Our People Struggling Under War

No doubt as War reaches its full maturity with both factional Islamic sides fighting it off, our impoverished people are the ones to suffer the most. Many thanks to CNN, for featuring such story, and may the world listen and yield pressure on the UN to draft a resolution for a safe haven for our people. Will the the UN do its job!?

The full article is here............

STAMONU, Turkey (CNN) -- The phone calls were chilling. The voice on the end always delivering the same message: Don't work with the foreigners.
Gorges Toma, an Iraqi electrician who worked with Western contractors, did what he was told and stopped working. But it did little to help save his brother whose charred body was found in his car. "Right after I stopped [working], they killed my brother," Toma says.

He sold his car and anything else of value and moved his family of nine to Turkey, where they remain more than two and a half years later. (Watch family eat on floor in cramped quarters )
The Toma family is among the growing refugee population to have fled Iraq since the war began in March 2003.

According to a report released this week by the U.N.'s refugee agency, there were 1.4 million Iraqi refugees at the end of 2006, most of them in Syria and Jordan. Another 1.8 million Iraqis were displaced inside their own country, according to the report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. ( Iraq drives up refugee count )

In Turkey, there are an estimated 10,000 Iraqi refugees. The Toma family, from Mosul, Iraq, are now living in Kastamonu, a picturesque northern Turkish city nestled in foothills near an ancient castle.

They expected to only be here for a few months. But months turned into years of waiting.
"We just want to get out of here. We have no money, nothing. God is kind, we just want to get out," says the family matriarch, 77-year-old Isin Yelda.

"They killed my son," she says, weeping as she clutches a childhood photo of her son who drove water trucks for the U.S. military.

When the Tomas left Iraq on December 10, 2004, they spent three months in Istanbul, Turkey, where they say they felt welcomed by just about everyone. But the Turkish government places refugees like the Toma family, who are waiting to be resettled, in 21 locations outside of the country's major cities.

And so they ended up here, in this small Muslim city of 60,000 without a church. The Tomas are Christians.

'We are barely getting by'

Assimilating to life in Kastamonu has proven extremely difficult. So difficult, that the family's oldest daughter, Sura, 25, chose to return to Iraq to a convent.

"I miss my sister," 11-year-old Raghad says, breaking down in tears in their cramped two-room home.

Her mother, also sobbing, tries to comfort her.

Gorges Toma explains that it was just too hard for his oldest daughter to stay -- not able to speak the language, not feeling accepted, and being confined.

"She prefers the hell that is Iraq than Turkey. That was the psychological impact of this place on her," he says.

Leaving the town without permission is illegal. Every day, with no exception, all members of the Toma family over the age of 18 must report to local authorities. So each day, they head to the police station to sign next to their names.

Under Turkish law, they also cannot legally work.

"We are barely getting by," says Toma.

The family is able to make ends meet with the help of relatives and others chipping in.
"How am I going to pay off this debt?" the father asks.

"We're able to get odd jobs once in a while, but sometimes we work, and then they don't even pay us."

They all say they never imagined that after leaving Iraq, life would continue to be just as hard, but for different reasons.

"I have to get out [of Turkey]," says 27-year-old Salwan Toma. "I have no desire to go back to Iraq, but here, it's almost like a prison. I want stability, a house, car. I want to get married, to have a life."

He spends most of his time at an Internet cafe chatting online with friends. He just found out that a friend of his was killed in Mosul in a drive-by shooting at a church.
Family accepted into U.S.

The life they call a nightmare might be coming to an end. The family has been notified that they will be resettled in the United States, and they are just waiting to complete the final steps. But they remain anxious until they get that final phone call.

"I don't really have dreams anymore," says Gorges Toma's wife, Selwa.

"America -- it will be better than here."

If they do make it to America, they will be one of the few Iraq refugees. According to the U.S.
State Department, 701 Iraqi refugees have been allowed into the United States since April 2003. The U.S. government has pledged to let in 7,000 Iraqis this year.
The UNHCR says of the ten thousand Iraqis in Turkey, 556 cases have been accepted to go to the United States.

