Yesterday, the Fifth of May, was Easter Sunday in the Orthodox Christian Faith. This day commemorates the holiest day in the Christian Calendar and the most significant event in Christian History. (Photo of The Nativity Church, in Bethlehem, under siege, courtesy: INTERNATIONAL FIDES SERVICE; Pontifical Mission Society for the Propagation of the Faith: http://www.fides.org )
Nevertheless, the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, where Christians and Muslims alike believe that Jesus Christ was born, stands besieged.
For nearly 2,000 years and during the rule of Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Persians, Ottomans, British, Palestinians and Israelis, the Church of the Nativity has served as a refuge and sanctuary for fugitives – regardless of their religion.
Once again, the Franciscan friars are attempting to heal the wounded bodies and souls of those who have sought refuge in this sacred place, but no one helps them and no one could visit the birthplace of Jesus Christ, on Easter, for an army surrounds it.
For nearly 2,000 years and during the rule of Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Persians, Ottomans, British, Palestinians and Israelis, the Church of the Nativity has served as a refuge and sanctuary for fugitives – regardless of their religion.
Once again, the Franciscan friars are attempting to heal the wounded bodies and souls of those who have sought refuge in this sacred place, but no one helps them and no one could visit the birthplace of Jesus Christ, on Easter, for an army surrounds it.
The major religions of the Middle East - Islam, Christianity and Judaism - all profess belief in a Just and Merciful God.
It should follow that Jews, Christians and Muslims should be able to put aside their theological differences and find common ground in their aspirations for Justice and Mercy.
"History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people."
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr
Father Labib Kobti, a Catholic priest, continues to remind us, with a cry from his heart.
It should follow that Jews, Christians and Muslims should be able to put aside their theological differences and find common ground in their aspirations for Justice and Mercy.
"History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people."
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr
Father Labib Kobti, a Catholic priest, continues to remind us, with a cry from his heart.