Under the partnership of Archbishop of the Chaldean Archeparchy of Erbil Archbishop Bashar Matti Warda, the “Ankawa Youth Day” activities began on Wednesday 9 July 2025, at the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Ankawa (Iraq). The event’s motto was taken from the prophecy of Jeremiah: “I will give you shepherds after my own heart.”

This annual gathering represents one of the most important pastoral initiatives embraced by the Chaldean Archeparchy of Erbil, bringing together hundreds of young people from various eparchies and churches across Iraq. It is a journey that began in 2013 to accompany the Church’s youth in vocational discernment and spiritual renewal.

The entire staff of Radio Mariam Iraq, based in Erbil, has been actively participating by broadcasting the events and conducting interviews with young people. The activities will continue in the coming days with Holy Mass every morning, sessions of spiritual dialogue, prayer vigils and confessions, all guided by priests, religious men and women, and consecrated persons. This gathering is intended to be a time of spiritual renewal and a communal journey toward a deeper understanding of the Christian vocation.