Pope Benedict XVI has erected the Chaldean Eparchy of Canada under the title of Mar
Addai of the Chaldeans of Toronto and appointed SE Archbishop Hanna Zora first
Bishop of the new Eparchy, transferring him from the See of Ahwaz and retaining the
title of Archbishop ad personam.
“We are very pleased at the news”,
Archbishop Louis Sako of Kirkuk told Emer McCarthy “we Chaldeans are part of the
universal Church. However, at the same time we are a little saddened by the continuing
exodus from our land, where the Church has been present since the 5th century.
We appeal to Christians not to abandon this land, their faith, their specific liturgical
traditions, but to stay. We have a mission to remain here, to witness to our Muslim
brothers”.
Archbishop Sako also appeals to Christians across the world and
to nations to help Christians remain in Iraq by fostering projects and investing in
the diminishing community. “We also need your prayers”, he adds. “The situation in
Kurdisan in the North is safe for Christians, and also here in the city, nonetheless
we must promote coexistence with our Muslim brothers but also employment for our young
people”. The Archbishop of Kirkuk appeals to the Diaspora not to forget those who
have chosen to remain in Iraq as a living presence of the ancient community.
Archbishop
Hanna Zora was born in Batna (Alquoch - Iraq) 13 March 1937. Ordained a priest June
10, 1962, he was elected Archbishop of Ahwaz of the Chaldeans (Iran) on 1 May 1974,
remaining an Iraqi citizen. In February 1987 he left Iran, remaining in Rome until
1993, when he was made responsible for the pastoral care of the Chaldean community
in Canada.
The total number of Chaldean Christians in Canada is around 38,000.
Pastoral care is offered by the Archbishop Hanna Zora as a community leader in Toronto,
under the jurisdiction of the Latin Archbishop of Toronto, and four priests. Most
of the Chaldean Christians are concentrated in certain areas of the country: Toronto,
Montreal, London - Windsor, Hamilton and London – Ontario, Oakville, Saskatoon, Vancouver
and Ottawa. The Church of Mar Addai in Toronto, recently consecrated by the Chaldean
Patriarch, Cardinal Emmanuel III Delly, has been elevated to a eparchial Cathedral.
Listen to full interview with Arcbishop Sako: