God Bless Our Patriarch, His Holiness Mar Dinkha.
May God Bless all the Assyrians around the world, protecting them from evil and keep them in peace at all times. AMEN
Friday, April 28, 2006
Symbolic Holiness
Knowing about Christ should lead one to a Godly behavior. If it doesn't, then one has either not come to know about Christ, or has rejected the knowledge of Christ.
"To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their mind and their conscience are defiled. They profess that they know God, but by their works they deny him, being abominable, disobedient, and unfit for any good work." (Titus 1:15-16)
"A fool finds no pleasure in understanding, but delights in his own opinions." (Proverbs 18:2)
"Because your sins are so many and your hostility so great, the prophet is considered a fool." (Hosea 9:7)
"Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a "fool" so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's Sight." (1 Corinthians 3:18-19)
"To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their mind and their conscience are defiled. They profess that they know God, but by their works they deny him, being abominable, disobedient, and unfit for any good work." (Titus 1:15-16)
"A fool finds no pleasure in understanding, but delights in his own opinions." (Proverbs 18:2)
"Because your sins are so many and your hostility so great, the prophet is considered a fool." (Hosea 9:7)
"Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a "fool" so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's Sight." (1 Corinthians 3:18-19)
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Financial Contribution to support our church in the court case
Many people have shown their intrest in financially contributing toward the court case. If you would like to contribute financially you can find details of payment methods below.
Well Fargo Bank
A/C Number: 8021254423
To wire money:
Routing Number(ABA): 121000248
For overseas wires:
Swift Number: WFBIUS6S
To send cheques (please do not send cash) Our Address:
Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East/ Legal Fund, or
Assyrian Church of the East/ Legal Fund
P.O.Box: 41025
San Jose, Ca 95160-1025
Monday, April 17, 2006
His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV - Easter Greeting
His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV delivered an Easter Greetings to all our Assyrian people worldwide.
Dear Mar Dinkha,
May God's love surround you, protect you and be with you on Easter & always. Wishing you a blessed and peaceful Easter.
Please click on the link below to hear the greeting:
http://www.assyriancoalition.com/video/MaDinkha_Easter1.rm
Taken from AssyrianCoaliton.com which is the official website for our church.
Dear Mar Dinkha,
May God's love surround you, protect you and be with you on Easter & always. Wishing you a blessed and peaceful Easter.
Please click on the link below to hear the greeting:
http://www.assyriancoalition.com/video/MaDinkha_Easter1.rm
Taken from AssyrianCoaliton.com which is the official website for our church.
Saturday, April 08, 2006
Crucial Documents Regarding Former Bishop's Plan for Full Communion with Roman Catholic Church
This declaration, released on the 01/23/2006, is made under oath by the Clergy of the Assyrian Church of the East whom are currently studying in Rome, Italy. This document proves that the Clergy fully rejected the former Bishop’s (Ashur Soro's ) action plan to “re-establish” full communion with the Roman Church.
http://www.assyrianchurchnews.com/images/Clergy%20declaration_a.pdf
The following is a copy of an email "Towards Full Commuion" forwarded by the former Bishop Soro to the clergy of the Assyrian Church of the East who are currently studying in Rome, Italy. It proves the intentions of the former Bishop "to place the Patriarchate of the Assyrian Church of the East under the Roman jurisdiction".
http://www.assyrianchurchnews.com/images/towards%20full%20communion.pdf
http://www.assyrianchurchnews.com/images/Clergy%20declaration_a.pdf
The following is a copy of an email "Towards Full Commuion" forwarded by the former Bishop Soro to the clergy of the Assyrian Church of the East who are currently studying in Rome, Italy. It proves the intentions of the former Bishop "to place the Patriarchate of the Assyrian Church of the East under the Roman jurisdiction".
http://www.assyrianchurchnews.com/images/towards%20full%20communion.pdf
Report on Preliminary Hearing of ACOE
Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East vs. Ashur Bawai Soro,
Shimshon Antar.
http://www.assyrianchurchnews.com/courtdec.htm
Shimshon Antar.
http://www.assyrianchurchnews.com/courtdec.htm
ACOE: Memorandum of Points and Authorities for Upcoming Court Case
This document outlines the The Assyrian Church of the East's case against Ashur Bawai Soro and Shimshon Antar, which was recently submmited to the Superior Court of the State of California for the county of Santa Clara.
http://www.assyrianchurchnews.com/images/ACOE-memorandum-of-points-&-authorities.pdf
http://www.assyrianchurchnews.com/images/ACOE-memorandum-of-points-&-authorities.pdf
Sunday, April 02, 2006
The Synod Decision Sent to the Former Bishop
His Grace Mar Bawai Soro
Bishop of the Western Diocese of California
Assyrian Church of the East Receive our greetings in Christ:The tenth Holy Synod met from Monday, October 31st through Monday, November 7, 2005 under the pastoral guidance of Mar Dinkha IV, Catholicus Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East and in the presence of the following pastors:
H.G. Mar Narsai, Metropolitan of Lebanon, Syria, Europe and the Patriarchal Representative.
H.G. Mar Aprim, Metropolitan of Malabar and of all India
H.G. Mar Gewargis Sleewa, Metropolitan of Iraq and Jordan
H.G. Mar Aprim, Bishop of Western United States
H.G. Mar Meelis Zia, Bishop of Australia, New Zealand, and secretary of the Synod
H.G. Mar Bawai Soro, Bishop of Western California
H.G. Mar Emanuel Yosip, Bishop of Canada
H.G. Mar Odisho Oraham, Bishop of Europe
H.G. Mar Aprim Nathaniel, Bishop of Syria
H.G. Mar Eskhaq Yosip, Bishop of Nuhadra (Iraq) and Russia
In this Synod and in your presence, you were informed that the Synodical decision was reached with the general approval in regard to those two illegal letters dated April 2, 2005 and July 30, 2005 which you wrote to His Holiness the Patriarch. The Synod also studied the complaint against you made by members of Mar Yosip Parish in San Jose.
