Welcome to this week’s edition of news from the Orient, brought to you in partnership with L’Œuvre d’Orient. Join us as we delve into the latest updates from the Eastern Churches.
Attack on Assyrian Parade in Iraq
This week, tragedy struck during the Akitu 6775 parade in Duhok, Iraq, when a knife attack disrupted the event. Despite the chaos, a symbol of resilience emerged as the flag used to bandage one of the victims continued to wave proudly until the end of the procession. The Akitu festival, dating back to Babylonian times, is a celebration of the Assyro-Chaldean culture, predominantly Christian in modern times.
Ukraine’s Church Stays Vigilant
Following a recent ceasefire agreement in the Black Sea and on energy infrastructure, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Major Archbishop of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, addressed his congregation. Expressing skepticism towards ceasefire agreements, he emphasized the importance of actions over words, condemning ongoing Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. Despite the challenges, he highlighted the formation of a coalition of European countries supporting Ukraine and called for continuous prayers for peace.
Continuation of Lenten Observance
As Lent progresses, Eastern Churches remain steadfast on their spiritual journey. For the Byzantines, the recent feast of St. John Climacus served as a reminder of the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. Meanwhile, Armenian churches commemorated Judge’s Sunday, drawing inspiration from the parable of the unjust judge in Luke’s Gospel. This observance encourages believers to maintain a life of prayer, uphold faith in divine justice, and remain steadfast even in challenging times.
