Macedonian in France
Photo Source:
CharlesFred - Flickr
Creative Commons
|
Send Joshua Project a map of this people group.
|
| People Name: | Macedonian |
| Country: | France |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 8,500 |
| World Population: | 1,784,200 |
| Primary Language: | Macedonian |
| Primary Religion: | Christianity |
| Christian Adherents: | 65.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.20 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Slav, Southern |
| Affinity Bloc: | Eurasian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
|
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. Because Macedonians did not have their own statehood during the medieval period, they did not have a developed national identity. They only referred to themselves as Macedonian Christians, and this was how they identified themselves. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, several Macedonian intellectuals living abroad propagated the idea of the unique character of the Macedonians, that is, that the Slavic-speakers of Macedonia compose a separate ethnicity which is different from Serbian, Bulgarian, and Greek.
After the Balkan Wars, following the division of the region of Macedonia amongst the Kingdom of Greece, the Kingdom of Bulgaria, and the Kingdom of Serbia, and after WWI, the idea of belonging to a separate Macedonian nation was further spread among the Macedonians. The suffering during the wars, the endless struggle of the Balkan monarchies for dominance over the population made the Macedonians more and more aware that the creation of an independent Macedonian state and the development of a Macedonian nation would put an end to their suffering. This was not to happen yet. In World War II, Macedonia was occupied by Italian, German, and Bulgarian troops. After WWII, Macedonia was part of Yugoslavia until 1991, when Macedonia proclaimed its independence. From 1991 till today North Macedonia has been walking the road towards integration in the Euro-Atlantic structures.
There is large Macedonian emigration communities in Canada, Australia, Germany, Italy, and the United States. France is home to a small number of them, most of whom have been there for generations. More came after 1991.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Macedonians have excelled in music, literature, art, and sports in France.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The vast majority of the Macedonians are Eastern Orthodox Christians, but there are also some Muslim Macedonians, and some Macedonians who practice Catholicism and Protestantism. They often put faith in a religious institution ahead of faith in Christ.
What Are Their Needs?
Macedonians need to put all their faith in Jesus Christ.
Prayer Points
Pray for the Holy Spirit to revive Macedonian families and churches.
Pray that soon Macedonian Christians will disciple those without faith in Christ.
Pray for the Lord to help them adjust to French society.