Iran Press/Africa: The Christian leader said Ayatollah Khamenei's message, which he described as "awesome," came at the right time.
"We want to use this opportunity to appreciate our brother, who sent us a message from Iran, Sayyed Ali Khamenei, who is the supreme leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. We want to sincerely appreciate the gesture on behalf of the Christians in Bauchi State and Nigeria at large," he said.
The Reverend Father read some parts of the Christmas message of the leader of the Islamic Revolution while his face was full of joy.
"What actually is interesting or makes me happy about this message is how this scholar helped us and even buttresses the significance of Christmas as if he is a Christian. And that is to tell us that the unity among the Christians and Muslims. I think if we can invite that culture, then our country and the whole world will be good," he said.
Reverend Abraham further added, "I want to congratulate him for congratulating us even at this time."
The leader of the Christian Association of Nigeria continued reading Ayatollah Khamenei's message line by line and making commendations.
The Christian leader further noted, "There are some things we need to do and he (Ayatollah Khamenei) has even made it clear, when he said, 'Today, powers of the same type do not want to tolerate those who submit to God, follow God's religion, and followers of truth.'" The Reverend Father Abraham said this is a national thing. We have people who are not interested in the affairs of the Most High God, which is a problem.
"To obey Jesus Christ, one needs to support truth and abhor the powers that are against truth," he read. He made further comment that the statements of the leader of the Islamic Revolution are a serious challenge to the Christians. Are we really upholding the truth that is in Jesus Christ as he (Ayatollah Khamenei) stated? If we are not doing that, then we have failed."
Reverend Father Abraham Damina, however, said, "I think such an individual (Ayatollah Khamenei) is a very serious individual and I see him promoting peace that we should all imbibe, the culture of peaceful coexistence. I like to salute him and I like to encourage that we should live like this kind of individual. As Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, I salute him and I want to sincerely appreciate him."
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