Urgent Need for Assistance for Christians in Iraq

Below is extracts from a speech by His Grace Bishop Mar Meelis Zaia’s recent speech at the NSW Ecumenical Council-act for peace Iraq seminar (together with the NSWEC briefing paper for this years’s Refugee & Migrant Sunday)
Extracts from the speech by His Grace Bishop Mar Meelis Zaia

Australia’s role in Iraq’s growing Refuge Crisis held at Sydney University

No one has been untouched by grief either by personal loss or to see their country torn apart by violence. I believe that all Iraq desire peace and stability for their loved ones and lament the current situation.

You may have heard that there are minority groups in Iraq – the Yezides, Mandaean and Christians, who because of their small numbers have tended not to be mentioned in the media. As such, the extent of their plight in the current Iraqis situation is not fully revealed. Although I will focus on Assyrians from the Assyrian Church of the East, what I will mention applies equally to our brothers and sisters in the Chaldean Church and Syrian Orthodox Church, who have suffered a similar experience since 2003.

Brief overview of the Assyrians History
The Assyrians are indigenous to the lands between the two great rivers, the Tigris and Euphrates. Descending from the ancient Akkadians, the Assyrians had formed a city-state by 2,000 BC which eventually grew into an empire that ruled for 1400 years, and came to an end in 612 BC. During this period, our ancestors were sophisticated pioneers in the fields of science, literature and law, and government administration.

When the Assyrians embraced Christianity in the first century AD, our Church infused new life into our nation. Through the Church of the East, we embarked on missions that spread the teaching of Christ peacefully to India and China. We established the University of Nisibis in the fourth century AD that became a centre of intellectual development in the Middle East. But with the rise of Islam, persecution of Christians increased, and by the end of the 15th century, had dwindled in number and many Assyrians were driven to the harsh mountains of Southern Turkey to survive.

From the late 1800s until the end of World War One, around two thirds of our nation was massacred in acts of genocide, conducted by the Ottoman Turks and Kurdish insurgents - who wanted to eradicate our Christian presence, and free our lands from any future claims. In 1933, a year after Iraq became independent, another massacre in the town of Semelli occurred, where over 3,000 Assyrians were brutally murdered by the Iraqi army. Such prejudice against Assyrians has continued throughout the decades.

Assyrian persecution today
Like their ancestors, today’s Assyrians value education and many of these refugees have obtained university qualifications and worked in various professions. Their departure has contributed to a brain-drain in Iraq, which can only make it harder for that country to rebuild itself. Those that have stayed to assist international agencies that are trying to help rebuild Iraq, have become the target of extremist groups. They are constantly sent threatening letters instructing them to desist from their work for Westerners, their homes are bombed and their family members are stalked and murdered.

Many of our churches have been bombed. Threatening fatwas have been issues against our communities. Christian families have received instructions to send their daughters to local mosques to marry Muslim men or face violent retribution. By 2003, Assyrians, including Chaldeans and Syriacs, were estimated to be around 3% of the Iraqi population. However, today they represent up to 40% of the refugee population living outside of Iraq. We are looking at figures of up to 500,000 Christians living in camps. The population of Canberra is only around 330,000.

The work of the Assyrian Church and the need for additional Assistance
The Assyrian Church has, through its relief program, spent tens of thousands of dollars assisting Assyrians who have been internally displaced and refugees living in camps in other Middle Eastern countries. These funds are at present modest, but add to the constant financial support provided by Assyrians in the West to their families in the Middle East. Often when refugees arrive in Australia, one of their first objectives is to financially assist their family members (such as elderly parents) who have remained behind.

To give you an example of how this affects our people, when an Assyrian refugee woman arrived in Australia, she quickly found a job as a process worker to send money to her orphaned niece in Syria. This woman had breast cancer, but had decided not to stop work for over eight months while the cancer developed, because her niece had no one else to support her. The support provided by our newly arrived refugees to their families in the Middle East is quite a burden and adds to their stress in Australia.

