| The Christian of the East: A Martyr in Waiting |
** "We shall not wait for anyone to legitimize our presence in the East; our roots here run deeper than hatred, and our dignity is not a favor granted by anyone."
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The Christian of the East: A Martyr in Waiting
+ Father Makarios Jreis- 24/10/2026
(See translation in Arabic section)
Jordan - Al-Karak: Yes, being a Christian in the East means bearing witness to the faith, but also being a martyr in waiting: branded an unbeliever, killed, slaughtered, displaced and persecuted daily. And each time, we hear phrases such as “We are one people”… “The nation is wounded”… “This does not represent everyone”… “A conspiracy.”
I know very well, and firmly believe, that the criminal does not represent everyone, and that certain parties benefit from his terrorism. But I also believe that this criminal represents a sizeable segment of those who share his outlook and who feed daily on religious texts, speeches and fatwas filled with hatred towards others.
Arab society in general, and Muslim society in particular, urgently need a courageous, critical reassessment of their systems of values, education and religious discourse.
It is not enough to celebrate the phrase “We are all one.” We must ask ourselves: What are we planting in our children’s minds about those who are different? What do they hear at home, at school and on their screens? Are we teaching them that their neighbour’s dignity is inviolable, regardless of religion? After all these centuries, is it not time for words to become action on the ground?
I know in advance that some will read my post and accuse me of racism. To them, I say: I am a Christian of the East. I will not, even for a moment, compromise my faith to please you! We have roots, homes, churches and saints in this East. We have never waited, and will never wait, for you or anyone else to legitimise our presence. Nor do we ask anyone to pity us. All we ask for is full and equal citizenship, clear accountability, and an education that rejects hatred at its roots.
Yes, our Gospel calls us to forgiveness, but forgiveness does not absolve the criminal of accountability. Yes, it calls us to peace, but peace requires truth and justice.
I ask the Lord Jesus to have mercy on the martyrs, heal the wounded, comfort their families, and bless Jordan and the East with peace, justice and tranquillity.
+ Father Makarios Jreis |
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