Georgia

Challenges for Prayer

Inter-ethnic conflicts of the past decade within the autonomous regions have displaced nearly a quarter of a million people from home and village. Many now live in camps or makeshift accommodation in and around the capital, Tbilisi. Humanitarian needs are great, with adequate food, water, heat in winter and medical supplies in high demand. Unemployment for these people is very high, and emotional and spiritual needs are vast. Pray for the effective witness of various church and agency personnel working among these struggling families; pray for provision of physical needs.

The Georgian Orthodox Church’s history stretches back to AD 150; it can be regarded as the world’s second-oldest Christian nation. Communist repression, infiltration and subversion brought both martyrdom and compromise. Since Communism’s collapse and Georgian independence, many have returned to the Church of their ancestors. Some minority groups converted as well. For most Georgians, this is mostly an expression of nationalism and cultural identity, not a living spiritual faith. Pray for access to the Word of God, and that through it many may find the Truth of the gospel. Pray also for renewal among Orthodox clergy; some small beginnings of this are occurring.

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