BAGHDAD, Iraq, DEC. 18, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Patriarch Emmanuel III Delly of Babylon of the Chaldeans is appealing to Christians everywhere to observe the "Nineveh fast" for peace today and Tuesday.

The pastor of the country's largest Christian community gave this intention for prayers and sacrifices: "That the Lord may grant the gift of peace, security and stability to our beloved Iraq, and that a climate of fraternity and charity may reign among the children of Iraq."

The initiative is called "Nineveh fast" in remembrance of the fast that the prophet Jonah asked of the inhabitants of that city (near present-day Mosul, Iraq), which moved God.

The fast, as practiced by the Chaldeans, can be total for two days, or from dawn to dusk, or involve just abstinence from fish, meat and milk products.

The "Nineveh fast" is practiced every year by the Chaldeans. The novelty this year is that the patriarch has called Christians worldwide to join in. sexlocals

Code: ZE06121803

Date: 2006-12-18