Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel Reportedly Stabbed In The Head While Delivering A Sermon
Warning: graphic images.
Prominent Orthodox Christian leader Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was reportedly stabbed on Monday at the altar of his church home Christ The Good Shepherd Church.
According to 'The Guardian,' Bishop Emmanuel was hosting mass in church just after 7 p.m. when a man calmly approached him at the altar and proceeded to stab him in the head and upper body multiple times.
Horrified screams ensued instantly, as the congregation at the Assyrian church collected to restrain the deranged male.
Per the news outlet, three additional church-goers were reported injured in the attack.
RELATED: Beyoncé 'Puts Her Foot Down' With 'Rules' For Jay-Z After Alleged Previous Affairs: Report
NBC News reported that the bishop and his senior priest are in stable condition at a hospital.
"Our beloved Bishop, his grace Mar Mari Emmanuel and Father Isaac have been admitted to the hospital. They are in stable condition," the church's social media announced.
"We ask for your prayers at this time. It is the Bishop's and Father's wishes that you also pray for the perpetrator. We also kindly ask anyone at the church premises to leave in peace, as our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, teaches us," the post concluded.
A spokesman claimed a man in his 30s was treated for lacerations to the arm, a man in his 20s was treated for cuts to the arm and hand, and an older man in his 60s was treated for lacerations to the arm.
According to police, no injuries have been life-threatening.
Per police, a 15-year-old was arrested and held in custody at the scene for his own safety after a crowd gathered outside demanding the attacker be brought out.
