One of Iraq’s most senior archbishops used a recent visit to Croydon to pass on letters and messages to worried relatives, who have been unable to contact their loved ones in Iraq.

Severius Hawa, Archbishop of the Syrian Orthodox Church in Baghdad and Basra, stayed at the Canning Road rectory of Father Toma Dawod, in East Croydon, while he visited exiled Iraqi, Syrian and Palestinian worshippers around the country.

Father Dawod is the Syrian Orthodox parish priest for London, looking after more than 800 people nationally. These include 10 Iraqi families in Croydon, many of whom have been unable to contact loved ones since the war began.

Father Dawod said: “Our people here feel anxious about their families, and helpless because there are no lines of communication with Iraq.” Speaking through Father Dawod, at the end of a three-week visit, the Archbishop criticised the American administration of Baghdad, claiming an electricity shortage was crippling the city and putting lives at risk.

Most Iraqis currently have no telephones, no jobs, food shortages and increased illness and disorder.

Archbishop Hawa said: “Since the Americans have been in Iraq, nothing good has happened for us.

“The problem is the people suffering now, with no money, no work and growing illness and disorder.” Father Dawod blamed the recent death of a 45-year-old relative in Iraq on a health system under chronic strain.

Iraq is now in such a state of chaos that even allied supporters are now losing patience. But the archbishop praised the British for getting Basra back on its feet.

He said: “In Basra, it is better because the British know how to administrate. And they know the Iraqi people as they share a history.” Archbishop Hawa was unsure whether he was happy to see Saddam toppled because mounting disorder was also preventing people leaving their homes at night.

He said: “There were people suffering under Saddam, but now everyone is unhappy. We cannot say if it will be better or not until power and security are returned.

“Not all Iraqis are against the US. My message to Tony Blair and George Bush is to think about our people, to make peace and security grow in Iraq.” Saddam fostered good relations with the Christian Church, allowing the 100,000 Syrian Orthodox followers worship without persecution. But like many Iraqi Christians, the Archbishop now fears that a Muslim regime may not be so tolerant.

He has now returned to Iraq where he will pass on messages from worried relatives in Britain.

The Syrian Orthodox Church is looking for premises in London. If you can help please call Father Dawod on 020 8654 7531.