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→The First Orthodox Christians in China (1242-1650)
The activities and achievements of the Orthodox Church, especially since the 17th century, have been understated in many historical studies of Christianity in China. By 1955, on the eve of its establishment as an independent entity, the Orthodox Church in China reached its greatest numbers. There were more than 100,000 communicants in former Russian territory in [[w:Northeast China|Manchuria]], with 200 priests and 60 parishes, as well as monasteries and a seminary. Elsewhere, in China, there were another 200,000 Orthodox Christians and 150 parishes. These conservative figures mean that at that time, around 6% of Chinese Christians were adherents of the Orthodox Church.<ref>Dr. Kevin Baker. [http://www.mellenpress.com/mellenpress.cfm?bookid=6574&pc=9 A History of the Orthodox Church in China, Korea and Japan]. The Edwin Mellen Press, 2006. (Description)</ref>
== The First Orthodox Christians in China (1242-16501651)==
*1242 Greek Orthodox Russians in the Western Army of the Mongols entered China; they are said to have established a small church in the far western region, site now unknown.
*1270 The Mongol Emperor of China imported a group of Russian goldsmiths.
