On the Violence against Christians in Iraq and Egypt
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Christ is in our midst!
With great sorrow we greet the news that Christians in both Iraq and Egypt have been targeted by Muslim extremists resulting in the creation of many new martyrs.
We will remember them in prayer during our services and Divine Liturgies from now through Great Lent and at Holy Pascha.
We pray that these events will increase the solidarity of all Christians and awaken the peace-loving spirit of all human beings to stand up and speak out against extremism and violence against all people.
We pray that the human rights of Christians around the world will become a concern of our government and the world community.
We pray that the human rights of all people will be respected both in our country and everywhere.
We pray that God will soften the hearts of religious extremists of all faiths and bring them to repentance.
Mostly we pray for the families and friends of the New Martyrs and rise to stand in solidarity with them. May the memory of the departed be eternal!
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Antony