"Whatever is in America," Toma says, "it will be a thousand times better than what we had in Iraq or Turkey because there are work opportunities. There is no discrimination, no hatred."

Raghad Toma, 11, and her family fled Iraq in 2004 after her father received death threats and her uncle was killed.

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Court Case Update

A hearing was held on May 18, 20o7 for an amended motion for a Preliminary Injunction/Temporary Restraining Order against the former bishop Ashur Bawai Soro before the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois . The Assyrian Church of the East is seeking relief from the defendant for making use of the name of the Assyrian Church of the East and its derivatives, especially in regards to the solicitation of funds for the former bishop's personal legal campaign. The opposing party has 14 days to respond to the Church’s amended complaint, therefore, another hearing is scheduled to take place on June 1, 2007. Then, the Church will have another 14 days to respond before a Case Management Conference is set up.


Source: http://assyrianchurchnews.com/index.php?modul=news&iy=12

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H.H. Mar Dinkha's Letter to the President of the United States of America

His Holiness Mar Dinkha's letter, dated May 9th, 2007 is regarding the current situation of the Christians in Iraq. In this letter His Holiness is pleading for serious protection of the Christians of Iraq.

For the Original Letter, the following link is provided:
http://www.assyrianchurchnews.com/media/MAR%20DINKHA%20IV.pdf

May 9, 2007

The President of the United States of America
The Honorable Mr. George W. Bush
The White House1600 Pennsylvania AvenueWashington, DC
The Honorable Mr. George W. Bush,

In the name of God, may I begin with my sincere greetings to you and to the other members of your government.

As the Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East, I feel that it is my obligation to inform you of the currently bleak situation of the Christians of Iraq.

I acknowledge that this is a difficult phase for all Iraqi people and I pray that this struggle will ultimately result in a fair and successful democratic system. However, in this process, Iraq will suffer a significant loss if added protection is not given to the tiny Christian minority of Iraq.

Iraqi Christians are not members of any insurgency groups; they are not violent; they live in peace and brotherhood with others; they are loyal and honest. Their desire is to coexist peacefully with their Muslim brothers, be it Sunnies or Shiites.

Throughout the ages, Christians have defended the soil and integrity of the country and they have played a key role in building the civilization of Iraq.

Today, a small Christian minority is subjected to the most terrifying, intimidating and threatening circumstances; our church receives alarming daily reports of such atrocities brought upon Christians by some Islamic extremist groups. Such reports are countless, but for the purpose of this plea I provide you with general overview, presuming with confidence that you will have been briefed with details of such atrocities.

Christian families, in all regions that they reside, including Dora, Baghdad and Mosul are being forced to leave Iraq or convert to Islam or pay the Jizya (a protection tax imposed on non-Muslims), otherwise they face death or deportation from their homes.

Furthermore, pamphlets are distributed in all such regions; threaten the killing of Christians if they do not abandon their homes and towns, at times, within 24 hours. Some are abducted and murdered without reason; properties are confiscated and families are thrown into displacement.

Additionally, the Christian minority are victim to religious intimidation and atrocities. Churches are being bombed and destroyed; priests have been found decapitated. Christians are, by the issuing of a Fatwa, forbidden to wear crosses; crosses of churches are being destroyed; Christian women are being persecuted, at times in form of a rape and beheading, for not wearing the Hijab.

For Iraq and its Christian minority, this is a humanitarian crisis. Christians have little or no protection of such abuses by Islamic extremist factions; the inevitable result of which is the mass exodus of our community from Iraq. Never before in the history of Iraq has such a refugee crisis arisen against the Christian minority of Iraq. If this critical situation is not effectively addressed, then the unfortunate consequences will be the elimination of Christianity from Iraq and the destruction of a cradle of civilization, in recent years famous for its mosaic of cultural, civil and religious variety and coexistence.