Currently the need for assistance far exceeds the capacity of our Assyrian Church to provide support to our refugees in the Middle East. The impact is across all aspects of life as issues such as education, health, affordable housing and food become exasperated.

International agencies can best assist Assyrian refugees by working with the Assyrian Church and its aid body ACERO (Assyrian Church of the East Relief Organisation).

Solutions for Assyrian Christians at risk
The UN program for refugees has three components: Firstly, the resettlement of refugees (for example to Western countries); Secondly, the relocation of refugees in countries of asylum and Thirdly, to repatriate refugees to their country of origin. With regards to resettlement, only 1% of the applications for visas are approved. Even when visas have been granted, family members are torn apart and sent to different locations around the world.

One 22 year old refugee woman remarked that “My family has become the united nations.” When asked what she meant by that statement, she replied that her family was living together as refugees in Syria, but now her father and brother live in Germany, her older brother lives in Sweden, her mother and younger sister have been granted migration to Canada, and she is here in Australia all on her own. This story is repeated in the tens of thousands, tearing family bonds across the globe. Because they lack the financial means, we have learned from experience that many Assyrian families will not be reunited again.

The resettlement program must increase the number of visa applications and places like Australia can do a lot more, and reap the benefit of increasing their intake of Assyrian Christians. The resettlement program can also work to ensure that family members are allowed to migrate together, to assist their settlement in their newly adopted country.

The Assyrian community has a lot to offer Australia. The Assyrian community in Australia is about 40 years old and predominantly made of refugees who migrated over the years. Yet this small community has, through its own resources, established sporting and cultural clubs; built cathedrals and established parishes in Sydney and Melbourne; it has members who are in local councils and politics. The Assyrian Church has also built a private primary school and is starting the building of a private High School.

The Second component of the UN program, to relocate refugees in the country of asylum, is simply not an option. Refugees cannot integrate and live freely in those societies. Their status is often acknowledged as “Guests of the country”, and they are constantly at risk of being returned to Iraq when their temporary permits run out. Assyrian refugees are Christians living in Islamic countries, and as a result their status is even more vulnerable. Also, these host countries simply do not have the infrastructure to sustain the large number of refugees.

Repatriation is a viable option -only if Assyrians are allowed to govern themselves. Much like the Kurds were given a safe haven and later established the Kurdish Regional Government, Assyrians must be afforded the same right to self-determination;

Call for Assistance
We need people to assist us in organising the campaign to raise public interest, to establish contacts with the media and to lobby the Australian government. And any one who applies his or herself to this worthy cause will make a difference. I would encourage you to contact our Assyrian Church to obtain more information and link up with our efforts. Thank you for taking the time to listen to the Assyrians case and may God bless you in all your good work done for humanity.

Helpful links for contact - http://www.assyrianrc.com
http://www.assyrianchurch.com.au

Source: http://www.churcheswa.com.au

Assyrian Church of The East Relief Organization (ACERO) Provides Assistance to Christian Refugees From Mosul

Our people everywhere are greatly upset about the hardship that our people in Mosul have had to endure. The Assyrian Church of the East Relief Organization (ACERO) is donating an initial $10,000 and in the process of donating more. This humanitarian aid is to help with shelter, supplies, and food.

Assyrian Church of the East and its monasteries have their doors open for all those refugees that are seeking sanctuary. Also, in these time of great need, any help that can come from the fellow Assyrians is greatly appreciated and needed. Please make this donation through your local Assyrian Church of The East parish.

Our prayers are with our Christian people in the homeland in such difficult times.

