Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Baghdad (Agenzia Fides) - The Chaldean Church, as a sign of solidarity and closeness with the Assyrian Church of the East, took part in the mourning for the death of Assyrian Patriarch Mar Dinkha IV. For this reason, it gave orders to suspend the traditional convivial meetings for the exchange of Easter greetings in which the Patriarch, the Bishops and parish priests, receive a visit from political and institutional representatives and religious communities. This was reported by sources of the Patriarchate of Babylon of the Chaldeans, consulted by Agenzia Fides. In the liturgies of Holy Week the Chaldean communities will also pray for the soul of the Assyrian Patriarch and for the choice of a successor animated by genuine pastoral zeal.
In September 2013, Chaldean Patriarch Raphael Louis I had addressed to Patriarch Mar Dinkha an official invitation to start a path of dialogue together in order to restore full ecclesial communion between the Chaldean Christian community – in unity with the Bishop of Rome - and also with the Assyrian. "I take this opportunity," wrote the then Chaldean Patriarch to the Assyrian Patriarch "to express the desire of the Chaldean Church regarding the path of dialogue for unity, which is Jesus' desire. The start of this dialogue is today urgent in the face of great challenges that threaten our survival. Without unity, there is no future for us". In early October 2013, Patriarch Mar Dinkha had responded positively to the Chaldean Patriarch, suggesting the creation of a "Joint Committee" as a tool to deal with emergencies shared by the two sister Churches, which share the same liturgical, theological and spiritual heritage. (GV) (Agenzia Fides 30/03/2015)
