By Syriac Press
June 19, 2026
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| Photo Chaldean Patriarchate |
As part of a series of pastoral visits following his official appointment and enthronement as Patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church, Patriarch Mar Paulos III Nona visited the Chaldean Archdiocese of Alqosh, his hometown, on Thursday morning, 18 June 2026, accompanied by Archbishop Bashar Matti Warda and Bishop Azad Sabri. He was received by several bishops and priests at the Alqosh checkpoint, before proceeding to the archdiocesan residence, from where a ceremonial procession began toward St. George’s Church, passing by St. Michael’s Church.
At the beginning of the reception, Chorbishop Ghazwan Shahara delivered a welcoming speech on behalf of the people of Alqosh, in which he reviewed the Patriarch’s biography, noting its early connection to St. George’s Church, where he received the sacraments of baptism and first communion, the same church that now once again embraces him. He also recalled the activities the Patriarch carried out in Alqosh during his time as a priest, highlighting their impact on the lives of the faithful.
The patriarchal administrator, Bishop Al Shabi, also delivered a speech welcoming Patriarch Nona among his people in Alqosh, praising his closeness to his community, especially during times of hardship, and expressing gratitude for his pastoral care for the people of Alqosh.
In his address, Patriarch Nona focused on living in hope in times of anxiety, attributing global unease to the weakening of moral foundations, “because the world has easily abandoned its values, principles, and ethics, replacing them with interests, materialism, and the pursuit of power, fame, and status.” He added that all of this is pursued in unjust ways and at an extremely rapid pace across all aspects of life, noting that “what comes quickly, also goes quickly.” He further stated that prejudging people is another cause of anxiety, considering it “a form of escaping difficult reality.”
In the afternoon of the same day, the Patriarch visited the Convent of St. Anne of the Chaldean Sisters of Mary and the Monastery of St. Anthony of the Dominican Sisters in Alqosh. He encouraged the sisters to continue their mission of education and praised their service to orphaned girls, describing them as a support and refuge for them. The sisters expressed their deep commitment to the service of the Chaldean Church and prayed for the Patriarch.
At the Dominican Sisters’ monastery, the sisters offered prayers for the Patriarch, asking God to strengthen him in his mission. He thanked them and praised their life of prayer, consecration, and service, affirming that monasteries remain spiritual beacons for preserving the faith, and calling on them to remain steadfast in hope and trust in the Lord in all circumstances.
After celebrating Mass at St. George’s Church, Patriarch Nona proceeded to inaugurate the Alqosh Heritage Market. At the beginning of the ceremony, Father Rudy al-Safar delivered a welcoming speech to the Patriarch and bishops, considering their presence a message of encouragement to the people of Alqosh.
He explained the stages of restoration and development of the market, as well as the efforts of Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian community organizations inside and outside Iraq, stressing that the market carries deep heritage significance, recalling the legacy of ancestors.
The Patriarch then delivered a speech expressing his gratitude to all those who contributed to restoring the market to its former state, praying for everyone and that the market would remain “a symbol in our history and our life.”
He explained the stages of restoration and development of the market, as well as the efforts of Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian community organizations inside and outside Iraq, stressing that the market carries deep heritage significance, recalling the legacy of ancestors.
The Patriarch then delivered a speech expressing his gratitude to all those who contributed to restoring the market to its former state, praying for everyone and that the market would remain “a symbol in our history and our life.”
Following his speech, he toured the market and greeted the faithful gathered there.
The Patriarch concluded his pastoral visit to Alqosh with visits to the Monastery of Our Lady of the Seeds and the Rabban Hormizd Monastery.
At the Monastery of Our Lady of the Seeds, he led a liturgical prayer service with the bishops, priests, and monks, giving thanks to God for His blessings and expressing deep appreciation for the monks for their spiritual and pastoral service.
He emphasized the importance of these two monasteries in the history and life of the Chaldean Church, and the necessity of preserving this ancient spiritual heritage, which forms an essential part of the journey of faith.