Dr. Sargis Aghajan Welcomes the Christians Fleeing from Mosul to Nineveh Plains

Following the sad news that Christians from the city of Mosul in Iraq, were fleeing because they were being killed for refusing to convert to Islam, Dr. Sargis Aghajan has come to their rescue. Dr. Sargis Aghajan who is an Iraqi Assyrian politician who was appointed Minister for Finance and the Economy in the cabinet of Iraqi Kurdistan, has asked members of religious and national institutions in our homeland to come together and cooperate with them, while tirelessly working to make every effort possible for providing all of the necessary supplies and places to stay for the needed and displaced families.

Thank you Dr. Sargis Aghajan for all your hardwork and dedication to our people in the homeland. You truly are a great Assyrian hero. May God's blessings be with you always.

We pray, Lord our God, for all those who suffer from acts of war. Please accept our prayers, so that by your goodness, peace may return to all peoples. Lead everyone along the path of reconciliation and peace. Lord, hear the supplications of all who call to You in sorrow and affliction, day and night. Merciful God, let their lives not be lost, we pray You, hear us and have mercy. Amen.

IRAQ: Christians Flee Mosul

It is indeed heartbreaking to see our nation improvished in this poorly managed war. Please join me in praying for the safety of our beloved Assyrian Christian families of Iraq.

Latest report from Baghdad, Iraq:

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- At least 900 Christian families have fled Mosul in the past week, terrified by a series of killings and threats by Muslim extremists ordering them to convert to Islam or face possible death, officials said Saturday.


Christians protest in Mosul last month ahead of elections. An official says protests may have led to the attacks.

Deputy Gov. Khasro Goran said 13 Christians have been slain in the past two weeks in Mosul, about 260 miles (420 kilometers) north of Baghdad. Fleeing Christians have sought refuge in monasteries and churches and with family members in other towns, an Interior Ministry official said.

The attacks began after hundreds of Christians took to the streets in Mosul and surrounding villages and towns, seeking greater representation on provincial councils, whose members will be chosen in the local elections.

Duraid Mohammed Kashmoula, Nineveh's governor, told The Associated Press that the exodus was "a major displacement."

"Of course, al Qaeda elements are behind this campaign against Christians," Kashmoula told AP.

The Interior Ministry official said the homes of three families were destroyed with explosives Saturday after the occupants left. No injuries were reported.

A week ago, leaflets were distributed in several predominantly Christian neighborhoods, threatening families to "either convert to Islam or pay the jizyah or leave the city or face death," said the Interior Ministry official.

Historically, jizyah is a tax paid by non-Muslims in exchange for protection.

Goran said that a few days after the leaflets were passed out, gunmen set up checkpoints in parts of Mosul, stopping vehicles to inspect identification papers, searching for Christian names or other signs of religious affiliation. Many of the Christians killed were targeted in this way, he said.

Bashir Azoz, 45, told AP he fled his Mosul home after gunmen warned a neighbor to leave or be killed.

"Where is the government and its security forces as these crimes take place every day?" asked Azoz, a carpenter who is staying with his wife and three children in a town about 25 miles (40 kilometers) east of Mosul, according to AP.

The Rev. Bolis Jacob, of Mosul's Mar Afram Church, told AP he couldn't understand the attacks.

"We respect the Islamic religion and the Muslim clerics," he said. "We don't know under what religion's pretexts these terrorists work."

Goran said police have set up security checkpoints in Christian neighborhoods.

In response to the violence, Iraqi Defense Minister Abdul Qader al-Obaidi visited Mosul on Saturday morning, conducting meetings with local authorities and military commanders.

His spokesman, Mohammed al-Askari, said that in addition to ordering more checkpoints in Christian neighborhoods, al-Obaidi ordered more troops deployed, additional security patrols and an increase in aerial surveillance of Christian areas.

Al-Obaidi also ordered more guards for Christian clerics, al-Askari said.

Source: CNN.com

Mar Yosip Parish - Third Annual Tea Time

On Sunday September 28th, 2008 Mar Yosip Parish of San Jose celebrated its 3rd
Annual Tea Time. The Tea Party was held at Mar Yosip Parish Church Hall. The
Ladies Auxiliary of the parish and other church members helped organize this successful event. A portion of the proceeds of the Tea Party will benefit all the Assyrians in need in our homeland, particularly the needy Assyrian children.

