In a shocking incident during a church service live-streamed from Sydney, Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was stabbed by a male teenager, alongside other worshippers. The attack, which took place on Monday night at the Assyrian Christ The Good Shepherd Church, was captured in a disturbing online footage showing the attacker criticizing Emmanuel's comments about Islam while being restrained by the congregation.

Bishop Emmanuel, known for his charismatic online presence, has gained a substantial following on social media platforms including TikTok and YouTube. Dressed in dark robes and sporting a bushy grey beard, his sermons range from biblical teachings to controversial criticisms of various subjects, including homosexuality, COVID vaccinations, Islam, and US President Joe Biden's election.

The 53-year-old bishop, who was awarded by YouTube in 2023 for reaching 100,000 subscribers, has faced online trolling, criticism, and hate due to his divisive preaching style. While some admire his articulate arguments challenging Islamic theology, others condemn his views on sensitive topics.

Emmanuel's popularity has soared during the COVID-19 pandemic, as his online sermons reached a vast audience. Mary Anoya, a 17-year-old church attendee, stated that Emmanuel's TikTok sermons were favored by the students at her high school, suggesting his wide influence among the younger generation.

While Emmanuel has expressed support for the Palestinian community in Gaza in a recent post, he has also questioned parts of Islamic theology in some of his sermons. However, he has maintained that he loves the Muslim community and offers regular prayers for them.

The stabbing incident, which is now considered a terrorist attack driven by alleged religious extremism, has ignited concerns about religious persecution within the community. The suburb where the church is located is a hub for Christians from Syria, Iraq, Egypt, and Lebanon, many of whom fled their homeland due to religious persecution.

Following the attack, an angry crowd expressed their outrage by throwing rocks and bricks at the police. Residents who spoke to Reuters expressed their frustrations, emphasizing the need for the Australian government to intervene and ensure that no further persecution is tolerated.

Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel's stabbing has brought attention to the intersection of social media stardom, divisive preaching, and the potential consequences of religious extremism. As the investigation continues, it raises important questions about the delicate balance between freedom of speech and the responsible dissemination of ideas in an increasingly polarized society.