The LORD is king for ever and ever; the nations shall perish from his land. O LORD, you will hear the desire of the meek; you will strengthen their heart, you will incline your ear to do justice for the orphan and the oppressed. Psalm 10:16-18a (NRSV)
Lebanese Christians (1860)
Massacred by Islamists
Between 30 May and 26 June 1860, rioters from the Druze, an Islamic sect, burned and pillaged Christian villages in Lebanon. In one incident Emmanuel Ruiz, guardian of a monastery at Damascus, was killed together with seven of his community and three laymen. They were given the choice of accepting Islam or dying; they stood firm in their faith.
The Druze were systematically massacring Christians in an uprising against the Maronite Church. They were angry that they did not have equal rights with Christians at that time. On 9 July 3,000 men were slaughtered in Damascus.
Loving Deliverer,
who gathered the prayers of your blessed martyrs
in the cup of the sufferings of Christ,
guide us by the hand of your mercy
that we may offer no other service
but that which is pleasing in your sight.
We ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
For All the Saints (Canada)