Japanese-born American actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa has been baptized into the Christian Orthodox faith.
Tagawa, best-known for his role as the villain “Shang Tsung” in the film “Mortal Kombat”, has often been cast in the role of a samurai in Hollywood productions.
The sacrament was performed by Russian Orthodox Bishop Hilarion, the Metropolitan of Volokolamsk, at the Moscow Cathedral Joy of All Who Sorrow, with the actor taking the baptismal name Panteleymon.
In statements afterwards, Panteleymon Tagawa noted that his decision to become an Orthodox Christian was not an easy one, given the number of religious conflicts still plaguing the world today.
“For me, personally, the opportunity to become a Christian Orthodox … is a sign from God. It does not matter what the ordeals are, I accept them, as a genuine Japanese warrior,” he said when asked about his conversion.