Reopening of the Syriac Orthodox St. Thomas Cathedral. Mosul’s historic and beloved spiritual landmark rises again

By Syriac Press
October 11, 2025

Chaldean Patriarchate

Rising from the ashes of war, Mosul has begun to breathe again. After years of silence and ruin, the city witnessed a moment of profound renewal as the historic St. Thomas Syriac Orthodox Cathedral—often called the “Mother of Syriac Churches”—was reopened to the faithful. 

Once reduced to rubble by the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist organization during its brutal occupation in 2014, the cathedral now stands restored, a powerful emblem of faith’s endurance and the unbroken spirit of the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian people in Beth Nahrin (Mesopotamia) who have safeguarded this land for centuries. 

The reopening ceremony was led by Syriac Orthodox Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II in the presence of Cardinal Mar Louis Raphaël Sako, Patriarch of the Chaldean Church. Among the participating bishops was Mor Nicodemus Daoud Matti Sharaf, Archbishop of Mosul, Kerkheslokh (Kirkuk), and the Kurdistan Region. 

He spearheaded the cathedral’s reconstruction. 

The Governor of Nineveh, Abdul Qader Al-Dakheel, also attended, along with crowds of faithful who traveled from across Iraq to witness this historic day.
 In his address, Archbishop Nicodemus Daoud Matti Sharaf reflected the painful memories of destruction and displacement, describing the reopening as a symbol of resurrection: We are the people of resurrection, he said. Today we witness the rebirth of St. Thomas Cathedral through God’s grace and the dedication of all who helped realize this dream. He pledged to rebuild every church destroyed in Mosul, emphasizing that true change begins when new generations learn to coexist and embrace the values of love and humanity.