The Luminous Stele was erected in 781 ce as a monument to document the arrival of Christian faith in China in 635 and its growth over 150 years. A replica of the stele was bequeathed to 海角精品黑料 over 100 years ago to mark 海角精品黑料鈥檚 first centenary. The event celebrated the restoration and relocation of the 海角精品黑料鈥檚 stele and the contribution of members of the Montreal Chinese community to this project. It included presentations by Professor Rongdao Lai, Professor Armando Salvatore, and Professor Daniel Cere on the significance of the unique monument, as well as a performance of the Lion Dance.
The Jingjiao (鈥榣uminous teaching鈥�) Stele, also commonly known as the Xian NestorianStele, is a Tang limestone monument erected in 781. Its texts in Chinese and Syriac (side panels) document the arrival of Christian monks from Syria in China in 635 and the hospitality offered by the Emperor Taizong. It narrates the growth of Christianity in China during the 7th and 8th centuries. It also sheds light on the uniquely Chinese perspectives that shaped Jingjiao Christianity. A translation of the texts of the stele by Dr. L. Eccles and Prof Samuel Lieu (Macquarie University, Australia) can be found at: Xian Nestorian Monument.
The stele was buried in the 9th century during an imperial campaign of anti-Buddhist persecution that also targeted Christians. In the 1620s it was unearthed and is now located in the Stele Forest in Xi鈥檃n. Its discovery sparked academic discussion and debate that began shortly after its discovery and continues to this day.
A documentary was produced by LiMing Studio, a professional videographer from the Montreal Chinese community. The documentary is in Chinese/English with Chinese/English subtitles. It includes interviews with School of Religious Studies faculty members as well as Jason Tang, the professional craftsman who conducted its restoration and relocation. The video is at this link:
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