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

---

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]

---

* 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

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

Legal Notices:
The photographs and contents of this website are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced, copied or reprinted.

---

His Holiness Mar Dinkha's Visit to the Bay Area

We have been informed that our Patriarch, His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV, will be visiting the Bay Area shortly. Actual date to be confirmed. We are delighted of this great news as the Bay Area's parishioners look to His Holiness for His blessings to fill our hearts with hope and joy as he has always done.

His Holiness Mar Dinkha Visit to Canada

His Holiness Mar Dinkha's visit to Hamilton, Ontario:









His Holiness visits Toronto, Ontario:







Copyright © 2007 by Assyrian Post. All rights reserved.

Our Patriarch, His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV, visited Toronto's parish on Sunday August 5th and held a mass there. Over 2000 parishioners were present in this mass. There was also a dinner gathering held in His Honor inside the church hall, in which His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV, gave his holy speech of love and hope. During the following week, His Holiness visited Hamilton, Ontario for a week and held a mass there on Sunday. Following the mass, in the evening, all gathered in a banquet hall in Hamilton to hear His Holiness's speech and have dinner with him. A large turnout and truly a blessing to hear the word of God from our Patriarch.

He further instructed us that the Holy Spirit teaches us to be willing to do good to all, even when injustice has been done to us. These are God's word: 'Therefore if your enemy hungers, feed him; if he thirsts, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head'. Don't allow yourself to be overpowered with evil. Take the offensive - overpower evil by good (Romans 12:20-21).

Also, His Holiness instructed us that as far as our responsibility goes, we should be living at peace with everyone and never taking vengeance into our own hands, but to stand back and let God punish if He will.

Later in the evening, he was also presented with an original oil painting by one of the church members who devoted the painting to His Holiness.

His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV truly exemplifies holiness. His words are encouraging, and full of words of God. We are so blessed to have him as our Patriarch of our Assyrian Church of the East.

Legal Update for Hearing Held on July 30, 2007

A hearing was held before Judge Kevin Murphy of the Santa Clara County Superior Court on the Church's request for a preliminary injunction to prevent the former Bishop Soro from using, the proceeds of a loan greater than $700,000, secured by the Church's property at 650 Minnesota Avenue.

This lot consisted of the parking lot adjacent to Mar Yosip Parish in San Jose. It was originally deeded to the "Assyrian Church of the East, a California Corporation" and not to the "Diocese of Western California". The former bishop proceeded to correct the title on the deed then recorded this deed, The deed states, "Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East, Diocese of Western California, who acquired title as Assyrian Church of the East, a California Corporation, a corporation organized under the laws of the State of California, hereby grants to Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East-Diocese of Western
California, a California Corporation"

Judge Murphy declined to issue a preliminary injunction, stating that "the Church has an adequate legal remedy in damages". The judge had basically indicated that the Church had shown a high probability of success on its legal claims. Hence, he rejected the issuance of a preliminary injunction.

The judge's decision to deny an injunction, is a temporary decision, not binding at trial or with regard to the Church's motion for summary adjudication. Therefore, Assyrian Church of the East believes that the denial of an injunction was fallacious, and it will be presenting a petition to the Court of Appeal to review that decision. In the meantime, further investigation will be perfromed concerning such transaction by the former bishop.

The Church strongly believes that this is a compelling case and that "it will prevail on the merits of all of its claims, including its claims for damages, control of the Diocese of Western California and St. George Parish corporations, and possession of real and personal property".

[Courtesy of AssyrianChurchNews.com]

Latest Finding in Biblical Archeology

The British Museum's great Arched Room holds its collection of 130,000 Assyrian cuneiform tablets, dating back 5,000 years. The latest finding is by Dr. Michael Jursa, a visiting professor from Vienna, who made what has been called the most important find in Biblical archaeology for 100 years, a discovery that supports the view that the historical books of the Old Testament are based on fact.

Searching for Babylonian financial accounts among the tablets, Dr. Jursa, an Assyriologist came across the name "Nabu-sharrussu-ukin", described there in a hand 2,500 years old, as "the chief eunuch" of Nebuchadnezzar II, king of Babylon.

Dr. Jursa checked the Old Testament and in chapter 39 of the Book of Jeremiah, he found, spelled differently, the same name - Nebo-Sarsekim.

Nebo-Sarsekim, according to Jeremiah, was Nebuchadnezzar II's "chief officer" and was with him at the siege of Jerusalem in 587 BC, when the Babylonians overran the city.

"This is a fantastic discovery, a world-class find," said Dr. Finkel yesterday. "If Nebo-Sarsekim existed, which other lesser figures in the Old Testament existed? A throwaway detail in the Old Testament turns out to be accurate and true. I think that it means that the whole of the narrative [of Jeremiah] takes on a new kind of power."

