“Martyrdom and Martyrs” Anzac Day in the Church of St Charbel

Bishop Tarabay: “Anzac Day is a clear sign to renounce violence and the language of war”

27/4/2017

Sydney - M. E. TIMES Int'l: Anzac Day has been honoured at a celebratory mass at the Church of St Charbel. The service also commemorated the Martyrdom and Martyrs Year launched by His Beatitude Patriarch Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Raii, and the efforts of soldiers of Lebanese origin who had fought to defend freedoms.  Patron of the Maronite Diocese of Australia Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay presided over the mass and he was assisted by Father Louis Ferkh and the monastery monks.

RtoL: Fr. Tohme, Mr Georges, Bishop Tarabay, Fr. Ferkh,Fr. Moussa and

 Fr. Ghosn

“Martydom and Martyrs” is a phrase bridging churches and homelands. The title was inspired by the Abbot and monks based on the fact the Maronite Church has suffered persecution throughout its history and has created martyrs.

Thus, in martyrdom, our church is united with other churches, because martyrdom is a common heritage in Christianity and a model for living the Gospel and faith in Christ.

Anzac Day is an occasion to renew our Christian commitment to martyrdom and to prepare for the martyrdom of blood. Christian martyrdom is not the pursuit of death, but the persistence of faith in Christ to death.

All this is for the sake of peace winning over war, brotherhood over enmity, and justice over injustice.

LEST WE FORGET

After the end of the mass a commemorative plaque, that embodies the common history, civilization and culture between Australia and Lebanon, was presented under the title of martyrdom.

This plaque will be placed on the school campus as a glorious history for the future generations to raise consciousness and stimulate eternal.

In a speech delivered by His Eminence on the occasion, he praised the Abbot and the monks for their remarkable initiative which reflects the true partnership between Lebanon and Australia.

He also stressed this occasion was a clear sign to renounce violence and war. It is not wars that solve problems. Wars and the culture of murder violate the dignity of human beings, and runs contrary to the message of salvation from the Lord Jesus. The ceremony was also attended by the President of the Maronite League, Mr. Bakhos Georges, his wife and a group of believers.