Mongols. The story of Alopen became prominent again in the 17th century, when the Xi'an Stele was rediscovered and the Chinese were surprised to find that the "new" religion being preached by the missionaries, had actually been in existence in China more than 1,000 years earlier. See also Adam (monk) References External links Early Christianity in China Samuel Hugh Moffett, "Alopen," Biographical Dictionary of Chinese Christianity. Christian missionaries in China Church of the East in China Year of birth missing Year of death missing 7th-century bishops of the Church of the East History of Christianity in Asia Medieval Christian clergy Middle Eastern diaspora Place of birth unknown