29/08/2023

Former Chaldean Archbishop of Nohadra and Amadiya passed away at 75 in Nohadra, Iraq

NOHADRA, Iraq — Former Chaldean Archbishop of Nohadra (Duhok) and Amadiya Raban Hazkial al-Qas has passed away at the age of 75 due to illness while at Azadi Hospital in Nohadra.

The funeral prayer for the late archbishop was led by Chaldean Patriarch Mor Louis Raphael Sako in the church of Komani village. His body was laid to rest on Tuesday morning.

Born in 1949 in Komani village, Archbishop Hazkial al-Qas pursued his education at St. John the Beloved Institute, focusing on Philosophy and Theology. He was ordained as a priest in 1973 and later became an archbishop in 2002, leading the Archdiocese of Amadiya.

Notably, he played an instrumental role in establishing the Bright Future High School in Nohadra and oversaw the opening of churches in Komani and Hamzik. His linguistic versatility was evident as he was proficient in languages such as Syriac, Kurdish, Arabic, French, English, and Italian.

Condolences have been pouring in following the archbishop’s passing. Catholicos-Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East Mor Awa III Royel sent a condolence telegram, expressing his sympathies to Patriarch Sako and the archbishop’s family, while extending hopes for divine mercy upon him.

President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), Nechirvan Barzani, also conveyed his sincere condolences in a letter, remarking, “With deep sorrow, we have received news of the passing of a distinguished and devoted Christian figure, the late Archbishop Hazkial. I extend heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the Christian community.”