Russian in Belgium

People Name:	Russian
Country:	Belgium
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	63,000
World Population:	135,992,300
Primary Language:	Russian
Primary Religion:	Christianity
Christian Adherents:	70.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.30 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Slav, Eastern
Affinity Bloc:	Eurasian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Russia is the largest nation in the world by land area. Ethnic Russians make up about four-fifths of the population. The Russian Empire (1721-1917) under the Romanov Dynasty played a major role in world history. The Russian Socialist Republic was the dominant power in the Soviet Union (1922-1991).

There were ethnic Russians settled in Belgium by the 1800s. Many of these Russians were either businessmen or students. The number of Russians increased when White Russian military personnel escaped after the communist revolution. More came after the USSR fell in 1991.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Russians tend to be reserved in public but more friendly in private. Births among Russians are low, and the abortion rate is high. The Russian population will decrease over the next few decades according to current statistics. Many couples have no children or one child.

Russian businesses are well entrenched in Belgium. The Belgians are concerned about the loss of jobs in their country if the EU blacklists a Russian national who owns a steel mill in their country.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Over half of the Russian people claim to be Christian. Over one third of Russians say they have no religion or do not believe in a supernatural being.

Russian orthodox believers have much in common with evangelicals. Both believe in the Trinity, the deity and resurrection of Christ and the inspiration of the Bible. Unlike Roman Catholic priests, Russian Orthodox priests can marry and have a family. The Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church is considered the first among equals among the bishops and does not have the power or prestige of the Roman Catholic Pope. Icons or special painted pictures of Jesus, Mary and the saints play a prominent part in worship in Russian Orthodox Churches. Many Christian resources are available in Russian including a complete Bible, radio programs and the JESUS Film.

What Are Their Needs?

Christianity is much more than a national religious identity or system of morality. Russians need to experience a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Russians will need to see real faith demonstrated in the lives of Jesus’ followers no matter where they live.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Russians will realize that they need to do more than go to the church and will give their lives completely to Jesus Christ.

Pray for a spiritual revival in the lives of Russian Orthodox priests and bishops leading them to teach Christ, not traditions.

Pray that Russians will read and understand their Bibles.

Pray for disciple making movements to begin among Russians all over the world.