I trust that you will consider the seriousness of my pleas; and I pray that you will assume a more active and responsible role in implementing mechanisms and programs which will provide added and essential protection and security for Christians, such that all Iraqis, can live together in harmony and peace; and so that Christians are not driven into force migration from their homes and country, thereby creating a phenomenal refugee problem for your government and the international community.

May God enhance your leadership with wisdom and good judgment.

Yours Faithfully,
Khanania Mar Dinkha IV
Catholicos PatriarchAssyrian Church of the East

This letter was also addressed to the following members:

H.H Pope Benedict XVI
The Roman Catholic Church

The Honorable General Secretary Ban Ki-moon
The United Nations Organization

Dr. Javier Solana
The European Union

Dr. Konrad Fraser
The Secretary General
The World Counsels of Churches

The Most Rev'd Rowan Williams
The Archbishop of Canterbury

The Honorable President Putin
The President of Russia

The Honorable Mr. Tony Blair
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

The Honorable Mr. Dominique de VILLEPIN
The Prime Minister of the Republic of France

The Honorable Mr. Stephan Harper
The Prime Minister of Canada

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Kalou Soulaga 2007 in the Bay Area

This year's Kalou Soulaga was a massive success. It was held by Mar Yosip Parish in San Jose in the beautiful Vasona Lake County Park. Over 500 Assyrians attended this event. There were games organized for adults and children with live music, entertainment and great food. It was amazing to see our fellow Assyrians enjoying their relaxing time with their family and friends and all strongly linked together through our Holy church.

God bless our Holy Assyrian Churh of the East for always bringing us together. Many thanks to all those who helped in this successful event.

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FEAST OF THE ASCENSION OF OUR SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST

The Feast of the Ascension of our Savior Jesus Christ is celebrated each year on the fortieth day after the Great and Holy Feast of Easter. The Feast itself commemorates when, on the fortieth day after His Resurrection, Jesus led His disciples to the Mount of Olives, and after blessing them and asking them to wait for the fulfillment of the promise of the Holy Spirit, He ascended into heaven.

The story of the Ascension of our Lord, celebrated as one of the Twelve Great Feasts of the Church, is found in the book of the Acts of the Apostles 1:3-11. It is also mentioned in the Gospels of Mark (16:19) and Luke (24:50-53). The moment of the Ascension is told in one sentence: "He was lifted up before their eyes in a cloud which took Him from their sight" (Acts 1:9).

Christ made His last appearance on earth, forty days after His Resurrection from the dead. The Acts of the Apostles states that the disciples were in Jerusalem. Jesus appeared before them and commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the "Promise of the Father". He stated, "You shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now" (Acts 1:5).

After Jesus gave these instructions, He led the disciples to the Mount of Olives. Here, He commissioned them to be His witnesses "in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8). It is also at this time that the disciples were directed by Christ to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19). Jesus also told them that He would be with them always, "even to the end of the world" (Matthew 28:20).

As the disciples watched, Jesus lifted up His hands, blessed them, and then was taken up out of their sight (Luke 24:51; Acts 1:9). Two angels appeared to them and asked them why they were gazing into heaven. Then one of the angels said, "This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as you have seen Him going into heaven" (Acts 1:11).

Scripture readings for the Feast are the following: At Vespers: Isaiah 2:2-3, 62:10-63:9; Zechariah 14:1,4,8-11. At the Orthros (Matins) Mark 16:9-20; At the Divine Liturgy: Acts 1:1-12; Luke 24:36-53.

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Holiness Mar Dinkha IV, the Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East has granted us with an Easter message:

I have translated his message from Assyrian to English and it can be viewed below.

