The Chaldean Archdiocese of Erbil has launched an important campaign to support the Church in Lebanon during this time of dire need. As violence escalates in southern Lebanon, many people are fleeing their homes, with these displaced individuals seeking refuge in churches throughout Lebanon. In fact, various churches and parishes in Lebanon are hosting over a million people, placing a tremendous burden on the Church's resources.
In response to this crisis, Bishop Bashar Warda called on his community to provide spiritual and humanitarian support to the Church in Lebanon. On Sunday, September 29, the Archdiocese of Erbil held a special Mass, during which prayers were dedicated to peace in Lebanon and the entire region. In addition to prayer, the archdiocese organized a fundraising campaign, with funds to be sent directly to the churches in Lebanon that are providing shelter and assistance to the displaced. These churches are doing their utmost to offer food, clothing, and medical care to those in their care, but their resources are limited, and winter is approaching rapidly. As the cold weather looms and violence continues, the need for additional support is becoming increasingly urgent.
Bishop Warda stated, "The archdiocese understands this crisis; we have gone through similar difficulties ourselves. We know how severe these circumstances are and recognize the importance of standing in solidarity with the victims of violence." He emphasized that while violence and war may seem like a solution, they actually increase suffering and leave more victims in their wake. The Chaldean Archdiocese of Erbil stands alongside its brothers and sisters in Lebanon, who are opening their doors to those fleeing the horrors of war, which statistics show have surpassed over a million displaced persons. Some have chosen church halls and school classrooms as shelters for themselves and their families.
Despite these challenges, Bishop Warda expressed his hope for peace. He called on the world to listen to the messages of peace conveyed by Pope Francis and urged everyone to work towards silencing the drums of war and amplifying the voice of peace. Only through peace can displaced families hope to return to their homes. And only through peace can Lebanon and the surrounding region recover from the effects of war and political conflicts. The bishop emphasized that the region has been severely exhausted by years of fighting, and its resources have been significantly depleted.
The situation in Lebanon is urgent, and the need for assistance is great. The Chaldean Archdiocese of Erbil calls on everyone to show compassion and solidarity. As the war continues and winter approaches, those who have fled violence depend on the generosity and support of others to survive. Through prayer, donations, and calls for peace, we can all contribute to helping these families in their time of dire need.