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Blessed Mother’s words proven true
On 30 December 2005, the Blessed Mother appeared to several members of the House of the Assembly warning that Iraq would be plunged into a war. As always, our Blessed Mother’s words came true. In part of the prophecy, she said, “Expect the first fire in February of 2006.” Early in the morning on 22 February, the al-Askari Mosque was bombed in Samarra, Iraq by terrorists.
Again, the Patriarchate highly encourages brethren to seek shelter and to make sure you have a safe method of obtaining necessary supplies for your survival.
— 24 February 2006
{For the next two years communiques and encouraging letters were sent to members in the area. No member was killed in the civil war that lasted for two years.}
Members in Iraq asked to prepare for long-term violence
The Patriarchate is asking all members in Iraq to prepare for long-term violence and war. Several elders of the House of the Assembly saw an apparition of the Blessed Mother on 30 December, where she gave the initial warning saying: “War is coming to Iraq. Do not waste time. Samarra will burn and people will run back and forth. They will be filled with vengeance and war will continue for two years and several days. Expect the first fire in February of 2006.”
The Patriarchate is encouraging members in the area to stock up on necessary supplies and stay as safe as possible. All religious services should be conducted at the discretion of church elders during this time. Our prayers are with you.
— 31 December 2005
Statement from the Patriarchate condemning suicide bombings in Jordan
The Patriarchate is deeply saddened and appalled by the November 9 suicide bombings that took place in Amman, Jordan. We unequivocally condemn such acts of violence, which result in the loss of innocent lives and inflict untold suffering on the affected communities.
Violence, in all its forms, is never the right answer to any problem or grievance. It goes against the principles of compassion, humanity, and the sanctity of life that are at the core of our beliefs. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families during this difficult time, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to all those affected by this tragedy.
In times like these, it is crucial for all members of society to come together, stand united against extremism and terrorism, and work towards peace, tolerance, and understanding. We call upon the authorities to investigate these heinous acts thoroughly and bring those responsible to justice.
Let us remember that violence only begets more violence, and the path to a better world is one of dialogue, cooperation, and respect for the dignity of every individual. May we find the strength to overcome these challenges together and strive for a more peaceful and harmonious future for all.
— 10 November 2005
Deadly hurricane hits U.S.A.
Our prayers are with those who are suffering due to the recent hurricane that struck the southern states of the United States on 29 August. Hit especially hard was New Orleans.
Sources have indicated that the destruction is widespread and that flooding will continue for several days, or perhaps weeks. It is believed that hundreds of people have already died.
One of the elders with the Patriarchate said, “Economically speaking, the area will probably never recover. After the clean up process begins and the issuing of government grants, corruption is going to soar among local politicians and the money will never go back into the affected areas.”
— 30 August 2005
Tsunami brings death to thousands
We extend our deepest condolences to the nations affected by the devastating destruction. Our hearts ache as we continue to receive reports of the tragic loss of life in the wake of this natural disaster. The initial reports were already heartbreaking, with thousands of lives believed to have been lost in the immediate aftermath of the tsunami. It is with great sorrow that we acknowledge the grim reality that the number of casualties continues to rise as more victims are discovered. Sadly, we also must report on the deaths of at least three clergy members of the Church.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and communities who have been affected by this catastrophe. We stand in solidarity with the nations and people who are grappling with the aftermath of this tragedy. In times of such immense sorrow and loss, it is important that we come together as a global community to provide support, aid, and solace to those in need.
We commend the tireless efforts of the first responders, humanitarian organizations, and all those who are working diligently to provide assistance and relief to the affected regions. The strength and resilience of the human spirit shine brightly in times of adversity, and we are confident that, together, we can rebuild and heal.
May the souls of those who have been lost find eternal peace, and may the survivors find the strength and courage to overcome the challenges they face in the days ahead. Let us remember that in the face of such trials, our unity and compassion as a global family will help us emerge stronger and more resilient than ever before.
— 2 February 2005
Thousands believed to be dead in India
On 26 December 2004, a major tsunami hit coasts on the Indian Ocean causing the deaths of possibly hundreds of thousands of people and causing wide spread damage.
At this time the Patriarchate has not been able to establish contact with Bishop Mar Saul in India.
{Update: The final report on the number of casualties was over 200,000 in more than a dozen countries.}
— 30 December 2004
Patriarchate receives large library
On 12 December, a member of the Church gifted the House of the Assembly with a library of more than 3,000 books in Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek and English. We are very grateful for this special gift.
— 15 December 2004
Israelis killed in Taba
The Patriarchate unequivocally condemns the recent suicide bombings in Taba, which tragically claimed the lives of Israelis who were visiting the area. We wish to express our deepest condolences to the victims’ families and stand in solidarity with the affected communities during this painful time.
This act was cold blooded murder. As an institution committed to promoting peace and harmony we categorically reject and condemn such forms of violence. We fervently believe in the importance of dialogue, understanding, and peaceful resolution of conflicts to ensure a more secure and prosperous future for all.
— 10 October 2004
Antisemitism and Violence
The topic antisemitism and the need for Christians of all denominations to heed the Biblical command to comfort Israel (Isaiah 40:1) is in need of being discussed within all the Patriarchates all the way down to the parish level. We gravely condemn both so-called “Christian” and Muslim violence of any form. We do not believe that there is any difference between an anti-Semitic person calling themselves a “Christian” and a Muslim who terrorizes Israel, the United States or any other country. There is no difference!
Muslim violence is a major threat to world peace in any land and it has to be eliminated by those governments in power to do so. A harsh reality to face is the fact that the Christian church as a whole has not done its part in educating their own people about coming to an understanding of various cultures, other denominations, races, or other religions.
Unfortunately antisemitism is being bred right from the very pulpits that preach that Messiah came to save all peoples. Arrogance, hatred, and any type of unfounded intolerance of other races, minorities or whole nations has absolutely no place in the Body of Messiah and when evidences of such activities or even certain terms and phrases are seen or heard within any denomination or body it absolutely must be removed immediately.
What we are witnessing in Iraq and other areas ravaged by the likes of al-Qaeda and other similar terrorist groups is very similar to what was witnessed in the early 1900’s during the “Great War” where our beloved +Mar Shimun was assassinated senselessly and where our Assyrian Christian brothers and sisters suffered appalling holocausts. Such activities bring back painful memories for our Semitic and Assyrian brothers and sisters in the faith.
I seriously urge all Bishoprics within the canonical territory of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem to set stricter guiding principles on dealing with antisemitism and intolerance of other cultures. Special committees need to be established to combat intolerance, racism, and antisemitism not only from within the Assembly but also in the parish neighborhoods as well. Education and social action can assist in making our society tolerable for all human beings and our actions can serve as a demonstration of our Holy Faith based on the Scriptures.
27 April 2004
Terrorist attacks in Spain
Early reports indicate that more than 150 people have been killed by terrorists in Madrid, Spain. Our prayers are with all those left behind, as well as special prayers for those who passed in this senseless act of violence.
A vigil will be held in their honour at the chapel in Galilee.
— 17 March 2004
