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March 14, 2007
Blessing of Foundation for New Armenian Church in Northern Iraq
>From March 2 through 4, His Eminence Archbishop Avak Assadourian, Primate of
the Armenian Diocese of Iraq, accompanied by two priests and three members
of his diocesan council, visited a number of cities in northern Iraq and met
with representatives of the Armenian community.
On March 2, His Eminence arrived in the city of Erbil, where priests and
members of the parish councils from the cities of Kirkuk, Mosul, Zakho and
Avzroog joined him and his delegation. In accordance with the Lenten
Season, Abp. Assadourian offered the Peace and Rest Services in the Armenian
Church of Erbil, followed by his message to the faithful. After the
service, His Eminence met with the parishioners.
The following day, March 3, His Eminence arrived in the city of Duhok and
presided during a regional meeting with the participation of clergymen and
members of the parish council of that city. Among the items discussed were
issues related to the difficulties facing the Armenian Diocese of Iraq.
On Sunday, March 4, the Armenian community of northern Iraq celebrated a
joyous event, which took on greater significance in the current difficult
environment of the country. Abp. Avak Assadourian blessed the foundation of
a new Armenian church for the city of Duhok. As part of the service, His
Eminence washed each of the 16 foundation stones with wine and water, and
then consecrated each with the Holy Chrism (Muron).
At the end of the service, His Eminence delivered his message to the
Armenians of Iraq, exhorting them to remain faithful to their Armenian
Christian faith and their sacred traditions. He also noted that although
the Armenians of Iraq are far from their Motherland due to the tragic events
of history, the love of Christ and the peace of the Holy Spirit will console
them and lessen their yearning until they can once again return.
Present for the service were bishops and priests of Sister Churches in
addition to the faithful Armenian population of Duhok.