البطريركية الكلدانية بطريركية الكلدان
Website of “Community of Sant’Egidio” – Translated by Father Albert Hisham: Following is the text of His Beatitude Patriarch Mar Louis Raphael I Sako contribution in ‘The Twenty-Seventh International Meeting for Peace’ organized by the community of Sant’Egidio in Rome, entitled “The Courage to Hope: Religions and Cultures in Dialogue”, from 29 September to 1 October 2013, with hundreds of representatives of religions and personalities in the world of culture and politics from more than 60 countries :
Martyrdom is the Charisma of Church of Iraq
For us Christians of Iraq, martyrdom is the charisma of our Church, dating back more than 2000 years. As a minority, we are continually faced with the difficulties and sacrifices, but we are aware that, being a Christian is not an easy choice, being a Christian really means to incorporate in Christ to be His witnesses, and can mean coming to the end, “to martyrdom”. Martyrdom is not an ideology or a purpose as some people think, but it is a choice and a commitment. So martyrdom is a daily reality .
Here in Iraq, we understand that faith is not an ideological or a theological speculation, but a mystical reality. Faith is a personal encounter with Christ who knows us, who loves us, and to whom we give ourselves totally. To believe is to know, love, live and share. You need to go to Jesus always, even to the sacrifice. Martyrdom is the absolute expression of loyalty to that love. On October 31, 2011, Father Wassim, the young priest of the Syriac Catholic Cathedral in Baghdad spoke to the terrorists and shouted: “Kill me and free the faithful”. He knew what he is saying: It is his commitment as a shepherd and as a lover of Christ and of his own parishioners.”
I think that one does not become a Christian by baptism automatically, but becomes a Christian every day. What I have experienced and seen in Iraq has affected me and kept me in wonder and admiration: Someone brought a father his son, an engineer, killed, and instead of complaining he knelt before his son’s tomb shouting to the Lord: “Thank You Lord. You’ve given him to me, and you take him”.
The Christians of the whole world can renew their faith and their commitment through the persecuted Christians in Iraq and elsewhere. Their example helps to find a meaning for life. Our prayers and celebrations are not magical rituals but they are strong and privileged moments that illuminate feast, hope and joy. The Eucharist is not a rite that is performed but it is time of union, sharing, fellowship, encouragement, and sending.
At the same time, friendship, solidarity and the support of our brothers and sisters of the West gives us the courage to resist and stay in our land and in our churches, continuing our Christian presence and witness. From knowing that you exist, helps us to live in peace and in harmony with our Muslim brothers. Do not let us lose our courage and our hope.
In the Book of Revelation, Jesus speaks to the Church of Smyrna, and perhaps the same word is repeated to Christians in trouble like in Iraq and Syria. “Do not be afraid … Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10) and “Be courageous, I have conquered the world” (John 16:33).
Your brothers and sisters, courageous witnesses of their faith and who have suffered various types of persecution need your solidarity, closeness and prayer. Thank God for this gift.
Christians are invited to continue their witness in their current situation and their difficulties and suffering to be a real sign of hope and peace for their brothers. They should develop ways of dialogue and understanding based on human rights and religious values. We encourage the laity to be more involved and active in the cultural, social, and political aspects of their countries and not being afraid to claim their civil rights and equality between citizens.
