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Romania

Located at the crossroads of Central and Southeastern Europe, Romania boasts a rich history of diverse landscapes, from the Carpathian Mountains to the Black Sea coast. Romania has navigated periods of monarchy and dictatorship, and now is a democratic republic.

After the fall of the communist regime in 1989, Christianity in Romania experienced a resurgence and newfound freedom. Although many identify as Romanian Orthodox, the relationship with God is not personal for most and rather a religious tradition.

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Spoken Languages:

Romanian, Hungarian 

Prominent Religions:

Romanian Orthodox

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Population:

19.52 Million

Unreached Population:

67,000

People Groups:

32

Unreached People Groups:

7

Refugee Population:

100,000

The Country of Romania

History of Uganda

Romania was establishment  in 1859 through the principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia, when Alexandru loan Cuza was elected as their common ruler. This unification, initially a personal one, was formalized in 1862 as the United Principalities of Romania, marking a crucial step towards a unified Romanian state. The country then gained full independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1877, solidifying its foundation as a sovereign nation.

Under King Carol I, the country focused on modernization and secretly joined the Triple Alliance. Initially neutral in World War 1, Romania joined the Allies in 1916 to unite the Romanian populated territories in Austria-Hungary, achieving "Greater Romania" after the war. The interwar period was marked by political and social changes, but the rise of extremism and the Great Depression led to instability and authoritarian tendencies under King Carol II.

Facing territorial pressures and the rise of fascism, Romania aligned with Nazi Germany during World War 2, participating in the invasion of the Soviet Union. However, as the war turned, King Michael led a coup in 1944, switching Romania's allegiance to the Allies. Despite this, Romania fell under Soviet influence after the war, setting the stage for the establishment of a communist regime.

The Communist regime in Romania (1947-1989) under the Romanian Communist Party transformed the nation through nationalization, collectivization, and centralized planning, culminating in the oppressive and nationalistic rule of Nicolae Ceaușescu. Heavily Influenced by the Soviet Union initially, Ceaușescu's regime, while exhibiting some foreign policy independence, intensified internal repression and cultivated a pervasive cult of personality, leading to economic hardship and widespread discontent among the populace.

Religion, particularly Christianity, faced significant oppression under the communist ideology of atheism. While the dominant Romanian Orthodox church maintained a public presence, it was heavily controlled and often collaborated with the state in exchange for limited privileges. Enduring sever restrictions, surveillance by the Securitate, and persecution of believers, with many Romanian churches being forcibly dissolved, their properties confiscated. Yet many Romanians continued to practice their faith privately, contributing to the eventual societal yearning for freedom that fueled the 1989 revolution.

The Romanian Revolution of December 1989 marked a violent end to the 42 years of communist rule under Nicolae Ceaușescu. Triggered by protest in Timișoara against the eviction of a Hungarian Reformed Church pastor, the unrest quickly spread  nationwide, fueled by the widespread discontent over economic hardship and political and spiritual repression. The army eventually sided with the protesters, and after a brief but bloody period of street fighting, Ceaușescu and his wife were captured, tried, and executed on Christmas Day, a pivotal moment broadcast on national television that symbolized the collapse of the communist regime.

Although experiencing political instability and social challenges, including a violent intervention by coal miners in Bucharest against anti-government protests, Romania embarked on a path towards democracy and a market economy, adopting a new constitution in 1991 and holding its first free elections. The 1990s saw the gradual development of multi-party politics and privatization of state-owned enterprises, though the transition was often complex and marked by corruption.

The fall of communism brought a sifnigicant resurgence of Christianity in Romania. The Romanian Orthodox Church reclaimed its prominent societal role and experienced a revival in religios practice. The Romanian Greek Catholic Church, banned under the communist regime, was re-established, and other Christian denominations also gained newfound freedom to practice and grow. While religious freedom is constitutionally protected, the Orthodox Church continues to hold a privileged position, and the relationship between church and state remains an important aspect of Romania's post-communist development, influencing social values and national identity to the present day.

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Light In The Darkness

Observe and experience a move of God among the Romanian people where you'll engage in ministry, outreach, and small construction projects to improve local facilities. Attend church services, sharing testimonies, prayers, and encouragement. Walk the Romanian communities and engage with the people bringing hope to those in need.

Are you ready to go?

Experience the beauty of Romania while bringing the hope of Jesus Christ to its people. Your
visit can make an eternal impact as you share the Gospel and serve in love.

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Pray for Romania

  • Pray for wisdom and resources for indigenous missionaries working to share the gospel, establish new churches, and disciple new believers in the truth of Scripture.

  • Pray that the truth would permeate Uganda's churches and people; ask God to raise up lovers of His Word, strong in faith.

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