In a beautiful display of faith and unity, the Christian community of Ankawa in Erbil came together on the eve of Palm Sunday for the 14th annual Ecumenical Palm Sunday Procession. Under the theme, “Hosanna in the highest, blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord,” the faithful gathered to witness their faith and ecumenical unity.
Organized by the Catechetical Committee of the Chaldean Catholic Archdiocese of Erbil, the event drew hundreds of participants from various Christian denominations. Leaders and faithful from different churches united in a shared act of worship and unity, culminating in prayer at the Shrine of Mar Elia.
The procession, which began at the Patriarchal Cathedral of St. John the Baptist of the Assyrian Church of the East, was a sight to behold. High-ranking Church leaders such as His Holiness Mar Awa III and Archbishop Bashar Warda led the march, joined by priests, deacons, catechists, and government representatives. Children enrolled in catechetical programs actively participated, leading the faithful in hymns and carrying symbols of peace and hope.
Upon reaching the historic Shrine of Mar Elia, the faithful gathered for a concluding prayer service, expressing gratitude for Christian fellowship and the enduring presence of Christ among them. This procession, now in its 14th year, has become a significant event in the life of the Christian community in Ankawa—a moment of renewal, identity, and collaboration.
The ecumenical spirit of the event reflects a broader commitment to cooperation among churches in the region. Supported by the Kurdistan Regional Government, the procession showcases the freedom and vitality of Christian life in Erbil. Palm Sunday liturgies continued in each parish following the procession.
