Dear Brother Archons and Friends of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate,
The Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate note with grave concern the recent statement of Msgr. Ettore Balestrero, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, regarding the staggering scope of the persecution of Christians around the world.
“Nearly 400 million Christians worldwide,” said Msgr. Balestrero, “face persecution or violence, making them the most persecuted religious community in the world.” He added that in 2025, “nearly 5,000 were killed because of their faith,” which amounts to a shocking rate of 13 Christians dying for their faith in our Lord Jesus Christ every day.
The organization Open Doors, which monitors the persecution of Christians, bears out the words of Msgr. Balestrero, stating that “the number of Christians exposed to persecution and at risk of suffering violence worldwide rose by 8 million people compared to last year—reaching a record 388 million.”
Cristian Nani, Director of Open Doors, said as the organization’s World Watch List 2026 on persecution was published: “Unfortunately, this is once again a record year. Of these 388 million, 201 million are women or girls; while 110 million are minors under the age of 15.”
The Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate again calls upon all international bodies and human rights organization to make the persecution of Christians a primary focus of concern, and to bring all possible pressure upon the states that are chiefly responsible for this persecution in order to alleviate the plight of their suffering Christian populations.
Protection of religious freedom is a primary mission of every Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and I ask all Archons and people of good will to join me in continuing prayer for our sisters and brothers in the faith who are suffering today for their devotion to our common Lord.
Yours in the service of the Ecumenical Patriarchate,
Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis
Archon Grand Aktouarios
National Commander
