The bishop in Sydney, who was stabbed on Monday inside the church by a young man, shared in a video posted today that he was on the path to recovery and had extended forgiveness to the perpetrator.
“I am doing well, recovering swiftly… there’s no need for concern,” assured Bishop Mari Emmanuel in a video shared on YouTube, marking his first remarks following Monday’s attack.
The bishop was stabbed in the head and chest on Monday night during mass at the Assyrian Orthodox Christ the Good Shepherd Church in the western suburb of Sydney. The 16-year-old perpetrator inflicted injuries upon other worshippers present before authorities apprehended him. He is currently receiving treatment in the same hospital as the bishop.
“I forgive the person who did this and I say ‘you are my son’,” added Mar Mari Emmanuel. “I love you and I will always pray for you. I also forgive the one who sent you to do that,” he added.
In the neighborhood of Wakeley, where the church is situated, resides a significant number of members from the Christian Assyrian community, many of whom sought refuge there after fleeing persecution in Iraq and Syria.
The 53-year-old Bishop Emmanuel, known for his significant presence on TikTok, has garnered attention for his outspoken sermons on topics such as homosexuality, COVID-19 vaccination, Islam, and the election of US President Joe Biden. However, his views have sparked intense criticism and animosity online.
After the attack on Monday, hundreds of believers and members of the Assyrian community rushed to the church. Some individuals resorted to hurling stones and various objects at the police, demanding that the perpetrator be turned over to them. About thirty people were injured in the riots, including police officers.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Karen Webb said today that charges have been filed in connection with the riots against a 19-year-old man who is not a member of the church.
“People simply joined the riots. It’s repulsive,” Webb commented.
Meanwhile, in his message, the bishop asked his flock to remain calm and to respect the law.
Additionally, Jamal Rifi, a Sydney-based doctor who is in touch with the family of the perpetrator, who hails from Lebanese descent, conveyed that they were “shocked” and “unable to comprehend the horrific actions of their son.” The teenager’s mother told Rifi that her son had mental health issues.
Translated by Thanos Chrysanthopoulos
