HAMDEN, Conn. (AP) Members of the clergy and others have planned a vigil and prayer service at Quinnipiac University to show support for Christians persecuted in the Middle East.

The Reverend Jordan Lenaghan, the Catholic chaplain at Quinnipiac, says local members of the clergy are showing support for Christian churches in the Middle East, particularly in Iraq and Syria.

Islamic State militants have targeted religious minorities such as Christian, Yazidis and minority Shiite Turkmens.

Lenaghan says the vigil is a human right events intended to raise awareness of the recent destruction of communities dating back nearly 2,000 years.

Local Greek Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox and Assyrian Orthodox clergy are scheduled to participate.

The service is set for 8:15 p.m. Wednesday at the academic quadrangle at Quinnipiac and is open to the public.