The event turned out to be a major success, with over 500 ladies in attendance.

Upon entering the hall, everyone was in awe at how elegant and beautiful everything looked. Each of the 53 tables were decorated in a different theme. All of the ladies had an amazing time and knowing that they were supporting a great cause, made the event more enjoyable for all.

Father Cor-Bishop David Royel first blessed the event with a prayer. Then we had the Guest Speaker for the event, Rosie Malek-Yonan, who gave a beautiful speech regarding "The Assyrian Woman" and all the hardships that our Assyrian Women have endured.

Sincere gratitude to all our beloved Mar Yosip Parish Ladies, for all their hardwork and effort in organizing this event. Also, our appreciation goes to all the ladies that supported this event and took part of this beautiful and memorable event. We look forward to the next upcoming Tea Time Party that Mar Yosip Parish hosts in the near future.

Patriarchal Visit of His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV, Catholicos Patriarch to the Diocese of Europe

Our Patriarch, His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV, visit to the Diocese of Europe -

On Sunday, August 17th, His Holiness offered the Holy Mysteries of the Eucharist in the newly constructed Urhai Hall of the Mar Tomah Parish of the Assyrian Church of the East in Stockholm. A large number of people gathered to greet His Holiness.

A banquet was hosted in the evening by the Mar Tomah Parish in honor of His Holiness, giving the faithful sons and daughters a blessed opportunity to see His Holiness and receive blessings from His right hand. Also, the newly constructed Urhai Hall was officially opened and blessed by His Holiness.

While in Stockholm, the following dignitaries from other Christian denominations came to greet and meet His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV:

- His Beatitude Mar Julius Abdulahad G. Shabo, Metropolitan of the Syrian Orthodox Church, Diocese of Sweden and Scandinavia accompanied by Parish Priests, Deacons and members of the Church Council.

- His Holiness also met with His Beatitude in the Bishopric of the Syrian Orthodox Church in Mar Jacob parish.

- Reverend Father Maher Malko, Reverend Father Fadi Eesho, Deacons and members of the church council from the Chaldean Church, St. John's Parish in Sodertalia.

- Primate of the Lutheran Chruch in Sweden, H.E Anders Harald Wejryd.

Many Assyrian political and social parties in Stockholm also met with His Holiness.

His Holiness also visited our Parishes in Sweden, and offered the Holy Eucharist.

On Wednesday, September 3 2008, His Holiness, along with His Grace Mar Odisho, departed Sweden and continued His Patriarchal trip to other European countries, beginning with Denmark. Other countries such as Norway, Holland, Germany, Belgium and London were also visited by His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV and His Grace Mar Odisho Oraham.

Source: AssyrianChurchNews.com

Former Bishop Soro Finally Admits His G-Plan

After years of denials, the former bishop Soro, finally admits to having been planning the Roman Catholicization of the Holy Apostolic Assyrian Church of the East for 20 years. This came in an interview with EWTN TV on Friday Sept. 19th. Although, this was not a surprise to most of us, the fact that he was denying his plan for years, put a rest on the case.

Please stay tuned: More to come.

His Grace Mar Meelis Zaia Presents Lecture on the Patriarchate of the Assyrian Church of the East

This important lecture was organized by the Youth Association of the Assyrian Church of the East in Sydney to present the Patriarchal Seat and Succession within the history of the Assyrian Church of the East, as well as its sacred doctrines, rites, rituals and practices. The lecture took place on Sunday, July 13th, 2008 at Edessa Hall.

