Days Of Christian Prosecution: A Call For Prayer and Action, Specially For Catholics
By Ian_delapenaToday the Christian church faces prosecution, again. When Christianity started growing in its early years they were heavily prosecuted by the Roman Emperors until the time of Constantine, the first Christian emperor of Rome ordered that Christians should be tolerated.
In these early days after the Apostles of Christ on Pentecost received the Gift of Tongues (where they were able to speak in different languages), went out and spread the good news of Christs establishing churches (a group of believers) most of which still exist today. These churches that the other Apostles founded (ex. Paul, Andrew, Peter, John) went as far east and north from Jerusalem in places such as Africa, Lebanon and yes Iraq and Syria, where the ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) are prosecuting Christians right now.
Special Call For Catholics
Why am I calling specially to Catholics. Christianity in Syria and Iraq dates back to the days of the Apostles and these churches that continues to exist such as the Chaldean Catholic Church (planted by the Apostle St. Thomas) in Iraq and the Syriac Catholic Church (planted by St. Peter the Apostle). These churches may celebrate the Mass in different ways (Maronite, Eastern Catholic Rite or Liturgy of St. James the Apostle) but they are our brothers that are in communion with the Bishop of Rome, The Pope.
I call that we pray for them who do not forsake their Christian faith even on the shadows of death. I ask our Christian brothers to pray for your fellow Christians that are prosecuted in these countries.
Let Us Pray
Lord God, in the mighty Name of your only begotten Son, Jesus, we pray for our brothers and sisters in the prosecuted land of Syria and Iraq. Protect them from the dangers and prosecution from professing their faith in You.
Amen.