In both of your letters, you are presumptuously blaming the head of the church, His Holiness the Patriarch of the Apostolic Seat of Seleucia-Ctesiphon and Peter of our times, whom the Synod clearly gives him the authority over all the dioceses of the Assyrian Church of the East. And you say that he has broken the canonical laws and you further say that His Holiness has been the cause of division in the California dioceses especially in the San Jose parish even though His Holiness wrote you and gave you his fatherly advice in his patriarchal letter dated July 2, 2005 in which he states thus:
“Problems, inconveniences, and rejection of changes that you are making in that parish exist between you and the members of the parish. You as the responsible and spiritual father of that parish, you are capable to resolve those issues with ease by adopting the path that Christ has thought us to guide in a humble spirit, with love, wisdom and forgiveness.”
But in your letter you have thus answered his Holiness:
“You have always worked against me and have agitated people to oppose my thinking. You have openly used the politics of divide and rule in the San Jose Parish and California…… thus your unlawful actions have driven Christ out of the church because you are using human thinking.”
You also dared to impose conditions on His Holiness in regard to his performance relative to Mar Yosip parish in San Jose and said:
“Please listen to the advice of bishops and priests, for the sake of keeping peace and harmony between us and in the church. I suggest that you do not come now to visit the city of San Jose parish, in order to avoid further increase of confusion and unpleasantness.
”Tus, His Holiness did not celebrate communion there as it was expected, for this and other unlawful acts that you have taken by which you have broken the synodical cannons of the Assyrian Church of the East and the cannons of Mar Dadesho, Mar Eskhaq, and the Universalists. (See Mar Odisho’s Collection of Synodical canons, Section 9, paragraph 5)
’You forgot your confession read on the day that you were ordained in Mar Gewargis Church in Chicago October 23, 1984 in which you promised to be faithful and respectful to the fatherly seat of Seleucia-Ctesiphon.
It was further asked of you by the Holy Synod that a committee of clergy is sent to your diocese to investigate and find a peaceful way to resolve the problems that exist between you and the parish in San Jose. This was the help that was offered to you by the Holy Synod. Your response was total rejection of this suggestion. Because of this and by means of this synodical letter, we are formally informing your grace about the decisions of the Holy Synod under the leadership of His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV, said decision was unanimously approved by all the members of the synod on Saturday, November 5, 2005. These were read to you in your presence but you asked that they be given to you in writing. Thus the letter is being delivered to you by hand. The decisions of the Holy Synod are that you select one of these three:
1. The Holy Synod has been informed that there is a great need for a bishop to assume the responsibility of managing the dioceses of Iran and Russia, and we are asking you to assume this responsibility as soon as possible, or,
2. Yosip Parish in San Jose between you and the parish. This suspension is for a period of two years and you shall be a suspended bishop. This West California Diocese will be managed temporarily by a temporary committee consisting of priests and church members of that parish selected by two bishops who will represent the Holy Synod under the guidance of His Holiness the Patriarch and with the advice of the priests of Western California Diocese. It is also expected from your grace that during this period of two years you will not interfere in the management of that diocese or any other diocese and also:
a. You will not write letters of blame or complaint or talk against the decisions of the Holy Synod as the Cannon laws instruct.
b. You will not hold meetings about this subject or other subjects related to the church affairs
c. You will not appear on radio or TV programs or deliver any speeches in any media. Or other activities that may stir debates or division among the followers of the church in the world.
d. You will cooperate with the representatives of the Holy Synod by providing them with all accounting books and deeds of the properties of the Western California diocese.
e. You have no permission to communicate with other churches about subjects that are relative to the interrelationship of the Assyrian church of the East and other churches. You shall not take part in any programs after the decisions taken by the Holy Synod.
f. The Assyrian Church of the East will pay you a monthly salary as it has been recommended by the temporary committee of the diocese. You shall have permission to participate in all church services of the Assyrian church of the East and you shall not have the permission to ordain anyone. During your suspension, if you do not comply with the points outlined in paragraph A thru F, then your bishopric authority will be suspended.
3. If you do not comply with one of the two points mentioned in paragraph 1 and 2, then the Holy Synod regretfully asks you to submit your resignation from the office of the bishop all in all.
We shall wait for your written response on these decisions until Friday, November 11, 2005 before 12:00 noon;
Send your response to the Patriarchal office via facsimile (1-847-966-0012) or to the above address. And if you do not respond, then the Holy Synod is suspending you from the office of bishop in the Assyrian Church of the East.
In conclusion, we expect your response and we wish you good health for body and soul.
May the grace of Lord Jesus Christ be with all of us.
Written in the Holy Synod of the Assyrian Church of the East
Chicago, Illinois
Monday, November 7, 2005
Names of Prelates signing this decision
1) Mar Dinkha IV, Catholicos-Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East
2) Mar Narsai DeBaz, Metropolitan of Lebanon, Syria & Europe
3) Mar Aprem (of India), Metropolitan of Malabar and All India
4) Mar Gewargis Sliwa, Metropolitan of Iraq
5) Mar Aprem Khamis, Bishop of Western United States
6) Mar Meelis Zaia, Bishop of Australia and New Zealans, Secretary of the Holy Synod
7) Mar Emanuel Yosip, Bishop of Canada
8) Mar Odisho Auraham, Bishop of Europe
9) Mar Afram Nathniel, Bishop of Syria10) Mar Isaac Yosip, Bishop of Nohadra (Iraq) and Russia
Bishop of the Western Diocese of California
Assyrian Church of the East Receive our greetings in Christ:The tenth Holy Synod met from Monday, October 31st through Monday, November 7, 2005 under the pastoral guidance of Mar Dinkha IV, Catholicus Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East and in the presence of the following pastors:
H.G. Mar Narsai, Metropolitan of Lebanon, Syria, Europe and the Patriarchal Representative.
