A Russian Orthodox priest, Father Daniil Sysoyev (34), was gunned down by a masked man in his church in southern Moscow on November 20. The assailant entered the St. Thomas Church and asked for the priest. When Father Sysoyev identified himself, he was shot several times. He died on the way to the hospital. Local Christians and officials believe Father Sysoyev's murder was religiously motivated. He had regularly received death threats in recent years for criticizing Islam and evangelizing among Muslims. Father Sysoyev is survived by his wife and three children.
Thank the Lord for the life and witness of Father Sysoyev. Ask the Lord to supply his loved ones with peace and grace as they mourn for him. Pray that Christians in Russia will be encouraged by his faithful example and continue to lovingly and boldly proclaim God's Word (Ephesians 6:18-20).
For more on the trials facing Christians in Russia, go to the Russia Country Report.
Online petition seeks release of retiring Korean missionary from Russian prison. Photo: VOM Korea
Ms. Park Tae-yeon is a recently retired Korean missionary who served in Russia as a children's ministry worker with Child Evangelism Fellowship. At the age of 69, she decided that it was time for her to retire and return to Korea. Reflecting on her 33 years of ministry, the Christian woman described herself as "married to Russia."
A worship meeting outside a closed church. Photo: Council of Churches Baptist via Forum18
In both Russia and areas of Ukraine that are currently occupied by Russian troops, unregistered churches have been experiencing increasing pressures. Officials have forced some congregations to close, while threatening others with penalties if they continue to gather for worship.
In the city of Rostov-on-Don, Pastor Oleg Volkov was recently fined for "unlawful missionary activity" due to his involvement with an unregistered church. Prosecutors have since sought to ban the church itself because its members refuse to undergo state registration.
Courts have issued bans on at least ten congregations belonging to the Council of Churches Baptist denomination. Despite these restrictions, many believers continue to meet, often in private homes. However, a new bill has been introduced by Russia's parliament which would outlaw public worship services and any religious ceremonies in residential buildings. Debate on the bill is scheduled for May 2026. If passed, the legislation would directly affect many congregations. More information on the oppression of Russia's Christians can be accessed here.
Similar actions have occurred in Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine. On January 25th, Russian police and military officers raided worship services in Krasnodon, as well as those of a church located in a nearby village. The officers ordered all men to stand while they recorded the identities of everyone present. One church leader, Pastor Rytikov, was taken to the police station for interrogation, where officials warned that if his congregation continued to refuse registration, police would disrupt every future service.
For many years, official registration has been rejected by groups such as the Council of Churches Baptist due to concerns over governmental control. For further reports addressing the challenges experienced by churches in occupied Ukraine, go to this page.
Continue to pray for followers of Christ in Russia and Russian-occupied Ukraine who are being subjected to intense opposition, asking God to spiritually strengthen them, protect their gatherings, and provide His divine wisdom for every decision they must make.
May the Holy Spirit move mightily within the hearts and minds of Russia's governing leaders, prompting meaningful changes in policies and attitudes towards religious freedom.
Pray for the churches' ongoing outreach efforts, asking that – despite the present challenges – multitudes more will powerfully encounter the truth of the Gospel and, as a result, experience God's saving grace.
Police raid of a Council of Churches Baptist congregation. Photo: Council of Churches Baptist via Forum 18
Courts in Russia have prohibited the activities of several Council of Churches Baptist congregations due to their refusal to register with the state. As a result, at least five church buildings were forcibly closed, and three more are presently under investigation. A court order issued in September 2024 applies to all the congregations of this denomination, which comprise of an estimated 2,500 churches.
This Friday, February 24th, marks one year since the Russian offensive in Ukraine began, a war that has resulted in the death of thousands, the destruction of whole cities and the forced displacement of millions of people. The outbreak was triggered by a major escalation of tensions, which have been simmering since the Russian annexation of the Crimean Peninsula in 2014, and the ongoing struggles with Russian-backed separatists in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine.
