The head of the Chaldean bishops in the Iraqi city of Kirkūk on Tuesday announced that Christmas celebrations for this year have been cancelled following a threat from al-Qā‘idah.

Only prayers will be held, the church official said. The prayers will be held in the morning under strict protection, instead of in the evening, as is customary.

Armed men burst into a church in Baghdad on October 31, killing 44 worshipers and two priests.

[A similar report appeared in Al-Hayāh, p.3]