Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel delivers first sermon since knife attack

SYDNEY — Assyrian Church of the East Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel delivered his first sermon since being attacked with a knife during a live streamed sermon. Bishop Emmanuel’s return Mass was held at the Church of Christ Good Shepherd in Wakili, Australia.

During the Mass, Bishop Emmanuel revealed that he had lost sight in his right eye due to injuries sustained during the attack but regarded it as a sacrifice.

Expressing his affection for Muslims, he publicly forgave the 16-year-old assailant.

In his sermon, he also broached the topic of freedom of expression, amid the legal dispute between the Australian government and the X platform.

Emmanuel demanded authorities remove the live broadcast of his sermon, which documented the attack, but emphasized that everyone has the right to freedom of expression and belief.