The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross Celebration

On the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, H.G. Archbishop Bashar Warda presided over the Divine Liturgy, with concelebrant Fr. Savio Handula, with the presence of the faithful laity at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph, Ankawa. After the Mass, H.G. Archbishop Warda blessed the new Reliquary which contains the relics of martyrs from our Church including, Fr. Gibrail Danbu, Sr. Cecelia, Fr. Ragheed Ganni; in addition to the relics of St. Rita and Blessed Fr. McGivney. 

After the celebration of the Divine Liturgy and the blessing of the Reliquary, the Feast of the Cross festival which lasted for 5 days, was concluded by lighting a torch (which is a well-kept tradition within the Chaldean Church during the feast of the Cross). Additionally, the festival days included entertainment, sports, and other activities. Along with a charity bazaar, and a play about St. Helen and the search for the true Cross. This festival was planned by the Apostolic Work Fraternity members to prepare for Feast and to encourage the Chaldean community to participate in these blessed days.