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7 months ago
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The Bishop stabbed during a church sermon in Sydney's west on Monday was warned of a potential threat on his life in the weeks leading up to the incident.
Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was stabbed at the Christ the Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley - an incident broadcast on the church's livestream.
His alleged attacker, a 15-year-old boy dressed in all-black, was seen approaching and stabbing the bishop multiple times to the head and upper body at the altar as parishioners screamed and ran to the cleric's aid.
In February, Bishop Mar Mari delivered a sermon where he spoke about a social media video warning of his death.
'There's been a video circulating on TikTok and I don't know where else, saying that the bishop has two weeks to live,' he says in the video.
Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was stabbed at the Christ the Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley - an incident broadcast on the church's livestream (pictured)
A 15-year-old boy known to police has been arrested over the incident (he is pictured being held down by at least three people before police arrived at the scene)
'Somebody say, "farewell bishop, and we are really sad to see you go".
'Look, I was extremely excited when I heard that I have two weeks to live. Because I don't want to stay in this world. For me, it's over.
'Whether I stay or not, that doesn't matter, really. I've had my share of this world. And I pray that the Lord takes me today before tomorrow, I want to be with him.'
Bishop Mar Mari said that if he died, it would not be an 'escape' or 'running away'.
'I'm saying it with confidence in the Lord Jesus, I love you, Lord, and I choose you. Any time of the day, all day long, to be with you. I don't care about the world and whatever the world gives,' he said.
'Thank the person who did this video. Thank you so much. I didn't know that I was dying in two weeks. I'm not sure if I will go in two weeks' time; maybe I don't know,' he said before brushing off any insinuation he was battling health issues.
'As far as I'm concerned, I don't think I am sick, and I'm dying.'
The video concluded with the Bishop saying: 'Some of them heard and said 'Yes, finally we getting rid of this old Bishop.'
'Sorry, guys. I'm still sitting on your heart,' he laughed.
English (US)