Faith
How One Greek Church Reaches Thousands by Simply Opening Its Doors
Faith Facts
- The Glyfada Church of Christ in Athens holds nine services weekly in five languages to reach refugees from around the world
- Greece serves as Europe’s gateway for hundreds of thousands of refugees annually from Africa, the Middle East, and war-torn nations
- Ministers focus on rapid discipleship, knowing many refugees will relocate within months, preparing them to join churches across Europe
ATHENS, GREECE — Jesus commanded His followers to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). But in this ancient European capital with deep biblical roots, the nations are coming to them — often as refugees fleeing persecution and war.
Known as a bridge to Europe, Greece has become the most accessible entry point for refugees from Africa and the Middle East. Hundreds of thousands of people of different nationalities pass through the country each year, presenting Churches of Christ with an unprecedented opportunity to share the Gospel with people from closed nations.
The Glyfada Church of Christ adapted to this influx by offering nine services during the week in five languages: Greek, Russian, English, Farsi and Albanian. While some refugees stay in Athens for years, others remain only for months, forcing ministers and missionaries to completely rethink their approach to evangelism and discipleship.
“You’re going to think about, ‘I have this short time so I need to be prepared,'” said Ebrahim Fatahi, a member who helps lead the Farsi and Greek services.
“How to approach them, how to bring them to the church, how to teach them enough that they can understand what is the plan of salvation, to be saved. Then when they leave, to tell them it’s important to be part of the church and then find them a church in other parts of Europe.”
Fatahi himself arrived in Greece in 2017 through Samos Island as a refugee from Iran. Through worshiping and now ministering at the Glyfada congregation, he has witnessed firsthand the dramatic shifts in refugee populations. When Fatahi started worshiping with the church, anywhere from 80 to 150 people attended the Farsi-speaking service.
Attendance — and the general population of Farsi-speaking refugees in Athens — decreased in 2019 partially because many refugees from the 2015 European migrant crisis received papers to move to other countries. Today, Fatahi said, the average attendance at the Farsi service is between 30 and 40 members.
When refugees who become Christians leave for other countries, it is a bittersweet experience for the preachers at Glyfada. They do not witness firsthand the continued growth of new believers, but they do hear reports about what those Christians are accomplishing when they settle in other nations.
“It’s a joy, and it’s sad, and sometimes it’s strange,” Fatahi said.
Overcoming Challenges and Change
Missionaries Keith and Tricia Young, who worship at the Glyfada congregation, learned to adapt to the flow of refugees through Athens when they arrived in October 2021. The couple expected to work exclusively with Farsi-speaking refugees, but when they arrived, there were large numbers of Ukrainian refugees because of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The Youngs adapted and began working with the Ukrainian refugees at the church. They later connected with nonprofit Hellenic Ministries and began serving Farsi-speaking refugees in the community.
“We never dreamed that we’d be working with the Ukrainian outreach and the Farsi,” Tricia said.
“The Ukrainian outreach has taken off so much with so many people being baptized and starting to learn more about Jesus.”
The couple attends the Greek, Russian/Ukrainian and Farsi-speaking worship services but acknowledged it has been difficult for all the small groups to feel like one unified congregation. However, Young said that since the COVID-19 pandemic, leaders have encouraged interaction between the ethnic groups, and there is more crossover now. The smallest group at Glyfada is actually the Greek population, but Young said this gives the church more opportunities to evangelize.
“It gives the ministers here other audiences that might be more receptive,” Young said.
“The refugee population has been the most receptive, especially the Iranian population. They were unhappy with what they had at home and they’re looking for something better.”
Tricia Young, who teaches the children’s class during the Farsi service, said some of the children were especially receptive to the Bible lessons because they could personally relate to the stories of displacement and seeking refuge.
“It was traumatic for them when we talked about Jesus. This is the story they know, having to travel, going to Egypt to be in a safe place. They knew that story. It was their story, too.”
The Ebb and Flow of Refugees
The refugees with whom Fatahi and the Youngs work represent a fraction of the hundreds of thousands of people seeking refuge in Greece. According to the International Rescue Committee, there are 214,000 refugees and 20,000 asylum-seekers in the country this year.
Major world events directly influence the number of refugees — and the countries from which they primarily come. Fatahi first witnessed the effects of the 2015 European migrant crisis, when over 821,000 refugees arrived in Europe through Greece.
A few years later, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Athens Institute for Education and Research President Gregory T. Papanikos said the government implemented strict border controls, temporarily reducing the flow of refugees and migrants. Next, the Ukrainian refugee population in Greece increased dramatically with the escalation of the Russia-Ukraine war. Papanikos wrote in an October 2022 paper that the Greek government welcomed large numbers of Ukrainian refugees — about 32,600 arrived from January to May 2022 alone.
