Iraq’s Christian Denominations Gather in Peace

Leaders of various denominations and nationalists in Iraq have come together to celebrate the occasion of the birth of Christ and pray for a good start to the new year.

The meeting, on 10 January, 2011, took place in the city of Baghdad, Iraq where various representatives from different bodies were present, from both spiritual and nationalistic sectors.

His Beatitude Mar Gewargis Sliwa, Metropolitan of Iraq, Iran and Russia, represented the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East.

Other represented denominations included the Chaldean Catholic Church, the Ancient Church of the East, Armenian Orthodox Church, Syrian Orthodox Church and Roman Orthodox Church.

Archbishop George Qas-Moussa, Archbishop of Mosul for the Syrian Catholic Church and the Assistant Secretary General of the Council of the Christian Church Leaders of Iraq (CCCLI), was also in attendance.

The meeting was held with the intention of commencing a good start to what is hoped will be a prosperous and peaceful year in Iraq and around the world.

Throughout the meeting, the prelates portrayed and encouraged the message of working together in harmony and unity for the benefit of peace in the Middle East.