Assyrian Church of the East Inaugurates New Patriarchate in Baghdad with Government Support

The Ancient Church of the East formally inaugurated its new patriarchal headquarters in Baghdad on Saturday, 14 February 2026. The event, held in the Iraqi capital, marked a significant milestone for one of the country’s historically significant Christian communities. The ceremony, which combined ecclesiastical tradition with state involvement, highlighted the continued presence and importance of the Assyrian Rite church within Iraq.

The inauguration was led by Patriarch Mar Gewargis III Younan and included participation from high-ranking officials, including Member of Parliament Evan Jabro and Dr. Rami Joseph Aghajan, president of the Diwan of Christian, Yazidi and Mandaean Endowments. The government office overseeing the construction and furnishing of the new headquarters emphasized its role in supporting Iraq’s recognized religious communities, reflecting a broader commitment to national unity and religious pluralism.

The gathering featured senior clergy from various Christian denominations, along with representatives from Iraq’s presidency, parliament, and cabinet, as well as diplomats and cultural figures. This diverse attendance underscored both the ecclesiastical significance of the event and its national symbolism, reinforcing the role of religious institutions in the country’s social fabric.

In his remarks, Dr. Aghajan highlighted the Diwan’s national responsibility to care for all religious communities without discrimination. He described the new patriarchate as a testament to the state’s dedication to equality, justice, and peaceful coexistence among Iraq’s diverse groups. The event was presented as a reaffirmation of continuity, signaling the intent of historic churches to maintain their spiritual, cultural, and national role in the land long recognized as the cradle of Eastern Christianity.

Patriarch Mar Gewargis III Younan expressed gratitude for the government’s support, emphasizing that the new headquarters would serve as a spiritual and administrative center for the Ancient Church of the East in Iraq and among the diaspora. He stated that the building would enhance the Church’s pastoral mission and institutional work, both within the country and abroad.

Senior officials from the Diwan, including Wameed Jirjis Naji and Balsam Amer Mikhael, joined Dr. Aghajan in touring the premises. During the visit, they reviewed the architectural and administrative features of the complex, demonstrating the government’s active involvement in the project’s development and maintenance.

The Ancient Church of the East, which follows the Assyrian Rite, traces its origins to the original Church of the East. Today, this historical church is represented by three distinct entities: the Ancient Church of the East, headquartered in Baghdad; the Assyrian Church of the East, based in Arba’ilo (Erbil); and the Chaldean Catholic Church, also headquartered in Baghdad. The inauguration of the new patriarchal headquarters in Baghdad is seen as a symbolic affirmation of the enduring presence and relevance of these communities in Iraq.

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