Holy Synod Convenes in Erbil

On Monday 13 May 2019 the Holy Synod of the Assyrian Church of the East commenced its deliberations in the city of Ankawa, Erbil under the presidency of His Holiness Mar Gewargis III Sliwa, Catholicos-Patriarch and prelates of the Assyrian Church of the East.

The commencement of the Synod was preceded by the celebration of the Holy Qurbana by His Beatitude Mar Aprem, Metropolitan of India and the UAE who was assisted by His Grace Mar Awgin Kuriakose, Bishop of India at St John the Baptist Cathedral, Ankawa.

This Synod will convene for five days. On Wednesday 15 May the altar of the newly built St George Church in Diana will also be consecrated.

This Synod is the second to be convened under the leadership of His Holiness Mar Gewargis III Sliwa following his election as Catholicos-Patriarch on 18 September 2015, after the passing into eternal sleep of His Holiness the late Mar Dinkha IV, Catholicos-Patriarch of blessed memory.

In attendance are the following prelates:

HB Mar Aprem
Metropolitan of India and UAE

HB Mar Meelis Zaia AM
Metropolitan of Australia, New Zealand and Lebanon

HG Aprim Khamis
Bishop of Western USA

HG Mar Emmanuel Yousip
Bishop of Canada

HG Mar Odisho Orahim
Bishop of Europe

HG Mar Afram Athniel
Bishop of Syria

HG Mar Iskhaq Khamis
Bishop of Nothern Iraq and Russia

HG Mar Awa Royel
Bishop of California

HG Mar Youkhanan Yousip
Bishop of India

HG Mar Awgin Kuriakose
Bishop of India

HG Mar Narsai Benjamin
Bishop of Iran

HG Mar Paulus Benjamin
Bishop of Eastern USA

HG Mar Abrs Youkhanan
Bishop of Erbil and Patriarchal Vicar

HG Mar Benyamin Elya
Bishop of Victoria and New Zealand