AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): Members of the Youth Forum of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria visited several churches nationwide on Wednesday to extend Christmas greetings to their Christian counterparts.
During their visits, they distributed written messages from the leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei.
In Bauchi State, the delegation, which included both men and women, began their outreach at St. John's Catholic Church, where they received a warm welcome from church leaders.
During the church services, members of the Muslim Youth Forum presented copies of Ayatollah Khamenei's message to the leadership of St. John's Catholic Church. Muhammad Hassan Yalwa, one of the representatives, read the message aloud to the congregation.
"I congratulate all Christians and Muslims, particularly our Christian compatriots, on the birth anniversary of His Majesty Jesus Christ, the great Prophet, as well as the commencement of the new Gregorian year," Yalwa stated.
He continued, "The chosen prophet of God invited mankind to the path of God, which leads to prosperity and happiness. He warned against pursuing evil desires that corrupt the purity of the human soul and lead to depravity and cruelty."
Another part of Ayatollah Khamenei's message emphasized that "to obey Jesus Christ, one must support truth and reject powers that oppose it. It is hoped that Christians and Muslims worldwide will incorporate this great teaching into their lives and actions."
In his welcoming address to the Muslim Youth Forum and Christmas celebrants, Reverend Father Raphael Chukwuka Agbata expressed gratitude for what he described as "the beautiful words" from Ayatollah Khamenei.
He appreciated the representatives for choosing his church for their visit and thanked them for their thoughtful gift.
As they opened a gift—an artwork depicting Jesus created by one of the Muslim youths—members of the congregation erupted in applause.
Reverend Father Agbata reiterated his thanks to the Muslim Youth representatives on behalf of the church leadership and commended their efforts to foster unity, peace, and harmony between Christians and Muslims.
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