracing their lineage to those who did not return to Palestine following the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities. Palestine is a name which has been widely used since Roman times to refer to the region between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River. Early history The most Neolithic site in Assyria is at Tell Hassuna, the center of the Hassuna culture Babylonia was an Amorite state in lower Mesopotamia (modern southern Iraq) with Babylon as its capital During the early centuries of Christian expansion, they considered the message of Jesus a fulfillment of their Jewish faith. Eventually, the Nestorians intermarried with other Syriac-speaking peoples east of the Euphrates and spread their faith throughout Turkestan, Mongolia, China and Japan. See Syriac (disambiguation for other uses Syriac (syr ܠܫܢܐ ܣܘܪܝܝܐ leššānā Suryāyā) is an Eastern Aramaic language Turkestan (literally meaning "Land of the Turks" is a region in Central Asia, which today is largely inhabited by Turkic peoples. Mongolia (mɒŋˈɡoʊliə, literally Mongol country/nation,) is a Landlocked Country in East Some records indicate that Jacobite Christians also visited China during this period, but their impact was minimal. The Syriac Orthodox Church is an autocephalous Oriental Orthodox church based in the Middle East with members spread throughout the world A stone stele (the Nestorian Stele) erected at the Tang capital of Chang-an in 781 and rediscovered in the 17th century describes flourishing communities of Christians throughout China, but beyond this and few other fragmentary records relatively little is known of their history. A stele (from Greek:, stēlē, ˈstiːli plural stelae,, stēlai, ˈstiːlaɪ also found Latinised singular stela The Nestorian Stele or Nestorian Stone, formally the Memorial of the Propagation in China of the Luminous Religion from Daqin (大秦景教流行中國碑 Pinyin Chang'an ( is an ancient Capital of more than ten dynasties in Chinese history. Events By Place Asia July 31 — The oldest recorded eruption of Mt

Nestorianism died off in China following the interdiction of foreign cults promulgated in 845. ^[15]

See also: Christianity in China

Christianity among the Mongols

Nestorian christianity among the Mongols

Nestorian tombstone with inscriptions in Uyghur, found in Issyk Kul, dated 1312. Christianity in China is a growing minority religion that comprises Protestants (called 基督教 Jī dū jiào or Christ Religion) Catholics Uyghur (/ ug-Latn Uyƣurqə/ug-Cyrl Уйғурчә, or / ug-Latn Uyƣur tili/ug-Cyrl Уйғур Issyk Kul (also Ysyk Köl, Issyk-kol; Ысыккөл Иссык-Куль is an Endorheic Lake in the northern Tian Shan mountains

Main article: Christianity among the Mongols

Overall, Mongols were highly tolerant of most religions, and typically sponsored several at the same time. Overall the Mongols were highly tolerant of most religions and typically sponsored several at the same time They had been proselytized by Christian Nestorians since about the 7th century,^[16][17] and many Mongol tribes, such as the Kerait,^[18] the Naiman, the Merkit, and to a large extent the Kara Khitan, were Nestorian Christian. Proselytism is the practice of attempting to convert people to another opinion and particularly another religion Nestorius Nestorius (c  386 &ndashc  451) was a pupil of Theodore of Mopsuestia in Antioch in Syria (modern The Keraits or Kereits (Кэрэйд Kereid; Керей were a cluster of tribes in central Mongolia before the rise of the Mongol Empire. The Naimans, also Naiman Turks or Naiman Mongols, ( Mongolian: naiman, "eight" Найман was a Mongolian name given to a group The Merkit, Merged, or Mergid ( Merged means "wise ones" "adept ones" "skillful ones" "(skillful archers" This article refers to the Khitan Khanate. For the Turkic state see Kara-Khanid Khanate. ^[19]

The founder of the Mongol Empire, Genghis Khan (1162-1227) himself was a Shamanist, but was tolerant of other faiths. Genghis Khan ( or;, Chinggis Khaan, ʧiŋgɪs χaːŋ Činggis Qaɣan; 1162–1227 born (meaning "ironworker" was the Mongol founder The Nestorian Christians of Central Asia were generally highly favorable to him. Nestorius Nestorius (c  386 &ndashc  451) was a pupil of Theodore of Mopsuestia in Antioch in Syria (modern ^[20] His sons were married to Christian princesses of the Kerait clan,^[21] such as Sorghaghtani Beki^[22] and Doquz Khatan,^[23] who held considerable influence at his court. The Keraits or Kereits (Кэрэйд Kereid; Керей were a cluster of tribes in central Mongolia before the rise of the Mongol Empire. Doquz Khatun (also spelled Dokuz Khatun) was a Mongol Kerait princess of the 13th century who was married to the Mongol ruler Hulagu.

