The Chaldean Archdiocese of Erbil Mourns the Death of Archbishop Jack Ishaq

His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.’ (Matthew 25)

Archbishop Jack Ishaq, former Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Erbil, returned to the Father’s House on Thursday, June 22, 2023. He was ordained a priest on June 21, 1963, on the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus; he obtained his doctorate degree in Eastern Liturgical Studies in 1970 from the Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome. He served in Mosul and Baghdad for different periods, and taught Oriental Music, Liturgy and Arabic Language in both the Institute and Seminary of St. John the Beloved (Mar Youhana Al-Habeeb) and Babel College for Philosophy and Theology. And on September 26, 1997, he was ordained an Archbishop for the Archdiocese of Erbil; he resigned a year later but remained within the Archdiocese as a Patriarchal Administrator until 2001. After his resignation he was assigned a Patriarchal Assistant with the title “Titular Bishop of the Archdiocese of Nisibis”. He was assigned as the Dean of Babel College for philosophy and Theology in Baghdad, and he continued with this position as the college moved to Erbil, where he resided until his death.

He wrote many articles and books that have enriched the oriental library. He was also a co-founder and editor in chief of the magazines of “Bayn Al-Nahirain” and “Najm Al-Mashriq”.

The Archdiocese of Erbil mourned the death of the beloved archbishop during his funeral on Friday, 23 June 2023, which was presided over by Archbishop Warda.

Mar Gorgis III Yonan, the Patriarch of the Ancient Church of the East, along with archbishops and priests from the Chaldean Catholic Church, the Syriac Catholic Church, the Ancient Church of the East, the Assyrian Church of the East, and the Syriac Orthodox Church were present during the ceremony; prominent figures representing the government of the Kurdistan Region also attended the funeral.

During his homily, Archbishop Warda stated that Archbishop Jack followed and portrayed during his ministry, the teaching of St Peter when he says: “Tend the flock of God that is your charge, not by constraint but willingly, not for shameful gain but eagerly,not as domineering over those in your charge but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd is manifested you will obtain the unfading crown of glory.” (1 Peter 5:2-4). Moreover, Archbishop Warda highlighted that Archbishop Jack was a man from the “Generation of Simplicity”, as he was simple, humble, and kind. His grace emphasized the great works of the Archbishop and the rich impact he has left on his church, and his generosity in sharing knowledge with others. The funeral ceremony was one according to the Chaldean traditions and rites. After the prayers, Archbishop Jack Ishaq was buried inside St. Joseph’s Cathedral.

Archbishop Jack used these verses from Psalm 86 in his testament:

“I give thanks to thee, O Lord my God, with my whole heart,
    and I will glorify thy name for ever.
For great is thy steadfast love toward me”