On April 9th 2003 the statue of Saddam Hussein in Firdos Square Baghdad was toppled – regarded at the time as a hugely symbolic gesture for the future of the country. On April 9th twenty years later it was Easter Sunday, and Archbishop Michael was celebrating Eucharist in what many hope will be a far more lasting symbol of hope and peace.
Reflecting on the service the Archbishop said
I'm always in awe of people's sheer resilience here.
That resilience was perhaps represented best in the presentation of the young people from the church who have grown up in a broken city, and known nothing else, and yet remain happy and hopeful.
The Archbishop is particularly proud of the School of the Redeemer’s achievements in the midst of devastation.
The holistic nature of what St George's offers - a worshipping community, immediate food and relief for those who need it, education for children of any faith from the youngest ages, a medical clinic, and an ecumenical resource centre for Christian education - is a beacon in a still struggling city.
Archbishop Michael
Posted 11/04/2023