persecution
Videos Show Damage to Historic Iraqi Assyrian Church
By commsmanager at International Christian Concern
· June 19, 2026
· 3 min read
Videos circulating on social media this week appear to show extensive damage inside Mar Kiryakos Church in the village of Sharanish in Iraq’s Dohuk Governorate, prompting concern among Assyrians and other Christians over the fate of one of the area’s historic churches. The video shows disturbed pews
Key takeaway According to research by International Christian Concern (ICC), the footage and accompanying photographs appear to have been posted by a visiting Chaldean priest currently living in Australia.
Why this matters
The damage to Mar Kiryakos Church in Iraq's Dohuk Governorate has significant implications for the Assyrian Christian community, whose cultural and religious heritage is deeply tied to the historic site. The church's destruction not only affects the local community but also resonates with Assyrians worldwide, as evident from the emotional reactions on social media. The lack of an official explanation for the damage has fueled concerns and speculation, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability. As a centuries-old church, Mar Kiryakos is not just a place of worship but also a symbol of the community's history and identity. Its destruction raises questions about the protection of minority rights and the preservation of cultural heritage in the region. The incident also underscores the importance of verifying information and avoiding speculation, as cautioned by the Assyrian Passion social media account, to ensure that accusations are not made without evidence.
About this story
Original reporting by International Christian Concern . Jesus Give surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: persecution ·
Published: June 19, 2026 ·
Source: International Christian Concern ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Videos circulating on social media this week appear to show extensive damage inside Mar Kiryakos Church in the village of Sharanish in Iraq’s Dohuk Governorate, prompting concern among Assyrians and other Christians over the fate of one of the area’s historic churches. The video shows disturbed pews
When was this published? This article was first published on June 19, 2026 by International Christian Concern and curated for Jesus Give readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by commsmanager at International Christian Concern. To learn more about how Jesus Give selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more persecution coverage from Jesus Give, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .