The plight of the Christian community in Iraq continues unabated and is heart rendering.

HUNDREDS of Iraqi Christians attended mass under heavy security to mark 40 days since dozens of worshippers were killed in an al-Qaeda siege.

Teary-eyed parishioners, diplomats, and politicians gathered in the Sayidat al-Nejat (Our Lady of Salvation) Syriac Catholic church, seated on plastic garden chairs as priests read aloud the names of the 46 people who died, recited prayers and sang hymns.

Outside, dozens of armed soldiers, policemen and private security contractors stood guard as streets were closed off to vehicle traffic, and men and women alike were frisked on entry.

The head of the Syriac Catholic Church, Ignatius Joseph III Yunan, told the congregation of his “sadness” over the “disaster,” while praying for unity to return to Iraq.

Article, Christians remember church carnage.  Also see, Suffering of Iraqi Christians  and  Barnabas Fund report, Slaughter of the innocents: Iraq’s Christians face extinction.