Syriac Orthodox Archdiocese of Mosul cancels Christmas and New Years celebrations in remembrance of Baghdede wedding hall fire martyrs

MOSUL, Iraq — The Syriac Orthodox Archdiocese of Mosul, in solemn tribute to the martyrs of the Baghdede (Qaraqosh / Hamdaniya) wedding hall fire tragedy that claimed over 130 lives, has decided to forego all Christmas and New Year celebrations.

In a statement released on Monday, the Archdiocese announced that festivities would be limited exclusively to religious rituals and Masses, as a mark of respect for the pure souls lost in the tragedy. The usual Christmas and New Year celebrations are officially canceled.

The Archdiocese, deeply affected by the painful memory of the Baghdede incident in September, expressed its unwavering commitment to lifting prayers to the Lord, Jesus Christ, seeking mercy for the martyrs and solace for their grieving families.

The tragic event unfolded during a wedding at Al-Haytham Hall in the Nineveh Plains town of Baghdede, Iraq, resulting in numerous casualties, injuries, and burns, some severe cases still under treatment in both Turkish and Iraqi hospitals. The shortage of medicine compounds the challenges faced by the survivors.

Despite the Iraqi Ministry of Interior’s investigation outcomes, which were rejected by the victims’ families, Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian parties, and Churches, there is a unified call for an international impartial inquiry. The aim is to uncover the elusive facts surrounding the incident and ensure justice for the victims who tragically lost their lives in the Baghdede fire.