H.G. Mar Emmanuel: Church is Body of Support for Persecuted Christians

His Grace Mar Emmanuel Yosip, Bishop of Canada, has reinforced the Church’s efforts towards persecuted Christians around the world, during an episcopal visit to the city of Edmonton in Alberta, Canada.

His Grace offered faithful the Holy Eucharist at the local parish on Sunday 9 January, which was followed by an inspirational sermon to those present.

Outlining the financial, political and daily disadvantages of Christians living in the homeland, His Grace was met with reactions of support and comfort from the Church’s faithful.

However, His Grace mentioned and stressed that a boost in faith and hope is the most important medicine and comfort our brothers and sisters in the homeland need.

During His Grace’s visit to the state of Alberta, a formal interview was conducted by local Salim Elijah, regarding the Church’s stance on current attacks against Christians living in the Middle East.

Questions included: “Is the Church the backbone of the Christian body of all ethnic groups, especially those with residency in Iraq?” and “What is the Church’s view on the activities of terrorism taking place in Iraq?”

His Grace answered accordingly, and stated that the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East and its people are the indigenous of Iraq, which is both historically and factually true.

The Church has been the longest acting body of support for our people in need throughout the ages, both financially and spiritually, said His Grace, who pointed to the continuous work of the Assyrian Church of the East Relief Organisation (ACERO).

His Grace, in answering the proposed questions, stated that terrorism against Christians in the Middle East has been active and a constant burden for centuries. Patriarchs along with other prelates and clergy and thousands of faithfuls have given themselves up as martyrs for their faith and homeland.

Additionally, His Grace reminded that the Church is not a physical force, making physical support and protection of persecuted faithful difficult for the Church to provide.

The Church’s duty is to offer spiritual help, a sense of love and compassion, feeling of hope and faith.