Armenian Orthodox Church of St. Gregory reopens in Baghdad after  historic restoration

ArmInfo. The Armenian Orthodox Church of St. Gregory in Baghdad has reopened its doors to parishioners after a historic restoration.

As reported by Zartonq, the official reopening of the Armenian  Orthodox Church of St. Gregory took place on December 21 after  restoration. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani attended  the event, following the completion of the church's first and most  extensive restoration since its founding in 1957.

The church's opening, ahead of the upcoming Christmas holidays,  highlighted its historical, religious, and cultural significance for  the Armenian community in Iraq and the capital's architectural  heritage.

The Iraqi Prime Minister toured the church's halls and corridors to  review the comprehensive restoration and rehabilitation work at the  religious monument. He emphasized the church's significance as a  symbol of honoring the innocent civilians who suffered as a result of  terrorism in Al-Tayaran Square. "The church's reconstruction reflects  the spirit of diversity and coexistence that defines the new Iraq,"  Al-Sudani said, adding, "This is an important step toward restoring  Baghdad's historical splendor and preserving its cultural,  civilizational, and architectural heritage."

The Prime Minister emphasized that the restoration and renovation of  the church is a national responsibility and a commitment to the  Armenian community as a valuable component of Iraqi society. He  thanked everyone who contributed to the restoration work and  reaffirmed the government's ongoing commitment to protecting heritage  and preserving Baghdad's historical identity through the revival of  architectural monuments.

He also noted that restoration work in Baghdad's ancient  neighborhoods and historical landmarks will continue, emphasizing  that the city's churches, mosques, and heritage buildings are a  central element in preserving the capital's architectural heritage.

Founded in 1957, the St. Gregory Armenian Orthodox Church underwent  its first and most extensive restoration since 2008. The work  included maintenance, structural reconstruction, and aesthetic  improvements. The church is undergoing reconstruction with the aim of  reviving its role as both a religious and cultural landmark in  Baghdad. The church also houses the Diocese of the Armenian Church in  Iraq, led by Bishop Oshakan Gyulgyulyan, the Primate of the Diocese,  making it a key center of Armenian spiritual life in the country.