Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate express concern over rising global persecution of Christians

The Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate have voiced deep concern over the escalating persecution of Christians worldwide, citing recent remarks by Msgr. Ettore Balestrero, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, who highlighted the alarming scale of violence and discrimination faced by Christians across the globe.

In a statement issued by Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, Archon Grand Aktouarios and National Commander of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, reference was made to Msgr. Balestrero’s warning that nearly 400 million Christians worldwide are subjected to persecution or violence, making Christianity the most persecuted religious community in the world.

According to the statement, almost 5,000 Christians were killed because of their faith in 2025 alone—an average of 13 deaths every day. The Archons noted that these figures are corroborated by Open Doors, an organization that monitors religious persecution around the world.

Open Doors reported that the number of Christians exposed to persecution and at risk of violence increased by eight million over the past year, reaching a record 388 million people worldwide.

The organization’s Director,…