Acting Bishop of Basrah Imad al-Banna prepares the Eucharist in the Chaldean rite during Mass at the new chapel at Contingency Operating Base Basra, Jan. 16. Al-Banna took the place of the actual bishop of Basrah, who fled to Australia in March 2008 after receiving threats. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samuel Soza)
Acting Bishop of Basrah Imad al-Banna leads a prayer during a Chaldean rite Mass at the new chapel at Contingency Operating Base Basra, Jan. 16. “I think this has dimensions beyond Mass. It has to do with religious freedom,” said Chaplain (Lt. Col.) John Morris, 34th Infantry Division chaplain. “It has to do with the protections of minorities in the new Iraq. It has to do with healthy stability.” (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samuel Soza)
Acting Bishop of Basrah Imad al-Banna and procession exit the new chapel during a Chaldean rite Mass at Contingency Operating Base Basra, Jan. 16. Since April, the 34th Infantry Division has hosted the Chaldean Mass three times – twice at COB Basra and once at COB Adder. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samuel Soza)