However, that meant the number of refugees accepted from other countries decreased proportionally. One of the most recent world conflicts that could affect refugees in Greece is the war between Iran and joint U.S.-Israeli forces. However, data from the Ministry of Migration in Asylum does not indicate a significant increase in Iranian refugees yet.
“To my knowledge, there is no clear evidence of (Iranian outmigration because of the war) or at least no official record,” Papanikos said.
“Current reports from international organizations suggest that, despite significant internal displacement within Iran, there has not been a major cross-border exodus so far.”
Leonid Ivanov, Hellenic Ministries’ director of compassion ministry, has served with the nonprofit since 2017 and also observed the flow of refugees through working in the community. Ivanov, who came to Athens as a refugee from eastern Ukraine, said he remembered the years when refugees in Athens were primarily Farsi-speaking, and the nonprofit served over 500 meals daily. Then, he said, the majority were African refugees, and today, there are many Ukrainian refugees.
“The most rewarding (thing) about ministering to the refugee community is to see the transformation in the lives of refugees. Of course, I mean first the spiritual transformation. … It’s great to see how Muslims become Christian. It’s good to see how people can integrate into society, into Athens.”
Whether refugees choose to stay in Greece, like Fatahi, or if they only remain for a few months, the ministers at Glyfada serve however they can — by helping with housing accommodations, food distribution and, most importantly, sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
“Here, they find fellowship,” Glyfada minister Dino Roussos said.
“It’s not just salvation for eternity, which is the most important, but while we’re on this earth, we need to have good fellowship and a good place. This is a refuge for those who are hurting and trying to find the truth.”
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Faith Facts
- A rare glacial flood has killed or left missing approximately 6,000 people across Nepal and China, highlighting the unpredictability of life and the urgent need for spiritual preparedness.
- The sudden tragedy serves as a biblical reminder of Christ’s teaching about the necessity of watchfulness and readiness for His return, as life can change in an instant.
- Christians are called to respond with both prayer and action, supporting relief efforts while recognizing natural disasters as opportunities to reflect on eternal priorities.
A devastating glacial flood has swept across regions of Nepal and China, claiming the lives of or leaving missing approximately 6,000 people in what experts are calling an exceptionally rare natural disaster. The sudden nature of the catastrophe has left communities reeling and families searching for loved ones.
The tragedy unfolded with little warning, as massive volumes of water were released from glacial formations, cascading through valleys and villages with destructive force. Entire communities were caught off guard by the rapidly advancing floodwaters.
For Christians observing this heartbreaking event from afar, the disaster carries profound spiritual lessons rooted in Scripture. The suddenness of this tragedy echoes Christ’s own warnings about the unpredictability of life and the certainty of eternity.
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus repeatedly emphasized the importance of spiritual readiness. He taught that no one knows the day or hour of His return, and that life’s circumstances can change without warning. This glacial flood demonstrates that truth in the starkest terms.
The Bible consistently calls believers to live with an eternal perspective rather than becoming consumed by temporary earthly concerns. When thousands can be swept away in a single day by forces beyond human control, the fragility of our earthly existence becomes undeniable.
James 4:14 poses the question: “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” This ancient wisdom takes on fresh urgency when confronted with the reality of 6,000 souls whose earthly journeys ended or were dramatically altered in moments.
Christian response to such disasters should be twofold: practical compassion and spiritual reflection. Believers are called to support relief efforts through prayer, financial giving, and when possible, direct assistance to those affected by this catastrophe.
Yet the tragedy also serves as a divine reminder to examine our own lives. Are we living with eternity in view? Have we made peace with God through faith in Jesus Christ? Are we sharing the Gospel with those around us who may face their own sudden end?
The biblical account of Noah’s flood stands as perhaps the most dramatic historical parallel, when God judged the earth through water while preserving those who trusted in His provision. While natural disasters today are not necessarily direct judgments, they do remind us that God remains sovereign over creation and that this fallen world groans under the weight of sin.
For the families directly affected in Nepal and China, this is a time of unimaginable grief and hardship. Christian believers worldwide should lift these regions in prayer, asking God to comfort the mourning, provide for the displaced, and open hearts to the eternal hope found only in Christ.
Natural disasters also demonstrate the limitations of human power and planning. Advanced technology and modern infrastructure provide no guarantee of safety when nature’s forces are unleashed. This reality should humble us and direct our ultimate trust toward the One who controls the winds and the waves.
The sudden nature of this glacial flood also challenges American Christians to consider whether we are storing up treasures in heaven or on earth. Material possessions, career achievements, and earthly status can vanish in an instant, but a life built on faith in Christ has eternal significance.
As we process this tragedy, we must resist the temptation toward either callous indifference or paralyzing fear. Instead, biblical faith calls us to sober watchfulness combined with confident hope in God’s ultimate goodness and justice.
