Latest Court Case News

The attorneys of the Holy Synod of the Assyrian Church of the East appeared in the Santa Clara County Superior Court on February 6, 2007 in the Case Management Conference. A Trial Setting Conference was set for April 24, 2007, to determine a court trial date. The actual court date exceeds 90 days from the Trial Setting Conference date of April 24.

The attorneys of the Assyrian Church of the East are preparing a Motion for Summary Judgment, "where the Church (through her attorneys) will move that Judge Huber adjudicate this case before it reaches trial, based on the merits of the vast amount of documentary evidence favoring the Church’s position". There will also be an attempt to depose the former bishop soon. We have found out that subpoenas have already been sent out to persons of interest. The former bishop has been trying to delay the matters and stall the setting of a trial date. In any case, our church’s attorneys are ready to proceed.


"It is requested that the faithful sons and daughters of the Assyrian Church of the East pray for their Holy Church during these trying times when the Church of the East is being persecuted and brought to suffer with the crucified Lord".

Source: Assyrianchurchnews.com

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Baouta’d Ninevaye or the Rogation of the Ninevites

Baouta’d Ninevaye or the Rogation of the Ninevites ܒܥܘܬܐ ܕܢܝܢܘܐ which means 'Nineveh's Wish' commemorates the repentance of the people of Nineveh at the preaching of Jonah, the Prophet.

God instruct Jonah to go to Nineveh and condemn Assyrians for their “wickedness”, and to preach faith in His unity and virtuous conduct. But the people jeered at him and paid no heed to his call. Jonah was so disgusted with the attitude of his people that he decided to leave his town and take to the sea.

When his ship was in deep waters, it was rocked by storm and Jonah was thrown overboard and swallowed by a big fish. As he lay in the belly of the fish, Jonah wondered why he was being punished when God had chosen him to be His messenger; where had he gone wrong? He then realized that he should not have acted in anger, because God wished that he be patient and more persuasive.

He prayed for forgiveness and for another opportunity to prove himself. Thus did his Lord choose him and make him of the company of the righteous. [68:50]

After three days in the belly of the fish, God listened to his prayers and miraculously took him out of the belly of the fish and cast him, albeit in a sickly condition, upon a deserted shore. Having recovered in the shadow of a gourd-tree, he went to Ninveh, where he pursued his mission, this time with greater persuasion and forbearance and despite all the jeers of the people, continuing with his work to bring them to the right path.

God told Jonah: Had your Lord so wished, all people everywhere would have been believers. But that is not His way, hence do not force anyone to take to Our path unless they do so willingly. No one can believe except by the will of God; only those who are skeptics do not understand His message. [10:99-100]

The Ninevites repent and declared a public fast. God then relented and did not inflict on them the punishment he had threatened. This shows God's universal love and mercy which extend to all human beings.

For Assyrians the Rogation of Ninevite has a nationalistic and a spiritual significance: In this way Assyrians were always reminded of Nineveh throughout the history until the ruins of Nineveh were discovered in early half of the 19th Century. Assyrians were also reminded of their importance in the history of the Church and spiritual development of Judeo-Christian tradition, for the Ninevites symbolized the longing of all humans for a universal God. The God who is so gracious and compassionate, the God who watches over His people and protects them from their evil ways.

During the three days of Baouta (fasting) people abstain from all food and water in their plea for forgiveness. Traditionally, at the end of the fasting period those that have fasted would partake of three handfuls of parched barley, mixed with a like amount of salt, and then sleep. Assyrians have different recipe's for such salty mixture or "pookhon" as it's called.

Baouta d’Ninevaye or the Rogation of Ninevites is an important Assyrian tradition which must be noted for its historic and spiritual significance.

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It's Our Honor

H.M. Queen Elizabeth II, The Queen of United Kingdom and Head of the Anglican Church of the England recognises Australians who have provided direct support or service of a close personal nature through honors and awards within her own personal gift.

