Chaldean Patriarchate urges Iraqi Prime Minister to protect sacred Christian Lakhmid sites

BAGHDAD, NAJAF, Beth Nahrain — Violations against Christians in Iraq extend beyond attacks on the living, even the dead are not spared but denied of peace and respect in their eternal rest. The Chaldean Patriarchate media office reported attempts to hand over historic Christian cemeteries in the outskirts of Najaf for investment projects. 

In a statement, the Patriarchate declared that Chaldean Patriarch Mar Louis Raphael Sako has issued an urgent appeal to Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, calling for immediate intervention to halt the desecration of Christian holy sites, particularly al-Manathira (Lakhmid) Cemetery, which holds the tombs of revered patriarchs, and the Umm Khashm Cemetery for Lakhmid Christians. 

The Patriarchate emphasized that these ancient sites must be protected, fenced off, as well as preserved, with no approvals granted for private investment projects that would erase their historical and religious significance. 

It further explained that the Kingdom of al-Manathira (Lakhmid) was once entirely Christian, home to churches such as al-Aqiser Church, as well as monasteries like Deir Hind al-Kubra, Deir Hind al-Sughra, Deir al-Jamajem, and Deir al-Masih. The region also produced famous Christian poets, including Imru’ al-Qais and al-Nabigha al-Dhubyani, who enriched Arabic literature. 

“These archaeological sites, alongside Shiite shrines in Najaf, Karbala and elsewhere, could be properly developed as pilgrimage destinations. In the long term, they could become major religious and tourist landmarks, generating substantial revenue for Iraq, especially since oil reserves will one day be depleted,” the Patriarchate concluded.