In this holy day which has filled the hearts of Christians of the great globe with joy as Christ is risen from the dead, where he says : "I have come with light to the world, so all who believe in me do not stay in the darkness" Eugena 46:12 He also says : "I was Nour world. do not follow me from walking in the darkness, but have the light of life "Eugena 12:8 All creatures are renewed through Christ who is the head of the beginning of the new life. The Resurrection of Christ gave us new life, as well as joy and hope for humanity. When Christ was risen from the dead, a great salvation was achieved for all nations. Christ is the peace and safety of the peaks of human beings, which puts us in good stead to celebrate peacefully His resurrection. Lord says to his students : "I leave you peace. my peace I give you. " Eugena 27:14 Christ the King, has granted us a divine peace, namely, to be detached from every creature and sin, and to belong entirely to God. When Christ arose from the dead, He left in the tomb the linen cloths, which are the symbol of our sins and imperfections. He came forth triumphant from the sepulchre. In Him there is freedom, light, strength, beauty, life. His Divine Life is the model of ours, and He has merited for us the grace of living for God as He did. Through the Sacraments our souls are clad with Sanctifying Grace, the principle of Divine life. This life presupposes separation from all mortal and venial sin, so that the soul, being free, may act solely under the inspiration of grace and for God alone through faith and love. Then it is that Christ's life blossoms forth in our soul, as St. Paul says, "It is now no longer I that live, but Christ liveth in me" (Gal. 2:20). This, then, is the spirit of Easter, the Paschal grace: detachment from all that is human, earthly, created; the full gift of ourselves to God, through Christ. In this holiday, which is our pride of all the holidays, the Joy of Christ is given to the church, so we say to all of you sons of our holy Assyrian church and all our brothers and sisters of the Chaldean and Syriac Church and all Christians :

God Jesus Christ bless you. "I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God" (1 Corinthians 50:15) Jesus Appears to His Disciples "on the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you!' After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. (John 19-21). We are also happy because, Christ was risen from the dead and is sitting on the right of the Father in Heaven. "Christ says : 'What is the bread of God? God's bread is the One that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." Then Jesus was asked "Sir, give us this bread always." . Then Jesus said, "I am the bread that gives life. The person that comes to me will never be hungry. The person that believes in me will never be thirsty." (John 6:35 )

Christians and believers sincerely hope it is necessary to put our faith in the hands of Jesus, who will help you build your spiritual house on a solid foundation. "Build Your House on the Rock. Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it." (Mattew 7:24-27)