The deaths and displacement of 6,000 people serve as a stark reminder that this world is not our final home. Christians are called to be pilgrims passing through, with our citizenship ultimately in heaven and our hope anchored in the resurrection promise of Jesus Christ.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Faith Facts
- The U.S. Congress officially endorsed Robert Aitken’s Bible in 1782, recommending it to the American people during a time when Bibles were scarce due to the Revolutionary War.
- The Catholic Church formally condemned Blaise Pascal’s influential “Provincial Letters” for their defense of Jansenism and criticism of Jesuit casuistry.
- Pioneer missionary Samuel Marsden survived a shipwreck while traveling to establish Christian ministry among indigenous peoples.
This week marks the anniversary of several pivotal moments in Christian history that shaped the faith across continents and centuries. From congressional action in early America to theological controversies in Europe, these events reveal the enduring impact of Christian thought and witness.
In 1782, the Continental Congress took the remarkable step of endorsing a Bible published by Philadelphia printer Robert Aitken. This endorsement came during the Revolutionary War, when British blockades made imported Bibles scarce in the American colonies.
Congress recommended Aitken’s English Bible “to the inhabitants of the United States,” marking one of the few times in American history that the federal government officially endorsed a religious text. The action reflected the Christian character of the founding era and the practical needs of a nation seeking spiritual resources during wartime.
The Aitken Bible stands as a testament to the integral role of Christian faith in early American life. Today, original copies of this congressionally endorsed Bible are valuable collector’s items that remind Americans of their nation’s spiritual heritage.
In a separate event, the Catholic Church moved to condemn the “Provincial Letters” written by French mathematician and theologian Blaise Pascal. These influential letters, written in defense of Jansenism, critiqued certain Jesuit teachings on grace and moral theology.
Pascal’s sharp wit and compelling prose made the letters widely read across Europe. However, church authorities viewed them as theologically problematic, particularly regarding questions of divine grace, human will, and moral decision-making.
The condemnation highlighted ongoing tensions within Catholic theology during the 17th century. Despite official censure, Pascal’s writings continued to influence Christian thought and remain studied today for their literary merit and theological insight.
Additionally, this week marks the anniversary of missionary Samuel Marsden’s shipwreck. Marsden, known as the “Apostle of New Zealand,” survived the harrowing experience while traveling to bring the Gospel to indigenous peoples in the Pacific.
His perseverance through such trials exemplified the commitment of early missionaries who risked everything to spread Christian faith. Marsden would go on to establish significant ministry work that laid foundations for Christianity in New Zealand.
These historical moments remind contemporary believers of the sacrifices, controversies, and governmental recognition that have marked Christianity’s journey through the centuries. From congressional chambers to storm-tossed seas, the faith has endured through both official endorsement and official opposition.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Faith Facts
- The European Parliament hosted a conference focused exclusively on the future of Christian communities in Syria
- Church leaders, EU policymakers, and Syrian representatives gathered to address the plight of persecuted believers in the war-torn nation
- The conference represents a rare institutional acknowledgment of the targeted persecution Christians face in the Middle East
In a significant move that recognizes the dire situation facing believers in the Middle East, the European Parliament convened a special conference dedicated to the future of Christians in Syria. The gathering brought together an important coalition of voices committed to protecting religious freedom in one of the world’s most dangerous regions for people of faith.
The conference united church leaders, European Union policymakers, and Syrian representatives under one roof. This collaboration signals a growing awareness among Western institutions that Christian communities in Syria face existential threats that demand immediate attention and coordinated response.
For years, Christians in Syria have endured unspeakable persecution, displacement, and violence as civil war and Islamic extremism have ravaged their ancient homeland. These communities, some of the oldest Christian populations in the world, have seen their numbers decimated through targeted attacks, forced conversions, and mass exodus.
The European Parliament’s decision to host this conference represents more than symbolic support. It demonstrates a concrete commitment to engaging with the crisis facing Syrian Christians and exploring pathways to ensure their survival and flourishing in the land where Christianity first took root and spread.
The participation of Syrian representatives adds crucial on-the-ground perspective to discussions that often occur far removed from the realities facing believers in conflict zones. Their voices provide testimony to both the suffering endured and the resilience of faith communities determined to maintain their witness despite extraordinary hardship.
This conference comes at a critical juncture when the international community must decide whether it will stand with persecuted Christians or allow these historic communities to vanish from the lands they have inhabited since the time of the apostles. The outcome of such discussions will shape not only the future of Syrian Christians but also send a message about Western commitment to religious freedom worldwide.
American Christians should pay close attention to these developments and support efforts to protect our brothers and sisters in Christ who face persecution simply for bearing the name of Jesus. Their struggle is our struggle, and their faithfulness under fire should inspire us to boldly stand for our own values here at home.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
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