Romania

Population: About 19,96 millions

Religion:
Oppressive persecution was commonplace under Communism. Now, Romania is officially a secular state, but is dominated by the Orthodox Church, which replaced the government as the primary vehicle of religious discrimination. A 2006 law made it much more difficult to register denominations or charities and could be used to limit proselytism. 

Prayer list:

• A legacy of brokenness endures from the days of Ceausescu’s regime, a moral vacuum being filled with every kind of social evil; substance abuse, prostitution, pornography, human trafficking, challenges to child welfare and poverty. Divisions in government reduce its effectiveness; major strides forward are needed in its legal, education and health care systems as well as police and local administrations. Pray for leadership that has the wisdom to chart the right path and the integrity to implement the right policies. 
• Romania is one of the world’s most Christian nations by percentage, yet this is hard to perceive in society. A worldview shaped by atheistic Communism persists. Nominalism, legalism, hypocrisy and slander of other denominations are problems in all confessions, and such antagonism does not glorify Christ nor edify the Church. Folk religious practices and the occult permeate beyond rural superstitions even into the practice of some clergy.Very little practical ministry is being done to address community needs; the Church neglects many poor people. Pray for a breakthrough of love, holiness, discipleship and prayer in all denominations. 
• The Orthodox Church dominates society with 87% of the population affiliated. Cultural pressure to remain Orthodox, however nominal, persists. For many, this affiliation is inherited rather than reflective of a deeply held personal faith. Some Orthodox priests frequently oppose, sometimes violently, evangelical outreach.Yet within this ancient confession there is life and potential for great good. Pray for renewal from within and for the Holy Spirit to awaken those whose faith lies dead or dormant. 
• The Lord’s Army is a remarkable renewal movement within the Orthodox Church with about 300,000 converted affiliates and many more sympathizers. Severely persecuted in the past, it is more accepted today. There are two expressions of one movement – one a branch of Orthodoxy, and the other a more independent movement linked to the Evangelical Alliance. Pray that these believers may act as leaven in the wider Orthodox Church with its large nominal membership. Pray also that the Lord’s Army might inspire and foster similar movements in other Orthodox nations. 
• Many challenges face the Church. Since the fall of Communism, the Church has grown numerically and even matured, but there remains a long way to go. Lack of unity is a major problem among denominations and within congregations.There is almost no cooperative work, concerted prayer or unified public voice. Pray that Christians will stand together as one body in prayer and worship!