It is an honor to make the following announcement:

On January 26, 2007, His Grace Mar Meelis Zaia, Bishop of the Diocese of Australia and New Zealand of the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East and General-Secretary of the Holy Synod was included in the honor roll and was made a Member of the Order of Australia. Australian honors recognise and celebrate ordinary Australians who show courage, self-sacrifice, dedication, love and service to their community and humanity. Their stories help shape the country’s enduring qualities in the present and the future.

For more information, please refer to the following link:
http://www.itsanhonour.gov.au/honours/honour_roll/search.cfm?aus_award_id=1133856&search_type=advanced&showInd=true

Congradulations H.G. Mar Meelis for such major award and accomplishment. You are one of the living treasures of our Assyrian Church of the East. We are so proud of you not only for being our Assyrian Church of the East Bishop, but also as our model Assyrian citizen. God bless you.

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Assyrian Flag

• Golden Circle at the center represents the sun (Shamash), which gives life to all things on earth.
  
• The four pointed star surrounding the sun symbolizes the land; and its light blue color represents happiness and tranquility.
  
• The wavy stripes extending from the center to the four corners of the flag symbolize the three major rivers flowing through the land of Assyria.
  
• The dark blue stand for the Assyrian word 'Prat' meaning "Peruta" (abundance).
  
• The red stripes stand for courage, glory and pride.
  
• The white lines in between stand for tranquility and peace.
  
• Above the blue star is a representation of the image of God Ashur, the ancient Assyrian supreme deity. The emblem of Ashur features the deity standing in a circle with two eagle wings spanning and over stretching its length on two sides. Ashur has drawn a bow and his arrow is ready to fly. His image represents an Assyrian guardian who is looking after the the country, the flag, and the nation it represents.
  
• On top of the flagstaff is the standard of King Sargon I, who established the first Assyrian empire, signifying the might and great civilization achieved.
  

Merry Christmas

"This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins" (1 John 4:9-10)
"…the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23).

"To all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God" (John 1:12).


May Christmas and all through the year be a wonderful catalyst for enjoying the precious and simple pleasures of being, close together in the warm familiarity of friends and family, renewing relationships and sharing memories.

Wishing you all a joyful and bright Christmas. May God bless you this Christmas season and throughout the year!

Christmas Day Party

Mar Yosip & Mar Narsai Parishes
Proudly Presents: Christmas Day Party

Featuring our beloved singer: Tamraz Tamraz

Avalon Club
777 Lawrence Expressway
Santa Clara, CA 95051

December 25th, 2006
Doors will open at 7:30 P.M.
Tickets: $25 per person
Food and Drinks to be sold

For More Information Please Contact:
Admon Dawood: 408.839.6129 Sabrina David: 415.794.6903

All Saints' Night 2006

Mar Yosip Parish of San Jose celebrated their 15th Annual "All Saints' Night" on October 31, 2006 and it was a fun and a successful event for all ages.

All Saints Night's deepest roots are decidedly pagan, and unlike Christmas and Easter, it has kept those pagan roots, despite its now Christian name. The controversy surrounding this holiday goes back well over a thousand years to when Christians confronted pagan rites of appeasing the lord of death and evil spirits. But the early Christians didn't simply speak out; they tried to institute a Christian alternative. All Saints Night was a celebration of all "the holies" - those people who had died faithful to Christ.

Light against darkness. Life against death.

Certainly of all people, we should be joyful. The challenge is to use the creativity of the Creator to celebrate both the light and life He brought into this world, and His victory over evil - and evil spirits - which extends into the next.

We were also fortunate to have His Grace Mar Odisho Orahim as our Guest of Honor. Children were all gathered around him, making it one of the most memorable times for all of us to be part of.

Our children all had an amazing time jumping, bouncing and playing games with their fellow Assyrian friends and family.

We were blessed to be part of this memorable event. God bless our nation, our Assyrian heritage and most importantly, our Assyrian Church of the East.

