Belarus

Capital: Minsk

Major Languages: Belarusian, Russian

Area: 207,595 km2

Population: 9.5 million

HDI Rank: 53 of 189

Major Religion:

Orthodox: 4.6 million (48.3%)

Other Religions:

Catholic: 1.4 million (15%)

Protestant: 190,000 (2%)

Other: 3.3 million (35%)

General Information:

Belarus means “White Russia”. In its early history, Belarus was a community of East Slavic. It was once filled with fairytale castles, palaces, and royal residences. It has more than 11,000 lakes, and is called the “Country of Lakes”. The country was a part of the Soviet Union for almost 50 years, and in between occupied by the Nazis from 1941 to 1944. The war on drugs resulted in thousands being sentenced for illicit drug trafficking, yearly. Belarusians are fond of potatoes, and prepare more than 300 dishes from potatoes. Their favorite sport is ice hockey.

Religious Background:

Historically, the Slavic people were pagans until around 1,100 AD. The dominant religion in Belarus is Eastern Orthodoxy. It is the only officially recognized denomination. Any unregistered religious activity can result in heavy fines or even imprisonment. Although reportedly a free country, reading of the Bible in public places is not allowed, with the exception of church buildings. Though religious freedom is limited, Evangelical churches are growing rapidly. About 15% of Belarusians claim to be irreligious (atheists or agnostic).

Catholic background:

Prior to World War I, Catholics were forced to worship in secret, due to the strict enforcing of Eastern Orthodoxy. The first Latin Rite diocese was established in Turaŭ between 1008 and 1013. Catholicism was a traditionally dominant religion of Belarusian nobility (the szlachta). In the 1930s, priests were mainly targeted, and churches were suppressed. The Catholic Church today is influential, but still under indirect attack from the government. The Church is composed of one archdiocese, 3 dioceses and 402 parishes. Patron saint: Cyril of Turov.

Prayer Points

1. Belarusians to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior

Pray that everyone will get an opportunity to hear the gospel and come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

2. Catholics to know Christ

Pray for the salvation of 1.4 million Catholics in Belarus.
Many practice syncretism. Pray that Belarusian Catholics would know the true gospel and come to the saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Pray that the Holy Spirit will open the eyes and soften the hearts of Catholics to know Christ and come to have a saving relationship with Him.
Pray that Catholics would hear the gospel and realize that salvation is merited by Christ alone, apart from human merit or works.
Pray for all the Catholics attending the 402 parishes to come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Pray for the cardinals, archbishops, bishops, 371 priests, 207 brothers and 354 sisters.
Pray for God to bestow spiritual hunger among the Catholics and for God’s word to come to them in a powerful way.

3. Evangelicals to grow and multiply

The numbers of Evangelical Christians are growing. At the same time, persecution is intensifying. Belarus has a serious lack of evangelical ministers. Pray that religious persecution will strengthen the resolve of the local believers. Pray that they will bring the Good News to all the homes in the country.

4. Social evils and issues in the country

Thousands of people are being sentenced for illicit drug trafficking. Pray that innocent lives will be spared from this drug menace and other social crimes. There is a restriction of religious freedom.

5. Other Religions

The Orthodox church is the major and dominant religious group in Belarus. There is a small minority of Jews and Muslims. More than 3 million are non-religious. Pray for the gospel to reach them, and that God will reveal His truth and save them.