Assyrian Church News Official News Site of the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East

The Assyrian Church of the East Youth Association (ACEYA) in Sydney hosted the 6th Archdiocesan Youth Conference, commencing on Wednesday 17th July and concluding on the 21st July 2024. The Conference welcomed youth members of Melbourne, Perth and Auckland, New Zealand. The five-day youth conference themed “Unlocking His Mercies” comprised of spiritually enriching sermons and seminars, alongside social activities strengthening pure Christian fellowship among the youth. The youth were sent on a five-day hunt to pickup the spiritual pieces of the spiritual key to unlock our Lord’s mercies. Ultimately meaning to unlock the Lord’s heart and enter it – making the realisation they themselves are the heart of the Lord. We are inspired to make this realisation through King David who became known as the heart of the Lord. The program was richly filled with sermons by His Beatitude Mar Meelis Zaia and His Grace Mar Benyamin Elya. Along with seminars presented by the parish priests of Sydney, including reverend priests from Melbourne and Auckland, Reverend Father Morris Daoud and Reverend Father Toma K Toma. Further to the prelates and clergy’s sermons and seminars, we welcomed Mr Steve Mortada who gave his personal testimony upon entering the True Faith. The …

The participation of the Assyrian Church of the East in Russia in the inaugural Festival of Sacred Music of the Peoples of the Christian East   On June 2,2024, the inaugural Festival of Sacred Music of the Peoples of the Christian East, “Blessed be the Lord Forever,” took place at the Tapan Museum of Church Art with the joint effort of Orthodoxy Cognate Page. The event aimed to celebrate the rich musical heritage of Eastern Christian traditions and foster understanding between Orthodox and Eastern Christian Churches. The festival was a collaborative effort between the Russian and New Nakhichevan Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate, and the All-Church Postgraduate and the Saint Cyril and Methodius Postgraduate and Doctoral Studies Institute. Representatives from the Assyrian Church of the East, Coptic Church, Ethiopian Church, and Malankara Church of India also participated. The 2025 festival will be held at the Moscow Assyrian Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary and coincide with significant anniversaries: the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council and the 80th anniversary of Victory in World War II.      

Fr. Aprem Alkhas meets with the Head of the Don Metropolitanate, His Eminence +Mercury, Metropolitan of Rostov and Novocherkassk   On June 3, 2024, the Head of the Don Metropolitanate, His Eminence +Mercury, Metropolitan of Rostov and Novocherkassk, met with the priest of the Assyrian Church of the East, Fr. Aprem Alkhas, the rector of the parish of St. John the Baptist. The meeting was attended by the head of the Diocesan Information Department, Archpriest Daniel Azizov. Fr. Aprem acquainted the Head of the Metropolis with the life and activities of the young church community. Metropolitan Mercury, in turn, stressed the importance of the participation of the Assyrian Church of the East in the life of the multinational Rostov region, calling for strengthening cooperation in various areas of activity. With the blessing of Metropolitan Mercury of Rostov and Novocherkassk, the parish community of the Assyrian Church of the East performed a number of divine services on the territory of the Old Protection Church of Rostov-on-Don. In addition, the Rostov diocese regularly provides support, including advice, in the development of the Assyrian church community.

Preserving Heritage: St. George Assyrian Language School in Melbourne In the multicultural landscape of Melbourne, diversity thrives as communities from all corners of the globe weave their cultural tapestries into the fabric of the city. Among these vibrant communities, the Assyrians stand as a testament to resilience, preserving their rich heritage in foreign lands. At the forefront of this cultural preservation effort lies the St. George Assyrian Language School, an institution dedicated to nurturing Assyrian language, culture, and faith. Established as a beacon of Assyrian identity, St. George Assyrian Language School has experienced remarkable growth over the years. In 2024, the school proudly welcomed a record-breaking 530 students through its doors. This surge in enrolment posed logistical challenges, necessitating the acquisition of demountable buildings to accommodate the expanding student body. Despite these challenges, the school’s commitment to providing a nurturing environment for Assyrian youth remained unwavering. At the heart of St. George Assyrian Language School’s curriculum lies the preservation of the Assyrian language. With meticulous attention to detail, students are guided through the complexities of this ancient Semitic tongue, ensuring its continuity for generations to come. The school utilizes a comprehensive series of textbooks tailored to different levels of proficiency, …

Sydney, Australia – In a momentous occasion for the Assyrian Church of the East, Mar Awraham Youkhanis, the Bishop of London and Western Europe, has achieved a significant academic milestone. On Thursday, 21 March 2024, His Grace was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree from Macquarie University, one of Australia’s leading institutions of higher education, located in Sydney. The ceremony witnessed the participation of distinguished figures from both the religious and academic communities. His Grace’s doctoral thesis, entitled “The Book of Admonitions to Hermits and Monks By ʿAḅed-Mšīḥā Ḥīrtāyā: A Critical Edition of the Syriac Texts and English Translation with Introduction and Critical Notes,” represents a significant contribution to the study of ancient East Syriac texts and the broader field of Eastern Christian studies. Under the supervision of Dr. Ken Parry, Professor Paul McKechnie, and Professor Rifaat Ebied, His Grace embarked on a scholarly journey that not only illuminates the spiritual and ascetic practices of early Christianity but also offers critical insights into the rich history of Syriac literature and theology. The graduation ceremony was graced by the presence of His Eminence Mar Meelis Zaia AM, Metropolitan of Australia, New Zealand, and Lebanon, alongside His Grace Mar Benyamin Elya, …

Voice of the East – Vol. 70 – Nov & Dec 2023

On Sunday, 4th February 2024, the congregation gathered in St Abdisho Cathedral in Melbourne, Australia, to celebrate the Commemoration of our blessed Martyr and Saint, Mar Benyamin Shimun. This blessed day commenced with the celebration of the Holy Eucharistic Liturgy celebrated by His Grace Mar Benyamin Elya, Bishop of the Diocese of Victoria and New Zealand. Following the Holy Eucharistic Liturgical Service, the Assyrian Church of the East Youth Association Melbourne hosted a morning breakfast in Mona Lisa Hall in celebration of the life of this blessed Saint. The programme also included the 2024 Annual Graduation Ceremony, which celebrated the achievements of Assyrian Language School, High School, TAFE and University graduates. The programme began with a wreath–laying ceremony by His Grace Mar Benyamin Elya, who was accompanied by our reverend fathers and esteemed graduates. Following an opening prayer and morning breakfast, the graduation ceremony commenced. His Grace Mar Benyamin Elya presented our graduates with a certificate and gifts, commending their efforts and perseverance throughout their studies. The ceremony saw Assyrian youth complete tertiary courses such as Medicine, Oral Health and Business, as well as high school students who graduated in 2023, a number of whom graduated with ATARs of over …