30th. Anniversary of the Consecration of His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV Catholicos Patriarch

On Sunday, October 15th 2006, we celebrating the 30th Anniversary of our beloved Patriarch's Consecration. The successful dinner party took place at the San Jose City Hall Rotunda in Downtown San Jose.

We were fortunate to have His Grace Mar Odisho Orahim - Bishop of Europe, Sweden, and Western Diocese, along with His Grace Mar Meelis - Bishop of Bishop of Australia and New Zealand as our Special Guest of Honor, at this event. Our other Guests of Honor included, Rev. Archdeacon Nenos Michael - Mar Narsai Parish in San Francisco, Rev. Cor-Bishop David Royel - Mar Yosip Parish, San Jose, Rev. Fr. Auchana Kanoun - St. George Parish, Ceres, Rev. Fr. Jameel Wardah - Mar Addai Parish, Turlock. We also had the Mayor of San Jose Honorable Ron Gonzales, and Council Members (Dist. 1,2,9 - San Jose) Honorable Linda LeZotte, Honorable Forrest Williams, and Honorable Judy Chirco as our special Guests of Honor.

Around 500 people were present and took part in this memorable event.

We congradulate His Holiness Mar Dinkha on this blessed and memorable event. We are so grateful to have a remarkable spiritual leader and Patriarch as His Holiness Mar Dinkha. We await his safe return back to the U.S. as he completes his mission in the homeland.

More about this event will be posted, along with some photos.

Official Patriarchal Visit to Arbil

His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV, along with a few of our Archbishops and Bishops from different dioceses and countries left on Thursday, September 14 to visit the city of Arbil, North of Iraq. Here are some photos regarding this historic visit to homeland.

To hear the speech of His Holiness Mar Dinkha, upon his arrival, click on the following link:

www.ankawa.com/video/mardenkha2.wmv

Let us all pray for our Holy Fathers' protection and safe return back. Honoring our Holy Fathers, we wish for their mission to be successful and productive.

Photos taken from AssyrianCoaliton.com

Community Youth Leaders Come Together For The Sake Of Our Youth

An important meeting was held on July 29th, 2006 in Sydney, Australia to discuss the growing concept of youth leadership within our community, nurtured by our churches and supported by our community organizations.

In attendance were representatives from the Ancient Church of the East, Light of Faith Youth Group of the Ancient Church Of The East, St. Peter and Paul Parish of the Assyrian Church of the East, Youth Association of the Assyrian Church Of The East, Assyrian Australian Association, The Assyrian Australian Academic Society, STARTTS and Mt. Druitt Ethnic Community Agency, as well as other youth leaders in our community. Although unable to attend on this occasion, representatives of the St. Toma Chaldean Church expressed their interest.

Each group had an opportunity to provide a brief presentation on the experiences and difficulties they have encountered with their connection to youth. A number of pertinent issues were also raised in regards to new arrivals and their transition into Australian society.

Major highlights of the meeting were:

• The youth vulnerability to crime,
• The need for development of various activities to engage young people,
• Supporting families and working with community organizations to assist with effective implementation of strategies.
• As a community, we have an obligation to help our youth rise above their problems, through the support of our churches and other social groups, utilizing the resources available within the community.
• The need for unity in thought and a commitment to act towards finding a resolution for the problems youth encounter.
• All groups agreed that they would commit to working on strategic planning, to be brought forward to the next Youth Leaders Meeting scheduled for 9 September 2006.

One of the main strengths of young leaders is their first-hand experience with youth issues. Their work in our churches and community organisations has provided resources and ministries that cater for the young people, which have witnessed lives changed from difficult and adverse circumstances. Mentioned in the meeting were examples of work already done by the youth groups, including street outreach to young people, educational support and mentoring, assisting young people involved in criminal proceedings and importantly, provision of spiritual guidance and social activities in safe and supervised settings. However, there was an acknowledgement that planning at a community level would be beneficial as strategies are diversified and groups draw on each other’s experience and community-wide resources.