H.G. Mar Aprim, Metropolitan of Malabar and of all India
H.G. Mar Gewargis Sleewa, Metropolitan of Iraq and Jordan
H.G. Mar Aprim, Bishop of Western United States
H.G. Mar Meelis Zia, Bishop of Australia, New Zealand, and secretary of the Synod
H.G. Mar Bawai Soro, Bishop of Western California
H.G. Mar Emanuel Yosip, Bishop of Canada
H.G. Mar Odisho Oraham, Bishop of Europe
H.G. Mar Aprim Nathaniel, Bishop of Syria
H.G. Mar Eskhaq Yosip, Bishop of Nuhadra (Iraq) and Russia
In this Synod and in your presence, you were informed that the Synodical decision was reached with the general approval in regard to those two illegal letters dated April 2, 2005 and July 30, 2005 which you wrote to His Holiness the Patriarch. The Synod also studied the complaint against you made by members of Mar Yosip Parish in San Jose.
In both of your letters, you are presumptuously blaming the head of the church, His Holiness the Patriarch of the Apostolic Seat of Seleucia-Ctesiphon and Peter of our times, whom the Synod clearly gives him the authority over all the dioceses of the Assyrian Church of the East. And you say that he has broken the canonical laws and you further say that His Holiness has been the cause of division in the California dioceses especially in the San Jose parish even though His Holiness wrote you and gave you his fatherly advice in his patriarchal letter dated July 2, 2005 in which he states thus:
“Problems, inconveniences, and rejection of changes that you are making in that parish exist between you and the members of the parish. You as the responsible and spiritual father of that parish, you are capable to resolve those issues with ease by adopting the path that Christ has thought us to guide in a humble spirit, with love, wisdom and forgiveness.”
But in your letter you have thus answered his Holiness:
“You have always worked against me and have agitated people to oppose my thinking. You have openly used the politics of divide and rule in the San Jose Parish and California…… thus your unlawful actions have driven Christ out of the church because you are using human thinking.”
You also dared to impose conditions on His Holiness in regard to his performance relative to Mar Yosip parish in San Jose and said:
“Please listen to the advice of bishops and priests, for the sake of keeping peace and harmony between us and in the church. I suggest that you do not come now to visit the city of San Jose parish, in order to avoid further increase of confusion and unpleasantness.
”Tus, His Holiness did not celebrate communion there as it was expected, for this and other unlawful acts that you have taken by which you have broken the synodical cannons of the Assyrian Church of the East and the cannons of Mar Dadesho, Mar Eskhaq, and the Universalists. (See Mar Odisho’s Collection of Synodical canons, Section 9, paragraph 5)
’You forgot your confession read on the day that you were ordained in Mar Gewargis Church in Chicago October 23, 1984 in which you promised to be faithful and respectful to the fatherly seat of Seleucia-Ctesiphon.
It was further asked of you by the Holy Synod that a committee of clergy is sent to your diocese to investigate and find a peaceful way to resolve the problems that exist between you and the parish in San Jose. This was the help that was offered to you by the Holy Synod. Your response was total rejection of this suggestion. Because of this and by means of this synodical letter, we are formally informing your grace about the decisions of the Holy Synod under the leadership of His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV, said decision was unanimously approved by all the members of the synod on Saturday, November 5, 2005. These were read to you in your presence but you asked that they be given to you in writing. Thus the letter is being delivered to you by hand. The decisions of the Holy Synod are that you select one of these three:
1. The Holy Synod has been informed that there is a great need for a bishop to assume the responsibility of managing the dioceses of Iran and Russia, and we are asking you to assume this responsibility as soon as possible, or,
2. Yosip Parish in San Jose between you and the parish. This suspension is for a period of two years and you shall be a suspended bishop. This West California Diocese will be managed temporarily by a temporary committee consisting of priests and church members of that parish selected by two bishops who will represent the Holy Synod under the guidance of His Holiness the Patriarch and with the advice of the priests of Western California Diocese. It is also expected from your grace that during this period of two years you will not interfere in the management of that diocese or any other diocese and also:
a. You will not write letters of blame or complaint or talk against the decisions of the Holy Synod as the Cannon laws instruct.
b. You will not hold meetings about this subject or other subjects related to the church affairs
c. You will not appear on radio or TV programs or deliver any speeches in any media. Or other activities that may stir debates or division among the followers of the church in the world.
d. You will cooperate with the representatives of the Holy Synod by providing them with all accounting books and deeds of the properties of the Western California diocese.
e. You have no permission to communicate with other churches about subjects that are relative to the interrelationship of the Assyrian church of the East and other churches. You shall not take part in any programs after the decisions taken by the Holy Synod.
f. The Assyrian Church of the East will pay you a monthly salary as it has been recommended by the temporary committee of the diocese. You shall have permission to participate in all church services of the Assyrian church of the East and you shall not have the permission to ordain anyone. During your suspension, if you do not comply with the points outlined in paragraph A thru F, then your bishopric authority will be suspended.
3. If you do not comply with one of the two points mentioned in paragraph 1 and 2, then the Holy Synod regretfully asks you to submit your resignation from the office of the bishop all in all.
We shall wait for your written response on these decisions until Friday, November 11, 2005 before 12:00 noon;
Send your response to the Patriarchal office via facsimile (1-847-966-0012) or to the above address. And if you do not respond, then the Holy Synod is suspending you from the office of bishop in the Assyrian Church of the East.
In conclusion, we expect your response and we wish you good health for body and soul.
