Putin's Russia Forces Last Anglican Church to Close

Michael Ringer

29 Jan 2026 — 2 min read

St Andrew's Anglican Church Closed Moscow

Moscow Anglican Church Forced to Suspend Services Under Russian Pressure

St Andrew's Anglican Church, the only Anglican congregation in Moscow, has suspended all worship services indefinitely as Russia intensifies its crackdown on non-Orthodox Christian communities.

The historic church, which has served English-speaking Christians in Moscow for decades, announced the closure following mounting pressure from Russian authorities. Church leaders cited increasing restrictions on foreign religious organizations and the hostile environment created by the Kremlin's nationalist policies.

Russia's 2016 anti-terrorism law, known as the Yarovaya Law, has been weaponized against Protestant, Catholic, and other non-Orthodox churches throughout the country. The legislation requires religious groups to register all activities and report any missionary work, effectively criminalizing evangelism outside registered church buildings.

Last Anglican Congregation in Moscow Shuts Down Under Putin Regime

St Andrew's served diplomats, expatriates, and Russian Christians seeking fellowship outside the state-controlled Russian Orthodox Church. The closure leaves Moscow's Anglican community without a place to worship openly.

Human rights organizations report that Russia has systematically targeted minority Christian denominations since Putin consolidated power. Jehovah's Witnesses have been banned entirely, with thousands facing prosecution. Baptist, Pentecostal, and evangelical churches face constant surveillance and harassment.

The Kremlin's close alliance with the Russian Orthodox Church has created a de facto state religion, with Patriarch Kirill openly supporting Putin's war in Ukraine and calling it a "holy struggle." Churches that refuse to align with Moscow's political agenda face closure, fines, or worse.

Western church leaders have largely remained silent as Russia eliminates religious freedom one congregation at a time.

THE CRUSADER'S OPINION

Russia claims to defend Christian civilization while crushing actual Christians. This is not about protecting Orthodoxy. This is about controlling worship, eliminating dissent, and ensuring every pulpit serves the state.

The West sold out Christians in Russia for oil and gas. Shame on us all.

TAKE ACTION

Support Persecuted Russian Christians: Voice of the Martyrs (Russia ministry): https://www.persecution.com/countries/russia/ Phone: (918) 337-8015 Email: thevoice@vom.org

Contact Your Representatives: Demand sanctions on Russian religious persecution. Find your representative: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative

Support Religious Freedom Advocacy: International Christian Concern: https://www.persecution.org Phone: (800) 422-5441 Email: icc@persecution.org

Pray and Spread Awareness: Forum 18 (Russia religious freedom news): https://www.forum18.org

Suggested Action: Share this story on social media and tag your elected officials. Ask them directly what they are doing to hold Russia accountable for religious persecution. Putin's regime only responds to international pressure. Make your voice heard.

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