Czech Republic

Capital: Prague

Major Language: Czech

Area: 78,866 km2

Population: 10.7 million

HDI Rank: 27 of 189

Major Religion:

Catholic: 1.1 million (10.5%)

Other Religions:

Protestant: 117,700 (1.1%)

Other: 9.5 million (88.4%)

General Information:

Czech Republic, also called Czechia, was a part of Czechoslovakia. Emerging from over 40 years of Soviet Communist rule in 1990, Czechia became a democracy. The "velvet divorce" (a peaceful settlement) led to the separation of Czech Republic and Slovakia in January 1993. Czech Republic is known for its castles, chateaus, and mansions. It’s also known for its Škoda and Tatra autos, Bata footwear, and its world-famous beers - Budweiser and Pilsner. Czechs are among the world’s most avid beer drinkers. Ice hockey and soccer are favorite sports of the country.

Religious Background:

Atheism was the official policy of the Soviet communist government. The role of the church was mainly restricted to religious rites. Although religious freedom was restored in 1989, almost 90 percent of Czechs claim no religious affiliation. A visit by Pope John Paul II in April 1990 celebrated the resurgence of Catholicism, and roughly one-tenth today claim to be Catholics. There are also Eastern Orthodox congregations and various small Protestant churches. Most Czechs, including atheists, celebrate Christian holidays, including Easter and Christmas.

Catholic background:

Christianity was brought to Czech Republic during the 9th century by missionaries from Germany and the Byzantine Empire. By 1415, the Czechs were mostly Hussite, and considered heretical by the Catholic Church. After the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, less than 20% of the population remained Catholic. A forceful re-conversion to Catholicism by the imperial authorities, wiped out Protestantism. The Church is composed of 2 archdioceses, 6 dioceses and 3,139 parishes. Patron saints: Wenceslaus, John of Nepomuk, Procopius of Sázava.

Prayer Points

1. Czechs 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 1.1 million Catholics in Czech Republic.
Instead of pursuing a living faith in Christ, Catholics are steeped into Catholic traditionalism. Pray that God would lead them to a saving and living faith in Christ.
Ask the Holy Spirit to come and revive the dry hearts of all those who have rejected the free gift of salvation through Jesus.
Pray that Catholics will renounce any teaching, belief or tradition that nullifies the Scriptures. Ask God to open the blind eyes of those who are deceived, so that they may know the truth.
Pray for all the Catholics attending the 3,139 parishes to come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Pray for the cardinals, archbishops, bishops, 1,996 priests, 798 brothers and 1,935 sisters.
Pray for the many traditional, cultural or syncretized Catholics. Ask God to reveal the truth of Jesus Christ to them so they can commit their lives to Him.

3. Evangelicals to grow and multiply

Though Evangelical churches enjoy religious freedom, the growth is stifled. There is a need for a determined and aggressive outreach to the unsaved Czechs. Pray that Evangelical churches will stand united in their endeavor to reach the lost. Pray for Evangelicals to be trained to share the gospel effectively.

4. Social evils and issues in the country

Petty crimes like pickpocketing, violent crimes, sexual immorality, substance abuse as well as depression and suicide are common. There is a widespread use of horoscope. Pray for an awakening and for God’s truth to be revealed to the Czechs.

5. Other Religions

The non-religious group is the largest group in Czechia. Islam, Buddhism, Judaism and the Baha’i Faith form a small minority. Czechia is the least evangelized country in Europe. Pray that all would get to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ.