the priest

    IMG_4815

    you can be forgiven if you've never heard of the Sabean-Mendaeans. they're one of the world's ancient religions. but their religion and culture is at risk of disappearing completely.

    since the coalition's invasion of Iraq four years ago, the Sabean-Mandaean community has shrunk to between a third and a fifth of it's original size; from 30,000 to between 6,000 and 10,000. they are persecuted, kidnapped, murdered, told to leave Iraq or forced to convert. and because of their pacifism are unable to defend themselves. many have fled to neighbouring Syria or Jordan. some have made it to asylum in third countries like the US and Australia.

    less than 13 priests are reported to remain inside Iraq, with only a handful scattered across the rest of the world. we were fortunate enough to witness a little Sabean-Mandaean religious ceremony; a rare sight, and one that's growing rarer.

    find out more about the situation faced by Iraqi refugees: www.iraqichildrentrapped.org

    © World Vision 2007

    Comments and faves

    1. peace1374 (62 months ago | reply)

      Wow! I never knew that. Thanks for sharing. Great capture!

    2. vivclem (62 months ago | reply)

      I am interested in the symbol he is wearing around his neck and couldn't quite make it out. Did you get to see it or understand the signficance?

    3. .ash (62 months ago | reply)

      thanks both
      @ vivclem: yeah, it's a wooden cross with a shawl draped over it - Jesus is one of their key figures

    4. Nav Sydney (51 months ago | reply)

      Hi .ash, I am mandaean my self. nice picture by the way, however, just to inform you, jesus is not a key figure of our religon. John the Baptist is the key figure.

    5. ★

      hvala23 and icemanoflebanon added this photo to their favorites.

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