Syriac Catholic Patriarch Younan inaugurates Martyrs’ Complex of Cathedral of Our Lady of Salvation in Baghdad

BAGHDAD — Syriac Catholic Patriarch Mar Ignatius Youssef III Younan inaugurated the new “Martyrs’ Complex” at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Salvation in Baghdad. After opening the complex, the Patriarch led a prayer to bless the site and unveiled a memorial plaque honoring the martyrs.

Patriarch Younan toured the various sections of the complex, offering blessings and commending the efforts of Bishop Mar Avram Youssef Abba, who oversaw the completion of the project. The complex was dedicated to honor the dozens of worshippers martyred in the 2010 attack on the cathedral by the Islamic State (ISIS). The Patriarch prayed for Bishop Abba’s continued success in his service to the Baghdad Diocese and his dedication to the church and its members.

The event was attended by prominent figures including Archbishop of Baghdad and Secretary of the Holy Synod Mar Ephrem Youssef Abba of Baghdad, former Archbishop of Mosul and Archdiocesan Counselor Mar John Boutros Moushi, Patriarchal Vicar of Basra and the Arabian Gulf Mar Athanasius Firas Dardar, Patriarchal Custodian General and Secretary of the Patriarchate Monsignor Habib Murad, as well as local priests, deacons, and members of the faithful.