Reactions of Evangelicals in Russia and Eurasia

Reactions of Evangelicals in Russia and Eurasia

In open letters to Putin, the Russian Evangelical Alliance and the Baptists in Eurasia have appealed to President of the Russian Federation Wladimir Putin to stop the war and consider peacemaking initiaves. The Russian Pentecostals call for prayer and fasting against the war from 27 February to 31 March.

   

The Russian Evangelical Alliance calls on Putin to consider peacemaking initiative

Appeal of the Russian Evangelical Alliance to President Vladimir Putin

(23 February 2022)

   

The Russian Evangelical Alliance (REA) Warmly and heartily supports the appeal of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations to the President of the Russian Federation V.V. Putin.

 

I consider this appeal very important and timely, as we all have only one chance to come to peace and settle the conflict situation, not to let it develop into open military confrontation.

 

The spiritual leaders of Ukraine, who informally but truly represent their people, addressed President Vladimir Putin with a stunning letter filled with wisdom, faith and an understanding of their historical responsibility to their people.

 

I fully support this initiative of the religious leaders of Ukraine, who, contrary to all the ambitions of politicians and the military, seek peace and harmony between our Slavic peoples.

 

In my turn, I appeal to the President of the Russian Federation V.V. Putin to consider and support this peacemaking initiative.

 

All evangelical Christians pray every day and ask the Almighty to give everyone wisdom, to preserve the fragile peace and not to plunge our countries into fratricidal conflict.

 

Vitaly Vlasenko, General Secretary of the Russian Evangelical Alliance

   

(original source: https://www.protestant.ru/news/church/ofchrist/article/1640245)

                   

A statement signed by over 400 Evangelicals in Russia

(3 March 2022)

“Sometimes I will say about a nation and a kingdom that I will destroy it; but if this people turn from their evil deeds, I will put off the evil that I thought to do to them” (Jeremiah 18: 7-8).

 

Dear fellow citizens of Russia,

 

Our army is conducting full-scale military operations in another country, dropping bombs and rockets on the cities of our neighbouring Ukraine. As believers, we assess what is happening as the grave sin of fratricide – the sin of Cain, who raised his hand against his brother Abel.

 

No political interests or goals can justify the death of innocent people. Old men, women, children are dying. Soldiers on both sides are dying, cities and infrastructure are being destroyed. Shells and bombs destroy not only military targets, but hospitals, civilian buildings and residential buildings. Many people have become refugees, the war zones are on the verge of a humanitarian catastrophe.

 

In addition to bloodshed, the invasion of sovereign Ukraine encroaches on the freedom of the self-determination of its citizens. Hatred is being sown between our peoples, which will create an abyss of alienation and enmity for generations to come. The war is destroying not only Ukraine, but also Russia – its people, its economy, its morality, its future.

 

The Scriptures call us to “keep our hands from evil and seek the ways of peace” and warn that “the one who sows evil will reap it”. If we really want to rely on spiritual values, it is extremely important now to listen to the words of Jesus Christ: “Put your sword back in its place, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.” It is also said: “Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed speedily, the heart of the children of man is fully set to do evil.” But God’s judgment is impartial and inevitable.

 

Today the moment has come when each of us must call things out for what they really are. While we still have a chance to avoid punishment from above and prevent the collapse of our country. We need to repent for what we have done, first before God and then before the people of Ukraine. We must give up lies and hatred. We call on the authorities of our country to stop this senseless bloodshed!

 

(original source: MIRT.ru ; soon after this statement was published it was removed from the webiste)

         

The Baptists in Eurasia send Putin a letter asking to stop the war.

Appeal to the President of the Russian Federation – Vladimir Putin

(24 February 2022)

   

“Stand in your ways and look, and ask about the ancient ways, where is the good way, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Jeremiah 6:16)

 

Mr. President!

 

Our letter is caused by deep agitation and concern about the fate of the people of many countries, which may be affected by the devastating consequences of the military conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

 

We propose that you stop and sit down at the negotiating table in order to find a peaceful solution to the global confrontation that has been created and has become especially aggravated in recent days.

 

As the head of a world power, may the Lord give you the wisdom to find a peaceful solution and bring happiness, prosperity and real protection to many people in Russia, Ukraine and other countries.

 

In prayer for you:

 

from the Euro-Asian Federation of Unions of Evangelical Christian Baptists

 

President of the Union of Churches of Russia Peter Mitskevich

President of the Union of Churches of Ukraine Valeriy Antonyuk

President of the Union of Churches of Belarus Leonid Mikhovich

President of the Union of Churches of Moldova Nikolay Vozyan

President of the Union of Churches of Azerbaijan Ilya Zenchenko

President of the Union of Churches of Armenia Gagik Tarverdyan

President of the Union of Churches of Georgia Gia Kandelaki

President of the Union of Churches of Kazakhstan Sergey Kandaurov

President of the Union of Churches of Kyrgyzstan Petr Schmidt

President of the Union of Churches of Tajikistan Vladimir Chernyshkov

President of the Union of Churches of Turkmenistan Vasily Korobov

President of the Union of Churches of Uzbekistan Oleg Sherstyukov

 

(original source: https://baptist.org.ru/en/news/view/article/1640651)

         

Russian Pentecostals call for prayer and fasting against the war

RCCEF leadership address to all churches

(26 February 2022)

 

Dear brothers and sisters, peace to your hearts! The events of recent days in Russia and Ukraine have shown how quickly things can change and how fragile the world we live in can be. Many processes are so intertwined, affecting the destinies of brotherly peoples, that it inevitably resonates with pain in our hearts.

 

Jesus Christ affirms that “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks”, so let us lift our hearts and voices in prayer to the God of peace, mercy and order, crying out according to His will, expecting His answers.

 

We call all believers of the Russian Church of Evangelical Faith Christians/Pentecostals to prayer and fasting. God is looking for those who would stand “in the gap for the land”.

 

From February 27 to March 31, 2022, we declare a fasting and prayer marathon.

 

Let us pray and fast: 1. That those on whom peace depends may see the ways to establish it and bring peace to the nations. Let us remember that the hearts of kings and rulers are in His hand (Proverbs 21:1). 2. For the churches to sacrificially serve the afflicted. 3. For a deeper understanding what it is “to be light and salt”.

 

“My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek.” (Psalm 27:8)

 

With prayers,

 

Head Bishop Eduard Grabovenko and members of the Board

The Russian Church of Christians of Evangelical Faith/Pentecostals

 

 

(original source: https://russianpentecostal.org/news/administration/4929-the-leadership-of-the-russian-church-of-christians-of-evangelical-faith-of-the-pentecostals-urged-to-pray-for-peace)

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