Graduates Preserve Ancient Language

The Assyrian Church of the East in North Iraq, along with the General Cultural Arts and Syriac Association, has held a ceremony for graduates of Syriac language studies.

Following a two-month teaching period at St. John the Baptist Parish, nine classes of varied age and education level reached their graduation.

The ceremony, which tool place on Sunday 4 September, commenced with an opening speech delivered by Deacon Dumara Kanon followed by a keynote address by course director Rev. Ninos Esha, who thanked the participants for their hard work throughout the semesters.

Director of the General Cultural Arts and Syriac Association, Dr. Saadi Al-Maleh, spoke on behalf of the Association, congratulating the graduates and praising their efforts. He also thanked all those responsible for putting together a successful Syriac language course.

Dr. Saadi encouraged future students to enroll in the course and lead the way to preserving our ancient language and culture.

Students presented poems, speeches and songs in the Syriac language along with other presentations.

The graduation ceremony was also attended by parish priest of the Assyrian Church in Ankawa, Rev. Simon Georgis David, and parish priest of St. George Church in Arbil, Rev. Esha David, who both took part in awarding certificates and gifts to each student.

Before the ceremony’s conclusion, Rev. Simon presented a special gift to Dr. Saadi for his support and aid throughout the years.