Stabbed South West Sydney Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel warned of imminent death

A Sydney bishop allegedly stabbed inside his church recently delivered an ominous sermon where he warned his flock he had “weeks to live”.

Stabbed Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel warned of imminent death.

A popular Sydney bishop, stabbed during a sermon on Monday night, was warned his demise in recent weeks.

In late February, Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel, who was attacked, allegedly by a 16-year-old, at the Christ the Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley on Monday night, delivered a sermon where he revealed he was told his death was near.

“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, seemingly recorded from a live stream.

“Somebody say, “farewell bishop, and we are really sad to see you go”.

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“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 went on to explain if he died, it would not be an “escape”, or him “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.

Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was allegedly stabbed during a sermon at a church in Wakeley, Sydney on Monday night.

The bishop had reportedly been warned of his imminent death in a video circulating on TikTok in late February.

“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 clip concluded with a sarcastic quip from the Bishop, who said: “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.

Police arrested a 16-year-old boy after the Bishop and three other men were allegedly stabbed during a service at an Assyrian orthodox church on Monday evening in Sydney’s southwest.

Bishop Mar Mari was taken to Liverpool Hospital with multiple stab wounds. He is now in a stable condition.

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the stabbing and a mob of around 2000 people rioted outside the church afterwards. Picture: Twitter

The video, posted on social media, allegedly showed the Christian leader being attacked while delivering his sermon at about 7.10pm Monday.

After the alleged attack, in the suburb close to Cabramatta, a furious mob of about 2000 people swarmed near the church, with riots breaking out and police struggling to maintain order.

Police said the boy had serious hand injuries amid rumours his finger was cut off during the melee. Officers had to barricade themselves inside the church with the boy for several hours as the violence continued outside.

A number of police officers were injured after being hurt during the unrest.

Police have said none of the injuries sustained by any of the four victims were life-threatening.

Crowds also formed at Liverpool Hospital after at least some of those injured at the church were taken there for treatment.

It is understood the hospital went into lockdown as a result.

In a statement, the church confirmed that another prominent member of its community, Father Isaac Royel, was among the injured.

“We ask for your prayers at this time,” the statement read.

“It is the Bishop’s and Father’s wishes that you also pray for the perpetrator. We also kindly ask anyone at the church premises to leave in peace.”

Bishop Mar Mari was taken to Liverpool Hospital with multiple stab wounds. Picture: Facebook

Church-goers jumped to the Bishop’s assistance after the attack occurred. Picture: Twitter

Fairfield Mayor Frank Carbone said the alleged attack was “horrific” and he understood people were “distraught”, but he also called for calm.

The stabbing has been declared a terrorist act. NSW Premier Chris Minns and the state’s Police Commissioner Karen Webb confirmed a major investigation was underway following the incident.

Three other people were also injured – a man aged in his thirties suffered multiple lacerations, a man in his twenties received a cut to his hand, and a man in his sixties wounded his arm.

— with NCA NewsWire