Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Palestinian Ministry of Health: Two were martyred in Israeli shelling that targeted a besieged house in the town of Qabatiya in Jenin
At least 68 dead in migrant shipwreck off Yemen: IOM
Trump: We want to feed the people in Gaza, we do not want them to starve.
US President Donald Trump: We will impose sanctions on Russia if it does not end the war on Ukraine.
Israeli media: Polls show that 52% oppose Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu while only 29% support him.
Israeli media: 32% of Americans still support "Israel's" war on Hamas, while 60% oppose it.
Israeli media: Core US support for "Israel" hits its lowest, while support for Palestine reaches its highest levels.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent reports martyrs, injuries in Israeli bombardment of home in Heker al-Jame area in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza.
Al-Quds Governorate: Today, the spatial division of Al-Aqsa Mosque began in a public and dangerous manner, and we warn of a religious war in the region
The Ministry of Health in Gaza: This brings the total number of victims of famine and malnutrition to 175, including 93 children

A Karbala speech brings closer the resuscitation of the Arab Church

  • By Myriam Charabaty
  • Source: Al Mayadeen English
  • 7 Sep 2023 16:15
  • 8 Shares
10 Min Read

The Arab Orthodox Father Monk Antonios Hanania speaks of the importance of resurrecting the Arab Orthodox Church that is buried in historical falsehood as the search to consolidate an honest and truthful Arab identity uniting all components, social and religious, of the Arab world continues.

  • x
  • Among the Arab people are the Christians that will defend the dignity of their Muslim counterparts as they have historically done. (Mahdi Rtail / Al Mayadeen English)
    Among the Arab people are the Christians who will defend the dignity of their Muslim counterparts as they have historically done. (Illustrated by Mahdi Rtail / Al Mayadeen English)

“We are Resistance fighters, we are Palestinian Fidaʼiyin, and many martyrs of ours have ascended to the Heavens,” said Father Monk Antonios Hanania of Occupied Palestine’s Akka while he gave a speech during the International Al-Aqsa Call Conference II held in Karbala, Iraq.

Drawing on history, Father Hanania shows, both in theory and practice, that Islam is the extension of Christianity from a historical and sociological perspective. Moreover, he explained that Arab Christians and Muslims have shared values, history, and social ties that the then-Crusaders and now collective West supporting “Israel” have tried to bury and thus, falsify history.

A message of integrity, dignity, and restoring history

In language that the entirety of Arabs can understand, Father Hanania clarified the forthcoming path: Resistance until liberation. Arab Christians, Muslims, and honest Jews (of which he excluded all Zionists) must uphold their right to armed resistance and seeking martyrdom in the course of defending their history, unity, dignity, and land. They must pursue fighting as opposed to yielding to humiliation.

Father Hanania declared that position from Karbala, the land of martyrdom: 

"We are Resistance fighters, we are Palestinian Fidaʼiyin, and many martyrs of ours have ascended to the Heavens; they are now alive with their Lord for they are honest believers who have proven true to what they pledged [to Allah].

 

In the meantime, we have not fulfilled our pledge [offering our lives], and we continue to wait [for our turn] to be honored with martyrdom.

 

And to the enemy, we reiterate the resounding oath [of Imam Hussein]: 'Never [yield] to humiliation.'"

Father Hanania’s message resonated from Karbala, the very land where Imam Hussein, along with his household members and a small group of supporters, wrote his final message in words and blood.

Read more: The Palestinian Resistance is beyond sectarian disintegration

Karbala, the first Islam, Christianity, and the Pharisees

There is great significance when the call for resistance resounds from Karbala. The Monk from Al-Jalil used his speech to draw on strong and deep-rooted facts that depict the truthful relationship between Christianity and Islam as two religions that the Arab people adopted at different time periods. He refused the rhetoric of war and confrontations between the two religious groups and reminded them that the primary identity of the people of this land has been Arab, maintaining that the secondary identity has been Jewish, Christian, or Muslim.

Here it is important to underscore that Father Monk Hanania explained, in a short interview for Al Mayadeen News Network following his speech in Karbala, the difference between Judaism and Zionism today by going back to the Holy Bible and drawing a parallel from the book of Revelation of Saint John 2:9 which read “thou art blasphemed by them that say they are Jews and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan."

To better clarify, Father Monk Hanania discussed the title of this year's International Call for Al-Aqsa Mosque II conference, which was the global dimensions of the missionary personality and the humanitarian cause of Imam Hussein (AS), wherein he insisted on highlighting what connects Imam Hussein’s character to the question of Palestine and why Imam Hussein’s cause parallels that of Palestine in its righteousness. 

