By Syriac Press
August 22, 2026
Patriarch of the Chaldean Church Mar Paulos III Nona presided Friday, 21 August 2026, for the first time since his enthronement as patriarch, over the Divine Liturgy and the evangelical diaconal ordination of seminarian Mifan Nazem of the Chaldean Archdiocese of Arba’ilo (Erbil) at the Church of the Virgin Mary in the Suraye (Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian) town of Armota, in the presence of clergy and a large number of worshippers.
The ceremony began with a procession of deacons and priests of the Chaldean Archdiocese of Arba’ilo, accompanied by the prayers and hymns of the faithful, who thanked God for the grace of priestly vocations and prayed that He would guide Mifan and strengthen him throughout his ministry.
During the liturgical rite, seminarian Mifan received the evangelical diaconal ordination through the laying on of hands by Patriarch Nona and prayers, committing himself to serving the Word of God, the altar and the faithful community with obedience, humility and love.
In his homily, the Patriarch congratulated Deacon Mifan and his family, the Chaldean Archdiocese of Arba’ilo and the Parish of the Virgin Mary in Armota, wishing him a fruitful path of service and continued preparation for the priesthood.
In his homily, the Patriarch congratulated Deacon Mifan and his family, the Chaldean Archdiocese of Arba’ilo and the Parish of the Virgin Mary in Armota, wishing him a fruitful path of service and continued preparation for the priesthood.
