"This reconstruction and restoration will pave the way for the return of Mosul's Christians." Father Pios Affas, pastor of the Syriac Catholic Church of Mar Toma, Mosul, Iraq.
Country Context
From June 2014 to July 2017, ISIS made Mosul its capital and subjected the people of Mosul to cruel and constant terror, forcing Christians to flee the city. Seeking to erase all traces of the Christian presence, ISIS looted and destroyed Mosul’s churches, often converting them into military installations. Liberated in 2017, the city of Mosul is now seeing Christians gradually resettle there. Approximately 200 families have returned to Mosul.
Restoration of the Mar Toma Church in Mosul
Restoring this church is important for preserving the Christian presence in Mosul. The resumption of regular worship services in Mosul allows Christians from the Nineveh Plains to envision returning to the area and rebuilding a true community. Today, about 300 people attend Mass once a month.
L’Œuvre d’Orient has already supported the restoration of the facades and the creation of the church’s furnishings.
The goal for 2023 is to restore a wall of the church using local stones called Faresh.
Impact
- This reconstruction paves the way for the long-term return of Christians to Mosul.
- Restoring Mosul’s churches helps preserve the city’s religious and cultural heritage, which is unique in Iraq.
