Christianity in Metzetta

Christian iconography is popular in Metzettan arts.

Christianity in Metzetta is among the nation's minority religions, with most of the population following the national faith of Chulcheo. Less than 2% of the population affirm Christian belief, however most large Christian denominations maintain a presence in the country. While a minority faith, Christianity has been influential on Metzetta's culture, particularly Christian wedding ceremonies. The religion has had a presence in Metzetta since 1604 when 10 Christian intellectuals arrived from Aciria with Fulvio Pisani under the orders of Emperor Ingun.

Etymology

In Metzetta, Christianity is known as Kurisito-gyoui (구리수도 교의) from the Metzettan adaption for the Acirian word for Christ (Cristo) and the Metzi word gyoui meaning doctrine or teaching, literally meaning, "Teachings of Christ."

History

Arrival

After the arrival of Fulvio Pisani in 1601 the Imperial Family was made aware of Christianity's existence for the first time, first through Princess Salma Hing who convinced Jaenan Sungho to bring Pisani before Emperor Ingun. The Emperor requested that Fulvio return with 10 Catholic intellectuals, who landed in 1604. The first Catholic church in Metzetta was constructed in Ankae, where the missionaries landed, and the city continues to be Metzetta's hub for Catholicism. Initially the Christians were held in good esteem, but baptised Metzettans were encouraged to adopt Western habits which led to suspicion that the missionaries were foreign agents sent to subvert the social order, resulting in resistance when the religion attempted to spread out from the port city.

Denominations

Christian denominations in Metzetta

  Catholics (44%)

  Moravians (23%)

  Methodists (13%)

  Orthodox (10%)

  Shakers (6%)

  Other (4%)

Catholic Church

Main article: Catholic Church

Almost half of Metzettan Christians belong to the Catholic church, the oldest denomination in the country. It is particularly prevalent in Ankae, Dengjo, and the south of the mainland in general.

Moravian Church

Main article: Moravian Church

The Moravian Church is the largest denomination that originates in Metzetta, though it never outnumbered Catholicism. This Protestant movement began in Morabigun, Mwolla. Their focus on missionary work allowed them to become the only major Metzettan denomination to have notable success abroad.

Other denominations and cults

Legitimate denominations like Daxia's Church of The East.

?Cult of Saint Beatrice? took the money and ran.

?The Order of Yang The Messiah? was a fringe denomination which attempted to reconcile the massive differences between Chulcheo and Christianity, claiming there were obvious parallels between Dalrae/Byeol and Adam/Eve, Yang-jo and Jesus, etc

Metzi Bibles

Main article: Metzettan Bible

The first Bible published in the Metzi language was completed in 1619, this was an extremely literal version translated from an Acirian Bible rather than from original manuscripts and thus was not a particularly accurate example. However, this was a landmark moment for Christianity in Metzetta and meant the religion could spread much more easily. This version's problems were exacerbated by being written by an Acirian, Vallo Sartini, rather than a native Metzettan. This version became known as the Sartini (살디니) Bible after its author.

Cultural impact

Weddings and Christmas.

See also

Methodism in Kiravia