Genealogy of Jesus according to Matthew, calligraphy (1653 AD) formerly preserved in the monastery of Mar Behnam in Mosul (courtesy of Amir Harrak)

Last update: 2022-04-22 09:37:13

«The genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the fathered of Judah and his brothers...» (Mt 1:1-2). Oasis extends warm wishes for a holy Christmas to all its followers in all parts of the world. For our image, we have chosen a Syriac calligraphy presenting the genealogy of Jesus from the Gospel of Matthew. It was preserved in the Mar Behnam Monastery near Mosul, which is now in the hands of Isis. This is a way not to forget those Christians now suffering violence and persecution because of their faith in God, who chose to become a child and enter our history.