Radio Mariam Erbil Holds Passion Hymns Evening in Ankawa

On Thursday evening, April 16, 2025, Radio Mariam Erbil hosted a spiritual evening of Passion Hymns at the Shrine of Mar Elia in Ankawa, featuring Lebanese soloist Rita Barhoum and several choir members from the Chaldean churches of Ankawa. The event witnessed a large turnout of faithful gathered in prayer and reflection.

The evening began at 9:30 PM in a serene atmosphere filled with contemplation and devotion. Rita Barhoum performed ten hymns inspired by the Passion of Christ, including a touching Syriac (Sureth) hymn titled “Ya Eshoa Jreekha” (O Wounded Jesus).

Also participating in the event were local choir members, including Davila from St. Joseph’s Church choir and Diana, head of the Mother of Perpetual Help Church choir. Both performed medrāshē (spiritual chants) from the Evening Prayer of Good Friday according to the Chaldean Rite. Additionally, Dana and Marwa from the Church of the Apostles choir performed a Syriac hymn titled “Yummi Ya Bahr d’Eeni”, accompanied by musician Nawar Nader.

The evening was marked by an atmosphere of reverence and prayer, with Radio Mariam’s team preparing reflective stations based on the Passion narrative from the Gospel of John, adding a deeply spiritual tone to the gathering.

At the close of the evening, His Excellency Archbishop Mar Bashar Matti Warda expressed his gratitude to soloist Rita Barhoum, the choir members of the eparchy, the Radio Mariam team, and all the attendees. He encouraged everyone to continue keeping vigil in prayer with the suffering Jesus, in preparation for entering into the mystery of His death and resurrection.On Thursday evening, April 16, 2025, Radio Mariam Erbil hosted a spiritual evening of Passion Hymns at the Shrine of Mar Elia in Ankawa, featuring Lebanese soloist Rita Barhoum and several choir members from the Chaldean churches of Ankawa. The event witnessed a large turnout of faithful gathered in prayer and reflection.

The evening began at 9:30 PM in a serene atmosphere filled with contemplation and devotion. Rita Barhoum performed ten hymns inspired by the Passion of Christ, including a touching Syriac (Sureth) hymn titled “Ya Eshoa Jreekha” (O Wounded Jesus).

Also participating in the event were local choir members, including Davila from St. Joseph’s Church choir and Diana, head of the Mother of Perpetual Help Church choir. Both performed medrāshē (spiritual chants) from the Evening Prayer of Good Friday according to the Chaldean Rite. Additionally, Dana and Marwa from the Church of the Apostles choir performed a Syriac hymn titled “Yummi Ya Bahr d’Eeni”, accompanied by musician Nawar Nader.

The evening was marked by an atmosphere of reverence and prayer, with Radio Mariam’s team preparing reflective stations based on the Passion narrative from the Gospel of John, adding a deeply spiritual tone to the gathering.

At the close of the evening, His Excellency Archbishop Mar Bashar Matti Warda expressed his gratitude to soloist Rita Barhoum, the choir members of the eparchy, the Radio Mariam team, and all the attendees. He encouraged everyone to continue keeping vigil in prayer with the suffering Jesus, in preparation for entering into the mystery of His death and resurrection.