To that, Father Hanania said, “We as Palestinians are concerned with the First Islam. Let's not forget the Arab clans that fled the Greeks and Romanians across the Arabian Peninsula and sought rapprochement with the Prophet's family and all this blessed family. Since the propagation of Islam, we have been working on this, which honestly means getting us away from the futile debate behind it.”

By “futile debate”, the monk meant the one propagated by the collective West and Zionists today, which started as early as the era of the Crusaders, which claimed that the threat to the Christian people was Islam. 

Father Hanania then added, “I'm telling you, the Jews of the Pharisees were behind that rhetoric [the futile debate] because they were the Zionists of that time.” In that context, the Palestinian Father Monk dubbed the Zionists as “the synagogue of Satan” considering that John's book of Revelation was speaking of the Pharisees.

A history of mutual respect and unity: two religions, one people

In Karbala, Father Monk Hanania opened his speech reminding of the First Islam that Arabs are interested in and identify with. He spoke of the Monastery of St. Katherina in Egypt’s Sinai, which houses a mosque that remains open until this day for all Muslims to hold their prayers in.

  • A Karbala speech brings closer the resuscitation of the Arab Church

Inside the Monastery in Sinai, reminded the Monk, there exists a copy of the Ashtiname of Muhammad, a manuscript written by Imam Ali bin Abi Taleb (AS) and commissioned by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to the People of Scripture (Christians, Jews, Sabeans), granting them, their properties, and sacred beliefs protection and security across the Muslim world.

  • A copy of the Ashtiname of Prophet Muhammad granted to the Christian monks of Saint Catherina's Monastery in Sinai, Egypt, sealed with an imprint representing Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) hand dated on 623 CE.
    A copy of the Ashtiname of Prophet Muhammad granted to the Christian monks of Saint Catherina's Monastery in Sinai, Egypt, sealed with an imprint representing Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) hand, dated 623 CE.

Related News

Karbala hosts Al-Aqsa Call Conference IV in support of Gaza, Palestine

Arbaeen commemoration turns to platform of pro-Palestine solidarity

In reiterating historical facts, the Palestinian Orthodox Father proved the kind of relationship that the people of this land, the Arab land, shared.

Together we fought the Crusades

The Arab Orthodox Church of Palestine, insisted Fr. Monk Hanania, is ever-present but has been sidelined to become almost completely forgotten. He explained that while he studied comparative religions at the Moody Bible Institute, he was directed toward a book that underscored that “if you want to get to know Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH), you must go to the Desert and to the Arabs” to understand the habits and culture of that people. Significantly, Father Monk Hanania said this was written just a few years after the occupation of Palestine.

However, the author did not say you must go to “Israel” to understand the culture and circumstances of Prophet Ibrahim. He said that to understand the Old Testament, one must understand Islam.

And that is true, as the Quran reads, “We believe in Allah and what has been revealed to us; and what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and his descendants; and what was given to Moses, Jesus, and other prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them. And to Allah we all submit” (Quran, Surah Al-Baqara 122;136). This verse, once again, shows Islam as an extension, in its social and historical context, of Christianity, reaffirming that followers of prophets from Noah onward, who lived across the Arab world, are but one people, all of whom are Peoples of the Holy Book (Ahlul-Kitab) today.

Surah Al-Baqara also includes the history over time of this region dating back to Adam drawing on a cumulative understanding of the social, historical, and religious developments across the region.

Read more: Liberation movements in a historical echo: Latin America to West Asia

In a more historical context, Father Monk Hanania accentuated falsehood pushed through the premise of the rhetoric of the "futile debate" and shed light on the historical events in which Arab Christians played a role in facilitating the path of Muslims during the Islamic Conquest against the Crusades. He also reaffirmed that the dignity of the Arab people, both Christians and Muslims, is bound by path and destiny as they all belong to the larger Arab national identity.

The Orthodox Monk from Al-Jalil said, "It was us who supported Commander Salahudin in the face of Crusaders."

Here, it is worth noting that the crusades were fought not only against Muslims but also against Levantine Christians who allied with their Muslim counterparts to remain steadfast in the face of Latinization with the aim of safeguarding their West Asian Christian identity, which has become an integral part of the region's identity.

In other words, the Crusades were a colonial campaign in the face of all non-Western denominations.

Buried beneath lies an Arab church

This knowledge, said Father Monk Hanania, made him curious to search for a Christian Arab identity, and that is when he found the Christian Orthodox Church, in Palestine, with its Arab identity.

Father Monk Hanania, with great courage, determination, and a lack of reserve, then underscored that there was a “true Orthodox church” that he said was “buried beneath the dirt and we have to figure it out,” stressing that he has “discovered it and knows it very well.”