May the grace of Lord Jesus Christ be with all of us.
Written in the Holy Synod of the Assyrian Church of the East
Chicago, Illinois
Monday, November 7, 2005
Names of Prelates signing this decision
1) Mar Dinkha IV, Catholicos-Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East
2) Mar Narsai DeBaz, Metropolitan of Lebanon, Syria & Europe
3) Mar Aprem (of India), Metropolitan of Malabar and All India
4) Mar Gewargis Sliwa, Metropolitan of Iraq
5) Mar Aprem Khamis, Bishop of Western United States
6) Mar Meelis Zaia, Bishop of Australia and New Zealans, Secretary of the Holy Synod
7) Mar Emanuel Yosip, Bishop of Canada
8) Mar Odisho Auraham, Bishop of Europe
9) Mar Afram Nathniel, Bishop of Syria10) Mar Isaac Yosip, Bishop of Nohadra (Iraq) and Russia
The Former Bishop's Response to the Synod Decision
The Ex-Bishop Mr. Ashur Soro’s Response to the Synod Decision
November 11, 2005
His Holiness Mar Dinkha IVCatholicos-Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East
Members of the Holy Synod
Receive peace in Christ:
This open letter is written to document my open thoughts about the decisions that you have made about points that concern me personally.
The Holy Synod in the Church is expected to be just in its decisions and discuss the topics to the spiritual benefit of all. It is very sad that today we witness that it is working to twist the truth, and allow the thoughts of the members of the church be occupied by certain points that are not correct and are merely revengeful and for the purpose of glorifying the personalities that benefit from such decisions.
It is clear to anyone who has the ability to understand that this unlawful decision against me is nothing more than to close the eyes of some people in our church and nation so that they may forget about the malicious existence that the church of our fathers has fallen in these years. While some of the clergy are busy increasing the division among certain levels of our nation, and the church shattered under such weak leadership which has no connection or thoughts about the spiritual welfare of its members but pretend that you hold in your hands the flag of salvation and glorification of the church and the nation.
To the people you say that the church does not get involved in politics; however, ask yourselves and the people if what you are preaching is correct. Because your overt and covert activities do not speak the truth. Anyone who listens to your speeches, promises, and notices your meetings with different people will realize that your actions are different from your speeches and you have forgotten about he spiritual benefits of your sons and daughters.
Today, with pride you call this church, holy (Free Church) and (we are free), why? Are you managing an authority or shepherding Christ’ flock? The church is free only when it complies with the Word of God and is loyal to its Synodical Canons and its fathers’ heritage. Not when its clergy scorn its laws and allow her to fall in despicable fanaticism. And they do not wish to come truthfully near the other Christian churches so that the eyes of its adherents are not open to a new light and to learn how a church should function. This is the reason why you are not willing to participate in a Christian Communion because you know that in such a case, first the clergy and the leaders must comply to our church laws, But you do not wish to lose the freedom that you enjoy and not be obliged to anyone who may ask, speak or advise you because you think that you are not in need of advice from anyone else.
I would like you to know that I do not agree with your decisions that are related to me because they are not lawful for the following reasons:
1. Both letters that I sent to the patriarch were personal letters and I had legal questions that I was expecting a response from His Holiness. However, His Holiness made copies of my letters and sent them to all the bishops of the church. And in Australia, Mar Meelis made the contents of my letters known to both the clergy and other individuals and he spoke about them on television. Is this the loyalty and trust that should be in the church?
What trust would a clergy from now on have if his letter to the patriarch or bishop is made public and his reputation tarnished unjustly? It is obvious, that this is a new way to drown the voice of truth that His Holiness, with Mar Meelis cunning, is managing the church. What synodical or ethical laws allow a patriarch to interfere in the affairs of a diocese without its bishop’s knowledge and against his will? What is the response of other bishops if you were to interfere unlawfully in their dioceses?
2. His Holiness did not maintain the church procedures during his visit to San Jose. Knowing about the uneasiness, he visited those who are against the bishop and he did not allow having a priest to accompany him as it is the church practice and as he practices in others dioceses. He also had meetings with the church priests without informing me and he spoke to them against me and my working style. Was not this an effort to plant division among the priests and their bishop? Where is the legality when the Patriarch visits and meets with those who are against the bishop and without the latter’s knowledge? Is it not the Patriarch intention to destroy Mar Bawai’s diocese and allow him to appear incompetent and lose his respect among the followers of the church. These are the unlawful activities that the Holy Synod should have addressed and studied. Not wasted its time with peripheral items and creating blame and accusations about a bishop who is trying to awaken the leaders of the church from the slumber that they have the church fallen in.
3. I mentioned in my letter to His Holiness, that our church is an eastern church and all the eastern patriarchs reside in the East and our people in the East are in need of their spiritual father to be with them especially in these distressful times. And, I asked His Holiness to go and visit with them. And he did not even agree with this suggestion. Is this the daring step that I took with the Patriarch? Don’t you believe down deep in your hearts that the Patriarch should be living with his oppressed and needy flock? But you know that the vigilant speaking is not for everyone because you are scared of your name and honor and this is becoming clear that day by day the truth is getting lost in the Church of the East. The points that I have maintained and for which I am receiving this opposition from the patriarch and other prelates are highlighted below:
a. Liturgical Reforms. For the purpose of making church services understandable and acceptable to the believers of the church and in order that they may participate in the services more easily, comfortably and with full understanding. We conduct the services in modern Assyrian language
b. Canonical Accountability. We must strive to end the unlawful meddling in the affairs of other dioceses. Obeying the law is that which bring order in every institution and also in the church, because law is above all. The Patriarch and hierarchy are not above the law. However, if the hierarchy ignores the law, then they are putting themselves under punishment.
c. Ecclesial Communion. Christ established one church and it is our obligation to heal all the schismatic wounds among the followers of Christ. The reasons for this holy quest are numerous, the will and prayer of Christ before his death, the Christian way of life during the apostolic times, the thinking and activities of our forefathers in our church throughout the different centuries, the present conditions that demands of each one of us to give Christian testimony to the people who have not yet accepted Christ.
d. National Unity. If the church leadership is so fired up for its nation as they portray in their speeches, then they should be the first to support the gathering of the different factions of our nation in one union to preserve and respect all its children in whatever identity they have used over the centuries. They should not favor one segment or name on the account of others and thus become the cause of hatred and disunity. They are all our identities and we have used them in different periods of our history.
These are the sacred issues for our church and nation. The church leadership does not approve of them because its does not believe in them. The church honor will be guarded when you assist in the creation of a religious and national unity. You should abandon your meddling rightfully or wrongfully in the politics and negotiations with others to destroy the good work that is being done by our brothers in our ancestral homeland with their blood for so many years.
Today, in your unlawful decision, again you have twisted the truth and came up with the excuse of daring against the patriarch. What is your response for breaking the church canons in the synod of 2001? When the church canon clearly punishes a sinful act of one of the hierarchy and is excommunicating those who do not abide by the canon.
It was the will of the ecumenical synod that for bishops, metropolitans, or catholicoses who are discovered in the act of adultery, fornication, or sodomy, or in an offense like this, there shall at once be deposition for them, and they shall not be trusted again to minister the priesthood, not even if they offer penance. Only they shall not be deprived of contact with the church. Whoever transgresses against these things the ecumenical synod places under anathema.
Thus, you did not work in favor of God’s will but rather in favor of your own personal benefit.
You know very well that if Mar Aprim were to be judged according to the church canons, there were many others who would have fallen under the same verdict. For this reason some of you supported him and forgot about the commands of our holy fathers, thus, even though this canon was made known to you, you willingly rebelled against the church canon and the command of your fathers and brought yourselves under the same judgment of this law.
Again, where was your zeal to guard the church canons when so many reports and news were spread about the unethical activities of Mar Meelis and his partnership with Karl Solomon and the damage of about $120 millions done to members of our church and nation in Australia. How much effort did His Holiness or other hierarchy members spent in investigating these reports and events? Only he who is guilty is afraid to speak the truth because he is aware he will turn and stumble over it.
Where was the zeal of the Patriarch when he sent me to Baghdad in 1993 and to have Mar Gewargis accompany me to negotiate with His Holiness Mar Addai, Patriarch of the Old Calendar in the hope of reconciling the two branches of the Church of the East. Mar Gewargis refused to take part in this and threatened to resign for the interference of the Patriarch in his affairs.
In all of these and other events, the Patriarch and other hierarchy members had forgotten about the church canons, but today I have been exposed as a headstrong because I dared to speak the truth in my letters to the Patriarch. And some of those who are judging me today unjustly forgot about their presumptuous behavior in the synod of 1973 in Lebanon where they dared to suspend His Holiness Patriarch Mar Eshai Shimun. However, when he threatened them, they backed down and regretted the big mistake that they had done.
That is how, when lack of knowledge in the church canons, pride, and involvement in personal glory dominate the church leaders, such unjustly decisions taken in haste and lacking logic will always occur in our church from time to time.
Again, this is what occurred with our brothers of the Ancient Church (Old Calendar), first you declared that their ordination in not valid, and you dare to say that they are excommunicated and whoever associates with them is excommunicated. You issued a decree stating that their Holy Qurbana, Baptism, and Marriage Services are unacceptable and unlawful. However, when you were obliged to obtain their recognition of you, again you reversed your decision and threat and told them, “Let us forget what has happened, there is no difference between us and whatever you have is lawful.”
These days, a large number of our esteemed members of our church and nation have spoken and written to the Patriarch, urging not to take this decision against Mar Bawai because again you will be the cause of further division in the church. You gave them false promises that no harm will come to Mar Bawai. But you did not keep your promise, as it is evident that you were forced by foreign elements to take this decision. If not from where did this unexpected zeal suddenly appear? Who forced you to silence those who speak about unity in the church in order that you will be compensated for your success? If it is not this way, when will you come to the realization that even in this case you have been wrong? However, this time it is too late for you because the eyes of the people are open and they can see the truth.
According to the news leaked to the public testified that the decision to suspend me was not taken last week but it was made by Mar Meelis last July in Australia. And the Patriarch was just a play in the hands of Mar Meelis and his associates to fulfill plans that he has been waiting for so many years. Thus, many of those who oppose Mar Bawai were saying earlier that the case of Mar Bawai is finished and at the end of October he will be suspended. The decisions were accurately stated before they reached my hands. For this reason, this synod was a play orchestrated by Mar Meelis and his friends and the producer was the Patriarch himself. That is why their decisions are fraudulent and unlawful and not for the benefit of the church and its adherents and the outcome of these decisions is defiance and division. Observe to what level has the Church of the East descended under the weak and false leadership. Christ said, when your light is dark, how much your darkness will be?
For all these reasons and for the pressure exerted on some of the members of the church hierarchy who sympathize with me against your opinions and were not in agreement with your decision, and for the other remaining members of the hierarchy who have always been unfaithful in the application of the true canons when the occasion demanded their use, and for the reason of the unlawful interference of the Patriarch and other prelates in the affair of my diocese, and adding fuel to the fire to increase division , I say:
This decision is unlawful according to the Holy Canons (Sunhadus) and it is not truthful and I reject it. Because the sole purpose of this decision is to distance me from the front and from true church endeavors, so that the front is left open and unguarded for you so that you may be free to crush under your feet the church canons and the unity of our people spiritually and patriotically as you have done so far.