If not for the elders, not moving away from our church, because it away from the Church of Christ, but away from Christ. يتوجب ان نحصن انفسنا بالصوم والصلاة والسلوك الصالح والتقي في وجه قوى الشيطان الذي هو عدو العدل.Must Nhsan ourselves Balsom, prayer and good behavior and met strong in the face of the devil is the enemy of justice. يقول الرسول: "أَمَا تَعْلَمُونَ أَنَّكُمْ هَيْكَلُ اللهِ، وَرُوحُ اللهِ يَسْكُنُ فِيكُمْ؟" 1 كورنثوس 16:3The prophet says : "As you know the structure of God, the spirit of God lives in you?" 1 Corinthians 16:3 استلوا بايديكم سيف الروح الذي هو كلام الله.Astloa hands Seif spirit, which is God's words. "كَيْ لاَ نَكُونَ فِي مَا بَعْدُ أَطْفَالاً مُضْطَرِبِينَ وَمَحْمُولِينَ بِكُلِّ رِيحِ تَعْلِيمٍ، بِحِيلَةِ النَّاسِ، بِمَكْرٍ إِلَى مَكِيدَةِ الضَّلاَلِ. بَلْ صَادِقِينَ فِي الْمَحَبَّةِ، نَنْمُو فِي كُلِّ شَيْءٍ إِلَى ذَاكَ الَّذِي هُوَ الرَّأْسُ: الْمَسِيحُ" افسس 14:4"In order not to be in the post-children Madturbin and laptops all Wind education, clumsy people, disingenuously framed to error. But true to love, grow in everything to the one who is the head of Christ : "Ephesians 14:4 لانماء جسد الكنيسة فان الايمان مع المحبة والاحترام والاستماع الى بعض هي امور لازمة.For the development of the body of the church, the faith with love and respect and listen to some of the things to the crisis. وكلما كنا مرتبطين بالمسيح فاننا سنعطي ثمارا صالحة وهنيئة وسنعيش مسرورين في هذا العالم.Whenever we associated Christ, we will produce valid and comfortable and happy to live in this world. يقول المسيح: "أَنَا الْكَرْمَةُ وَأَنْتُمُ الأَغْصَانُ. الَّذِي يَثْبُتُ فِيَّ وَأَنَا فِيهِ هذَا يَأْتِي بِثَمَرٍ كَثِيرٍ، لأَنَّكُمْ بِدُونِي لاَ تَقْدِرُونَ أَنْ تَفْعَلُوا شَيْئًا."Christ says : "I grapevines and you browse. That proves I am in this comes Pthmer many, because you Bdone You can not to do something. " يوخنا 5:15Eugena 5:15 ويقول ايضا: "أَنَا هُوَ الطَّرِيقُ وَالْحَقُّ وَالْحَيَاةُ. لَيْسَ أَحَدٌ يَأْتِي إِلَى الآبِ إِلاَّ بِي."He also says : "I was the right path and life. No one comes to the father except me. " يوخنا 6:14Eugena 6:14 لذا، كاخوة في المسيح كونوا صادقين مع بعض، ولا تكون محبتكم خادعة، بل كونوا كارهين للشرور وتابعين للصالحات.Thus, as brothers in Christ Be honest with some, and be Mahbtkm misleading, but formed averse to the evil, affiliated to grow up to be good. ما تعتقدونه جيدا لكم اطلبوه ايضا لاخوتكم في المسيح.What Tattakaddounh well you Atalboh also brothers in Christ. كونوا متواضعين ورحومين، ولا تعتقدون في افنسكم انكم اكثر حكمة من الاخرين، "لاَ تُجَازُوا أَحَدًا عَنْ شَرّ بِشَرّ. مُعْتَنِينَ بِأُمُورٍ حَسَنَةٍ قُدَّامَ جَمِيعِ النَّاسِ. إِنْ كَانَ مُمْكِنًا فَحَسَبَ طَاقَتِكُمْ سَالِمُوا جَمِيعَ النَّاسِ. لاَ تَنْتَقِمُوا لأَنْفُسِكُمْ أَيُّهَا الأَحِبَّاءُ، بَلْ أَعْطُوا مَكَانًا لِلْغَضَبِ. لاَ يَغْلِبَنَّكَ الشَّرُّ بَلِ اغْلِبِ الشَّرَّ بِالْخَيْرِ."Rest and Rhomin mediocre, and you believe in Avenskm you more wisdom than others, "not exceeded one from the evil of human beings. Magnin good things shin all people. That was only possible for you Salmwa all people. Not Tntekamoa for yourselves dear loved ones, but they gave us a place of anger. Iglbenk not evil, but most evil with good. " رومية 16:12-21Roumieh 16:12-21 هذه الوصايا من الكتاب المقدس هي فضائل علينا بسماعها وتطبيقها، كنسيا واجتماعيا وقوميا.These commandments of the Bible we are virtues hearing and application bishop, socially and nationally. اذا اراد احد ان يكون موقرا في المجتمع الكنسي والقومي، فان عليه ان يدرك ان عليه ايضا توقير صاحبه.If one wanted to be distinguished in the community and the national church, it should also realize that