Laying the Foundations of the New Armenian Church in Northern Iraq

Baghdad, March 8, 2007, Ara S. Ashjian

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.

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