Under the rule of Genghis's grandson Mongke (1205-1259), son of Sorghaghtani, the main religious influence was that of the Nestorians. The name Mongke may refer to Möngke Khan (1208-1259 Great khan of the Mongol Empire Mengu-Timur (d ^[24]

Catholic missions to the Mongols

Main article: Medieval Roman Catholic Missions in China

The 13th century saw attempts at forming a Franco-Mongol alliance, as envoys were sent back and forth between Western Europe and the Mongols. See also Christianity in China The second major thrust of Christianity into China occurred during the Thirteenth century. Many attempts were made towards forming a Franco-Mongol alliance between the mid-13th and early 14th centuries starting around the time of the Seventh Crusade. Initially, the Mongols had the impression that the Pope was the leader of the Europeans, and sent him messages insisting that he submit Europe to Mongol authority, in return for which the Mongols would assist in returning Jerusalem to the Crusaders. Jerusalem (יְרוּשָׁלַיִם, he-Latn Yerushaláyim; Arabic: ar القُدس, ar-Latn al-Quds) is the The various Popes tended to respond with messages insisting that the Mongols convert to Christianity, and accept baptism.

Niccolo and Maffeo Polo remitting a letter from Kubilai to Pope Gregory X in 1271. Marco Polo ( September 15 1254 – January 9 1324 at earliest but no later than June 1325 was a Venetian trader and explorer Early years Kublai Khan studied Chinese culture and became enamoured of it Pope

In 1271, the Marco Polo brothers brought an invitation from Kublai Khan to the pope imploring him that a hundred teachers of science and religion be sent to reinforce the Nestorian Christianity already present in his vast empire. Marco Polo ( September 15 1254 – January 9 1324 at earliest but no later than June 1325 was a Venetian trader and explorer Early years Kublai Khan studied Chinese culture and became enamoured of it History See also History of the Papacy Catholics recognize the Pope as a successor to Saint Peter, who Jesus named as the "shepherd" and Science (from the Latin scientia, meaning " Knowledge " or "knowing" is the effort to discover, and increase human understanding However, this came to naught due to the hostility of influential Nestorians within the largely Mongol court. When in 1253 the Franciscan William of Rubruck arrived at Karakorum, the western Mongol capital, and sought permission to serve its people in the name of Christ, he was forbidden to engage in missionary work or remain in the country, and he had to return home. Karakorum (Khalkha Mongolian Khara-khorin, Classical Mongolian Qara Qorum) was the capital of the Mongol Empire in the 13th century ^[1]

The Eastern Court under the rule of Kublai Khan was eager to secure Western assistance in its own rule over the Chinese. In 1289, Pope Nicholas IV sent the Franciscan John of Monte Corvino to China by way of India, thereby passing Karakorum. Pope Nicholas IV ( September 30, 1227 &ndash April 4, 1292) born Girolamo Masci, was Pope from February 22, John of Montecorvino, or Giovanni Da/di Montecorvino in Italian also spelled Monte Corvino (1246 Montecorvino, Southern Italy - 1328 China ( Wade-Giles ( Mandarin) Chung¹kuo² is a cultural region, an ancient Civilization, and depending on perspective a National India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country Karakorum (Khalkha Mongolian Khara-khorin, Classical Mongolian Qara Qorum) was the capital of the Mongol Empire in the 13th century Although the great khan had already died by the time John arrived (1294), the court at Khanbaliq received him graciously and encouraged him to settle there. Khanbaliq or Cambuluc / Cambaluc, also Kaan-baligh ("Great residence of the Khan " is the ancient Mongol name for the city John was China’s first Roman Catholic missionary, and he was significantly successful. A missionary is a member of a Religion who works to convert those who do not share the missionary's faith someone who proselytizes. He laboured largely in the Mongol tongue, translated the New testament and Psalms, built a central church, and within a few years (by 1305) could report six thousand baptized converts. The Mongolian language (mn [[ImageMonggol kelesvg 17px]] Mongɣol kele, Cyrillic: Монгол хэл Mongol khel) is the best-known member of Psalms ( Hebrew: Tehilim, תהילים, or "praises" is a book of the Hebrew Bible (the Christian Old Testament) included He also established a lay training school of 150 students. Other priests joined him and centers were established in the coastal provinces of Kiangsu (Yangchow), Chekiang (Hangchow) and Fukien (Zaitun). ( Postal map spelling: Kiangsu) is a province of the People's Republic of China, located along the east coast of the country Administration The Prefecture-level city of Yangzhou administers 7 county-level divisions. Zhejiang ( is an eastern coastal province of the People's Republic of China. ( Postal map spelling: Hangchow) is a Sub-provincial city located in the Yangtze River Delta in the People's Republic of China, "Zaytun" redirects here For the South Korean military division in Iraq see Zaytun Division.

