“Russia, may you be blessed so that all the ends of the earth will fear him!”
May God bless us still, so that all the ends of the earth will fear him.(Psalm 67:7,NIV)
》 Country Profile
Continent | Central Asia
Population | 142.02 million
Area | 17,098,242㎢(172 times that of Korea) The world’s largest country in eastern Europe and central and northern Asia.
Capital City | Moscow (12.64 million)
People Groups | Total 185 Groups, Russians 81%, Tatars 3.7%, Ukrainians 1.4%, others 7.2%
People Groups Unreached | 116 (12% of the population)
Offical Language(s) | Russian
Total Languages | 129
Bible translations | Compeleted 56, New Testament 25, Partial 24
Religion | Christianity 57.6% (Protestant 1%, Orthodox 54%), Non-religious 30.4%, Islam 10%, Ethnic religions 1.7% Evangelicals 1.5% (2.13 million)
》 About Russia 3
The largest administrative division in Russia is the federal district. Currently, Russia is divided into eight federal districts, which play a key role in the administrative framework of the country. Though not officially specified in the Russian Constitution as formal administrative units, these districts are crucial for maintaining centralized control.
Each federal district is overseen by a Presidential Plenipotentiary Representative, appointed by the President of Russia. These representatives monitor the activities of regional authorities, report local developments and conditions to the President, and ensure the implementation of federal policies. This system aims to enhance political stability in the regions and support effective governance.
The federal districts were established in 2000, excluding the North Caucasus Federal District, which was added later. This restructuring was part of broader efforts to improve administrative efficiency. In 2014, the Crimean Federal District was created following Russia’s annexation of Crimea. However, it was absorbed into the Southern Federal District in 2016 to promote integration and policy coordination. This administrative framework reflects Russia’s approach to strengthening control and managing its vast and diverse territories effectively.
》 Scripture Focus
| Psalm 67:1-7(NIV) 1 May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us 2 so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations. 3 May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you. 4 May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples with equity and guide the nations of the earth. 5 May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you. 6 The land yields its harvest; God, our God, blesses us. 7 May God bless us still, so that all the ends of the earth will fear him. |
》 Prayer Points by region
< Southern Federal District – North Caucasus >
Population | Adygea 440,000, Dagestan 2.91 million, Ingushetia 430,000, Kabardino-Balkar 860,000, Karachay-Cherkessia 480,000, North Ossetia 710,000, Chechnya 1.27 million
Languages | Russian, Adyghe, Kabardian, Balkar, Chechen, etc.
Religion | Islam
Evangelization rate | 0.0025%
1. This region, historically known as a boundary between the East and West, is a focal point of Christian-Muslim tensions, comprising seven Islamic autonomous republics. Despite political and military conflicts, and the stark contrast between Christianity and Islam, approximately 170 ethnic groups coexist here. The region serves as a key gateway for the influx of Islam, with a growing Muslim population fueled by Central Asian migration. Pray that Muslims, often bound by legalistic religious traditions, recognize God’s righteous judgment and seek His grace with spiritual thirst. May this region transform into a hub for the gospel, where all nations gather to praise the Lord.
< Northwestern Federal District >
Population | Karelia 640,000, Komi 900,000, Kalmyk 290,000, Crimea 2.41 million, Kaliningrad 940,000
Languages | Russian, Kalmyk, Komi
Religion | Orthodox, Christianity, Buddhism, Islam
Evangelization rate | Protestant 0.7%
1. Kalmykia is predominantly Buddhist, with very few Christians. Crimea, annexed by Russia from Ukraine, has seen the expulsion of missionaries and struggles among church leaders to sustain ministry. Kaliningrad, formerly German territory before World War II, has Christians practicing their faith discreetly. Religious laws aimed at curbing Islamic influence have also restricted Protestant evangelism, prohibiting street preaching and outreach to children. Pray for God’s grace over these regions plagued by authoritarianism and addiction. May the Church boldly rise amidst Christian-Muslim conflicts, overcoming persecution with sacrificial love, becoming witnesses of the cross and resurrection.
< Volga Federal District >
Population | Chuvash 1.25 million, Tatarstan 3.79 million, Bashkortostan 4.07 million
Languages | Russian, Tatar, Bishkir, Chuvash
Religion | Islam, Orthodox, Protestant
Evangelization rate | Protestant 1%
1. The Turkic Tatar and Bashkir peoples, concentrated in these regions along the Volga River, form the largest ethnic groups after the Russians. Strong Sunni Islamic identities have fueled efforts to expand their religious and cultural influence since the Soviet Union’s collapse. The number of mosques has surged from fewer than 20 in 1990 to over 1,000 by 2010. While evangelical churches exist in major cities, they are predominantly Russian, emphasizing the need for focused outreach to these ethnic groups. Pray that the gospel of the cross reaches these communities, overcoming historical wounds of conquest and forced conversions to Orthodoxy. May they become a people who revere God and offer Him praise. Pray also for the Church to flourish and bear fruit, becoming a channel of salvation for the region.
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