Desecration
This would be my first time witnessing what desecration looks like…
Usually, when one walks into a cathedral, a respectful silence of awe or admiration falls over the individual. A moment of spiritual contemplation proceeds as the transcendent environment inspires personal reflection.
As to be expected, when I walked into the courtyard of the Immaculate Church, a silence fell over me. But it wasn't from a sense of awe. No. I simply had no words to express the turmoil I felt walking through the aftermath of such abhorrent devastation.
Every square foot of the courtyard gave testimony to what had taken place…
Bullet holes riddled the walls. The inside of the sanctuary had been transformed into a firing range.
The bell tower was torn in two. It lay split open on the ground in a crumpled mess.
Stone crosses had been stripped from the walls. Even the carved faces of the saints were chiseled out of existence.
And still, the sooty black shadows of past fires lingered on the pillars.
Aniconism (the avoidance of images of sentient beings) is related to idolatry within traditional Islam.
For centuries, this church had been the epicenter for the Christian community in Iraq, where the faithful gathered for prayer and worship. All of this changed in 2014, when the town of Qaraqosh fell under the control of ISIS, and the Christian community was forced to flee, leaving behind their beloved church.
During their occupation, ISIS subjected the town to brutal violence and religious persecution. The Immaculate Church was not spared from their cruelty; it suffered extensive damage, and many of its sacred artifacts were desecrated or destroyed.
It wasn’t until 2016 when the town of Qaraqosh was liberated from ISIS. This pivotal moment allowed the Christian community to return to their hometown and begin the arduous process of rebuilding their lives and their church.
When I visited Qaraqosh, restoration efforts were already underway. People from around the world were coming together to provide financial support for the reconstruction, and the local population dedicated their time and skills to breathe new life into their place of worship.
Now, more than ever, the Immaculate Church is a poignant reminder of the unwavering conviction of the Christian community in the region. It is a testament to their faith, perseverance, and commitment to preserving their spiritual heritage. This historic church continues to stand as a beacon of hope in the face of evil.
Personally, as I look back through my photos, I contemplate what Jesus said 2000 years ago, “…I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” These words feel so much more concrete after placing my hands on the stones of the Immaculate Church in Qaraqosh.
