Austrian, Bavarian in Greece

Introduction / History

Vienna, the capital of Austria, was the leading city of the Hapsburg Empire and later the Austro-Hungarian Empire. With the defeat of its empire in WWI, Austria emerged as a smaller, separate country. Austria today is a wealthy, industrialized nation. The Bavarian dialect of German is the official language. Austria borders Germany's Free State of Bavaria. Educated Austrians also speak English.
Some Austrians have left their nation and moved to different parts of the world. Following two world wars in the first half of the 20th century, many wanted to live in a more peaceful region. Because of their strong economy, not many Austrians have left in recent decades. Some Austrians have left their country to enhance their careers or because of a job relocation.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Austrians are noted for being on time for everything, work or play, which might set them apart from the ways of Greece. They love a good beer and have their own kind of witty, snarky sense of humor. The Austrians like veal and pork, breaded and fried. Soups and stews with dumplings are also favorite foods. They also include the foods of their adopted country.
Married couples often live near the family of the wife. They usually have a nuclear family.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The majority of the native German speaking Austrians are Roman Catholics. Most Catholics in Austria are nominal, that is, Catholic in name only. They are baptized, married and buried in the church but do not attend mass on a regular basis. Over one quarter of Austrians claims no religion at all. Evangelicals make up only a tiny part of the population.
Roman Catholics and evangelicals have much in common such as believing in the deity of Jesus Christ, the Trinity, and the inspiration of the Bible. Evangelicals disagree with Catholics on the primacy of the Bishop of Rome and the practice of praying to Mary and the saints. Evangelicals believe that salvation comes by faith in Christ alone while many Catholics believe works are essential.

What Are Their Needs?

Austrians must come to know that their material wealth will not bring them joy and fulfillment. Biblical Christianity is a love relationship with God, not a religious tradition or system of morals.

Prayer Points

Pray for Austrians to recognize that the only way to a fulfilled life is through living for Christ.
Pray for Holy Spirit-led revival in the churches of Austria.
Pray for a spiritual hunger among the people of Austria and a desire to read the Bible.
Pray for Austrian disciples to make more disciples in Greece.

Text Source:   Joshua Project