This meeting was a positive step for our community to unite and work together for the sake of our youth.

Announcement - First Assyrian Women’s Conference to be Held in Sydney

The Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East, St. Hurmizd Parish Greenfield Park held their very first Annual Women’s Conference on August 5th, 2006. This conference had workshops in faith, marriage, children and women’s health issues.

Purpose of the Conference was to bring together the women in the Assyrian community given their roles as homemakers, career women and spiritual guides within their families.

For more information refer to the official website: http://www.assyrianchurch.com.au/

Two Eastern Orthodox Christian Leaders Met

His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV the Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East met the Patriarch of the Malankara Orthodox Church, His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Didimos I in the Dominican University of Chicago on July 16th 2006.

H.H. Baselios Marthoma Didimos I has recently been ordained Patriarch, and for the first time was visiting his parish in the U.S.. His Holiness is the 89th successor to the apostolic throne of St. Thomas, who founded Malankara Orthodox Church in Kerala-India around 52 AD. Being the Supreme Head of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, His Holiness will henceforth lead one million Malayalee Christians of Malankara.

Many metropolitans and bishops from different denominations attended the event. Attendees were also official members of the state and General Council of India. The event began by a praying in English. The first speech was delivered by H.H. Mar Dinkha IV in Assyrian. It was translated to English by Chorbishop David Royel afterwards.

H.H. Mar Dinkha IV was asked to light the first candle as it is a custom among the Indian churches. The event has been broadcasted on AssyriaSat, the Assyrian Global Satellite Television Network. The hospitality of the parishioners and their love and passion left good memories for the days to come.

Assyrian Church of the East Youth Conference 2006

Almost 190 attendees were able to be make it to this event, who were gathered from among the following dioceses and parishes:

1) From the Diocese of Eastern USA, administered by His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV, there were participants from Mar Gewargis Parish (Chicago), Mar Andreos Parish (Des Plaines), Mar Mari Parish (Yonkers), Mar Addai Parish (Turlock) and Mar Zaia Parish (Modesto);

2) From the Diocese of Western California, headed by His Grace Mar Odisho Oraham, the participants came from Mar Yosip Parish (San Jose), Mar Gewargis Parish (Ceres) and Mar Narsai Parish (San Francisco);

3) From the Diocese of Western USA, headed by His Grace Mar Aprim Khamis, the participants were from St. Mary’s Parish (Los Angeles), Mar Patros Parish (Phoenix), Mar Paulus Parish (Orange County) and Rabban Hurmizd Parish (San Diego).

4) Also in attendance from the Diocese of Australia and New Zealand, headed by His Grace Mar Meelis Zaia, were the following representatives from the St. Peter and St. Paul English-speaking parish in Sydney: Rev. Genard Lazar (pastor of the parish), Rev. Deacon Robin Hermizd and Robert Khnanisho.

It was decided that the next Youth Conference (2007) will take place in Chicago, Illinois and will coincided with the happy occasion of the Golden Jubilee of the Priestly ordination of His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV, Catholicos-Patriarch. Various spiritual and festive activities will be arranged in order to properly celebrate this joyous occasion. Furthermore, in light of the up-coming rogation of St. Mary the Blessed Virgin (August 1 to 15), it was decided that the first three days of the rogation (from August 1 to 3) the Youth will fast in order to supplicate God for unity in the Assyrian Church at large. This fast was inspired by the thoughts and prayers of many of the Youth that the Assyrian Church might unite and become one Church again as before the various schisms.

At the end of the Youth Conference, a vote of thanks was offered by all of us gathered, to the parish of St. Mary’s in Los Angeles for organizing and hosting this year’s Youth Conference. Special thanks were offered to Rev. George Bet-Rasho for his endeavors in putting the conference together.

