Iraqi Christians inaugurate new bell in Mosul - in pictures

  • Iraqi christians carry a large cross during the inauguration ceremony for a new bell at a church in the country's second city of Mosul. AFP
    Iraqi christians carry a large cross during the inauguration ceremony for a new bell at a church in the country's second city of Mosul. AFP
  • The church bell was inaugurated at the Syriac Christian church of Mar Tuma on September 18, seven years after ISIS overran the city and proclaimed it their "capital", before they were driven out three years later by the Iraqi army. AFP
    The church bell was inaugurated at the Syriac Christian church of Mar Tuma on September 18, seven years after ISIS overran the city and proclaimed it their "capital", before they were driven out three years later by the Iraqi army. AFP
  • Worshippers during the inauguration ceremony for the new bell. AFP
    Worshippers during the inauguration ceremony for the new bell. AFP
  • A priest rings the newly inaugurated bell. AFP
    A priest rings the newly inaugurated bell. AFP
  • The church of Mar Tuma, which dates back to the 19th century, was used by ISIS as a prison or a court. AFP
    The church of Mar Tuma, which dates back to the 19th century, was used by ISIS as a prison or a court. AFP
  • Restoration work is in progress at the church. AFP
    Restoration work is in progress at the church. AFP
  • The new bell weighing 285 kilograms was cast in Lebanon, with donations from a charity. AFP
    The new bell weighing 285 kilograms was cast in Lebanon, with donations from a charity. AFP
  • The church's marble floor is being completely redone, as part of renovations. AFP
    The church's marble floor is being completely redone, as part of renovations. AFP
  • Iraq's Christian community, which numbered more than 1.5 million in 2003 before the US-led invasion, has shrunk to about 400,000, reports say. AFP
    Iraq's Christian community, which numbered more than 1.5 million in 2003 before the US-led invasion, has shrunk to about 400,000, reports say. AFP