The Brotherhoods of Sts. Peter and Paul and the Martyrs Hold a Joint Summer Camp in Enishke

The Brotherhood of the Church of Sts. Peter and Paul in Ankawa, in cooperation with the Brotherhood of the Church of the Martyrs in Shaqlawa, organized a joint three-day summer camp in the town of Enishke, Duhok Governorate, from Thursday, 30 July to Saturday, 1 August 2026. The camp brought together 72 members from the two brotherhoods.

The first day began with the participants’ arrival at the St. John Paul II Complex in Enishke, where they were assigned their rooms before sharing dinner. An introductory gathering was then held to help members of both brotherhoods get to know one another, followed by a series of group games that fostered friendship, fellowship, and a spirit of unity among the participants. The day concluded with a communal prayer, during which the participants gave thanks to God for the opportunity to gather and to share these days together in a spirit of faith and joy.

The second day opened with morning prayer, followed by breakfast. Rev. Fr. Samir Sliwa then delivered a spiritual reflection centered on the Psalm, “For God alone my soul waits in silence,” focusing on the meaning of placing one’s trust in God and finding in Him peace and serenity amid the concerns and challenges of daily life. After a short break, the participants took part in a knowledge competition based on the key themes presented during the reflection.

At 4:30 p.m., the group traveled to the town of Araden, where they visited the Church of Sultana Mahdokht and offered prayers before returning to the St. John Paul II Complex in Enishke. The camp activities continued with group games until 9:30 p.m., followed by dinner and recreational activities. The day concluded with a holy hour featuring reflections, communal prayers, and hymns, providing participants with a peaceful opportunity to stand before God and renew their relationship with Him.

Special thanks were extended to Sr. Rose Mary of the Chaldean Daughters of Mary for preparing the prayers, hymns, and spiritual reflections that accompanied the three days of the camp and enriched its atmosphere of faith.

On the final day, the participants gathered at 7:00 a.m. for communal prayer before having breakfast. Afterwards, Rev. Fr. Samir Al-Khoury, the parish priest, graciously invited all participants to visit one of the summer resorts in Enishke. At noon, the group departed for the city of Duhok to share lunch before returning to Ankawa.

The camp provided a valuable pastoral opportunity to strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two brotherhoods while deepening ecclesial communion among their members. Throughout the three days, the participants experienced an atmosphere that harmoniously combined prayer, spiritual formation, fraternal fellowship, and engaging group activities.