Stations of the Cross Observed in the Chaldean Archdiocese of Erbil on the First Friday of Lent

As in previous years, the churches of Ankawa, were filled with worshipers on the first Friday of Lent, with believers gathering in the morning and evening for prayer and reflection. The faithful were eager to listen to the spiritual guidance offered by the priests, focusing on selected topics from Christian teachings.

The practice of the Stations of the Cross began in the Holy Land and Europe during the Middle Ages (specifically the 13th-14th centuries). Pilgrims visiting the Holy Land would walk the path of suffering that our Lord Jesus took towards Golgotha. Over time, some monasteries and churches in Europe began to encourage the practice by installing stations representing the stages of Christ’s passion. This allowed those who could not visit the Holy Land to walk behind Jesus in spirit. Later, Pope Innocent XI and Pope Clement XII granted special privileges to those who practiced this devotion, which consists of 14 stations, with some churches adding the Resurrection as an additional station.

The Stations of the Cross are widely celebrated in the Chaldean Church and one of the largest liturgies of the year. “We worship You, O Christ, and we bless You. For by Your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world.”