E139: Iraq Persecution, Evangelization & The Church's Youth w/Tiktok Priest Fr. Simon Esshaki
Aug 23, 2024
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Fr. Simon Esshaki, a priest in the Chaldean Rite and viral TikTok creator, shares his journey from Iraq to the U.S. He discusses the challenges faced by Chaldean Christians fleeing persecution and the importance of faith resilience. Explore how social media can effectively evangelize youth and innovate church outreach. Fr. Simon highlights his upbringing, the joy of priesthood, and the need for unity among Christian traditions. He also shares insights on discernment, celibacy, and the use of modern media in faith engagement.
Father Simon discusses the critical role of social media, particularly TikTok, in effectively reaching and engaging young believers with the Gospel.
He shares the harrowing history of Christian persecution in Iraq, highlighting the resilience and unwavering faith of the Chaldean community amid dire challenges.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of community support and relevant teachings in revitalizing the faith of youth within the Chaldean Catholic identity.
Deep dives
The Impact of Social Media on Faith
The necessity of reaching people where they are has become increasingly important, especially during the COVID lockdowns when many were afraid and hesitant to attend church. The use of TikTok emerged as an innovative way to spread Catholic teachings and engage a younger audience who might not otherwise seek out faith-based content. Initially introduced by a family member, the idea was to share spiritual nourishment through accessible social media formats, reflecting a modern adaptation of outreach in ministry. This approach highlighted the potential of social media platforms to connect with the faithful and inform them about God's message amidst various distractions.
The Chaldean Heritage and Its Challenges
Father Simon Asaki shares his background as a first-generation Chaldean American, emphasizing the cultural and historical significance of the Chaldean people, who trace their roots back to ancient Mesopotamia. His family's migration from Iraq to America was motivated by the escalating dangers, including potential persecution as Christians, particularly during the regime of Saddam Hussein. The migration led to a vibrant Chaldean community in the U.S., primarily located in Michigan and San Diego, where they preserved their unique traditions and faith. Nonetheless, the community faces ongoing challenges due to the complex dynamics of retaining cultural identity in a new country while grappling with contemporary issues facing young believers.
The Influence of History on Faith
The podcast delves into the historical context of Christianity in the Middle East, detailing the persistent struggles faced by Christians in Iraq, especially during the rise of extremist groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS. Father Simon recounts harrowing accounts of persecution, where Christians faced dire choices such as expulsion, exorbitant taxes, or death for refusing to convert to Islam. Despite these grave challenges, many displayed unwavering faith, finding strength in their beliefs even in the face of life-altering persecution. This narrative serves as a testament to the resilience of faith and the strength of community bonds, emphasizing that even amidst trials, believers remained committed to their spiritual values.
Spiritual Nourishment in Modern Times
The importance of spiritual nourishment is discussed, particularly in relation to youth engagement in faith. Father Simon highlights the challenge of witnessing young individuals who drift away from the church and emphasizes the need for ministries that offer relevant teachings and support. Programs such as Bible study groups and youth gatherings have made a significant impact, providing teenagers with a safe space to explore their faith and connect with one another. This grassroots approach to fostering community and spiritual growth demonstrates the potential for revitalizing faith among younger generations through accessible involvement in church activities.
Living Out the Chaldean Catholic Identity
The podcast explores what it means to embody Chaldean Catholic identity today, discussing the unique characteristics of the Chaldean Church, which is fully united with the Catholic Church while maintaining its own traditions and customs. This identity offers a rich tapestry of faith expressed in a distinct liturgical practice and cultural heritage. The dynamic between tradition and contemporary challenges is acknowledged, emphasizing the need for engagement both within the local community and the broader discussions of Christianity. Father Simon's ministry reflects the commitment to nurturing this identity, ensuring that the younger generation understands the significance of their roots while living out their faith in a modern context.
What is it like to be a Christian in Iraq? How do I discern God’s call for my life? Is social media the best vehicle to evangelize? In this episode I sit down with Father Simon Esshaki, known for his viral TikTok content and a priest in the Chaldean Rite. We discuss the history of the Chaldean Rite, how his family left Iraq to escape Christian persecution, his biggest struggles and joys of being a priest, his advice for following God’s call, Fr. Simon strategy for reaches young people with the Gospel locally and through social media, and much more.
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