Kirkuk (AsiaNews) - The archbishop of Kirkuk, Mgr. Louis Sako is inviting the faithful of his archdiocese to pray and fast for the successful outcome of the Synod of the Churches of the Middle East to be held in Rome, October 10 to 24. Today and tomorrow all masses in the churches of the archdiocese will be dedicated to the Synod. Instead the fast will be held on October 9, the eve of the event.

In his request, the Archbishop stresses that "the Synod is very important for the Catholic Church in the Middle East and a unique opportunity of communion and solidarity among Christians, so they are not limited to mere survival, but instead become witnesses and a living presence. "

"Let us pray - he continues - that this Synod will bring hope and comfort to all Christians and is a privileged moment of conversion, witness and faithfulness to Christ."

The Christians of the Middle East are an important component in a region plagued by wars, terrorism and political instability of Muslim countries, which in recent years have endangered the very survival of the churches in the Middle East. Born of a request from local bishops, the Synod will analyze issues such as immigration, religious freedom, ecumenism and unity among Christians, as witnesses to the message of Christ in the Islamic and Jewish world.