it's sacrilege. لا احد يعتقدن ذاته انه اعلى من زملاءه ويتفاخر ويكون انانيا، ولا يعتقدن احدا ان كل ما يقوله من راي او اقتراح هو صائب.No one believed that the same higher than boasting about his colleagues, and be selfish, and believe that each one of what opinion or suggestion is right. بل عليه ان يتشاور مع من يعمل معهم، ولا يرتكب اخطاء ويلحق الاذى والخسارة بالمجتمع الكنسي والقومي.But he must consult with those working with them, and commit mistakes and hurt and loss and national church community. لان اراء وقرارات شخص لمفرده تكون اكثر عرضة للاخطاء، في حين ان اعضاء مجمع معين يرتكبون اخطاء اقل.Because the views and decisions of a single person to be more susceptible to errors, while the Academy members who commit certain mistakes less. الكنيسة والامة ليستا ملك اي شخص، لذا لا يحق لشخص لمفرده ان يكون متسلطا برايه.Church and the nation are not owned by any person, therefore, not entitled to the individual person to be hegemonic wars opinion. لنتعلم من ربنا يسوع المسيح من بعد عماذه حين خرج للكرازة اختار لنفسه اثني عشر رسولا ليكونوا دوما معه، وهذا مثال صالح اثبت فيه المسيح ان الانسان هو محتاج للعون.To learn from the God of Jesus Christ after Amath while left of the haughty chose for himself twelve messenger to be always with him, and this a good example of Christ proved that man is in need of help. ان ابن الكنيسة الذي له رتبة ومسؤولية في مجال ودرب الكنيسة يجب ان يكون مؤمنا وصادقا ومطيعا، قال المسيح لتلاميذه: " إِنْ أَرَادَ أَحَدٌ أَنْ يَأْتِيَ وَرَائِي فَلْيُنْكِرْ نَفْسَهُ وَيَحْمِلْ صَلِيبَهُ وَيَتْبَعْنِي."The son of the Church, which has the rank and responsibility in the area of the path of the church and must be insured and truthful and obedient, Christ said to his students : "One wants to come back Flenker himself and bear the Cross and follow me." متي 24:16When 24:16 انكار النفس تعني التحمل، التضحية، التواضع والتسامح، لذا علينا ان نكون محبين وموقرين ومطيعين بعضنا لبعض.Self-denial means endurance, sacrifice, humility, tolerance, we have to be loving and distinguished and vulnerabilities of each other. كنيسة المشرق الاشورية الرسولية الجامعة المقدسة لها قوانين سنهاديقية التي حددت واجبات كل عضو في الكنيسة.Orient Apostolic Assyrian Church of the Holy League with laws Senhadiqih identified the duties of each member of the church. من المهم ان يكون ابناء كنيستنا مطيعين، وحريصين على الالتزام بقوانين ومقررات المجمع السنهاديقي من اجل نهوض وتقدم الكنيسة.It is important that the people of our church tensions, and anxious to comply with the laws and decisions of the compound Alsenhadiqi for progress and the advancement of the church. على كاهن كل رعية مسؤولية هذه الانشطة:The priest each congregation responsibility of these activities : 1- صفوف التعليم المسيحي للاطفال، وعلى الكاهن ان يقوم بتعليم المعلمات والمعلمين الذين يقومون بالتعليم.1-Christian education classes for children, and the priest that the education of teachers and teachers who education. 2- فرقة الانشاد الكنسية.Task 2-Choral Church. 3- لجنة الشبيبة الكنسية.3-Church Youth Commission. 4- يتم تحديد يوم واحد في الاسبوع من اجل التعليم المسيحي لجميع ابناء الرعية، فمن الضروري ان يشارك ابناء الرعية في دورات التعليم المسيحي ليعززوا بنيان ايمانهم المسيحي.4-be determined one day a week for Christian education for all sons of the parish, it is essential that the people involved in parish education courses to enhance the texture of the Christian faith Christian. يقول الرسول: " إِذًا الإِيمَانُ هو من السماع، والسماع هو من كلمة الله" رو 17:10The prophet says : "If faith is of hearing and hearing the word of God is" Rowe 17:10 لذا عليكم الاستماع الى كلمة الله وتعلمها كي لا ينهار بنيان ايمانكم بالرياح