Introduction / History

Many of the earlier Swedes (called Ural Swedes) were brought to Russia as prisoners of war. This was during the Great Northern War in the early 1700s when Russia was extremely powerful. Ethnic Swedes were forced to work in Ukraine, St. Petersburg or Moscow. Others became miner in Siberia. Some became part of the Russian military force protecting Russia from the Kazakhs and Kirghiz.

Other Swedes have come to Russia in recent decades for work. They usually hold professional jobs. Though they are small in number, they are most likely to be found in St. Petersburg or Moscow.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Reserved with strangers, Swedes tend to be a challenge for evangelism. The younger generations are more and more influenced by western globalized culture.

Many Swedes are employed in industrial occupations and office work. Often Swedes are employed in the service industry.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Many Swedes are Lutherans, and most children are baptized as infants. Others are Eastern Orthodox. Most are Atheist or agnostic. A materialistic worldview predominates in the Swedish mindset.

What Are Their Needs?

Many Swedish people suffer from depression.

Prayer Points

Pray Swedes will move beyond a mindset of self-sufficiency and put their trust in God.

Pray for both Swedish and Russian Christ followers to disciple others in the ways of Jesus Christ.

Pray for a spiritual hunger that will make the Swedes in Russia long for a relationship with Christ.

Scripture Prayers for the Swedish in Russia.

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ural_Swedes

https://www.internations.org/russia-expats/swedish