Mary
Mary is considered in Islam as one of the most righteous, pure and greatest women. An entire sura is dedicated to her in the Quran. She is as much honored by the Muslims as the Christians.
The presence of the Catholic Church in the Middle East region is deeply rooted to the birth of the religion. Despite the crusades, the lootings and the mass-murders done in the name of God, they have always been tolerated there.
THE CHURcH OF SAINT-LOUIS OF THE FRENCH, ISTANBUL, TURKEY
For more than 300 years, Saint-Louis church has been the parish of the French community of Istanbul. The Order of Friars Minor (the Franciscans) has succeedeed to the Order of Fiars Minor Capuchin since 2003. Friar Peter is blessing the French families who actively participated to the life of the parish beofre they leave Istanbul.
Due to the bombing attacks in France and in Turkey, the access of the church is nowadays restricted.
SIXTH COMMANDMENT: THOU SHALT NOT COMMIT ADULTERY
Birth is the symbol of love. We question here what our answers towards migrants could be. We are all heirs of migrants.
Details of the Nativity scene in Saint-Anthony of Padua Church, Istanbul, Turkey
CAthedral of the consolata, Tehran, Iran
Good Friday mass in the Cathedral of the Consolata, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. Christians are kneeling and praying in front of each station of the Cross. It is a spiritual pilgrimage through contemplating the Passion of Christ. It is a way to repair and share the sufferings and insults that Jesus endured.
SAINT-ANTHONY oF PADUA CHURCH, ISTANBUL, TURKEY
Every day, Muslims and Christians come here to pray Saint-Anthony. He went to Morocco where he was a missionary, helping poor and ill local population. His name and patronage is well-known beyond the religious borders. Locals ask him to retrieve objects, to bless mariners, poor people, pregnant women and to protect elderly people and animals.
AYA SOFYA, ISTANBUL, TURKEY
In 787 AD, the Second Council of Nicea aimed at ending the political-religious conflict caused by iconoclasm. The Council affirmed the need to worship images and relics : the honor is not rendered to images or relics but, through them, to the person they represent.
This decision created a huge market for religious goods. In Italy only it is estimated to reach $5bn per year, in India, $30bn.
St. Joseph Catholic CATHEDRAL of AssyriaN, TEHERAN, IRAN
The archeparchy was initially established in Sanandaj, Iran. In the 1960s, the Assyrian community of Sanandaj gradually moved to Tehran. The cathedral has been the archiepiscopal see since that time.
Assyrians in Turkey, Iran, Iraq and Syria share a common root, the same language, culture and traditions. The Iranian community counts around 50,000 people versus 500,000 before the Assyrian genocide.