The reasons for the intensification of persecution of Christians in the modern period and activities The Russian Orthodox Church, aimed at protecting them

Abstract

Beginning from the first centuries of its existence, Christianity was subject to various kinds of oppression passing into open persecution. The Church in its spiritual structure is a God-human organism, which is at the same time inherent in the world of earth and heaven. The enemy of the human race cannot accept the fact that the essence of the Church is not out of this world. Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Gospel gives a direct indication that Christians are going to be persecuted: «If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you» (Jn. 15, 20). «They shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to synagogues and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake...» (Lk. 21, 12). In our modern world, persecution and discrimination against Christians have become systemic. At the same time Christians are the largest community in the world, but despite this fact, it is in the worst condition. The aim of this article is to present in a comprehensive form the facts of discrimination against Christians in the modern world, as well as the actions of the Russian Orthodox Church focused on their protection.