Equal-to-the-Apostles · 1836–1912
Nicholas of Japan
Saint Nicholas, Enlightener of Japan
New Calendar February 3 Old Calendar February 16
Why they are a saint
Nicholas of Japan was a russian missionary who founded the Orthodox Church in Japan; translated services and Scripture into Japanese. The years given for this life are 1836–1912. The Church gives the title Equal-to-the-Apostles to those whose labor resembled the first mission.
Life
Saint Nicholas (Kasatkin), in the world John, was born on August 1, 1836, in Smolensk province, the son of a deacon. While at the St. Petersburg Theological Academy he was tonsured in 1860 with the name Nicholas and ordained hieromonk, and was sent as priest of the Russian consulate church at Hakodate, Japan, arriving in 1861. He studied the Japanese language and culture himself; the first Japanese convert, the former samurai Takuma Sawabe, was baptized in 1868.
In 1870 a Russian mission was opened in Japan centred in Tokyo, and in 1880 he was consecrated bishop. He translated the Holy Scriptures and liturgical books into Japanese, founded a seminary and schools, and in 1906 became Archbishop of Tokyo and All Japan. By 1911 the Japanese Orthodox Church had 266 communities with over 33,000 faithful. He reposed on February 3, 1912, and was canonized in 1970.
Sources: OCA Lives of the Saints. Retold in our own words.
Traditional patronage
The cited source names no specific patronage.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Nicholas of Japan as a patron when they bear the name Nicholas; Nikolai at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on February 3. Those who share his calling as a missionary also ask his prayers.
Prayer
O holy Nicholas of Japan, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.
Do not confuse with Nicholas of Myra (a different, far more commonly chosen namesake).