Cuneiform is the oldest form of writing, which was commonly used in the Middle East between 3,200 BC and the second century AD. It was created by pressing a wedge-shaped instrument, usually a cut reed, into moist clay.

The full translation of the tablet reads: (Regarding) 1.5 minas (0.75 kg) of gold, the property of Nabu-sharrussu-ukin, the chief eunuch, which he sent via Arad-Banitu the eunuch to [the temple] Esangila: Arad-Banitu has delivered [it] to Esangila. In the presence of Bel-usat, son of Alpaya, the royal bodyguard, [and of] Nadin, son of Marduk-zer-ibni. Month XI, day 18, year 10 [of] Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon.

The World's Richest Man is Assyrian

Carlos Slim Helú, an Assyrian from Lebanon and belongs to the maronitic church. He was born in Mexico January 28th 1940. He has poked Bill Gates from the crown as the richest man in the world. Slim's lead over Gates amounted to billions of dollars.

The 67-year-old started out in real estate and was already affluent enough when he graduated from university with an engineering degree to buy stakes in a stock brokerage and a bottling firm.

Primarily invested in telephone industry, and runs Mexico's largest cellular phone company (América Movil), as well as the virtual monopoly on landlines (Telmex). But Slim's greatest asset is diversification: his investment group Grupo Carso owns an ISP (Prodigy), an online bank, department stores, a cigarette company (Cigatam), and a restaurant chain with hundreds of locations.

Father: Yusef Salim Haddad (aka. Julián Slim Haddad Aglamaz)
Mother: Linda Helu
Wife: Soumaya (passed away)
Son: Carlos Slim Domit
Son: Marco Antonio
Son: Patrick

His father, Julián Slim Haddad Aglamaz originally comes from the town Jezzine, approximately forty km southeast of Beirut, Lebanon.

Just before Seyfo, the 1915-1918 Turkish genocide of Assyrians, Greeks and Armenians, Carlos Slim Helú's father escaped over the Atlantic. His escape away from persecution and genocides ended in Mexico.

Despite the fact that he's the wealthies man in the world, Slim reportedly shuns corporate jets and flashy offices.

Widowed in 1999, Slim has boosted his philanthropic presence and overseen his three sons' careers within his business empire.

One of his famous quotes is: "I've always said that the better off you are, the more responsibility you have for helping others. Just as I think it's important to run companies well, with a close eye to the bottom line, I think you have to use your entrepreneurial experience to make corporate philanthropy effective".
- Carlos Slim Helu

[Photo courtesy of Clintonfoundation.org]

ASSYRIAN CHURCH OF THE EAST - 21st National Youth Conference 2007

The Annual National Youth Conference of the Assyrian Church of the East took place in Chicago from July 3-8, 2007. Youth and clergy of many of the following parishes were in attendance:

1) Mar Gewargis Cathedral, Chicago;
2) St. Andrew’s Parish, Des Plaines;
3) St. Mary’s Parish, Detroit;
4) Mar Mari Parish, Yonkers;
5) St. Thomas Parish, New Britain;
6) St. Peter’s Parish, Phoenix;
7) Mar Narsai Parish, San Francisco;
8) Mar Yosip Parish, San Jose;
9) Mar Gewargis Parish, Ceres;
10)Mar Addai Parish, Turlock; and
11)St. Mary’s Parish, Los Angeles
12)Ss. Peter & Paul Parish, Sydney – Australia.

On July 4th, His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV, Catholicos-Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East had breakfast with all the attendees, followed by speeches given by the Very Rev. Cor-bishop Gewargis Toma with the title ‘Enter through the Narrow Gate.’

On July 5th, Rev. Patros Patros gave the speech entitled ‘The Meaning of the Church,’ followed by Rev. Genard Lazar, with the title ‘A Reality Check.’

On July 6th, Very Rev. Cor-bishop David Royel, presented his speech entitled ‘The Eucharist in our Daily Lives.’

The three conference talks presented on July 7th, were by Rev. George Bet Rasho who spoke on ‘Your Relationship with God,’ followed by a speech given by Mr. Ninos Haroon on 'The Capture of Jesus as Recorded in John’s Gospel' and Deacon Raumin Benjamin on the ‘Spiritual Energy Drink.’

On July 8th, the Holy Qurbana service was celebrated by His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV at Mar Gewargis Cathedral. On this day, the commemoration of St. Mar Yosip Khnanisho was observed according to the liturgical calendar of the Church of the East. During the Qurbana service, with over a 1000 faithful members, four young men were ordained by His Holiness to the rank of sub-deacon.

A picnic was followed after the service. The youths said their goodbyes to each other and anticipated the next year’s Conference which will be hosted by the St. Peter’s Parish, Phoenix, Arizona.

