Patriarchs call for Lenten fast in support of Middle East Christians
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
"Pray and fast that we may remain in our beloved homeland."
NEW YORK—In two separate appeals, the heads
of both the Chaldean and Melkite Churches have called on Christians worldwide
to observe a fast on Ash Wednesday and to begin their Lenten journey mindful of
the plight of persecuted fellow believers in the Middle East.
From Baghdad, Chaldean Patriarch Louis Raphael Sako I wrote:
“The war in Iraq and Syria taking on apocalyptic dimensions.
Without a doubt, we are already facing th largest humanitarian catastrophe
since the end of World War II. Once-thriving cities such as Mosul and the
villages on the Nineveh plains have been reduced to rubble. Those who could
flee, did. Millions of children in refugee camps are waiting for their daily
bread, but they thirst for a future; they want schools and a home. They want to
return to their homelands, as do their parents and relatives. Aid organizations
are tirelessly caring for the refugees. They are buying basic foodstuffs, clothing,
drinking water, blankets and medicine.
“We are all very thankful for this help. However, what is
most needed is mercy. For this reason I would like to ask you at the beginning
of this Lenten period: pray and fast for peace in our country! Pray and fast that
God has mercy on us! Pray and fast that we may remain in our homelands; that
the refugees may return to their villages and cities. Pray and fast that we may
remain in our beloved homeland. So that we may also experience a resurrection from
the rubble, an Easter in the land of Abraham.”
Based in Damascus, Melkite Patriarch Gregorios III Laham
wrote:
“I would like to extend a heartfelt invitation to you to
join us in a day of fasting and prayer, during which we intend to pray
together, beseeching God to grant to our country the peace so long desired at
last. Day after day our faith is put to the test. We witness the suffering of
the children, the agony of their parents; we are surrounded by hatred and
death. We desire only to be able to live one more in peace in our beloved
homeland.
“We believe firmly that the way of the Cross is necessary in
order to reach the glory of the Resurrection. Nonetheless, even the Lord Himself
had comforters and helpers on His way to Golgotha—Simeon of Cyrene helped Him
to carry the Cross, St. Veronica wiped His face with the sudarium. His most holy Mother and the Apostle John stood beneath
the Cross as He stretched out His arms in death. Thus we too may likewise count
on the consolation and support of our brothers and sisters, and so we ask you
to continue to stay close to us.
“Please fast and pray with us! It is impossible that the
Lord will not hear the united prayers and sacrifices of His children. Thank you
for everything you have done.”
The Ash Wednesday 2016
messages from the Patriarchs were obtained by international Catholic charity
Aid to the Church in Need.
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