Following the death of Monte Corvino, an embassy to the French Pope Benedict XII in Avignon was sent by Toghun Temür in 1336, requesting a new spiritual guide. Pope Benedict XII (died April 25, 1342) born Jacques Fournier, was Pope from 1334 to 1342 Avignon (/aviɲɔ̃/ in French) ( Provençal: Avinhon in classical norm or Avignoun in Mistralian norm is a commune Before succession Toghun Temür was born to Kuśala when he stayed Central Asia in evacuation The pope replied by appointing four ecclesiastics as his legates to the khan's court. In 1338, a total of 50 ecclesiastics were sent by the Pope to Peking, such as John of Marignolli. Giovanni de' Marignolli, a notable traveller to the Far East in the 14th century born probably before 1290 and sprung from a noble family in Florence.

However, the Mongol Empire was in decline, and in the mid-14th century, the Chinese rose up and drove out the Mongols from China, thereby launching the Ming Dynasty (1368). The Ming Dynasty ( or Empire of the Great Ming ( was the ruling dynasty of China from 1368 to 1644 following the collapse of the Mongol -led By 1369 all Christians, whether Roman Catholic or Syro-Oriental, were expelled.

With the end of Mongol rule in the 14th century, Christianity almost disappeared in mainland Asia.

European voyages of exploration

The European voyages of exploration in the 16th century would create new opportunities for Christian proselytism.

Catholicism in the Philippines

Main article: Christianity in the Philippines

At the end of the 16th century, Hasekura Tsunenaga led a mission to the Pope and was baptized a Christian. The Philippines is one of 2 predominantly Christian countrys in Asia (the other being East Timor) Early life Little is known of the early life of Hasekura Tsunenaga

Magellan's arrival in Cebu represents the first attempt by Spain to convert Filipinos to Roman Catholicism. Ferdinand Magellan (Fernão de Magalhães fɨɾˈnɐ̃ũ dɨ mɐgɐˈʎɐ̃ĩʃ Fernando de Magallanes (Spring 1480 &ndash April 27 1521 Mactan Island, Cebu Cebu is one of the Provinces of the Philippines. It lies to the east of Negros Island; to the west of Leyte and to the southeast is Bohol The story goes that Magellan met with Chief Humabon of the island of Cebu, who had an ill grandson. Magellan (or one of his men) was able to cure or help this young boy, and in gratitude Chief Humabon allowed 800 of his followers to be 'baptized' Christian in a mass baptism. Later, Chief Lapu Lapu of Mactan Island killed Magellan and routed the ill-fated Spanish expedition. Lapu-Lapu is also the name of the Grouper fish in the Philippines This resistance to Western intrusion makes this story an important part of the nationalist history of the Philippines. Many historians have claimed that the Philippines peacefully 'accepted' Spanish rule; the reality is that many insurgencies and rebellions continued on small scales in different places through the Hispanic colonial period.

After Magellan, the Spanish later sent the explorer Legaspi to the Philippines, and he conquered a Muslim Filipino settlement in Manila in 1570. Islam had been present in the southern Philippines since some time between the 10th and 12th century. It slowly spread north throughout the archipelago, particularly in coastal areas.

Catholicism in Japan

Main article: Kirishitan

Starting from around 1545, Japan welcomed Western influence and Catholic priests, led by Saint Francis Xavier, to the point where Christianity became widely influential in Japan. from Portuguese cristão, referred to Roman Catholic Christians in Japanese and is used as a historiographic term for Roman Catholics Saint Francis Xavier ( Konkani / Konknni: Sam Fransisku Xavier/ Sanv Fransisk Xavier Basque: San Frantzisko Xabierkoa Spanish: San Francisco When Japanese rulers realized that the new religion was challenging their established order, the Shogun Toyotomi Hideyoshi almost extirpated Christianity from the Archipelago.

