600 churches worldwide to be red-illuminated in support of persecuted Christians

The Basilica of Sacré-Coeur in Paris illuminated in red as a sign of solidarity with Christians suffering for their faith. Photo: uoc-news

From 15 to 23 November 2025, dozens of countries around the globe are taking part in Red Week, an international initiative organized by the Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) foundation. As part of the campaign, more than 600 churches and public buildings worldwide are being illuminated in red in solidarity with persecuted Christians.

According to ACN, events will take place in Australia, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Mexico, Colombia and several other countries. More than 100 activities are planned in total, including prayer gatherings, marches, school programs, concerts and public presentations.

It is expected that more than 10,000 people will participate in the in-person events, while about half a million will join through online platforms. During Red Week, testimonies of people who have endured religious persecution will be shared.

Organizers emphasize that the red illumination – the color symbolizing martyrdom – is intended to draw attention to the rise of religious persecution. According to ACN’s report, more than 400 million Christians live in countries where freedom of religion is severely restricted.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that in Congo Islamists killed 20 Christians during an attack on a Catholic clinic.

Read also

Prayers offered for victims of shelling in destroyed UOC church, Kryvyi Rih

Metropolitan Ephraim offered prayers for those killed and wounded in the shelling of Kryvyi Rih within the walls of a church destroyed by a missile strike.

Moldova’s Orthodox Church could be stripped of 800 churches – media

A ruling by the Chisinau Court of Appeal creates a mechanism for transferring holy sites away from the Orthodox Church of Moldova in favor of the Bessarabian Metropolis.

His Beatitude leads Liturgy in Feofania on Venerable Bonifatius feast day

The festive service at the Panteleimon Women’s Monastery took place on the day of commemoration of the Feofania ascetic and gathered hierarchs and clergy of the UOC.

MinCulture to hold scientific conference on history of humanities at Lavra

The event, focusing on the development of humanities research, will take place on January 15–16, bringing together scholars and museum professionals.

Luna: Ukrainian officials involved in church seizures to be held accountable

In an exclusive comment to the UOJ, Anna Paulina Luna promised to hold accountable the Ukrainian officials involved in the seizure of UOC churches.

State Film Agency bans Ukrainian film "Prayer for Hetman Mazepa"

The film by renowned director Yuriy Illienko about Mazepa was banned due to the participation of an actor from the Russian Federation.