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While we in Hungary prepare for Christmas in peace, millions of our fellow brothers and sisters in other parts of the world dare only to pray in whispers. Many hide their Bibles, while others gather in underground rooms to commemorate the birth of Jesus.
According to the latest World Watch List report for 2025 by the international Christian organization Open Doors, more than 380 million Christians live under high levels of discrimination or direct threat because of their faith.
That is one in seven Christians on Earth.
The numbers are staggering: in the 50 most dangerous countries alone, 310 million believers face extreme or very high levels of persecution. North Korea remains in first place, where practicing Christianity is tantamount to mortal danger – there, the church operates entirely underground. But the situation is not much better in Somalia, Yemen, Libya, or Sudan, where Islamist extremists, authoritarian regimes, or militias make it impossible to profess one’s faith openly.
The situation in Africa is particularly painful: eight of the ten most violent countries are located there. In Nigeria, for example, thousands of Christians have been killed in recent years in attacks by Fulani militias and jihadist groups – and it is precisely during the Christmas season that violent incidents tend to escalate.
Millions are forced to flee and become homeless, while we sit peacefully at our Christmas tables.
The picture is no better in Asia: in Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan, missionaries risk the death penalty, while in India, attacks on Christian communities organized by Hindu nationalists are becoming increasingly common. In Central Asia, for example in Kyrgyzstan, there has been a sharp rise in the list, where authoritarian governments are taking increasingly strict measures against “foreign influence” – including the Christian faith.
At Christmas time, these figures are particularly heartbreaking. Just think about it: while we sing “Angels from Heaven” or “Silent Night,” believers in North Korea, Algeria, or Brunei have to celebrate in secret, if they dare at all.
In many places, even the mere sight of a Christmas tree or a nativity scene can be dangerous. The Open Doors report points out that in many parts of the world, Christians face not only discrimination, but also physical violence, imprisonment, torture, and even death.
Why is this important to us as Hungarian Christians? Because the Body of Christ is one: “If one member suffers, all suffer together” (1 Cor. 12:26).
It is the responsibility of believers living in the free world to pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters, to support aid organizations, and to speak out for religious freedom wherever possible. At Christmas, when the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, it is especially timely to remind ourselves that Jesus himself was a refugee, persecuted, with nowhere to lay his head.
Photo: Facebook/Azbej Tristan
This year, as we decorate our Christmas trees, let us light a candle for those who celebrate in darkness. Let us pray for courage for them and give thanks for our freedom. For the message of Christmas is not only peace, but also hope for those who still live in persecution for Christ’s sake.
Fact
In Hungary, a governmental initiative called Hungary Helps Program was launched in 2017 with the aim of coordinating aid and development activities in developing countries and various crisis areas, regardless of religious and ethnic affiliation. The specific objectives of the Hungary Helps Program is saving persecuted Christian communities and putting them in a position to help other religious groups living with them, thereby improving their social standing. On this basis, several humanitarian and reconstruction aid projects have been implemented to help fellow believers across the globe.
Via vasarnap.hu; Featured image: Facebook Hungary Helps
The post 380 Million Persecuted Christians Celebrate Christmas in Secret appeared first on Hungary Today.
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