Nicholas of Japan

St. Nicholas Kasatkin, Equal-to-the-Apostles, Enlightener of Japan.

St. Nicholas, born Ivan Kasatkin in Russia in the nineteenth century, went to Japan as a young priest-monk and devoted his life to preaching the Gospel there. He mastered the Japanese language, translated the Scriptures and services, and founded the Orthodox Church of Japan.

He was consecrated bishop and later archbishop of Tokyo, and reposed in 1912, revered by Japanese and Russians alike as an apostle of Japan.

Feast day

On the New Calendar, Nicholas of Japan is commemorated on February 3. Churches on the Old (Julian) Calendar keep the feast on February 16 of the civil calendar.

Also commemorated on February 3

• 

  Simeon the God-Receiver

  Venerable, Συμεών

  The Elder Simeon who received the infant Christ in the Temple.

  Name days: Symeon, Simeon

• Anna the Prophetess

  Holy Woman, Άννα η Προφήτις

  Righteous Anna the Prophetess, who greeted the infant Christ in the Temple.

• Stamatios, John and Nicholas of Spetses

  Martyr, Σταμάτιος, Ιωάννης και Νικόλαος

  New Martyrs Stamatios and John, brothers, with their companion Nicholas, of Spetses.

  Name days: Stamatios, Stamatis, Stamos, Stamatia, Matoula, Stamatina

• Azariah the Prophet

  Prophet, Αζαρίας

  Holy Prophet Azariah, son of Oded, who called King Asa to faithfulness.

• Adrian and Euboulos of Caesarea

  Martyr, Αδριανός και Εύβουλος

  Holy Martyrs Adrian and Euboulos of Caesarea in Palestine.

  Name days: Adrianos, Adrian, Adriana, Adriani

• Blaise the Shepherd

  Martyr, Βλάσιος ο Βουκόλος

  Holy Martyr Blaise the Shepherd of Caesarea in Cappadocia.