Erbil: Christians across Iraq came together this week to observe the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, marking the occasion with solemn liturgies, candlelit processions, and communal celebrations that underscored the enduring faith of the country’s Christian communities. The annual feast, which honors the discovery and veneration of the True Cross by Saint Helena in the 4th century, has taken on special significance in Iraq as believers continue to recover from displacement, violence, and persecution.
From September 9 to 13, faithful from Chaldean, Assyrian, Syriac Catholic, and Syriac Orthodox Churches gathered in Erbil, participating in days of prayer, religious rituals, cultural events, and communal meals. Candlelit processions wound through neighborhoods, accompanied by hymns and chants, while sports and cultural activities brought communities together in celebration of both faith and identity. The festival offered a rare space for reflection, unity, and hope amid the ongoing challenges facing Iraq’s Christian population.
Archbishop Bashar Warda of the Chaldean Church addressed the faithful during the celebrations, emphasizing resilience and unity in the face of adversity. “We are still here. We are one in Christ. The Cross has not been silenced,” he said, recalling the hardships endured by Christians, including displacement and persecution under extremist groups. For Archbishop Warda, the Feast is a reminder that faith, courage, and communal solidarity endure even in the harshest conditions.
The ceremonies began with a candlelit march from St. Elias Chaldean Church in Ankawa to St. John the Baptist Assyrian Cathedral, approximately 1.3 miles, followed by prayers and a sermon delivered by Patriarch Mar Awa III of the East. Leaders highlighted the spiritual significance of the Cross as a symbol of hope, healing, and steadfast witness to faith and justice. The tradition recalls the discovery of the True Cross in AD 326 and its restoration to Jerusalem, representing both a historical and spiritual triumph.
In a country scarred by war and extremist violence, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross has become more than a liturgical celebration; it is a public affirmation of survival and identity. Participants waved crosses, engaged in prayer, and celebrated together, sending a powerful message of resilience: that no external threat can extinguish faith, sever hope, or erase the Christian presence in Iraq.
The event also served to strengthen inter-denominational ties and encourage younger generations to engage with their heritage, ensuring that centuries of Christian tradition continue to thrive in the heart of the Middle East. For many attendees, the Feast was not only a commemoration of history but a living testament to the courage, unity, and enduring spirit of Iraqi Christians.