Karamles (AsiaNews) – With new ordinations to the priesthood and children receiving their first Holy Communion, the Christian community in Iraq refuses to give in to the systematic persecution it is subjected to. Over the weekend, two significant ceremonies took place in Baghdad and Karamles. In the latter, on 7 July, in the church of Mar Addai, a new Chaldean priest was ordained, Fr Ephram Gallyana, 31 years. The web blog Baghdadhope reported that the Bishop of Mosul, Mgr Faraj P. Rahho, celebrated Mass. The new priest belongs to his diocese but for security reasons, the function was held in Karamles, the same settlement where the funeral of Fr Ragheed Aziz Ganni and of three subdeacons killed with him the previous day in Mosul, was held on 4 June. Fr Ephram placed a cross of yellow roses on the tomb of Fr Ragheed with the inscription, “from your brother, Ephram Gallyana”. And, in a sign of the courage with which young priests are preparing to face the difficult times ahead of them in an Iraq martyred by violence, the new priest pledged to “continue the work of Fr Ragheed”.

Fifty-nine children who received their first Holy Communion in Baghdad yesterday also bore witness to great courage. Dressed like novice monks and sisters, the children went to the Syrian-Catholic Church of Our Lady of Salvation. “I prayed that Jesus returns my father safe,” said 11-year-old Matti. Nine months ago, Matti’s father was kidnapped and he has not been heard from since. “Do not succumb to the threats of the evil-doers,” was the appeal made by the Syrian Catholic Archbishop of the capital, Athanase Matti Matoka. Quoted by the website Ankawa.com, the bishop said: “The children have been meeting here for more than a month despite the danger.” He continued: “Many churches in Baghdad have cancelled their annual first communion ceremonies to avoid possible attacks but we decided to go ahead with our programme.”