Iraq, Iran and Russia

Faithful have gathered at St Zaia Church, Baghdad, to partake in the funeral service of Reverend Oraham Dinkha, the beloved parish priest who endured Baghdad’s rough times throughout the last decade.

Graduating student parishioners of the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East have been received graduate medallions on behalf of His Holiness Mar DInkha IV, Catholicos Patriarch, during ceremonies around the world.

The unveiling of one of the largest Assyrian murals in north Iraq has been attended by state officials, political parties, teachers, school students, clergy and parishioners.

Various parishes throughout Baghdad have gathered together for the offering of the Holy Eucharist in a show of unity and dedication to the Lord Jesus Christ, despite the constant fear of terrorist threat.

The Education Committee of the Assyrian Church of the East's Baghdad parishes has been instrumental in organizing a lecture titled “Law and the Church”, presented by Rev. Dr. Salem Saka.

On May 11, 2011, Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, head of the Moscow Patriarchate’s department for external church relations, received Bishop Mar Isaac Joseph of Northern Iraq and Russia, Assyrian Church of the East, at his request.

Continuing Christian hope is essential in the current unstable climate of the Middle East, His Beatitude Mar Gewargis Sliwa has stressed during a World Council of Churches (WCC) meeting on violence against Christians.

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 Archdiocese of Iraq has again shown it is committed to growing the message of the Assyrian Church of the East's holy fathers, with the ordination of five sons who have been called to serve in the Lord's vineyard.

His Beatitude Mar Gewargis Sliwa, Metropolitan of Iraq, Iran and Russia has laid his hand on Martin Nabil Nicola and raised him to the ranking of Deacon in the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East.

The murder of innocent Christian clergy and lay faithful, who were in the midst of prayer and worship at their local parish, is an affront to civilized humanity

His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV writes a letter to His Beatitude Mar Ignatius Joseph III Younan, offering condolences for the sorrowful events of late.

Hope will soon be renewed for Assyrian families that have lost their homes in Iraq, with new accommodation nearing completion thanks to ACERO.

“Granting the opportunity for children to spend memorable times and seeing smiles on their lips are priceless” stated a faithful at the event.