Laying the Foundations of the New Armenian Church in Northern Iraq

Laying the Foundations of the New Armenian Church in Northern Iraq

Ara S. Ashjian, Baghdad
10-03-2007 13:43:22 – KarabakhOpen

The Primate of the Iraqi Armenian Diocese, H.E. Archbishop Avak
Asadourian blessed 16 "vem-kar" stones of the new Armenian Church to
be constructed in Duhok in northern Iraqi Kurdistan region.

The ceremony was held according to the sacred traditions of the
Armenian Apostolic Church as prescribed in the Book of Rites. It was
attended by the Armenian population in the region as well as bishops
and priests of other churches in Iraq.

The Primate accompanied by 2 priests and 3 members of the Diocesan
Council traveled to the city of Erbil in northern Iraq on March 2,
2007. There, they were joined by the priests and parish council
members of the northern Iraqi cities of Kirkuk, Mosul, Zakho and
Avzroog. Being in the season of Lent, Peace and Rest services were
held at a local church for the Armenian Community. After delivering
the sermon and after the services, Archbishop Asadourian had a meeting
with the members of the Armenian Church there.

> At the city of Duhok the delegation held a regional meeting with the
participation of all the priests and parish council members. Several
issues were tackled concerning the affairs of the Armenian Church in
Iraq and the hardships it faces now due to the prevailing conditions
in the country.