Macedonian in Austria

Introduction / History

The Macedonians are a southern Slavic people and speak the Macedonian language which is a part of the South Slavic group of languages. The modern Macedonians developed as a result of the mixing of the Slavs that came to the Balkans in the 6th AD century, with local peoples that were living in North Macedonia prior to their coming. By absorbing the people living in North Macedonia, the Slavs also absorbed their culture, and in that amalgamation, a people was gradually formed with predominantly Slavic ethnic elements, speaking a Slavic language and with a Slavic-Byzantine culture.

In 581 AD, on the territory of Macedonia, the Slavs created their own country-like formation called the Macedonian Sclavinia, which waged several wars against the Byzantine Empire. In 686 AD, the last Macedonian Sclavinia was occupied by the Byzantium and the Bulgarians. In mid 8th century, the Macedonian Slavs under Byzantine rule were baptized and accepted Christianity, and the Macedonians under Bulgarian rule became Christians in 9th century. The Macedonians have a great role in the creation of Slavic writing.

After being nearly 50 years a federal republic in Yugoslavia, on 8 September 1991, Macedonia proclaimed its independence. From 1991 till today North Macedonia has been walking the road towards integration in the Euro-Atlantic structures.

The majority of the Macedonians live in North Macedonia, but there are substantial Macedonian minorities in neighboring countries. There are also large Macedonian emigration communities in Canada, Australia, Germany, Italy and the United States.

A small number are also in Austria. Most of these came to Austria after communism fell in Yugoslavia, and they were desperate for work. Their numbers in Austria are increasing.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Macedonians often take common jobs in Austria.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The vast majority of the Macedonians are East-Orthodox Christians, but there are also some Muslim Macedonians and some Macedonians that practice Catholicism and Protestantism.

What Are Their Needs?

Macedonians in Austria need to take their spiritual lives seriously. Though most are Christian, they don t allow Jesus to affect their lives like they should.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to show himself powerful and loving to the Macedonians in Austria.
Pray for the younger generation of Macedonians to find Jesus and spread his fame in Austria.
Pray for a spiritual revival in Orthodox churches in Macedonia and Austria.
Pray that soon Macedonian disciples will be making more disciples.

Text Source:   Joshua Project