To You, O Mary, We Offer Roses – The Third Concert by the Students ofMar Qardakh International School

  • May 14, 2025
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To You We Offer Roses, O Mary
Third Annual Concert – Mar Qardakh International School


On Wednesday, May 14, 2025, Mar Qardakh International School held its third student concert at Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church in Ankawa, marking the eve of the Feast of Mary, Guardian of the Harvests. The event was attended by His Holiness Patriarch Mar Awa III of the Assyrian Church of the East, our own Archbishop Bashar Matti Warda, and Archbishop Shimun Daniel of the Ancient Church of the East Archdiocese of Hadiab, clergy, religious sisters, and many families and guests.


Over 120 students from Grades 3 to 5 presented Marian hymns in four languages—Chaldean, Sureth, Arabic, and English—coordinated by Fr. Fadi Lyon and Mr. Mushriq Shaan. Their performance expressed the cultural richness of the East and deep spiritual connection to our Blessed Mother.

The evening also included traditional Sahra prayers led by Fr. Nashwan Younan, and a tribute to Fr. Ragheed Ganni and his companions, featuring a recorded hymn in his voice. Fr. Ragheed and three sub-deacons were killed by terrorists for refusing to close their church in Mosul on June 3, 2007. His cause for sainthood is now in process as one of the many martyrs who have lost their lives to preserve their faith in the land of Abraham. Archbishop Warda reminded all: “Faith is still nourished by the blood of martyrs.”

Head of School Ms. Hala Warda welcomed attendees with words of unity and gratitude, and the school honored alumnae from the class of 2024 who shared reflections on their Mar Qardakh journey.


Overall, the concert exemplified MQIS’ mission to form faith-filled, prayerful, and loving young hearts—in honor of Mary and remembering the Church’s martyrs.