Russian in Armenia

Introduction / History

Russia is the largest nation in the world by land area. Ethnic Russians make up about four-fifths of the population. The Russian Empire (1721-1917) under the Romanov Dynasty played a major role in world history. The Russian Socialist Republic was the dominant power in the Soviet Union (1922-1991). With the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia has seen its military power and economic strength diminished.

There have been several waves of Russians emigrating to Armenia. The first one was in the late 1700s when many were deported. There was the Russo-Turkish war of 1828-1829 which led to another wave of Russians leaving. Armenia was one of the Soviet Socialist Republics, so Russians entered as clerics and factory managers. More recently there have been Russians fleeing the draft for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Most Russians in Armenia live in the cities of Yerevan and Gyumri.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Many educated young people are choosing to leave Russia for countries like Armenia. Russian war resisters are flooding into neighboring countries like Armenia and changing the cultural climate. Many of them are well-educated techies. They often bring much money, driving up the cost of living.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Over half of the Russian people claim to be Christian. Over one third of Russians say they have no religion or do not believe in a supernatural being.

Russian orthodox believers have much in common with evangelicals. Both believe in the Trinity, the deity and resurrection of Christ and the inspiration of the Bible. Unlike Roman Catholic priests, Russian Orthodox priests can marry and have a family. The Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church is considered the first among equals among the bishops and does not have the power or prestige of the Roman Catholic Pope. Icons or special painted pictures of Jesus, Mary and the saints play a prominent part in worship in Russian Orthodox Churches.

What Are Their Needs?

Christianity is much more than a national religious identity or system of morality. Russians need to experience a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Russians will need to see real faith demonstrated in the lives of Jesus’ followers no matter where they live.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Russians will realize that they need to do more than go to the church and will give their lives completely to Jesus Christ.

Pray for a spiritual revival in the lives of Russian Orthodox priests and bishops leading them to teach Christ, not traditions.

Pray that Russians will read and understand their Bibles.

Pray for disciple making movements to begin among Russians all over the world.

Text Source:   Joshua Project