For more on this memorable lecture, please refer to:
http://www.assyrianchurchnews.com/News/view/NewsID/22

The Words of Wisdom Video: Our Patriarch, His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV

The link below provides this video, which is a strong and holly message from His Holiness regarding the words of God, life, character, love, fighting sin, praying and the strength of soma:

www.theassyrianchurches.com/

The Defrocked Bishop's Ultimate Plan in Joining the Catholic Church In Progress

This is a report translated from Ankawa.com which proves the intentions of the defrocked bishop to become one with the Chaldean Catholics. In the past, he has repeatedly denied this ultimate intention, but his actions and the latest "declaration of intent" under his new church called "Apostolic Assyrian Catholic Diocese" further proves otherwise.

The translated report states:

[Ashur Soro] and his supporters declare their determination to join the Catholic Church --- [Ashur Soro] and his supporters announced in a statement sent to the site Ankawa.com their determination to join the Catholic Church after a meeting held in California their "declaration of intent". Their establishment of the diocese of their own, called "The Assyrian Catholic Diocese Apostolic" (ACDA), was determined and their hopes have been that this will lead to opening the way to enter negotiations with the Chaldean Catholic Church to agree on a formula for unity.

The Press Release states:

On Thursday, January 17, 2008, and known as the "Day of Thanksgiving" of the Rogation of the Ninevites, for which the Bible says "And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Amen, Amen, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My Name, He will give it you". (John 16:23), the Clergy Conference of the Assyrian Catholic Apostolic Diocese (ACAD) met in the city of Dublin, California to discuss the current situation and consider future plans for re-establishing communion.

The attendees unanimously voted for "declaration of intent" in which they expressed their determination "to engage fully with the Catholic Church" and "the resumption of unity with the Chaldean Catholic Church." As a result of this declaration, they expect the preface to enter into negotiations with the competent ecclesiastical authorities to identify coherent model of this unit...

The original and full post of this report can be found in:
ankawa.com

Assyrian Post's Christmas Message

Assyrian Post would like to wish you all a Blessed Christmas and a Happy and Peaceful New Year's. The simple and inspiring story of the birth of Jesus Christ fills our souls with gratitude and our hearts with joy, for the many blessings in our lives and promises that God's purpose is justice and His plan is peace. Christmas is also a time to give thanks to the Lord for His Love and Protection and a time to remember our duty to care for the vulnerable.

Our hope for all of us this Christmas is that the wonder of what happened at that unique birth in Bethlehem may recapture our hearts and imaginations, and that any lingering sense of hollowness may be replaced by an adoration that springs from the depths of thankfulness.

Igarta of His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV for Christmas 2007-2008

His Holiness Mar Dinkha's "Igarta" can be viewed by clicking on the link below:

http://maryosipparish.com/Igarta.htm

January 2008 Church Calendar

Jan. 2, Dukhrana d’Mar Zaia
Jan. 4, Dukhrana d’Mar Maryam
Jan. 6, Eada d’Dinkhe d’Maran
Jan. 7, Baoota d’btoolateh
Jan. 10, Dukhrana d’Mar Youkhanan Zarooqa
Jan. 11, Dukhrana d’Mar Youkhanan Maimdana
Jan. 14, Baoota d’Ninwaye
Jan. 17, Thursday of Thanksgiving
Jan. 18, Dukhrana d’Malpane Atouraye o’Younaye
Jan. 24, Dukhrana d’Mar Youkhanan Bar Malke
Jan. 25, Dukhrana d’Mar Estapanos and Mar Awa Catolichos
Jan. 27, Dukhrana d’Sahda Mar Benyamin Shimmon

New Announcements of the Mar Yosip Parish Motwa for December 2007 and January 2008

Friday, December 21:
Santa visits the children at the church starting at 6:00 PM

Tuesday, December 25:
Christmas Party at StarLite with Our Singer Robert Betsayad and Live DJ Music - $20/person ($25/person at the door)

Wednesday, December 26:
Christmas Greetings at the Mar Yosip Church Hall at 6 p.m.

