Russia

Leader: President Dmitry Medvedev
Population: 28 million (2.6 million Christians)
Main Religion: Christianity (Orthodox)/Islam
Government: Constitutional federation
World Watch Rank: 50

The constitution provides for religious freedom, but only four 'traditional' religions are acknowledged: Eastern Orthodoxy, Islam, Buddhism and Judaism. State officials publicly support the Orthodox Church at the expense of other denominations. In 2010 there were several cases of Christian homes and churches being vandalised. Persecution is more acute in central and southern areas. Converts to Christianity have to practise their faith in small, discreet home groups. During 2010 ten Christians were arrested and three church leaders were killed because they were 'too active' in working among converted Muslims.

Please Pray:

• For the families of the three church leaders killed this year
• For boldness for Christians involved in outreach to Muslims
• For encouragement for Christians in Dagestan, where state authorities and the secret police persecute both Christians and Muslims.