You have been so close to us through all the years of your hands outstretched, our struggles toward the light to us have never been empty. And now we cry to you from the depths of a greater need, ashamed Him. When our world rocked in misery about us, in our torn and tortured bodies, our hearts still cradled and sheltered the crucified Christ. We held true in our allegiance to God and humanity.

There has been cruel suffering in our lands, massacre, famine, death. But the spirit of our people still lives, and calls to you across the sea to send help lest we perish. Our God is your God, and we bare our souls for your searching eyes that you may see how we have never denied Him, nor the people of the Near East are old in suffering. The way we have traveled has been Via Dolores, the way of tears and blood. And now—we are so low in the dust that only your young, unshattered strength can raise us. 