Nineveh News
Christianity Rising Again in the Land of Assyria
In a profound moment for Christianity’s revival in the ancestral land of Assyria, His Holiness Patriarch Mar Ignatius Aphrem II consecrated the new Umm Noor (Mother of Light) Cathedral in Erbil on October 12, 2025. Joined by hierarchs from across the Syriac, Chaldean, and Assyrian Churches, as well as Kurdistan Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, the event marked a renewed era of faith and unity among Iraq’s Christian communities. The cathedral’s consecration stands as a powerful symbol of endurance, hope, and the rebirth of Christianity in the heart of ancient Assyria.
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October 16, 2025
Faith Heritage & Culture

Erbil, October 12, 2025 — In a powerful sign of faith’s renewal in the ancient land of Assyria, and its historical capital of Erbil, churches are being restored and new ones built across northern Iraq. On this historic day, His Holiness Patriarch Mar Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Church, consecrated the magnificent Umm Noor (Mother of Light) Cathedral in Erbil. Along with the Assyrian Church of the East’s Patriarchal Center and cathedral, Umm Noor is a welcomed addition to the growing strength of Christian institutions in Iraq. 

The Patriarch was joined by a distinguished assembly of hierarchs, including Patriarch Louis Sako of the Chaldean Church, Archbishops Mar Aprem of the Assyrian Church of the East, Mar Nicodemus Daoud Sharaf (Mosul, Kirkuk, Kurdistan Region and Environs), Mar Justinus Boulos Safar (Zahleh and Beqaa in Lebanon), Mar Timotheos Moussa Al-Shamani (Mar Matta Monastery), Mar Athanasius Touma Dakkama (United Kingdom), Mar Anthimos Jack Yacoub (Jerusalem, Jordan, and the Holy Land), Mar Yacoub Babawi (Monastic Affairs and Mar Aphrem Theological Seminary), Mar Augeen Al-Khoury Nemat (Patriarchal Secretary), and Mar Youhanon Lahdo (Sweden and Scandinavia).

The event was attended by Mr. Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government, who expressed his appreciation for the enduring Christian presence in the region. Also in attendance were His Beatitude Mar Louis Sako, Patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church, and representatives of other Christian denominations.

The consecration of Umm Noor Cathedral marks more than the opening of a church—it symbolizes the revival of Christianity in the very heart of ancient Assyria, where faith once illuminated the world and led to the greatest missionary enterprise in Christendom. After decades of displacement and hardship, the rebuilding of these churches stands as a living testament to resilience, continuity, and the undying spirit of a people determined to keep their faith alive on their ancestral soil.

Left to right: His Beatitude, Mar Aprem, Metropolitan of the Assyrian Church of the East, His Beatitude, Mar Louis Sako, Patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church, His Excellency, Mr. Masrur Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq, His Holiness, Mar Afram, Patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Church, His Grace, Mar Nicodemus Daoud Sharaf, Archbishop of Mosul

Patriarchs Sako and Afram, along with the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, in a ribbon cutting ceremony.