He confirmed that this Arab Church has a jurisprudence, a vision, a foundation, and a whole understanding of the world and the region. However, it has been buried, said the Father Monk, as he boldly emphasized that “on the shoulders of this Arab church, and over its glory, the Italian, Latin church of the Vatican Catholics has climbed.” Similarly, the “British and so-called evangelicals, the Protestant Brothers,” have also played a role in burying the Arab Church deeper into history.

The Arab Monk proclaimed, in an interview for Al Mayadeen, “We have no independent history! We have no history written in detail!”

However, this is not a weeping story. This is a call for action and one that has been present historically but could have been at best considered shy and isolated. Today, Father Monk Hanania announced that he, alongside a group of others, has been devising a plan to study and better understand and properly reveal the true historic ties of this Arab Orthodox Church that must refuse to remain buried just as Imam Hussein has refused to allow falsehood and Jesus has refused to deny his father and submit to Pontius Pilate.

Identifying with and adhering to these great martyrs - Jesus being the first martyr who was resurrected by God’s will to save humanity and Imam Hussein who was martyred alongside his companions to draw the path of righteousness with the blood that shall forever remain thicker than water - lays upon our shoulders great responsibilities as Christians, Muslims, and Ancient Israelites to stand for truth.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus Christ said:

“This is my commandment: love one another, as I have loved you.

No one can have greater love than to lay down his life for his friends.

You are my friends, if you do what I command you.

I shall no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know the master's business; I call you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have learnt from my Father.” (John 13:15)

It is the kind of truth that can only be consolidated through talks, armed Resistance, and liberation at a time when imperialism has not only stolen our resources to keep us in-fighting for our daily bread but has also stolen from us our history and buried it deep into the ground.

Father Monk Hanania spoke on behalf of all the honorable Christians when he reiterated “Never [yield] to humiliation" and then reaffirmed that the revival of the true Arab Orthodox Church will “play a role in strengthening the Resistance across the region, especially the Palestinian Resistance.” 

The Arab Orthodox Church’s significance does not lie in its religious implication alone, but also in its social implication in, once again, uniting the Arab people as has done Imam Hussein. The Christian Arabs belong to their Arab identity, and they have a role in its culture and history. So, they must, once again, ascertain this role or they will inevitably perish as those they extend their current powers from, colonizers, will perish as well.

Read more: The Future of Arab Christians: One path, one destiny

  • Karbala
  • Palestine
  • Orthodox Church
  • Arab Christians
  • International Al-Aqsa Call Conference
  • Father Monk Antonio Hanania

Most Read

A rescued crew member from the ETERNITY C vessel in a video released by the Yemeni Armed Forces on July 28, 2025 (Yemeni Military Media)

Yemen Navy reveals fate of targeted Eternity C ship crew

  • Politics
  • 28 Jul 2025
An Israeli tank explodes following an ambush by al-Qassam Brigades in Gaza, Occupied Palestine, undated (Al-Qassam Military Media)

Al-Qassam strikes Israeli vehicles in Gaza, inflicts casualties

  • Politics
  • 30 Jul 2025
UAE lodges complaint against Israeli ambassador over 'misbehavior'

UAE lodges complaint against Israeli ambassador over 'misbehavior'

  • Politics
  • 1 Aug 2025
Protesters chant anti-Israeli slogans as they carry a banner that reads:" Freedom for Palestine, Alliance stop the war," during a demonstration in support of Palestinians in Gaza, outside the Israeli embassy, in Athens, Monday, June 9, 2025 (AP)

Athens mayor slams Israeli ambassador over Gaza war, graffiti claim

  • Politics
  • 3 Aug 2025

Coverage

All
The Ummah's Martyrs

Read Next

All
A member of the al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, takes part in a parade as he celebrates a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and the Israeli regime in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Sunday, January 19, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Al-Qassam: We’ll allow aid to Israeli captives if Gaza siege ends

Freed Lebanese freedom fighter Georges Abdallah during an interview on Al Mayadeen, which aired on Sunday, August 3, 2025 (Al Mayadeen screengrab)
Politics

Exclusive: Resistance key to building state, Georges Abdallah says

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres gives a statement about the situation in Gaza at UN headquarters, Friday, June 27, 2025 (AP)
Politics

UN warns Gaza faces water crisis, looming famine under Israeli siege

Israeli soldiers drive their armored personnel carrier along the Gaza Strip, in southern occupied Palestine, Wednesday, July 30, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Ex-Israeli general says Gaza starvation campaign isolated 'Israel'

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS