China


The Apostolic Exarchate of Harbin for the Byzantine Russian Catholics was organized in 1929 to administer the communities, consisting chiefly of Russian emigres, in Harbin and Shanghai. Although the jurisdiction is still extant, it has been sede vacante since its civil suppression in 1949. The sole incumbent was Father Archimandrite Fabian (Abrantovich), MIC.

After Father Archimandrite Fabian's transfer to Belarus (where he ultimately suffered martyrdom in odium fidei), Father Archimandrite Andrei (Tsikoto) served as Apostolic Administrator until its suppression by the authorities. After his arrest, Father Archimandrite Andrei was transferred to Russian control, imprisoned in the Gulag, and ultimately suffered martydom in odium fidei, as well.

The jurisdiction, canonically suppressed de facto, albeit not de jure, constitutes a Church sui iuris of Eparchial rank.

 

Photograph: Servant of God Father Exarch & Archimandrite Fabian Abrantovic, MIC, Apostolic Exarch Emeritus of Harbin for the Byzantine Russian Catholics, Martyr