The initiative promoted through the primacy between December 21 and 23. Auxiliary of Baghdad: gesture of “solidarity” with those who suffer, with the idea of “migrants and displaced persons”. From the patriarchy they carry food baskets for the most needy. The new cousin The minister declares Christmas a “public holiday” for all Iraqis. From al-Sistani an appeal for solidarity and coexistence.
Baghdad (AsiaNews) – “From Baghdad to Ukraine, we need to invite to prayer” the entire Chaldean Church in Iraq and in the diaspora “as a sign of solidarity with other peoples who suffer in each and every corner of the earth, for those who have nowhere to live, thinking also of migrants and other displaced persons”, says Archbishop Basil Yaldo, auxiliary of Baghdad and close collaborator of the Chaldean primate Louis Raphael Sako, in conversation with AsiaNews before the 3 days of fasting and prayer convened by the Patriarchate and the local Church in preparation for Christmas.
Meanwhile, new Prime Minister Muhammad al-Sudani has declared the day of celebration of the faith of Jesus a “holiday” for all Iraqis, regardless of their professed faith.
The Chaldean Primate published a message about the Patriarchate’s invitation to the faithful around the world to fast and pray for 3 days (December 21, 22 and 23) for peace in Iraq and the world on Christmas Day.
The Birth of Christ, card. Sako, “is not just a birthday party of a beyond memory” of 2,000 years ago, but it is a proportionate and meaningful occasion even today. Although celebrated “with folklore,” the instance is “awareness and faith” of the “eternal presence. “of God among us”, an “eternal presence of love and mercy” for which “we will have to prepare ourselves with fasts”.
Today, fasting and prayer are a “special” way of being close to the most needy, among whom the cardinal remembers the families forced to leave a reception center in Baghdad. “We will have to fast, concentrate more on prayer, repentance, abstain. “of eating meat and fish, drinking alcohol, and especially vices. “
He denounces “falsehood, anger, envy, pride, greed” to what he opposes the importance of symbolic gestures such as “acts of righteousness, kindness and charity. “The resolution to allocate more than 32,000 euros “to the most needy of the diocese of Baghdad and to Caritas, which supplies 800 baskets of loose food,” is part of it.
“The scenario in Iraq and in the world,” explains the Baghdad aide, “is critical, we want stability with the new government, although small signs of improvement have been observed in recent weeks.
These are concepts that we have been emphasizing in recent days in the assembly with the Prime Minister, waiting for the maximum commitment to the intelligence of a country that has been suffering for 20 years. We have made the decision to pray and fast, with the hope that this new year, 2023, will undoubtedly be one of peace and tranquility for all. “
In response, the head of government trusted that “he intends to do everything possible for the Iraqis, joining the Christians. “And Patriarch Sako, Monsignor Yaldo, “recalled that we will have to be attentive to everyone and that no difference will have to be made. “done, especially when running for other young people to give them a future. “
Finally, the Baghdad auxiliary addressed the displaced Christians, especially those who were housed in the Virgin Mary refugee camp in Zayouna, Baghdad. Former seminary in the capital, at least 15 families are preparing to move. As a patriarchy, we do everything for them. “
Finally, a call has also arrived in recent days for discussion between confessions and prayer for peace from Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, the Shiite authority in the country. Meeting with a senior UN official, the leader devouted under pressure “the importance of multiplying efforts to spread the culture of non-violent coexistence, combat hatred and protect values based on solidarity and attention to reciprocal rights, with respect for other confessions. “
The initiative promoted through the primacy between December 21 and 23. Auxiliary of Baghdad: gesture of “solidarity” with those who suffer, with the idea of “migrants and displaced persons”. From the patriarchy they carry food baskets for the most needy. The new cousin The minister declares Christmas a “public holiday” for all Iraqis. From al-Sistani an appeal for solidarity and coexistence.