Christian Leader Arrested in Russia as Law Banning Evangelism Outside of Churches Goes Into Effect
Since the Russian Federation passed new anti-terrorism laws that effectively banned Christian evangelism outside of Russian churches, the first reports of Christian leaders being arrested are starting to come in.
According to the Moscow Times, Sergei Zhuravlyov, who is a representative of the Ukrainian Reformed Orthodox Church of Christ the Savior, was arrested by Russian authorities in August for preaching to the St. Petersburg Messianic Jewish community and was charged with violating illegal missionary activity.
Russian law enforcement officials stated to Interfax news agency that Zhuravlyov is being accused of “fomenting negative attitudes toward the Russian Orthodox Church,” as reported by the Christian Post.
“This new situation resembles the Soviet Union in 1929. At that time confession of faith was permitted only in church,” Hannu Haukka, who is president of Great Commission Media Ministries, said back in July. “Practically speaking, we are back in the same situation. These anti-terrorist laws are some of the most restrictive laws in post-Soviet history.”
“Please pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ in Russia and pass along the information about this webinar to your pastor and any others who may know about missionaries in Russia who could find it useful,” the ACLJ said in a statement.
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