A Russian Orthodox priest, Father Daniil Sysoyev (34), was gunned down by a masked man in his church in southern Moscow on November 20. The assailant entered the St. Thomas Church and asked for the priest. When Father Sysoyev identified himself, he was shot several times. He died on the way to the hospital. Local Christians and officials believe Father Sysoyev's murder was religiously motivated. He had regularly received death threats in recent years for criticizing Islam and evangelizing among Muslims. Father Sysoyev is survived by his wife and three children.

Thank the Lord for the life and witness of Father Sysoyev. Ask the Lord to supply his loved ones with peace and grace as they mourn for him. Pray that Christians in Russia will be encouraged by his faithful example and continue to lovingly and boldly proclaim God's Word (Ephesians 6:18-20).

For more on the trials facing Christians in Russia, go to the Russia Country Report.