Jesuits in China

Main article: Jesuit China missions

Jesuits in China

The history of the missions of the Jesuits in China in the early modern era stands as one of the notable events in the early history of relations between China and the Western world, as well as a prominent example of relations between two cultures and belief systems in the pre-modern age. The history of the missions of the Jesuits in China in the early modern era stands as one of the notable events in the early history of relations between China and The Society of Jesus ( Latin: Societas Iesu, SJ and SI or SJ, SI) is a Catholic religious order China ( Wade-Giles ( Mandarin) Chung¹kuo² is a cultural region, an ancient Civilization, and depending on perspective a National The term Western world, the West or the Occident ( Latin: occidens -sunset -west as distinct from the Orient) can have multiple meanings The missionary efforts and other work of the Society of Jesus, or Jesuits between the 16th and 17th century played a significant role in introducing Western knowledge, science, and culture to China. As a means of recording the passage of Time, the 17th Century was that Century which lasted from 1601 - 1700 in the Gregorian calendar The term Western world, the West or the Occident ( Latin: occidens -sunset -west as distinct from the Orient) can have multiple meanings Their work laid much of the foundation for much of Christian culture in Chinese society today. Christianity in China is a growing minority religion that comprises Protestants (called 基督教 Jī dū jiào or Christ Religion) Catholics Members of the Jesuit delegation to China were perhaps the most influential Christian missionaries in that country between the earliest period of the religion up until the 19th century, when significant numbers of Catholic and Protestant missions developed. Christianity ( Greek Χριστιανισμός from the word Xριστός ( Christ)is a monotheistic Religion centered on the life and teachings The 19th century of the Common Era began on January 1, 1801 and ended on December 31, 1900, according to the Gregorian calendar As a Christian Ecclesiastical term Catholic —from the Greek adjective, meaning "general" or "universal"—is described Protestantism refers to the forms of Christian faith and practice that originated in the 16th century Protestant Reformation.

The first attempt by Jesuits to reach China was made in 1552 by St. Francis Xavier, Spanish priest and missionary and founding member of the Society. The Society of Jesus ( Latin: Societas Iesu, SJ and SI or SJ, SI) is a Catholic religious order China ( Wade-Giles ( Mandarin) Chung¹kuo² is a cultural region, an ancient Civilization, and depending on perspective a National Saint Francis Xavier ( Konkani / Konknni: Sam Fransisku Xavier/ Sanv Fransisk Xavier Basque: San Frantzisko Xabierkoa Spanish: San Francisco Xavier, however, died the same year on the Chinese island of Shangchuan, without having reached the mainland. Shangchuan Island (上川岛 Pinyin Shàngchuāndǎo; also written Schangschwan, Sancian, Chang-Chuang or St Three decades later, in 1582, led by several figures including the prominent Italian Matteo Ricci, Jesuits once again initiated mission work in China, ultimately introducing Western science, mathematics, astronomy, and visual arts to the imperial court, and carrying on significant inter-cultural and philosophical dialogue with Chinese scholars, particularly representatives of Confucianism. The' Italian people' are a Southern European Ethnic group located primarily in Italy, Switzerland, France and by virtue of a wide-ranging Matteo Ricci SJ ( October 6 1552 &ndash May 11 1610;; Courtesy name: 西泰 Xītài was an Italian Jesuit priest See also Evangelism, Christianization A Christian mission has been widely defined since the Lausanne Congress of 1974 as that which The Emperor of China ( refers to any sovereign of Imperial China reigning since the founding of the Qin Dynasty in 221 BC until the fall of Philosophy is the study of general problems concerning matters such as existence knowledge truth beauty justice validity mind and language A dialogue (sometimes spelled dialog) is a reciprocal Conversation between two or more entities. Confucianism ( is a Chinese ethical and philosophical system originally developed from the teachings of the fifth century B At the time of their peak influence, members of the Jesuit delegation were considered some of the emperor's most valued and trusted advisers, holding numerous prestigious posts in the imperial government. The Emperor of China ( refers to any sovereign of Imperial China reigning since the founding of the Qin Dynasty in 221 BC until the fall of Many Chinese, including notable former Confucian scholars, adopted Christianity and became priests and members of the Society of Jesus.

