His Holiness the Catholicos-Patriarch Consecrates the Holy Altar of St Mar Yosip Khnanisho Parish in Gilbert, Arizona With Oil

On the first Sunday after the Feast of the Finding of our Lord’s Cross (15 September 2019), His Holiness Mar Gewargis III Sliwa Catholicos-Patriarch consecrated the Holy Altar of St Mar Yosip Khannisho Parish (Gilbert, Arizona) with oil.  This joyous celebration was a part of His Holiness’ first Apostolic sojourn to the Diocese of the Western United States.  The consecration was attended by the His Grace Mar Aprim Khamis Diocesan Bishop of the Western USA, His Grace Bishop Mar Emmanuel Yosip of Canada, various members of the clergy, lay faithful, and representatives of local government and Assyrian organizations.  Following the consecration of the Holy Altar, His Grace Bishop Mar Aprim Khamis celebrated the Divine Liturgy of Ss Addai and Mari and communion was distributed to over 700 faithful attendees.  A celebratory luncheon, with over 450 guests, was hosted by the new parish in honor of His Holiness the Catholicos-Patriarch and the consecration of the Holy Altar.

A brief history of St Mar Yosip Khannisho Parish of Gilbert, Arizona:

In August 2006, East Valley church members signed a contract with the Gilbert Public School District to use Burk Elementary Multipurpose Room for church service. 

On 1 October 2006, the inaugural Qurbana Qaddisha was celebrated by His Grace Bishop Mar Aprim Khamis.  His Grace the Bishop announced that the East Valley mission’s patron would be Mar Yosip Khnanisho.  Qurbana Qaddisha was then celebrated twice a month by His Grace Mar Aprim Khamis and Rev Archdeacon Frederick Hermiz. 

On 21 April 2007, His Grace Mar Aprim Khamis officially established and approved the Mission of Mar Yosip Khnanisho Parish as a Parish within the diocese of the Westen United States.

In 2009, Qasha Khoshaba Sholimun was appointed the new rector of the parish.

Land was purchased for the construction of Mar Yosip Parish in 2016 and the design review was approved by the Town of Gilbert, Arizona on 15 September 2016.

On 16 January 2018, the construction of the new parish begins.

The official laying of the foundational stone of the Church was done by His Grace Mar Aprim Khamis on 18 February 2018.

On 23 December 2018, His Grace Bishop Mar Aprim Khamis celebrated the first Qurbana Qaddisha in the newly-constructed parish.

The Consecration of the Holy Altar with Oil was celebrated by His Holiness Mar Gewargis III Sliwa on 15 September 2019.