والاعاصير وكلمات غير المؤمنين.So you listen to the word of God and learning so that it does not collapse texture faith through all the winds and storms, and the words of non-believers. بناتنا وابناءنا بالروح،Daughters and sons spirit, نطلب اليكم كمسيحيين مؤمنين في كل بلد تعيشون فيه ان تكونوا مواطنين مخلصين لسلطاتكم وملتزمين بحفظ قوانين البلد الذي تعيشون فيه لتكونوا بذلك اكثر محبة وتوقيرا لدى مسولي البلد.We ask you as Christians believing in each of you that you are faithful to your citizens and committed to the conservation laws of the country in which you may live where you are so affectionate and more courtesy to the Msole country. كونوا مع جيرانكم بمحبة وسلام، احترموهم لتكونوا محترمين، لان الرب يسوع المسيح يوصينا: "احب جارك مثل نفسك" لوقا 28:10Be with your love, and peace, to you Ahtermohm respectable, because the Lord Jesus Christ appraisers : "love your neighbor as yourself" Luke 28:10 حيثما عشتم لا تنسوا انكم بنات وابناء كنيسة المشرق الاشورية الرسولية الجامعة المقدسة، كونوا بقرب كنيستكم وناشطين فيها وملتزمين بالطقوس والاسرار والتقليد الرسولي والقوانين السنهاديقية للكنيسة التي يعتمدها ويقرها المجمع السنهاديقي الحالي، لان كنيستنا هي والدتنا الروحية التي علينا بمحبتها وتوقيرها.Where do not forget that you preserve the daughters and sons of the Church of Orient University Holy Apostolic Assyrian, formed near Knestkm and activists and committed ritual and tradition and the secrets laws Alsenhadiqih See and the Church adopted and approved by the academy Alsenhadiqi this, because our church is a spiritual Aldtna that we Bmahbtha and Toukirha. كأمة، لا تكونوا متشككين بمن تكونون، لان اباءنا ومنذ الفي عام حفظوا الاسم واللغة الادبية لامتنا الاشورية مع ايمانهم المسيحي، لذا يتوجب ان يكون لكم غيرة واعتزاز بتاريخكم كأمة اشورية، ان الابنية القديمة والاثار المتبقية والالواح المنقورة في بين النهرين تشهد على تاريخ اباءنا.As a nation, do not be skeptical, including you, as our fathers and since the year two thousand were at the name and literary language of our nation with the Assyrian Christian faith, therefore, must be to you and the other Btarejkm pride as a nation zone, the old buildings and the remaining panels Almenkorh in Mesopotamia witness to the history of our forefathers. ان لنا هبتان ممنوحتان لنا من الله: ايماننا المسيحي لكنيسة المشرق الاشورية، وانتماءنا القومي الاشوري.That we Hptan Mmnoahtan us from our faith in God : Christian Assyrian Church of the Orient, and our belonging to the National Assyrian. في الختام،In conclusion, نقول ثانية لجميعكم: ليكن عيدكم مباركا، واننا نصلي الى الله الآب ليحفظكم في امن وسلام، واننا نأمل ان تحتفوا بعيد قيامة سيدنا يسوع المسيح بفرح وسلام اينما تعيشون يا ابناء كنيستنا المقدسة وامتنا الاشورية، ومع جميع اخوتنا مسيحيي العالم، ونصلي بخاصة من اجل الامن والسلام في الوطن العراق وكل المعمورة عامة.We say again to all of you : the holiday was a blessed, and we pray to God to protect the security, peace, and we hope that he Thatvua far our Lord, Jesus Christ with joy and peace of you wherever you sons of our church and our holy Assyrian, and with all our fellow Christians the world, and especially pray for peace and security at home and Iraq globe general. لتكن نعمة ورحمة ربنا يسوع المسيح مع جميعكم الى الابد الأبدين .Let the blessing of God and the mercy of Jesus Christ with all of you forever eternity.

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8th Annual Assyrian Flag Raising 2007 (San Jose, CA)

Date:

Saturday March 31st, 2007

Time:

2:00PM
Location:

70 West Hedding Street (Downtown San Jose)

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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/