In the Russian Orthodox Church, a new annual tradition began on January 11: a special prayer service “for the enlightenment” of women considering abortion. Timed to the commemoration of the Holy Innocents of Bethlehem and approved by the Holy Synod, the service has already been celebrated in several dioceses. Its purpose is not only to prevent abortions but also to support women in difficult circumstances through repentance, pastoral care, and practical assistance.

Concern over demographics was underscored by alarming statistics from Karelia, where more than half of pregnancies in 2024 reportedly ended in abortion. The local diocese called for intensified prayer and active charitable work, stressing both the spiritual and human consequences of the demographic crisis.

In the Simbirsk Metropolis, plans were announced for the first Demographic Forum, bringing together clergy, government officials, medical professionals, and public figures. The forum aims to develop joint approaches to supporting families, motherhood, and childhood, and to promote a positive view of childbearing as a foundation of personal and social well-being.

The theme of life protection also marked developments in the Orthodox Church in America (OCA). January 25, 2026, was proclaimed the Day of the Protection of Life by Metropolitan Tikhon, coinciding with the national March for Life in Washington, D.C. OCA parishes will offer special prayers affirming the value of human life from conception to natural death, and the faithful are invited to participate in worship and a prayer procession to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Meanwhile, tensions escalated between the Armenian government and the Armenian Apostolic Church. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II would “be forced to step down” and reaffirmed plans for state-backed “church renewal.” Against this backdrop, the Catholicos removed Bishop Gevorg Saroyan from leadership of the Masis Diocese, citing abuses and pressure on clergy. Saroyan responded by filing a lawsuit in a state court to challenge the internal church decision—an unprecedented move in modern Armenia.

At the same time, hundreds of clergy in Armenia and the diaspora publicly declared their unwavering loyalty to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and Catholicos Karekin II, emphasizing his role as a symbol of Armenian spiritual unity. A smaller group of clergy expressed support for the government-promoted reform agenda.

In Ukraine, pressure on institutions linked to the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church continued. Lawmakers proposed banning the use of the Russian language in private schools amid inspections of an educational project associated with the UOC’s Holosiiv Monastery in Kyiv and the launch of a pretrial investigation involving the Security Service of Ukraine. In the Cherkasy region, law enforcement actions targeted an Orthodox gymnasium, demanding personal data on students and teachers and installing surveillance cameras near the school entrance.

International concern over the persecution of Christians grew louder this week. The Interreligious Christian Consultative Committee, representing churches across Eurasia, reported increasing pressure on believers and state interference in church life. Ukraine, Armenia, Estonia, and Moldova were singled out for discriminatory legislation, administrative and judicial pressure, and persecution of clergy and laity.

At the same time, the human rights organization Open Doors released its World Watch List 2026, reporting that more than 388 million Christians worldwide live under high or extreme levels of persecution. Nearly 4,900 Christians were killed for their faith over the past year, most of them in Nigeria. North Korea, parts of the Middle East, and sub-Saharan Africa remain the most dangerous regions for Christians.

The situation of Christians was also discussed in the Holy Land during a Christmas meeting between Israel’s president and church leaders. President Isaac Herzog pledged stronger protection for Christian communities and holy sites amid the emigration of young Christian families and reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to freedom of religion. In response, Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem noted rising hostility and expressed hope for peace following a ceasefire in Gaza.

Amid these troubling developments, there were also hopeful signs. Archbishop Stefan of Ohrid and Macedonia reported a growing number of young people attending church in North Macedonia and the diaspora, noting their search for meaning and spiritual support. This trend was echoed in the United Kingdom, where 2025 saw record Bible sales—particularly among young people—pointing to a renewed interest in the Christian faith.