[courtesy of Assyrianchurchnews.com]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

His Holiness Mar Dinkha Visits Vatican

His Holiness, Mar Dinkha IV visited Vatican on Thursday, June 21, 2007. One of the reasons for this meeting was to undo some of the damages the former bishop had brought upon. The Assyrian Church of the East has always maintained Christian unity with all churches and would like to continue with this unity of serving one Father, “Jesus”, under its own church independance and leadership of our Holy father Mar Dinkha.

The other reason was about the major concern about the fate of Christians living in the Middle East, particularly in Iraq. The Pope stated: "Today, tragically, Christians in this region are suffering both materially and spiritually. Particularly in Iraq, the homeland of so many of the Assyrian faithful, Christian families and communities are feeling increasing pressure from insecurity, aggression and a sense of abandonment". The goal was to find effective ways to better assist the Christians living in Iraq.

The United Nations said in a report this year that of the 1.5 million Assyrian Christians living in Iraq before 2003, about half had fled the country and many of the rest were moving to "safe areas" in the north of Iraq.

Here you will find Pope's speech when he recieved His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV at the Vatican:

Your Holiness,

I am pleased to welcome you to the Vatican, together with the Bishops and the priests who have accompanied you on this visit. My warm greetings extend to all the members of the Holy Synod, the clergy and the faithful of the Assyrian Church of the East. I pray – in the words of the Apostle Saint Paul – that "the Lord himself, who is our source of joy, may give you peace at all times and in every way" (2 Th 3:16).

On several occasions Your Holiness met with my beloved predecessor Pope John Paul II. Most significant was your visit in November 1994, when you came to Rome, accompanied by members of your Holy Synod, to sign a Common Declaration concerning Christology. This Declaration included the decision to establish a Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Assyrian Church of the East. The Joint Commission has undertaken an important study of the sacramental life in our respective traditions and forged an agreement on the Anaphora of the Apostles Addai and Mari. I am most grateful for the results of this dialogue, which hold out the promise of further progress on other disputed questions. Indeed, these achievements deserve to be better known and appreciated, since they make possible various forms of pastoral cooperation between our two communities.

The Assyrian Church of the East is rooted in ancient lands whose names are associated with the history of God’s saving plan for all mankind. At the time of the early Church, the Christians of these lands made a remarkable contribution to the spread of the Gospel, particularly through their missionary activity in the more remote areas of the East. Today, tragically, Christians in this region are suffering both materially and spiritually. Particularly in Iraq, the homeland of so many of the Assyrian faithful, Christian families and communities are feeling increasing pressure from insecurity, aggression and a sense of abandonment. Many of them see no other possibility than to leave the country and to seek a new future abroad. These difficulties are a source of great concern to me, and I wish to express my solidarity with the pastors and the faithful of the Christian communities who remain there, often at the price of heroic sacrifices. In these troubled areas the faithful, both Catholic and Assyrian, are called to work together. I hope and pray that they will find ever more effective ways to support and assist one another for the good of all.

As a result of successive waves of emigration, many Christians from the Eastern Churches are now living in the West. This new situation presents a variety of challenges to their Christian identity and their life as a community. At the same time, when Christians from the East and West live side by side, they have a precious opportunity to enrich one another and to understand more fully the catholicity of the Church, which, as a pilgrim in this world, lives, prays and bears witness to Christ in a variety of cultural, social and human contexts. With complete respect for each other’s doctrinal and disciplinary traditions, Catholic and Assyrian Christians are called to reject antagonistic attitudes and polemical statements, to grow in understanding of the Christian faith which they share and to bear witness as brothers and sisters to Jesus Christ "the power of God and the wisdom of God" (1 Cor 1:24).

New hopes and possibilities sometimes awaken new fears, and this is also true with regard to ecumenical relations. Certain recent developments in the Assyrian Church of the East have created some obstacles to the promising work of the Joint Commission. It is to be hoped that the fruitful labour which the Commission has accomplished over the years can continue, while never losing sight of the ultimate goal of our common journey towards the re-establishment of full communion.

Working for Christian unity is, in fact, a duty born of our fidelity to Christ, the Shepherd of the Church, who gave his life "to gather into one the dispersed children of God" (Jn 11:51-52). However long and laborious the path towards unity may seem, we are asked by the Lord to join our hands and hearts, so that together we can bear clearer witness to him and better serve our brothers and sisters, particularly in the troubled regions of the East, where many of our faithful look to us, their Pastors, with hope and expectation.

With these sentiments, I once more thank Your Holiness for your presence here today and for your commitment to continuing along the path of dialogue and unity. May the Lord abundantly bless your ministry and sustain you and the faithful whom you serve with his gifts of wisdom, joy and peace.