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2024-02-29

• Priest Fatally Tortured; Others Facing Deportation

  

  Members of the Russian occupation forces seized Father Stepan Podolchak on February 13th. The Christian leader had been serving as the abbot of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine in Kalanchak, a village located within the Russian-occupied Kherson Region. Taking him away with a bag over his head, the soldiers insisted that he go with them for questioning. Two days later, Father Stepan's battered body was found on the village street. Some reports state that he had also suffered a bullet wound to the head. 

• Militants Kill At Least 15 Worshippers

  

  At least 15 worshippers were killed when gunmen attacked a Catholic church in the village of Essakane, Burkina Faso, on February 25th. The assailants are believed to be Islamic militants who have been causing havoc throughout the country and surrounding nations. 

• Family Attacked for Refusing to Renounce Christianity

  

  Ayatu Ram Podiyami, a believer who lives in Gufanpal, Chhattisgarh, came to faith in Christ alongside his family in 2020. On February 6th, an opposing group of about 20 people from the village approached the Christian man and asked him if he would convert back to Hinduism. After Ayatu refused to renounce his Christian faith, a larger mob began to gather outside his house, further pressuring him to return to the Hindu religion. Fearing for his safety, the harassed believer fled into the jungle.