BAGHDAD – An altar boy eagerly rings a bell to celebrate Christmas at the conclusion of mass held at the St. John’s Chaldean Church in Doura. After receiving the sacrament, the congregation’s children were treated to a visit by Santa Claus. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Kirk Luedeke, 4IBCT, 1ID)
Words cannot express how I spent my Christmas today, so I will let these photos from today’s Multi-National Divison-Baghdad press release speak for me.
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Take a good, long look at these people- they are not hiding in the shadows. They are not living in abject fear. They have come to celebrate our Lord’s birth and are doing so in broad daylight, 300+ of them in the ruins of a former symbol of terrorist domination in one case, a proud and dedicated congregation coming forth to resume their lives and religion in the other.
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The new construction to rebuild the St. George Church begins next month, and services at St. John’s are now regularly scheduled each week.
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Merry Christmas to you all, and may these images not only serve to remind you of God’s grace, but put a perfect touch on your respective celebrations. Just being there did wonders for me, and was the greatest gift I could ever receive during this time away from my family.
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Kirk
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BAGHDAD – Two young Christian girls pray during Christmas Morning mass at the St. George’s East Assyrian Church in Doura, Dec. 25. The church was heavily damaged by two vehicle borne explosive devices in Aug. 2004 but three years later, more than 300 worshippers filled the sanctuary to celebrate the holiday. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Kirk Luedeke, 4IBCT, 1ID)
.BAGHDAD – Local Muslim tribal leaders attend Christmas Morning mass at the St. George’s East Assyrian Church in Doura, Dec. 25. Since the security situation in south Baghdad has dramatically improved, Muslim leaders and citizens have reached out to their Christian neighbors, urging them to return and help rebuild their churches and lives. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Kirk Luedeke, 4IBCT, 1ID)..BAGHDAD – A Christian woman from receives Communion from Chaldean Catholic Auxiliary Bishop Shlemon Warduni during Christmas Morning mass at the St. John’s Church in Doura. The Church opened its doors again Nov. 15 after closing them in May due to the Al Qaeda and extremist threat in southern Baghdad. Chaldean Christians in the area have attended services regularly since then. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Kirk Luedeke, 4IBCT, 1ID).