Between the 18th and mid-19th century, nearly all Western missionaries in China were forced to conduct their teaching and other activities covertly. The 18th century lasted from 1701 to 1800 in the Gregorian calendar, in accordance with the Anno Domini / Common Era numbering system The 19th century of the Common Era began on January 1, 1801 and ended on December 31, 1900, according to the Gregorian calendar

Christianity in Asia today

Today Christianity is the predominant faith in two Asian countries, the Philippines and East Timor, and also in four others that are partially in Asia: Armenia, Cyprus, Georgia and Russia. The Philippines ( Filipino: Pilipinas, officially known as the Republic of the Philippines (fil ''Republika ng Pilipinas'' RP East Timor, also known as Timor-Leste (officially the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste) is a country in Southeast Asia. Armenia (Հայաստան transliterated: Hayastan,) officially the Republic of Armenia (Հայաստանի Հանրապետություն Hayastani Cyprus (Κύπρος transliterated: Kýpros,; Kıbrıs officially the Republic of Cyprus (Κυπριακή Δημοκρατία Kypriakī́ Dīmokratía Georgia ( საქართველო, Sakartvelo) is a Transcontinental country in the Caucasus region situated at the dividing line between Russia (Россия Rossiya) or the Russian Federation ( Rossiyskaya Federatsiya) is a transcontinental Country extending In South Korea, despite the population majority is irreligious, Christianity represents the most widespread religion, closely followed by Buddhism. South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea and often referred to as Korea ( Korean: 대한민국 tɛː Irreligion is a lack of religion indifference to religion or hostility to religion Buddhism is a family of beliefs and practices

Christianity exists as a minority faith in most other Asian countries, the most significant minorities being found in Lebanon and Kazakhstan. Lebanon (ˈlɛbənɒn Arabic: ar لبنان Lubnān) officially the Republic of Lebanon or Lebanese Republic (ar الجمهورية اللبنانية Kazakhstan, also Kazakstan ( Қазақстан, Qazaqstan, qɑzɑqˈstɑn Казахстан, Kazakhstán,) officially the Small Christian communities are present in the Sinosphere (both Mainland China and Taiwan), Vietnam, Singapore and Japan. Sinosphere, also known as Chinese world, Chinese cultural sphere or Chinese-character cultural sphere ( a term coined by linguist James Matisoff Mainland China, Continental China, the Chinese mainland or simply the mainland, is a geopolitical term synonymous with the area that is under the jurisdiction Taiwan ( Taiwanese: Tâi-oân/Tāi-oân (historically 大灣/台員/大員/台圓/大圓/台窩灣 is an Island in East Asia. Vietnam (ˌviːɛtˈnɑːm Việt Nam) officially Singapore For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Japan topics.

The Christian religion has almost totally faded out in the Islamic Middle East, though very small communities still exist. For other meanings including people named 'Islam' see Islam (disambiguation. The Middle East is a Subcontinent with no clear boundaries often used as a synonym to Near East, in opposition to Far East. In recent times, the already modest Christian communities in Japan, Taiwan^[25] and Macau^[26] and even the strong South Korean Christian population^[27], are showing trends of decline. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Japan topics. Taiwan ( Taiwanese: Tâi-oân/Tāi-oân (historically 大灣/台員/大員/台圓/大圓/台窩灣 is an Island in East Asia. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Macau topics. South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea and often referred to as Korea ( Korean: 대한민국 tɛː

Notes

References

• "Histoire des Croisades III, 1188−1291", Rene Grousset, editions Perrin, ISBN 226202569
• Encyclopedia Iranica, Article on Franco-Persian relations
• "The Monks of Kublai Khan Emperor of China", Sir E. A. Wallis Budge.
• "The history and Life of Rabban Bar Sauma", translated from the Syriac by Sir E. A. Wallis Budge
• Foltz, Richard (2000). "Religions of the Silk Road : overland trade and cultural exchange from antiquity to the fifteenth century". New York: St. Martin's Griffin. ISBN 0-312-23338-8.
• Weatherford, Jack (2004). Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World. Three Rivers Press. ISBN 0-609-80964-4.
• Roux, Jean-Paul (1997), L'Asie Centrale, Histoire et Civilization, Librairie Arthème-Fayard, ISBN 9782213598949
• Roux, Jean-Paul (1985) Les explorateurs au Moyen-Age, Fayard, ISBN 2012793398