His Excellency Bishop Andreas Abouna, auxiliary to the Patriarch of the Chaldeans, visited ICIN

On the occasion of his visit to the United Kingdom, His Excellency Bishop Andreas Abouna, auxiliary to the Patriarch of the Chaldeans (Cardinal Emmanuel III Delly), visited ICIN and met the Executive council, whom he knows very well for many years.

He expressed his sadness on the current desperate situation of the Iraqi Christians but assured every one of their strong faith and endurance. As a sign of hope over a thousand university students gathered in St Joseph Church in Baghdad to celebrate the worlds youth day on the 18th of July.

He explained that although many have emigrated to neighbouring countries and are living in desperate conditions, church leaders and some charities are proving help such as food parcels, medical support and ensuring schooling and education for the children.

He welcomed the solidarity Mass that was held by HE Cardinal Murphy O’Conner, Archbishop of Westminster and head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, on the 16th of June 2008, and expressed his deepest thanks to the British public as well as those Iraqi living in the UK. He praised ICIN for their hard work in raising awareness of the plight of Iraq’s Christians and for their support in helping the Iraqi Christians in need during this difficult time.

ICIN reviewed with his Excellency the different ways in which the charity is helping the displaced Iraqi Christians. He welcomed ICIN’s activities and encouraged them in their effort to relieve some of the financial hardships which the Iraqi Christians refugees are suffering from whether within or outside Iraq. He thanked ICIN for their hard work in supporting the Iraqi Christians during these difficult times.

From:ICIN (Iraqi Christians In Need)a U.K. registered Charity (Registration no: 1119427)Contact: Joe Obayda