Australia: Bishop injured in knife attack during Mass

Bishop Mari Emmanual

A bishop and several parishioners were injured in a knife attack during a church service in Sydney today (Monday)

Syrian Orthodox Bishop Mari Emmanuel was stabbed as he was preaching during early morning Mass at Christ the Good Shepherd Church in the Wakeley area of Sydney.

New South Wales Police said in a statement that they have arrested a man who is helping officers with their enquiries.

In a message on Twitter (X) Fr Dr Karam Qasha writes:

"Dear Brothers & Sisters,

Our beloved Bishop, His Grace Mar Mari Emmanuel, and Father Isaac have been admitted to hospital. They are in a stable condition.

We ask for your prayers at this time. It is the Bishop's and Father's wishes that you also pray for the perpetrator."

Four men are believed to have been injured in the attack, which was recorded on the church's regular livestreaming service.

This incident was the second fatal stabbing to take place in Sydney in two days. On Saturday, six people died in a knife attack at the Bondi Junction shopping centre. The attacker was shot dead by police. The authorities do not believe the incident was terror related.

The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference offered its prayers and condolences in the wake of the Bondi Junction attack.

Conference President, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe, said it was a time of mourning for all Australians.

"We should all remember in our prayers those who are being treated in hospital and the souls of those who have died," Archbishop Costelloe said.

"We pray for the family and friends of those who lost their lives or were injured. And we pay tribute to the police, paramedics, store staff and shoppers who showed courage and compassion in the face of traumatic circumstances."

Archbishop Costelloe urged anyone impacted by the attack to reach out and seek support.

"May those who mourn know the consolation and comfort of God's love."

LINK

Good Shepherd Church: https://cgsc.org.au/