We praise the mighty name of our Lord Jesus Christ, our hope and salvation, for this new surge of an inward stirring for holiness and the Spirit of the Lord to dwell in us as his children. The Holy Spirit is indeed working in the Assyrian Church of the East, and in her Youth—the tomorrow of the future of both our Assyrian Church and Nation.

http://www.assyrianchurch.com.au/article.htm

Commemoration of Mar Mari the Apostle - August 4th

August 4th marks the Commemoration of Mar Mari the Apostle. Here's a brief background information on Mar Mari:

The Assyrian Church of the East traces its origin to the Apostle Thomas along with Mar Addai and Mar Mari, who were among Christ's seventy disciples (Luke 10:1) and who preached in Mesopotamia between AD 37- AD 65. After the martyrdom of Mar Addai two of his disciples, Mar Agai and Mar Mari continued his work.Mar Mari was the disciple of Mar Addai, who was dispatched by Mar Addai from Edessa to the East. The Acts traces Mar Mari’s itinerary and preaching in Mesopotamia until his arrival in Babylonia, where he subsequently went on to find a church in Seleucia-Ctesiphon, on the Tigris River near Baghdad. By the early fifth century, the birthplace of Christianity in Babylonia became the patriarchal seat of the Church of the East (currently, Assyrian Church of the East), whose ecclesiastical jurisdiction and cultural influence extended during the early medieval period as far as China. Mar Mari's missionary activity reaches its peak in the end of the 80’s of the first Christian century. According to the Acts, Mar Mari founded over 300 churches or communities. He was later buried at Deir Qunni, which was known as one of the foremost pilgrimage sites and ‘basilicas’ of the patriarchal see.

Rev. David Royel Ordination (Syamida) - Cor-Bishop Ordination July 15th 2006

Rev. David Royel Ordination (Syamida) - Chicago, IL. by His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV, Catholic Patriarch of the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East

Pictures taken from AssyrianCoaliton.com

Rev. David Royel Ordination (Syamida) - Priest Hood Ordination May 23rd 1999

Pictures taken from AssyrianCoaliton.com

Latest Event

His Holiness Mar Dinkha was invited as the Guest of Honor to attend a significant event, celebrating the 20th Ordainment Anniversary of H.B. Cardinal Mar Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir, Maronite Patriarch of Antioch and all the East. Cardinal Sfeir is the 3rd Maronite Cardinal and the 76th Patriarch of the Maronite Church.

This event was held on July 3rd, 2006 in Chicago. Seventy two Maronite Church Metropolitans and Bishops along with the Metropolitan of Assyrian Church of the East in Iraq, His Beatitude Mar Gewargis Slewa, and Rev. Antwan Latchen of the Assyrian Church of the East in Chicago, as well as many parishioners of both churches were present.

This was a very successful event and H.H. Mar Dinkha was praised for the remarkable ACOE history and heritage and for all the obstacles that this church has had to endure. Then, the opening prayer was asked to be recited by H.H. Mar Dinkha in Assyrian language.

Many thanks and words of admiration were given to our Patriarch Mar Dinkha for leading our church despite all the hardships that we have been faced with.

This event marked a day to be remembered by all our people, including our fellow parishioners, as well as for the Maronites who are of Assyrian ethinicity, and are around 5 million in population, living in Lebanon and Latin American countries.

Taken from AssyrianCoaliton.com

The Launching of the ACOE, Diocese of Australia and New Zealand’s Website

Announcing the launching of the ACOE, Diocese of Australia and New Zealand’s Website:

The visitors of this website http://www.assyrianchurch.com.au/ will gain spiritual, educational and social development and support.

H.G, Mar Meelis Zaia: The Doctrine Of the Holy Trinity

His Grace Mar Meelis Zaia's Doctrine of Trinity is an excellent article that shows the mystery of the Trinity and its three properties, which are consubstantial. This article truly is a must read not only for those interested in Christian theology but also for all who want to learn more about Christian life and experience.


This excellent article can be read here:
http://www.assyrianchurch.com.au/TheDoctrineoftheHolyTrinity_HisGraceMarMeelis.pdf