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St. George Parish
St George’s church is considered one of the oldest churches in Ankawa. It was named after St. George the martyr, who’s feast day is celebrated on April 24. The construction date of this church is unknown, however, during its reconstruction in 1994 four stones were found in its crypt with writings on them. On the first stone was written the name of a priest called Hermiz from the village of Amko, who had died 4 October 927 AD. The second stone referred to church reconstruction in 1716. On the third stone the writing said that the altar and the structure were built on December 1857 and named after the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The fourth one stated “The Chaldean Church building was renovated and named St. George the martyr in 1922”.
Currently, this Parish holds:
Mass on Sundays: 7:00 AM, 5:30 PM
Daily Mass: 5:15 PM
Daily Rosary followed by Ramsha (vespers): 4.30 PM
Catechism classes every Friday: 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM
In addition to activities for lay groups for the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and a parish youth group, “The Way of Charity”.
Mass on Sundays |
7:00 AM | 5:30 PM |
Daily Mass |
5:15 PM |
Daily Rosary followed by Ramsha (vespers) |
4:30 PM |
Catechism classes every Friday |
3:00 PM – 5:30 PM |
St. Joseph’s Cathedral
As population grew in Ankawa, the parish of St. George did not have enough space to celebrate big feast day masses with large numbers of people. As a result, and under the guidance of late Archbishop Estephan Babaka the cathedral was built in eighties. The actual construction of the church had started on August 1978, and it was finished in mid 1980s. the building was designed after the Babylonian architecture, which is considered the root of the Chaldeans traditions and civilization. At the time, the cathedral was located in the southern part of Ankawa, which was a small village. However, currently and with population growth, the Cathedral is in the central part of Ankawa.
Currently, this Parish holds:
Mass on Sundays: 7:00 AM, 6:00 PM
Daily Mass: 7:30 AM
Daily Rosary followed by Ramsha (vespers): 4:30 PM
Catechism classes every Friday: 3:00 – 6:00 PM
Catechism Classes are for middle and secondary levels students.
Um al Maouna Parish (Our Lady of Perpetual Help)
The construction of this parish started in 2011 under the guidance of Archbishop Bashar Warda. It was opened in 2014 due to the increasing numbers of refugees from Baghdad and Mosul due to the difficult situations the country had been going through since 2005 and on. This Parish includes big halls suitable for religious, cultural, and social events, as well as having catechism classes. The opening of this church took place during very difficult and challenging times and exceptional situations especially for Christians in the middle east, and particularly in Iraq. Which is why it was important to open another church.
Currently, this Parish holds:
Mass on Sundays: 8:00 AM, 6:00 PM
Mass on Saturdays (Vigil Mass): 6:00 PM
Daily Mass on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays: 7:30 AM
Daily Mass on Fridays: 8:00 AM
Daily Rosary followed by Ramsha (vespers): 5:00 PM
Catechism classes every Friday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
As well as activities for the Sacred Heart of Jesus group, and weekly meetings for Al- Safaa group. There are also meetings for women parishioners every Monday. Catechism classes are for middle and secondary level students in this Parish.
Sts. Peter and Paul the Apostles Parish
The construction of this church started on 1 April 2017. The church fits 1200 people, with a multi-purpose hall fitting 700 people and a center for catechism with 24 classrooms, and a playing area. As well as a priest house.
After the ISIS attacks on Mosul in 2014 and the displacement of 2500 families who had to leave to Ankawa, and due to the political and economic problems in the country, people started losing hope and seeking to leave the country; thus, there was an essential need for another church to host the people and to show her closeness to her children. This parish hosted large numbers of youth and children as at contains spacious catechism centers.
Currently, this Parish holds:
Mass on Sundays: 7:00 AM, 6:00 PM
Mass on Saturdays (Vigil Mass): 6:00 PM
Daily Mass (Monday – Friday): 7:00 AM
Daily Rosary followed by Ramsha (vespers): 4:30 PM
Catechism classes every Friday: 9:00 – 11:30 AM, 3:00 – 6:30 PM
Catechism Classes are for kindergarten, primary, middle, and secondary levels students. The parish also holds weekly meetings for women parishioners, St. Francis of Assisi group and The Two Apostles group.
Mar Toma (St. Thomas) Parish
Due to continuous population growth in Ankawa and the expansion of the city, it was decided that another parish will be open named after St. Thomas, on June 25, 2022, to serve the parishioners and reduce pressure on other parishes inside the city. This parish also contains halls for social, cultural, and religious events as well as catechism classes. These areas are made to host all parish events.
Currently, this Parish holds:
Mass on Sundays: 7:00 AM, 6:00 PM
Mass on Fridays (Family Mass): 6:00 PM
Daily Mass (Monday – Thursday): 5:15 PM
Daily Rosary followed by Mass: 5:00 PM
As well as St. Thomas youth group activities and meetings every Friday. Mar Toma is the Archdiocese’s newest Parish.