Posted on 05/09/2016 6:22:16 AM PDT by marshmallow
New Haven, Conn., May 7, 2016 / 05:44 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- The future of Christianity in the Middle East remains uncertain, and it is critical that the international community remain engaged, said a Melkite Catholic archbishop from Syria.
Archbishop Jean-Clément Jeanbart of Aleppo delivered these comments during a two-day visit to Connecticut that culminated with meetings at the international headquarters of the Knights of Columbus in New Haven.
The visit began Sunday night with a talk by the archbishop at St. Mary’s Church, where he recounted Syria’s deep Christian history, including as the place where St. Paul was transformed from being a major persecutor of the Christians to becoming one of the Church’s first great missionaries.
“Even from the beginning, these Christians – then called Nazarenes – remained faithful to Christ,” said Jeanbart, who urged his listeners to feel united with “my people,” by sharing the ancient faith that comes from his part of the world, and recalling this unity in the Eucharist.
Speaking to an audience of nearly 400 at the historic New Haven church, the archbishop recalled that persecution has also long been a part of Syrian Catholic history. But now the wealthy city of Aleppo has been left in in “very bad shape,” as a result of genocide and civil war.
“Pray that the Lord may give us a civic state like yours,” said Archbishop Jeanbart. “We need to be like America… free to be Christian, free to be Muslim, free to choose [our faith].”
The archbishop voiced particular thanks to the Knights of Columbus. The Catholic fraternal group has raised $10.5 million to provide housing, food, medical aid, education and general relief for persecuted Christians and other religious minorities through its Christians at Risk website.
(Excerpt) Read more at catholicnewsagency.com ...
Just put all Middle East christians in Mr. Trump’ ‘safe zone’ and call it Lebanon. It was once 80% christian. Now it’s 20%.
Thanks for posting this.
Amen!
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