Parishes of the Chaldean Archdiocese of Erbil Celebrate Easter with Hope Beyond Anxiety

  • April 6, 2026
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The parishes of the Chaldean Archdiocese of Erbil celebrated the Feast of the Resurrection this year in a faith-filled atmosphere rich in hope, where the joy of the feast was intertwined with a responsible pastoral awareness that takes into account the security challenges facing the region.

The celebrations began with the Divine Office, followed by the liturgical Mass held at 4:00 PM, where the faithful gathered in their churches to participate in this central event of the Christian faith, recalling Christ’s passage from death to life and from darkness to light.

In the evening, the parishes celebrated the Vigil Mass, which this year was held at 8:00 PM instead of its usual time, in consideration of the security situation and for the safety of the faithful. Despite these adjustments, the churches witnessed a notable attendance of families, youth, and children, who came carrying candles of hope and a living faith that the light of the Resurrection is stronger than all fear.

Amid this joy, the parishes also felt the absence this year of many families from the diaspora, who in previous years used to return to Ankawa to take part in the celebrations of Holy Week. Their absence created a touching human dimension, expressed by the faithful through their longing to reunite with their loved ones and their prayers that such gatherings may return under more stable and secure circumstances.

The celebrations included special prayers and hymns of the Resurrection, expressing the Church’s joy in the victory of life over death. The homilies emphasized that the Resurrection is not merely a remembrance, but a daily call to remain steadfast in faith, to hold firmly to hope, and to work toward a renewed life despite challenges.

This wide participation affirmed that the Church, despite all circumstances, remains a source of hope—a place where the faithful gather to renew their faith and draw strength to face the present with confidence, looking forward to a future illuminated by the light of the Resurrection.