In conclusion, for the benefit of all hierarchy members whoever they may be, the priests, deacons, or individuals, I wish to inform you do not dare to come to come to Mar Yosip parish or others properties that are under my administration in the hope of possessing these churches and their properties. They shall be refused entry by the city police and the FBI agents any day and any service that may take place in the parish. These agents will be in the churches to guard the safety and protect the faithful from those who will attempt to create disturbances in the churches under my administration. And if there is one who thinks that he may repossess the properties of our churches, I have one piece of advice for him. For the safety of everyone and overall peace in the community, go to the courts and file your claim. There the case will be debated and judged in a civilized and lawful manner. Otherwise, we hold the Patriarch, and the hierarchy members and the opponents here in San Jose responsible for whatever happens.
November 11, 2005
His Holiness Mar Dinkha IVCatholicos-Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East
Members of the Holy Synod
Receive peace in Christ:
This open letter is written to document my open thoughts about the decisions that you have made about points that concern me personally.
The Holy Synod in the Church is expected to be just in its decisions and discuss the topics to the spiritual benefit of all. It is very sad that today we witness that it is working to twist the truth, and allow the thoughts of the members of the church be occupied by certain points that are not correct and are merely revengeful and for the purpose of glorifying the personalities that benefit from such decisions.
It is clear to anyone who has the ability to understand that this unlawful decision against me is nothing more than to close the eyes of some people in our church and nation so that they may forget about the malicious existence that the church of our fathers has fallen in these years. While some of the clergy are busy increasing the division among certain levels of our nation, and the church shattered under such weak leadership which has no connection or thoughts about the spiritual welfare of its members but pretend that you hold in your hands the flag of salvation and glorification of the church and the nation.
To the people you say that the church does not get involved in politics; however, ask yourselves and the people if what you are preaching is correct. Because your overt and covert activities do not speak the truth. Anyone who listens to your speeches, promises, and notices your meetings with different people will realize that your actions are different from your speeches and you have forgotten about he spiritual benefits of your sons and daughters.
Today, with pride you call this church, holy (Free Church) and (we are free), why? Are you managing an authority or shepherding Christ’ flock? The church is free only when it complies with the Word of God and is loyal to its Synodical Canons and its fathers’ heritage. Not when its clergy scorn its laws and allow her to fall in despicable fanaticism. And they do not wish to come truthfully near the other Christian churches so that the eyes of its adherents are not open to a new light and to learn how a church should function. This is the reason why you are not willing to participate in a Christian Communion because you know that in such a case, first the clergy and the leaders must comply to our church laws, But you do not wish to lose the freedom that you enjoy and not be obliged to anyone who may ask, speak or advise you because you think that you are not in need of advice from anyone else.
I would like you to know that I do not agree with your decisions that are related to me because they are not lawful for the following reasons:
1. Both letters that I sent to the patriarch were personal letters and I had legal questions that I was expecting a response from His Holiness. However, His Holiness made copies of my letters and sent them to all the bishops of the church. And in Australia, Mar Meelis made the contents of my letters known to both the clergy and other individuals and he spoke about them on television. Is this the loyalty and trust that should be in the church?
What trust would a clergy from now on have if his letter to the patriarch or bishop is made public and his reputation tarnished unjustly? It is obvious, that this is a new way to drown the voice of truth that His Holiness, with Mar Meelis cunning, is managing the church. What synodical or ethical laws allow a patriarch to interfere in the affairs of a diocese without its bishop’s knowledge and against his will? What is the response of other bishops if you were to interfere unlawfully in their dioceses?
2. His Holiness did not maintain the church procedures during his visit to San Jose. Knowing about the uneasiness, he visited those who are against the bishop and he did not allow having a priest to accompany him as it is the church practice and as he practices in others dioceses. He also had meetings with the church priests without informing me and he spoke to them against me and my working style. Was not this an effort to plant division among the priests and their bishop? Where is the legality when the Patriarch visits and meets with those who are against the bishop and without the latter’s knowledge? Is it not the Patriarch intention to destroy Mar Bawai’s diocese and allow him to appear incompetent and lose his respect among the followers of the church. These are the unlawful activities that the Holy Synod should have addressed and studied. Not wasted its time with peripheral items and creating blame and accusations about a bishop who is trying to awaken the leaders of the church from the slumber that they have the church fallen in.
3. I mentioned in my letter to His Holiness, that our church is an eastern church and all the eastern patriarchs reside in the East and our people in the East are in need of their spiritual father to be with them especially in these distressful times. And, I asked His Holiness to go and visit with them. And he did not even agree with this suggestion. Is this the daring step that I took with the Patriarch? Don’t you believe down deep in your hearts that the Patriarch should be living with his oppressed and needy flock? But you know that the vigilant speaking is not for everyone because you are scared of your name and honor and this is becoming clear that day by day the truth is getting lost in the Church of the East. The points that I have maintained and for which I am receiving this opposition from the patriarch and other prelates are highlighted below:
a. Liturgical Reforms. For the purpose of making church services understandable and acceptable to the believers of the church and in order that they may participate in the services more easily, comfortably and with full understanding. We conduct the services in modern Assyrian language
b. Canonical Accountability. We must strive to end the unlawful meddling in the affairs of other dioceses. Obeying the law is that which bring order in every institution and also in the church, because law is above all. The Patriarch and hierarchy are not above the law. However, if the hierarchy ignores the law, then they are putting themselves under punishment.
c. Ecclesial Communion. Christ established one church and it is our obligation to heal all the schismatic wounds among the followers of Christ. The reasons for this holy quest are numerous, the will and prayer of Christ before his death, the Christian way of life during the apostolic times, the thinking and activities of our forefathers in our church throughout the different centuries, the present conditions that demands of each one of us to give Christian testimony to the people who have not yet accepted Christ.
d. National Unity. If the church leadership is so fired up for its nation as they portray in their speeches, then they should be the first to support the gathering of the different factions of our nation in one union to preserve and respect all its children in whatever identity they have used over the centuries. They should not favor one segment or name on the account of others and thus become the cause of hatred and disunity. They are all our identities and we have used them in different periods of our history.