Sunday, January 6:
- Feast of Epiphany of Christ will be celebrated by our beloved Bishop, His Grace Mar Odisho Oraham.
- Consecration of the alter of Mar Yosip Parish will also take place, due to the renovations that have taken place inside the altar.
- Lunch will follow Quarbana Qadisha. For anyone who would like to help out in bringing food, please contact Mrs. Sorieh Benyamin at (408)927-7340.

His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV Catholics Patriarch’s letter 02/11/2007

His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV has sent a letter to all the church members regarding the recent court decision:

http://www.stmaryassyrianchurch.com/media/PDF/mar_dinkha_letter.pdf

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Assyrian Church of the East in Australia Celebrates the Winning Court Case of the Western California

Combined parish members in Sydney, Australia celebrate the court case win for the Assyrian Church of the East in California. His Grace Bishop Mar Meelis Zaia addresses the faithful in Edessa Hall.

Here is the URL:
http://assyrianchurchnews.com/index.php?modul=media

We are jubilant here in California and elsewhere by this victory for ACOE and Assyrian nation. Thank you to all the people that worked hard to make this possible. Jesus Christ has always protected this church, He is the rock behind our beloved Patriarch and this church.

[Video Courtesy of AssyrianChurchNews.com]

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* Breaking News *

Assyrian Church of the East won the Summary Judgment and the former bishop, Ashur Soro has been ordered to return all the properties that belong to the Assyrian Church of the East back immediately.

To view the official Summary Adjudication, click on the URL below:
http://www.assyrianchurchnews.com/Court Documents/Decision.pdf

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Golden Sacerdotal Jubilee - 31st Anniversary of Patriachal Consecration

Every year, the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East, throughout the world, celebrates the 17th of October as the anniversary of the consecration of His Holiness Catholicos-Patriarch Mar Dinkha IV to the surpreme office of the Universal Church. With hearts full of intense admiration and love for His Holiness, the faithful of Mar Yosip Parish, along with Mar Narsai Parish of Assyrian Church of the East in the bay area, joined in faith and fellowship to honor and celebrate this special day with His Holiness.

Around 700 people were gathered at DoubleTree Hotel in San Jose, on October 20th, 2007 for a special evening to beseech the Lord Jesus Christ to strengthen His Holiness Mar Dinkha in leading the Holy Church and praising the Lord for blessing the Assyrian Church of the East with a holy and righteous leader.

His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV, has been tirelessly working toward the rebuilding of our church globally. His goal has been to regain the past glory which had made the Church of the East the most progressive Christian Apostolic Church for more than 13 centeries. He has been engaging in various dialogues with various world leaders in his attempt to simplify the lives of those Christians living abroad with their non-Christian neighbors, so they can live more peacefully with each other. Furthermore, his goal has been to increase the level of theological education among his clergy. It has been His Holiness's goal to appoint only thologians with doctrates as bishops.

The evening was thoroughly enjoyable and spiritually uplifting. The evening was blessed with Bible readings, choir songs, poems and speeches demonstrating their passion for the Mother Church and its Patriarch His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV. A slideshow of historical photographs was also shown, which brought back heartfelt memories to all.

Also, a tribute by Cor-bishop David Royal was provided in recognition of Rev. Deacon Nwiya Nwiya, for his 63 years of service as Deacon. A Plaque was further presented by His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV to Rev. Deacon Nwiya Nwiya.

We were fortunate to have His Grace Mar Sargis Yousip, along with His Grace Mar Odisho Orahim among us.

Assyrian Post is pleased to have the privilage of congratulating His Holiness Mar Dinkha on this blessed and memorable event. We pray the Holy Spirit to coninue guiding our Patriarch many more years as the Supreme Head at the helm of the Holy Church. We also would like to take the opportunity to thank our Patriarch for all his hard work, dedication and service for the Assyrian Church of the East.

