What We Do for Persecuted Christians
Discipleship
The primary focus of the work of the International Christian Consulate is discipleship. We provide a Christian community, in-depth bible studies, discipleship mentoring, pastoral and prayer support, and fellowship for believers both in Greece and further afield. ICC is currently discipling and supporting believers across several countries (including Greece, UK, Germany, Kenya, Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey and Pakistan).
It is a long-term commitment and has a big impact on those we are reaching and supporting. Particularly this is the case for those who are in active persecution situations, who have no other Christian support or connection. For them, this work is a lifeline and we are humbled to see the growth and strengthening of their faith in the midst of unimaginable suffering and persecution.
House of Faith Community Centre
The House of Faith centre is a vital hub for persecuted Christians in Athens, as well as a central point of support for those in the ICC safe house programme. It is open to any persecuted Christians, whether in the safe house programme or not.
"So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith." (Galatians 6:10)
As ICC evolved, the "House of Faith" has become synonymous for the wider ICC community as well as the Athens community meeting space.
The centre is the focal point of genuine community and support for those who arrive with practical needs or who need advice about various bureaucratic processes necessary to rebuild a life in Greece. The centre is particularly popular with those who are hungry for bible teaching. Laundry facilities are also available, as well as a variety of classes, discussion groups, integration support, meals, workshops and meetings.
The prayer meetings, bible classes, and discipleship sessions are also attended remotely by those who are still inside places of persecution, allowing them to become part of a wider Christian community, and gives them a real sense of belonging.
Our beneficiaries have a sense of ownership of the House of Faith, and it is a place where everyone can have a place to feel at home.
The House of Faith is a community in every sense of the word, and a place where 'church' is not just a Sunday service, but rather a way of life. These people who have suffered much for their faith and have so little, are strong in faith and serious about discipleship.
It is a small glimpse of the early church in the book of Acts!
Integration Support
The economic climate in Greece is challenging; however, opportunities exist, and persecuted Christians seeking refuge have much to offer the country. Using the biblical model of welfare, the International Christian Consulate believes it is essential to empower its beneficiaries to help themselves, rather than perpetuating a culture of dependency that relies on handouts.
Beneficiaries are provided with support in registrations for tax, social security and schools, to help families settle into Greek society and be legally able to find work. All Christians supported by the ICC are encouraged to take regular Greek and English classes to help them break the language barrier. Instead of looking back and losing hope, beneficiaries are encouraged to make plans for the future and take steps towards achieving their goals.
Click here for more details
Safe House Programme
One of the ways the International Christian Consulate supports persecuted Middle Eastern Christians in Greece, is to provide safe house accommodation away from the threats and dangers of camps, and for those facing destitution due to persecution. This is not our primary function, but it provides much needed support for some of our beneficiaries who find themselves in a desperate situation with nowhere else to go.
Accommodation is provided through a small network of safe houses in Athens.
Middle Eastern Christians arriving in Greece are minority group who are targeted by persecutors even in European refugee camps. Visit our Research page for more details.
Advocacy and Collaboration
The International Christian Consulate is involved in inter-agency coordination efforts and advocates for the rights and protections of Christians from and in the Middle East and Central Asia. Christianity in these regions is a minority religion, and persecution is widespread and increasing. When Christians flee the region and come into Europe, expecting Article 9 of the Human Rights Convention to be upheld, they are disappointed to find the same persecution in refugee accommodation as that from which they fled in their home country.
The International Christian Consulate speaks on behalf of these Christians in inter-agency meetings; in protection coordination efforts with UNHCR; and in the British and European Parliaments.
For those who remain in places of persecution, ICC, from time to time, collaborates with other organisations and agencies in relocation/resettlement programmes and in extreme cases has helped Christians in danger get into safe houses.