Beth Nahrain Patriotic Union joins Baghdede celebration of Feast of Mar Qaryaqos

BAGHDEDE, Iraq — In a heartfelt expression of solidarity and cultural pride, the Beth Nahrain Patriotic Union (Huyodo d’Bethnahrin Athroyo, HBA) celebrated the annual Feast of Mar Qaryaqos alongside the residents of the Nineveh Plains town of Baghdede (Qaraqosh / Hamdaniyah), Iraq.

Held on 6 April, the event honors the town’s patron saint and serves as a cornerstone of faith and identity for the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian community.

The HBA extended its greetings to the local population, emphasizing the importance of unity during religious and national occasions. “Our presence today reflects our deep commitment to standing with our people in both joy and struggle,” the party stated. “May the Lord safeguard the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian nation, and humanity as a whole, from the forces of evil and terrorism.”

The annual feast, known locally as Shira Mar Qaryaqos, draws thousands of participants from Nineveh Plains and beyond. Rooted in ancient Christian tradition, the festival honors Saint Qaryaqos (Cyriacus), the spiritual protector of Baghdede. Processions, prayers, and communal gatherings mark the day, offering a powerful affirmation of faith and a resilient stand against the traumas of the past, including displacement during the Islamic State (ISIS) occupation.

The HBA’s participation also carried political weight, as it reiterated calls for the protection of Iraq’s indigenous Christian heritage and ancestral lands. “We pray for continued perseverance, prosperity, and pride in our national identity,” the statement continued, “and for the safeguarding of our heritage and homeland.”