Iraq: bishop, residents return to town as Kurdish forces advance

September 19, 2014

Bishop Mikha Pola Maqdassi, the Chaldean Catholic bishop of Alqosh, has joined 75% of residents in returning to their northern Iraqi city, according to a report from the Assyrian International News Agency.

The residents, fearing the advance of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, fled their city on August 7. Advances by Kurdish forces allowed the residents to believe it was safe to return to their historic Christian town.

On September 12, the residents celebrated the feast of their patron saint with a Mass and procession.

 

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Further information:

• 75% of Assyrians Return to Their Town in North Iraq (AINA)
• Alqosh (Wikipedia)