These are the sacred issues for our church and nation. The church leadership does not approve of them because its does not believe in them. The church honor will be guarded when you assist in the creation of a religious and national unity. You should abandon your meddling rightfully or wrongfully in the politics and negotiations with others to destroy the good work that is being done by our brothers in our ancestral homeland with their blood for so many years.
Today, in your unlawful decision, again you have twisted the truth and came up with the excuse of daring against the patriarch. What is your response for breaking the church canons in the synod of 2001? When the church canon clearly punishes a sinful act of one of the hierarchy and is excommunicating those who do not abide by the canon.
It was the will of the ecumenical synod that for bishops, metropolitans, or catholicoses who are discovered in the act of adultery, fornication, or sodomy, or in an offense like this, there shall at once be deposition for them, and they shall not be trusted again to minister the priesthood, not even if they offer penance. Only they shall not be deprived of contact with the church. Whoever transgresses against these things the ecumenical synod places under anathema.
Thus, you did not work in favor of God’s will but rather in favor of your own personal benefit.
You know very well that if Mar Aprim were to be judged according to the church canons, there were many others who would have fallen under the same verdict. For this reason some of you supported him and forgot about the commands of our holy fathers, thus, even though this canon was made known to you, you willingly rebelled against the church canon and the command of your fathers and brought yourselves under the same judgment of this law.
Again, where was your zeal to guard the church canons when so many reports and news were spread about the unethical activities of Mar Meelis and his partnership with Karl Solomon and the damage of about $120 millions done to members of our church and nation in Australia. How much effort did His Holiness or other hierarchy members spent in investigating these reports and events? Only he who is guilty is afraid to speak the truth because he is aware he will turn and stumble over it.
Where was the zeal of the Patriarch when he sent me to Baghdad in 1993 and to have Mar Gewargis accompany me to negotiate with His Holiness Mar Addai, Patriarch of the Old Calendar in the hope of reconciling the two branches of the Church of the East. Mar Gewargis refused to take part in this and threatened to resign for the interference of the Patriarch in his affairs.
In all of these and other events, the Patriarch and other hierarchy members had forgotten about the church canons, but today I have been exposed as a headstrong because I dared to speak the truth in my letters to the Patriarch. And some of those who are judging me today unjustly forgot about their presumptuous behavior in the synod of 1973 in Lebanon where they dared to suspend His Holiness Patriarch Mar Eshai Shimun. However, when he threatened them, they backed down and regretted the big mistake that they had done.
That is how, when lack of knowledge in the church canons, pride, and involvement in personal glory dominate the church leaders, such unjustly decisions taken in haste and lacking logic will always occur in our church from time to time.
Again, this is what occurred with our brothers of the Ancient Church (Old Calendar), first you declared that their ordination in not valid, and you dare to say that they are excommunicated and whoever associates with them is excommunicated. You issued a decree stating that their Holy Qurbana, Baptism, and Marriage Services are unacceptable and unlawful. However, when you were obliged to obtain their recognition of you, again you reversed your decision and threat and told them, “Let us forget what has happened, there is no difference between us and whatever you have is lawful.”
These days, a large number of our esteemed members of our church and nation have spoken and written to the Patriarch, urging not to take this decision against Mar Bawai because again you will be the cause of further division in the church. You gave them false promises that no harm will come to Mar Bawai. But you did not keep your promise, as it is evident that you were forced by foreign elements to take this decision. If not from where did this unexpected zeal suddenly appear? Who forced you to silence those who speak about unity in the church in order that you will be compensated for your success? If it is not this way, when will you come to the realization that even in this case you have been wrong? However, this time it is too late for you because the eyes of the people are open and they can see the truth.
According to the news leaked to the public testified that the decision to suspend me was not taken last week but it was made by Mar Meelis last July in Australia. And the Patriarch was just a play in the hands of Mar Meelis and his associates to fulfill plans that he has been waiting for so many years. Thus, many of those who oppose Mar Bawai were saying earlier that the case of Mar Bawai is finished and at the end of October he will be suspended. The decisions were accurately stated before they reached my hands. For this reason, this synod was a play orchestrated by Mar Meelis and his friends and the producer was the Patriarch himself. That is why their decisions are fraudulent and unlawful and not for the benefit of the church and its adherents and the outcome of these decisions is defiance and division. Observe to what level has the Church of the East descended under the weak and false leadership. Christ said, when your light is dark, how much your darkness will be?
For all these reasons and for the pressure exerted on some of the members of the church hierarchy who sympathize with me against your opinions and were not in agreement with your decision, and for the other remaining members of the hierarchy who have always been unfaithful in the application of the true canons when the occasion demanded their use, and for the reason of the unlawful interference of the Patriarch and other prelates in the affair of my diocese, and adding fuel to the fire to increase division , I say:
This decision is unlawful according to the Holy Canons (Sunhadus) and it is not truthful and I reject it. Because the sole purpose of this decision is to distance me from the front and from true church endeavors, so that the front is left open and unguarded for you so that you may be free to crush under your feet the church canons and the unity of our people spiritually and patriotically as you have done so far.
In conclusion, for the benefit of all hierarchy members whoever they may be, the priests, deacons, or individuals, I wish to inform you do not dare to come to come to Mar Yosip parish or others properties that are under my administration in the hope of possessing these churches and their properties. They shall be refused entry by the city police and the FBI agents any day and any service that may take place in the parish. These agents will be in the churches to guard the safety and protect the faithful from those who will attempt to create disturbances in the churches under my administration. And if there is one who thinks that he may repossess the properties of our churches, I have one piece of advice for him. For the safety of everyone and overall peace in the community, go to the courts and file your claim. There the case will be debated and judged in a civilized and lawful manner. Otherwise, we hold the Patriarch, and the hierarchy members and the opponents here in San Jose responsible for whatever happens.
Holy Synod of the Assyrian Church of the East
Decrees of the Holy Synod 2005
http://www.assyrianchurchnews.com/images/synod%20decrees%202005%20(English).pdf
Defrock Letter from the Holy Synod to Mar Barwai
http://www.assyrianchurchnews.com/images/defrock%20letter%20to%20Mar%20Bawai%20(English).pdf
Mar Bawai's Manifesto of Rome
http://www.assyrianchurchnews.com/images/Manifesto%20of%20Mar%20Bawai%20(English).pdf
Source: http://www.assyrianchurchnews.com/synod.htm
http://www.assyrianchurchnews.com/images/synod%20decrees%202005%20(English).pdf
Defrock Letter from the Holy Synod to Mar Barwai
http://www.assyrianchurchnews.com/images/defrock%20letter%20to%20Mar%20Bawai%20(English).pdf
Mar Bawai's Manifesto of Rome
http://www.assyrianchurchnews.com/images/Manifesto%20of%20Mar%20Bawai%20(English).pdf
Source: http://www.assyrianchurchnews.com/synod.htm
The Speech of Mar Dinkha in Chicago - October 16, 2005
Summary Report of the Speech Given by Mar Dinkha IV
- Delivered on October 16th, 2005
Gathered at the Hanging Gardens Banquet Hall in Chicago to commemorate 29th Anniversary of his Consecration as Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East.
Mar Dinkha's Itenery Around the World:
- Visiting our people in London
- In May, he visited Iran to oversee the diocese of our parishioners there, as currently Iran does not have a bishop. There, Mar Dinkha visited the various churches and ordained many deacons. Then he visited the former Iranian President, Mr. Khatami, and other officials to discuss our people's concerned in Iran, discussing the means by which we can all live in peace and harmony regardless of our faith.
- In July, was His Holiness' visit to Australia where he inspected the homes for the elderly and the Rabban Hurmize Assyrian School that the diocese of Mar Meelis had built. He also traveled to the Australian Capital Territory (A.C.T., Canberra), meeting with the Iranian and Iraqi Ambassadors there.
- In August, His holiness visited Los Angeles to participate in the inaugural of the Assyrian school at St. MaryÂ’s Church under the administration of Rev. Gewargis Bet-Rasho.
- Next visit was at the San Francisco Bay Area (San Jose, Turlock, and Modesto) to visit the new hall and school that are being built in Turlock.
- He was proud of the church of Mar Andrious, in Chicago in the planning for a new church.
- Also, proud of the St. MaryÂ’s Church being built in Canada under the administration of bishop Mar Emmanuel
- In Northern Iraq - Kirkuk: Under the administration of bishop Mar Giwargis), a new Assyrian school is almost complete. - Ankawa and Nohadra: Under the administration of bishop Mar Isaac, new churches are being built
Mar Dinkha's Thoughts on Other Churches:
- All churches must be working towards Christological Unity, however they must not dissolve into one church or lose their own church laws osacramentsts.
Mar Dinkha's Thoughts about our Nationality and Politics:
- He stated that he is an Assyrian who has always followed the words and teachings of God, and the Holy Bible.
- He further stated that he respects all Assyrians who work for our political parties and the betterment of the lives of our people and national unity.
- Continuing on to say that the religious leaders and clergymen of our church are instructed not to get involved in politics
- The patriarch wished for all communities (Assyrians, Chaledeans, Suryanis) to elect educated and wise people to work together to accomplish unity among all of our people, without having religious leaders getting involved in political matters.
Mar Dinkha's Thoughts on Living with Peace and Harmony With Our Neighbors:
- He stated that people in the West do not fully understand the situation of our people in the East who are living among Arabs, Turks, and Muslims. His holiness was pleased with the fact that our situation in the East is slowly improving, as we are having new schools open, where our Assyrian language is being taught, and more freedom given to our people. It is with repeated efforts to make our neighbors accept our people and be able to live with peace and harmony with them.
Mar Dinkha's Conclusion:
- Mar Dinkha prayed to God to hear the wishes and needs of all Assyrians, Chaldeans, Suryanis and to help them work together as one “Pisqa Ashuraya”.
- He prayed for peace, harmony, and stability for our people in the homeland as well as everywhere else.
AssyrianPost - An Assyrian Newspaper
This is a site that has been established to deliver news to our beloved Assyrian community, and as an alternative channel to other establishments.
Here you will find informative and up-to-date news, documents, articles, and audio/video streaming, which will help our people, young and old, to know, understand, and appreciate the rich heritage and roots of our church and nation as a whole.
For more information or if you are interested in submiting a document, please send an email to assyrianpost@yahoo.com
Feel free to leave your comments or suggestions at the end of each posting.
Please note that the church's official website is AssyrianCoaliton.com and you will here find a few photos and stories that were taken from the church's official website, and thereby is mentioned at the end of the posting.
God bless our Church and "Umtah Atouretah".
Here you will find informative and up-to-date news, documents, articles, and audio/video streaming, which will help our people, young and old, to know, understand, and appreciate the rich heritage and roots of our church and nation as a whole.
For more information or if you are interested in submiting a document, please send an email to assyrianpost@yahoo.com
Feel free to leave your comments or suggestions at the end of each posting.
Please note that the church's official website is AssyrianCoaliton.com and you will here find a few photos and stories that were taken from the church's official website, and thereby is mentioned at the end of the posting.
God bless our Church and "Umtah Atouretah".
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