On the 24th of December, Christmas Eve, Israeli forces targeted the historic Deir Mimas Monastery in Lebanon, a revered site dating back to 1404 A.D. On the 26th of December, an anti-tank missile was fired at Israeli soldiers who were stationed next to a church compound in Iqrit, a Christian Palestinian village in northern Israel. This resulted in the injury of an 80-year-old civilian, caused damage to the Church, and injured several Israeli soldiers. The antitank missiles were reportedly fired from Hezbollah.
• Holy God, churches and other sanctuaries do not only witness to your love, but carry histories, cultures and meanings which surpass our understanding. We pray for all people injured by any aggression against Churches, Mosques, monasteries, and any other sanctuaries. We also lift up the precious lives who are sheltering in the remaining churches and mosques in Gaza. Lord, protect the living and dead stones of this land.
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer