Chaldean Mar Yousif Church celebrates ordination of deacons and deaconesses, 195 children receive first Communion at Syriac Catholic Cathedral in Baghdede, Iraq

SHEIKHAN and BAGHDEDE, Iraq — The Chaldean Church of Mar Yousif in Sheikhan, Iraq, celebrated the ordination of 12 deacons and deaconesses, led by Bishop Mar Boulos Thabet of the Diocese of Alqosh. This was the first ordination of deacons at Mar Yousif in several years.

The ordination ceremony, attended by bishops, priests, nuns, and deacons from the Mar Gorgis Church, was filled with prayers, blessings, and heartfelt congratulations. Bishop Mar Boulos, extending his warm wishes to the newly ordained, urged them to uphold the teachings of the Church, serve diligently, and remain steadfast in their commitment.

Father Ghazwan introduced the ordained deacons and deaconesses to the gathered congregation, while Deacon Ramsen Korkis expressed gratitude to the bishops and clergy for their presence on this auspicious occasion. Following the ceremony, attendees gathered in the church garden to share in joyful festivities, enjoying cake and participating in a communal meal.

Meanwhile, at the Syriac Catholic Great Cathedral of the Immaculate in the Nineveh Plains town of Baghdede (Qaraqosh / Hamdaniyah), another celebration unfolded as 195 children received their first Communion. Led by Archbishop Mar Benedict Younan Hanno, bishops, priests, and families joined together to mark this joyous occasion, emphasizing the importance of nurturing the faith and spiritual growth of the younger generation.