Mandaeans are perhaps the remnant of the Essen community (who wrote the dead sea scrolls) after it was destroyed in 70 AD. They fled eastward and took up residence along the banks of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers where their communities flourished. Several hundred years ago, their customs were recorded in their holy book, "Kenz irRabba" [the great treasure], which reads from both covers to the middle [you start at one cover and read to the middle, and then you turn it over and start from the other cover and read to the middle].
For centuries they lived in Iraq along the banks of the major rivers. Most lived among the Marsh Arabs. They were the gold smiths of Iraq, so they became targets of kidnapping and extortion by the radical Muslims after the fall of Saddam Hussein. They lost a large part of their community due to the violence in Iraq. Some were killed and others moved to Western countries like the United States. They have large communities in Sweden, Australia, Canada and the USA (especially in Worchester, MA).
In the United States, they blend in with other Iraqi refugees. They must learn English, new job skills and navigate a radically different culture.
Baptism is the most important part of their religion, besides observing the festive calendar.
They have a large and small Eid [i.e. holiday] like their Muslim neighbors, one in the spring and another in the summer. They have elaborate death rituals including giving a new name to the deceased to assist them entering the "world of light." Angels also play a large role in the religious life of Mandaeans.
There is freedom of religion in the United States. Mandaeans need to take the opportunity to embrace Christ in this tolerant environment.
Pray for Mandaeans in the U.S. to have receptive hearts, ready to receive the only savior.
Pray for loving and dedicated workers to go to them.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to give Mandaean leaders a desire to find spiritual truth no matter what the cost.
Scripture Prayers for the Mandaean in United States.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
