Romania

Capital: Bucharest

Major Language: Romanian

Area: 238,397 km2

Population: 19.2 million

HDI Rank: 49 of 189

Major Religion:

Orthodox: 15.5 million (81%)

Other Religions:

Catholic: 1 million (5.1%)

Protestant: 1.2 million (6.2%)

Other: 1.5 million (7.7%)

General Information:

Romania has seen numerous empires come and go, from the Roman and Ottoman to the Austro-Hungarian. The Romanians regard themselves as the descendants of the ancient Romans. After World War II, the country fell under Communist rule, but since then it has developed closer ties with Western Europe. The country is rich in cultural traditions, including the folk arts of dance, music, wood-carving, and embroidery. Romania has produced some of the best female gymnasts in the world, including the famous Nadia Comăneci. Soccer is the most popular sport.

Religious Background:

Romania is one of the world’s most Christian nations by percentage. Atheistic worldview of Communism still persists. Romania is a secular state and has no state religion. The majority of the citizens are Orthodox Christians. Romanians remained devout under communist rule. Orthodoxy, introduced in the late 9th century, is traditionally blended with their own spiritual traditions. Many church members and even clergy mix faith with folk religious practices or the occult. Christmas and New Year are main festivities that are celebrated with folklore dances and games.

Catholic background:

The first Diocese was set up in the 11th century. Catholics in Romania are members of an ethnic Hungarian minority. Large groups of the Hungarian population converted to Calvinism, during the Protestant Reformation. Romanian Catholics are very religious. They are proud that many continue to attend Mass regularly, go on pilgrimage to important local shrines, and celebrate holidays such as “All Souls Day” with their families. The Church is composed of 3 archdioceses, 9 dioceses and 713 parishes. Patron saints: Andrew, Niceta di Remesiana.

Prayer Points

1. Romanians 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 one million Catholics in Romania.
They are very devoted to Mary and most can recite the Rosary by heart. Pray that they would have a personal relationship with Jesus.
Pray that God’s Spirit will create open doors for the gospel to be preached among Catholics.
Pray that Catholics, by faith, will receive the free gift of salvation, and not believe that they can merit it by their works.
Pray for all the Catholics attending the 1,430 parishes to come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Pray for the cardinals, archbishops, bishops, 833 priests, 437 brothers and 1,326 sisters.
Pray for the thousands of Catholics coming to faith in Christ, that they would grow deep in the knowledge of Christ.

3. Evangelicals to grow and multiply

Romania has the fourth-largest growing evangelical population in Europe. There is a growing receptivity to the gospel. Pray that the Evangelical Christians will be effective and courageous in their witness to their countrymen. Pray that believers in Christ will learn to explain the gospel in a simple, biblical way with their neighbors and friends.

4. Social evils and issues in the country

Romania has one of the highest abortion rates in the world. People struggle with substance abuse, prostitution, human trafficking and abuse of children. Corruption and unemployment are widespread. Pray for the spiritual health of the nation.

5. Other Religions

Islam and Judaism have small communities. Paganism and occultism have deep roots. Pray that there will be an openness to hear the word of God and believe in the Lord Jesus. Pray for revival among the nominal Orthodox Christians.