ST. ANDREW KIM TAEGON (SEPT. 21ST)

Edited by Bp. Joseph (Ancient Church of the West)

Today, the Western Orthodox Church joins in the celebration of St. Andrew Kim Taegǒn, the Prince Martyr of Korea, who stands as a monumental figure in the history of Korean Christianity. His witness, courage, and martyrdom are a reflection of the deep, transformative power of the Christian faith, which took root in Korea under extraordinary circumstances.

The origins of Christianity in Korea remain shrouded in mystery due to the secrecy that surrounded its introduction. While it is impossible to pinpoint the exact date, it is widely accepted that Christianity may have arrived in Korea as early as the 17th century, with some speculating that Korean scholars, through their contact with Christian literature from China, may have first encountered the faith. The first known Korean Christian to be baptized was Ni-Seoung-Houn in 1784, a momentous event marking the beginning of the Church in Korea, though it would take decades of persecution and struggle before Christianity would flourish in the region.

St. Andrew Kim Taegǒn: Priest, Missionary, and Martyr

St. Andrew Kim Taegǒn, the first native Korean priest, was born into a noble Confucian family with royal connections. He was raised in an environment deeply steeped in Confucian values and traditions, and yet he heard the call of Christ in a land where Christianity was forbidden. His vocation was a profound testament to the work of the Holy Spirit, transforming not only his own life but also the destiny of Christianity in Korea.

Secretly trained in Macao, St. Andrew was ordained in 1845 and returned to his homeland the following year to minister to the small but growing Christian community. His ministry, though brief, was marked by great zeal and a profound desire to spread the Gospel, despite the constant threat of persecution. St. Andrew’s re-entry into Korea in 1845, under the watchful eyes of government authorities, was an act of heroic courage. In 1846, only a year after his ordination, he was arrested and executed by beheading, sealing his testimony with his blood. His father, Kim Jejun, was also martyred for the faith, underscoring the generational commitment to Christ that became the foundation of the Korean Church.

The Witness of the Korean Martyrs and the Growth of Korean Christianity

The martyrdom of St. Andrew Kim Taegǒn was not an isolated event. He is remembered alongside 102 other martyrs—men, women, and children—who gave their lives for Christ during the intense persecutions of the 19th century. These martyrs planted the seeds of the Church in Korea, and their witness continues to bear fruit today, as Christianity has grown to become a powerful spiritual force in Korea and beyond.

In a remarkable parallel to the early Christian Church, where “the blood of the martyrs was the seed of the Church,” Korea’s Christian community flourished even in the face of intense persecution. The faith spread through underground networks and by the courage of ordinary believers, who risked everything to live out their Christian commitment. The sacrificial witness of St. Andrew and his fellow martyrs laid the foundation for one of the most vibrant Christian communities in the modern world.

Christian Missions from Korea: A Global Witness

In the 20th and 21st centuries, Korea has become a beacon of Christian mission to East and Southeast Asia. The vibrancy of the Korean Church, deeply rooted in the witness of its martyrs, has propelled many Korean Christians to bring the Gospel to countries across the region. Today, Korea is one of the largest missionary-sending nations in the world, with Korean Christians serving in some of the most challenging and unreached areas of Asia, continuing the legacy of St. Andrew Kim Taegǒn.

This missionary zeal reflects the deep sense of gratitude for the faith passed down through the sacrifice of the martyrs. As Koreans take the Gospel to other lands, they carry the same spirit of perseverance, rooted in the profound belief that Christ is worth every sacrifice.

The Enduring Legacy of Korean Christianity

Korean Christianity, born out of persecution and martyrdom, continues to inspire Christians around the world. It is a living testament to the enduring power of the Gospel, a power that transcends culture, language, and political boundaries. The witness of the Korean Church offers hope to persecuted Christians everywhere, reminding us that the Church of Christ can thrive, even under the most difficult circumstances.

As we celebrate St. Andrew Kim Taegǒn today, we also remember the countless Christians in Asia and around the world who continue to face persecution for their faith. May the prayers of St. Andrew and the Korean Martyrs rise before Christ’s throne, bringing comfort, strength, and courage to all who call upon His name.

Collect Prayer

O Almighty God, who didst strengthen thy servant St. Andrew Kim Taegǒn to endure persecution and martyrdom for the sake of thy Holy Name; Grant that we, following his example, may boldly confess our faith in Jesus Christ, and remain steadfast in the face of every trial; through the same thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.