IRAQ: Celebration in Baghdede marks release of new Syriac edition of the Holy Bible

BAGHDEDE, Iraq — Under the patronage of Archbishop of the Syriac Catholic Archdiocese of Mosul and its Environs Mar Benedictus Younan Hano, Suroyo TV hosted a celebratory evening in honor of the release of a new Syriac edition of the Holy Bible. The event took place at the Emmanuel Bani Theater in the Mar Paulus Center in the Nineveh Plains town of Baghdede (Qaraqosh / Hamdaniyah), Iraq.

A Night of Prayer and Music

The evening began with a welcoming address, followed by the Lord’s Prayer recited collectively by attendees. A special performance by the Baghdede Syriac Children’s Choir filled the hall with hymns sung in Syriac, marking the occasion with a deep spiritual and cultural resonance.

Reflections on Syriac Heritage and Bible’s Legacy

In his address, journalist Amir Bolous, representing Suroyo TV, highlighted the channel’s journey since its inception and its role in preserving and promoting Syriac heritage through its faith-based and cultural programming.

Archbishop Hano then spoke about the historical significance of Bible translations, emphasizing the importance of the Peshitta, the classical Syriac translation of the Bible, which has been a cornerstone of Syriac Christian liturgy and theological study.

Sharbiel Hanna Matti, head of Suroyo TV’s Iraq office, elaborated on the channel’s mission in strengthening the Syriac language and identity through its media initiatives.

Distribution of New Syriac Bible

At the close of the evening, copies of the newly published Syriac Bible were distributed to the clergy of Baghdede. Among those present were director of the Mar Paulus Center for Church Services Archpriest Faris Tamas and Sharbiel Hanna Matti.

The event also saw attendance from notable figures and organizations, including representatives from the Bethnahrin Patriotic Union (Huyodo Bethnahrin Athroyo, HBA), the Beth Nahrain Organization for Women (BNOW), and the Beth Nahrain Youth Movement, alongside various religious and community leaders.

Step Forward in Syriac Language Preservation

The publication of this new Syriac edition of the Holy Bible was made possible with the support of the Shai Fund as part of broader efforts to preserve the Syriac language and reinforce its presence in religious and cultural life.