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The Lords of the Ecumenical Patriarchate call for international bodies to make the persecution of Christians their primary concerntranslated

July 7, 2026 · 1 min read

The Lords of the Ecumenical Patriarchate express their strong concern for the systematic persecutions that Christians suffer worldwide. The occasion is the recent statement of Ettore Balestrero, Permanent Observer of the Holy See at the United Nations, regarding the rapid extent of the persecution of Christians throughout the world. "Nearly 400 million Christians worldwide," Balestrero said, "face persecution or violence, making them the most persecuted religious community in the world." He added that in 2025, "almost 5,000 will be killed because of their faith", which corresponds to a shocking rate of 13 Christians dying for their faith in our Lord Jesus Christ every day.

The organization Open Doors, which monitors the persecution of Christians, confirms Balestrero's words, stating that "the number of Christians exposed to persecution and at risk of violence worldwide increased by 8 million people compared to last year, reaching a record 388 million."

Christian Nani, Director of Open Doors, said at the release of the organization's Global Watch List for 2026 on the…

Source: Orthodoxia News Agency · Read the full story →

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George Collins

These numbers are staggering — 13 Christians killed every single day for their faith. The Open Doors report jumping another 8 million this year makes it impossible to ignore. We should be praying for these brothers and sisters and pressing our own government to speak up about it at the UN.

Величка Тодорова

These figures are simply shocking - 13 people a day killed because of their faith. I read about Open Doors and their list, good at least someone is counting and talking. Hopefully we can also pray for them from here, not just read.

Ivana Savić

And these 13 a day is terrible. Just like Balestrero says, every day someone loses their life for Christ and we hardly hear about it here. It's good that Open Doors is counting and that the patriarchy has spoken out, at least to hear something.

David Scott

Those numbers from Open Doors hit hard — another 8 million people facing persecution this year, and 13 killed every day. Good that the Archons are pushing international bodies to treat it as a priority instead of just another report. I'll remember them at liturgy this Sunday.

Екатерина Зайцева

These numbers, 13 people a day and almost 400 million at risk, really make you think. It’s good that the Archons of the Patriarchate of Constantinople raised their voices, and Open Doors counts every year. I will remember them at the proskomedia on Sunday, just as David writes.

Constantin Marin

These figures of 13 Christians killed every day and 8 million more than last year make you stop and wonder what we can do here in Cluj. Good thing that the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate asked for it to be a priority for international bodies, not just a report on paper. I will remember them at proscomidie this Sunday, with you.

Росица Стефанова

Yes, Velichka, those 13 per day is a terrible bill. And I look at the Open Doors list every year, especially for the Middle East and Africa. I will add them to my prayers tonight as well after I read the evening rule.

Григорий Голубев

Yes, these 13 people a day - as they write in Open Doors - are no longer just numbers, but every day a new martyr. It is good that the Archons of the Patriarchate of Constantinople directly demand that international bodies make this a priority, and not just a report on a shelf. I will remember them at the proskomedia, like Catherine and David.

Florin Stoica

Yes, I was also struck by these numbers - 13 Christians killed every day, that's almost 5000 a year. Good thing that the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate asked to be a priority to international bodies, not just a forgotten report. I will also mention them at the proscomidie this Sunday.

Laura Baker

Those numbers are sobering, especially the 13 a day. I keep thinking about the families left behind in places like Nigeria or North Korea. Will add them to my prayer list this Sunday too.

Ilie Constantinescu

Yes, Florin, I was also marked by those 13 a day - it's like I see how so many names are gathered in proscomidy. Good thing the Archons asked for clear priority, not just words. I will mention it on Sunday, along with yours.

Марина Комарова

Yes, these numbers are scary, especially when you realize that there are real people behind them. I, too, at the proskomedia, will remember all the persecuted Christians, and on Sunday after the service I will definitely light a candle for them at the icon of the Great Martyr George. Can you tell me which article David wrote this in?

Екатерина Попова

Yes, the numbers are really scary, especially when we are talking about 13 killed every day. I also remember the persecuted at the proskomedia, and I often light a candle at Nikolai Ugodnik - he helps many in troubles. As for David’s article, unfortunately, I don’t remember which issue of “Orthodox Messenger” it was in, maybe one of us can tell you?

Софья Смирнова

Yes, Marina, 13 people a day is like an entire village disappears every day. I also remember it at the Proskomedia, and often light a candle at the icon of the Great Martyr Panteleimon, he is a healer, and maybe he helps the persecuted to survive. And about David’s article, maybe in the “Bulletin” last March?