The Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) survived Communism, and remained a major symbol of Russian identity. It sees itself as the preserver of a great Christian civilization handed down from Rome and Byzantium. It endured terrible persecution (along with other Christian groups) between 1920 and 1990 when up to 200,000 Christian leaders died as martyrs. Tragically, it was also an instrument of war when its Patriarch – a former KGB agent and a long-time Putin ally – attempted to politically and theologically justify the invasion of Ukraine. Pray that repentance will come to the ROC, and that God would cleanse it of any corruption and heresy that has taken root. Pray that the ROC will make peace with other Christian groups, and will stop any activity to suppress or harm them.
- Pray for what renewal movements exist within Russian Orthodoxy. Russian Orthodoxy is culturally strong, but spiritually weak in the lives of most of its followers.