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His Holiness Mar Dinkha's Arrival in California

His Holiness, Mar Dinkha IV, our Assyrian Church of the East Patriarch has arrived in the bay area on Friday, September 21st. Here is Kassie's Qurbana Schedule in California:

09/23/07 in San Jose (St. Timothy's Lutheran Church) at 1:30 p.m.
09/30/07 in Ceres (Mar Gewargis Parish) at 9:00 a.m.
10/07/07 in Modesto (Mar Zaia Parish) at 9:00 a.m.
10/14/07 in Turlock (Mar Addai Parish) at 10:00 a.m.
10/21/07 in San Francisco (Mar Narsai Parish) at 10:00 a.m.

On 09/30/07, a dinner banquet is held in Honor of the 31st Anniversary of H.H. Mar Dinkha IV's Consecration as Patriarch and Golden Sacerdotal Jubilee. This banquet dinner is held at 6:00 p.m. at Bet Nahrain Cultural Center (Ceres, CA), hosted by Mar Gewargis Parish, Mar Addai Parish, and Mar Zaia Parish.

On 10/20/07, a dinner banquet is organized at the Double Tree Hotel in San Jose, in honor of H.H. Mar Dinka IV's 50th Priesthood and 31st Patriarchal Consecration Anniversaries. This event is hosted by Mar Yosip and Mar Narsai Parishes.

We are so pleased in having His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV visit us, to bless and inspire us.

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Mar Yosip Parish - Second Annual Tea Time

- Copyright © 2007 by Assyrian Post. All rights reserved.


On Sunday, August 26th, the annual Tea time took place in Villa Ragusa Banquet Hall (Campbell, CA). More than 400 ladies of all ages attended this gathering. The purpose of this gathering was to teach and encourage women of all ages the importance of implementing biblical hospitality within their homes, communities, and the marketplace (Romans 12:9-16). It was a celebration of our Assyrian women and their importance to our nation.

Throughout the afternoon, the conversation ebbed and flowed among all women. The ladies enjoyed plenty of tea sandwiches, cakes, cookies, and pastries while drinking their tea and celebrating their strengths. Together, all the ladies who attened this gathering, were able to generate a substantial amount of money to help the needy Assyrian children in the Middle East.

Master of Ceremony was Ashourbella Lazar, who gave an impeccable speech regarding the importance of our Assyrian women and mothers. Our Guest of Honor was the Very Rev. Cor-Bishop David Royel, the Parish Priest of Mar Yosip Parish, who addressed the Assyrian Christian Woman.

Our beloved Rev. Cor-Bishop David Royel, delivered a touching and powerful message:

"The Assyrian Woman has been given a two-fold gift from Our Heavenly Father and Creator. The first is that of being the Backbone of the Assyrian Christian home and family, and the second that of being an Assyrian Mother who raises up sons and daughters for Assyria our mother.

The Blessed Mother of our Lord, the Virgin Mary, is the model woman and discipline for every Assyrian woman. She alone fulfilled at every instant of her earthly life the divine will of God the Father. By this, she was made worthy to become the Mother of our Savior, the Son of God Jesus Christ. Through our obedience to God's Word and submission to His Will, she became 'Full of Grace' and 'Blessed among women'. Through her docility to the Lord's calling, she became the perfect disciple and the woman who reversed the curse given to Eve-giving birth to Life, rather than to death.

The Second gift given to the Assyrian woman is that of imparting the Assyrian identity to her children and to future generations. Instilling the awareness and love for the Assyrian language and the history of these glorious people, the Assyrian woman secures the existence of Assyrian for all posterity. The mighty 'Rod' of God and the Lord's 'Handiwork' which is Assyria will continue to live due to the self-sacrifice and diligence of the Assyrian woman and mother."

We would like to give special thanks and admiration to all beloved Mar Yosip Church Ladies, for all their hard work and effort in organizing this successful event. We pray that God blesses you and your families for your strong faith and support for our mother church, Assyrian Church of the East.

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