Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Baghdad (Agenzia Fides) - The Iraqi government has declared the Christian feast of Christmas December 25 a national holiday. This year, Christmas comes only a days after the Muslim feast of the Sacrifice. Although Iraqi Christians will welcome Christmas and its message of hope for a better future they still fear threats and harassment from terrorists and fundamentalists.
Chaldean Catholic Church sources say that since patrols of armed guards have been deployed to man check-points, and provide more security, in Baghdad the situation has improved.
Another encouraging sign was the reopening of two churches in Dora, the Chaldean church of St John the Baptist and the church of Mart Shmoni, which belongs to the Ancient Syrian Church of the East. However Chaldean Catholic Bishop Faraj P. Rahho said that as usual in Mosul, to ensure the safety of the faithful, there will be no evening or midnight celebrations, Christmas liturgies will be held in daylight.
In northern Iraq the situation is still critical. International observers report massive exodus of people due to incessant shelling by Turkish troops. The United Nations High Commission for Refugees has expressed concern and sent urgent humanitarian aid for new settlements of displaced families, many of them Christians. Over the past few days at least 300 families, 1,800 people, living in Erbil who fled to safer areas, said that ten villages had been shelled and that more families were leaving to escape the danger. The families are staying with family or friends. The winter climate makes it even more difficult for the hosting families to provide for the newcomers. Humanitarian organisations have sent emergency kits of non food aid, blankets, mattresses stoves, lanterns, plastic sheeting.
In Iraq at least 2.4 million people are internally displaced and 2.2 million have fled for safety to other countries, mainly Syria and Jordan. Among them many Christians who will celebrate Christmas in insecurity and precariousness. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 21/12/2007 righe 28 parole 298)
