The Personal Coat of Arms of His Beatitude Patriarch Mar Polis III Nona

The coat of arms is composed of interwoven cultural and spiritual elements that embody the journey of faith in Mesopotamia. At the base of the emblem appears the Ziggurat of Ur, symbolizing the ascent toward the heights. At the center of the coat of arms stands the Eastern Cross, surmounted by the dove of the Holy Spirit, signifying His presence that accompanies the Church throughout her journey. Surrounding the ziggurat are two Babylonian palm trees, expressing resilience and steadfastness in the face of challenges; above them are two roses symbolizing hope and joy.

 

At the top of the coat of arms appear the Eastern Cross and the patriarchal crown, from which two bands descend, each bearing the sign of the cross, along with the crosier. These are symbols of patriarchal ministry. The crown also contains three Sumerian cuneiform letters, bringing together the depth of Iraqi civilization and the essence of the Christian faith.

 

The coat of arms adopts three main colors: red, symbolizing the blood of the martyrs and the patriarchal vestment; gold, symbolizing the kingship and glory of the Lord Jesus; and white, symbolizing purity and serenity. Beneath the coat of arms is written, in Chaldean, the phrase chosen by His Beatitude as the motto of his ministry, taken from the Gospel of Mark (5:36): “Do not be afraid; only believe!”