Greek Catholics Return to Church After Bombing

October 18, 2004

Source: The Washington Times

http://www.washtimes.com/world/20041017-111440-4043r.htm

On October 18, 2004 The Washington Times reported, "Hope was reborn from the ashes of a blackened Greek Catholic church where a family held a baptism yesterday afternoon, a day after five churches in the Iraqi capital were targeted in bomb attacks. 'Our church was demolished. Death entered here in its black garb,' said the Rev. Mansour al-Mukhallessi in the cavernous hole that remained after flames devoured the place of worship before dawn on Saturday. 'We came here to pray and not to make a political or religious statement. We are here to ask God's forgiveness for those who destroy churches and places of worship,' said the elderly Belgian priest, who moved to Iraq 40 years ago. 'We will vanquish death and misery,' he said."