Annual Christian education program in Qaraqosh brings together 1,000 children

NINEVEH — The Mar Paul Church Services Center in Qaraqosh, Nineveh, is hosting its annual Christian education program, with around 1,000 children aged 6 to 12 participating this year.

The program, divided into 16 classes and led by more than 125 teachers and volunteers, begins each morning  with prayer and a group gathering, followed by sports, motion activities, hymn practice, religious films, handicrafts, and storyboards depicting scenes from the Bible.

Father Bishop Fares Tamas, director of the 2025 session, told 964media the activities are designed to nurture children’s spiritual, cultural, and social development and to “instill values of love and peace.”

“The program includes Christian educational lessons, group games, religious film screenings, swimming, creative workshops, sports, hymn training, and visits to churches and monasteries in the district,” he said, noting that the initiative has been running since 1983.

Participants say the program offers both learning and enjoyment. “We gather for prayer, then have sports activities, hymn training, films, or crafts,” said Fabian Waad, one of the children.

“I’ve learned many stories from the Old and New Testaments about how God prepared His people for the coming of the Savior,” Waad added.

Teacher Marvin Issam Faraj said, “The children are the beauty of life, and my feelings are indescribable when I see happiness in their eyes. That alone is enough for me.”