Sabeans (now called 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].
The Mandaeans were the gold smiths of Iraq, so they became targets of kidnapping and extortion by the radical Muslims after the fall of Saddam. They have lost a large part of their community due to the violence in Iraq. As a result, thousands have fled to saver countries.
They are in Iraq along the banks of the major rivers but lived mostly among the Marsh Arabs for centuries. They have large communities in Sweden, Australia, Canada and the USA.
In Australia, the Mandaeans are still in the process of getting settled. They must learn a new language and deal with a radically different culture. The younger generation is adapting better than their elders.
The Mandaeans build their worship centers on the banks of rivers and canals and divert part of the flow to come through their building into a pool and flow out the other end back to the river. This helps them perform multiple baptisms in "living water" [i.e. flowing water]. 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 community life of Mandaeans.
In Australia, they have the chance to hear and respond to the life changing gospel. Christ followers can help them with practical needs and introduce them to their best friend in the process.
Pray for Christian witness in the lands of their Diaspora.
Pray for the few known Mandaean believers in the USA, Germany and Jordan. Pray they will take Christ’s light to others, including those in Australia.
Pray for them to have the spiritual hunger it takes to embrace the only savior no matter what the cost.
Scripture Prayers for the Mandaean in Australia.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
