01/17/2023 Syria (International Christian Concern) – Father John epitomized the living essence of the Gospel teachings, exemplifying the divine commandments of loving one’s adversaries and bestowing blessings upon them. His humanitarian stances and good relations with people of all religions and sects distinguished him and made him trustworthy and reliable for everyone in his community.
Born to Christian parents in a poverty-stricken village in Damascus, Father John’s life was entrenched in faith and service. As a devoted husband and a revered priest in a local church, he became a pillar of hope, especially during the turbulent times of conflict that ravaged Syria. Most Christians sought him to mediate for them to get back their kidnapped children from ISIS militants.
The group of extremists kidnapped a promising young Christian doctor from Father John’s village. The perpetrators demanded an exorbitant ransom of $700,000 – an insurmountable sum for the impoverished family. The family turned to Father John in the hopes of having their son returned.
Driven by an unyielding love and a profound sense of duty for his community, Father John fearlessly embarked on a perilous negotiation with the kidnappers. Through arduous efforts, he managed to reduce the ransom to $350,000, a slightly less daunting sum but still an impossible burden for the impoverished villagers.
The doctor’s family sold their lands and homes, hoping to get their son back. Carrying the money, Father John went to meet the kidnappers in the hope that he would return with their son. He overlooked the blind hatred for Christians – let alone Christian priests – that characterizes these extremist groups.
However, the kidnappers callously seized Father John, escalating their demands for an increased ransom. Cut off from his community, Father John endured unspeakable torture and indignities at the hands of his captors.
“Did they offer him food or drink, or even vinegar mixed with myrrh?! How many blows and lashes did he taste?! Was he subjected to spit and insults like his Master?!” Said one community member.
Tragically, what was anticipated as a triumphant homecoming turned into a nightmare.
Instead of the priest and the doctor returning home, their lives were unjustly ended at the hands of their captors. The villagers’ hopes were shattered, their fears realized as the bodies of Father John and the doctor were callously discarded on the roadside, bearing the grotesque marks of torment and brutality.
The villagers were devastated. This was not the first time that Father John was asked to mediate in kidnappings and thefts. He had succeeded many times in releasing kidnapped people because he was a cleric who was trusted and loved by everyone.
This time, he did not complete his work but returned to his family slaughtered. And while all he wanted was to help set free the kidnapped people, this time, he was the victim.
“May God have mercy on you, Father John,” they lamented, acknowledging his unwavering commitment to forgiveness even in the face of such heinous brutality. “Just as you taught us to forgive, may we too extend forgiveness to those who brought such sorrow upon you.”
To read more stories like this, sign up for ICC’s free monthly magazine.
