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His Eminence joins Ecumenical Prayer Service For Persecuted Christians at Christ Cathedral, Orange

“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.” 1 Peter 12-14

The Most Rev. Kevin Vann, Bishop of Orange, invited His Eminence Archbishop Eugene Kaplan to join several other prominent leaders of Christian churches throughout Southern California for the annual Diocese of Orange Ecumenical Prayer Service for Christian Unity; held March 3, 2015, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., in the Arboretum on the Christ Cathedral (Crystal Cathedral previously) Campus.

The prayer service was dedicated to the many Christians of various denominations around the world who are being persecuted for their faith, particularly for the 21 souls of those recently martyred in Libya and their families, and Assyrians suffered families recently in Syria. Therefore, Bishop Serapion of the Coptic Orthodox Church, Diocese of Los Angeles, and His Grace Mar Aprim Khamis, Bishop of the Assyrian Church of the East, Diocese of the Western US, were attended.

“As Christians, we are called to aid those in need, especially our brothers and sisters in the faith, by prayers, acts of charity and works of justice. We believe that it is important for Christians of all denominations to come together to pray for our suffering brothers and sisters as we continue to work toward building Christian unity and fulfilling the prayer of Jesus ‘that they all may be one.’”, said Bishop Vann.
Bishop Serapion, leader of the Coptic Church in Southern California joined in solidarity with all Christians in praying for the souls of the 21 innocent men who were martyred by the Islamic state in Libya, and congregants in praying for peace and for religious freedom across our world.

“I am blessed to join with Bishop Vann and Christians across Southern California for this important event that demonstrates our unity and commitment to peace and religious freedom. On behalf of the global Coptic Christian community I humbly request your prayers and solidarity against extremism and violence”, said Bishop Serapion.

During the intercessory prayers, the prelates were given lighted candles. At the end of the prayer service 21 flowers were offered to His Grace Bishop Serapion, representing 21 martyrs of Libya.