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In an unusual display during Christmas Eve Mass, a Catholic priest in Mazraat Yeshua, Lebanon, was observed conducting the Divine Liturgy while carrying a rifle, sparking controversy within the religious community.
This incident occurs amid growing concerns over the safety of Christian communities in Lebanon, where recent acts of intimidation have left many feeling vulnerable. One such incident involved the desecration of a Nativity scene in Faraya, where perpetrators placed a handgun near the display, prompting local residents to stage protests and ring church bells in a call for enhanced security measures.
PRIEST CARRIES RIFLE DURING CHURCH SERVICE IN LEBANON.pic.twitter.com/9jVQbGT98b
— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) December 26, 2024
The situation reflects broader demographic changes in Lebanon, where the Christian population has experienced a significant decline. Statistical data from the CIA World Factbook reveals a sharp decrease in the Christian demographic, falling from 46% in 2012 to 32.4% by 2020, while the Muslim population has grown to represent 67.8% of the population.
The story of the Priest in Mazraat Yashouh (Jesus land) who carried a gun during mass:
He ended the mass by throwing down his gun on the floor and said that the weapon doesn't protect, only the belief protects. And everyone must surrender weapons to the army.
Great nonsense… pic.twitter.com/PB98onTW3C
— LebaneseGov (@joumana_gebara_) December 25, 2024
However, the priest’s armed presence during the sacred service drew swift criticism from church leadership. Monsignor Abdo Abu Kasm, who heads the Catholic Media Center, voiced strong opposition to the action.
“After contacting the pastor of the diocese, His Eminence Bishop Antoine Bou Najm, he confirmed that he absolutely does not support this method that is foreign to the face of the church, and he gave his strict instructions not to repeat such actions within the church,” Abu Kasm stated, emphasizing that the Church’s true strength lies in prayer rather than physical weapons.
