Iraqi priests leading prayers during a Christmas mass at Saint Paul's church in Mosul on Dec 24, 2017. PHOTO: EPA-EFE

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Dec 24, 2017

MOSUL, IRAQ - Hymns and cries of joy filled a church in Iraq's second city Mosul on Sunday (Dec 24) as worshippers celebrated Christmas there for the first time in four years after the end of militant rule.

Mass opened with the Iraqi national anthem as women ululated, despite the modest decorations inside the church and the armoured cars and police outside.

"This is a sign that life is returning to Mosul," said wheelchair-bound Hossam Abud, 48, who returned earlier this month from exile in Iraqi Kurdistan.