Passing of Chorbishop Father Salim Al-Baradosti (1943–2026)
With sorrowful hearts and firm hope in the Resurrection, the Chaldean Archdiocese of Erbil mourns its priest, Chorbishop Father Salim Al-Baradosti, who passed into the house of the Heavenly Father at dawn today, Tuesday, May 5, 2026, after a priestly life rich in generosity and dedicated service.
The late Father devoted his life to serving the Church and her faithful, with a gentle evangelical spirit and a sincere pastoral heart.
Funeral Arrangements
The body will lie in repose for a final farewell at the hall of St. Joseph Cathedral in Ankawa starting at 1:00 PM.
The funeral prayer will be held today at 3:00 PM at St. Joseph Cathedral in Ankawa, followed by burial at Mar Gorgis Church.
Condolences
Condolences will be received at Al-Raja Hall today and tomorrow from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Mass for the Repose of His Soul
The Divine Liturgy and funeral prayers for the repose of his soul will be celebrated tomorrow, Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 8:00 AM at St. Joseph Cathedral in Ankawa.
As we bid him farewell today, we lift our prayers to the Lord Jesus, the Shepherd of shepherds, asking Him to grant Father Salim eternal rest in His Kingdom, reward his faithful labor in His vineyard, and console the hearts of his family, loved ones, and all the faithful of the Archdiocese.
“Blessed is that servant whom his master will find watching when he comes.” (Luke 12:37)
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him. Amen.
“Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel.” (1 Corinthians 9:16)
Biography
Chorbishop Father Salim Al-Baradosti
(1943 – 2026)
Father Salim was born in Ankawa on July 1, 1943, to Touma Boulos Al-Baradosti and Hanni Shabo Hermiz. After completing his primary education in Ankawa, he entered St. John the Beloved Seminary of the Dominican Fathers in Mosul on September 15, 1956.
He completed his studies and was ordained to the priesthood on June 9, 1968, at St. Maskinta Church in Mosul, by the late Bishop Andraos Sna. He chose as his priestly motto:
“Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel.” (1 Corinthians 9:16)
He served in the parish of Erbil at the Sacred Heart Church in the Arab district from 1968 to 1973. He later continued his ministry in Ankawa, along with periods of service in Koya, Armota, and Shaqlawa.
On September 13, 2010, he was appointed parish priest of St. Joseph Church in Ankawa, where he served until his retirement in 2019.
On January 25, 2013, he was elevated to the rank of Chorbishop by Archbishop Bashar Matti Warda.
Throughout his years of service in the Archdiocese of Erbil, he also served as Vicar General at various times. He was a spiritual guide for the Marian Sodality, the Holy Cross fraternity, and several youth groups. He was active in organizing Gospel vigils and taught Christian education and the Chaldean language in Ankawa schools.
On January 25, 2018, he requested retirement upon reaching the age of seventy-five. This was approved, and he continued serving until December 31, 2018.
Since September 2022, he suffered from a serious illness that left him bedridden. After a long struggle, he passed away in the hope of the Resurrection at dawn on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let Your perpetual light shine upon him.
Pray for him.
