Zeist, Netherlands – January 4, 2024 In a momentous occasion for the Assyrian Church of the East Diocese of Western Europe, His Grace Mar Awraham Youkhanis, Diocesan Bishop, announced the successful acquisition of the first-ever church in Zeist, Netherlands. The newly acquired property, named Mar Benyamin Shimun’s Church, stands as a testament to the resilience and dedication of the Assyrian community in the country. The Diocesan Bishop expressed his gratitude to Rev Fr Shamoun Shamoun, the board of trustees, the church committee, and the generous community members in the Netherlands who played a pivotal role in making this significant purchase possible. Their unwavering support, donations, and contributions underscored the unity and commitment of the Assyrian Church of the East in Western Europe. The Assyrian community’s migration to the Netherlands has a rich and diverse history, dating back to the late 19th century. The first wave of Assyrian immigrants arrived in the Netherlands seeking refuge from the tumultuous events in their homeland. The Assyrian diaspora in the Netherlands grew significantly during the latter half of the 20th century due to geopolitical challenges and conflicts in the Middle East. Over the decades, the Assyrian community in the Netherlands has thrived and contributed …

On Thursday 14 December, the Assyrian Church of the East hosted its 10th annual Carols by the Cathedral. More than three thousand of parishioners gathered for the event to celebrate the upcoming Holy Feast of the Holy Nativity. The Carols programme featured the gifted Bella Taylor Smith from The Voice Australia, along with Sydney Parish Choirs and Sunday School. The day comprised of a variety of rides and amusements, delicious food and a concluding fireworks finale! The church thanks all the sponsors, service providers and parishioners for making it a wonderful day for the entire family.

Paris, 2 January 2024 In a significant move, the Assyrian Church of the East has been officially registered in France. This significant milestone opens new doors for the Assyrian community in France, allowing the church to better serve and work for its members. The Assyrian Church of the East has a strong presence in France, with a primary parish in Marseille, the Mar Yosip Khnanisho’s Parish, home to over 150 Assyrian families. Additionally, there are more than 50 families in Paris, reflecting the vibrant and diverse Assyrian diaspora in the country. Other communities, scattered in various parts like Toulouse and Lyon, contribute to the Assyrian community’s presence in France. In December of 2023, the first Holy Raza was celebrated in Paris, marking the initiation of a new mission established by His Grace Mar AwrahamYoukhanis, Bishop of London and Western Europe. The communities in France are nurtured by the efforts of Rev Chorbishop Stapanoos Yalda, who plays an essentialrole in fostering spiritual growth and community engagement. His Grace Mar Awraham Youkhanis expresses his gratitude and offers prayers for the Assyrian communities in France. Thanks be to God for this crucial step in legal recognition, providing the church with enhanced capabilities to …

Voice of the East – Vol. 68 – November & December 2021 – No 11 & 12

The Assyrian Church of the East Youth Association hosted its annual Walkathon Fundraiser on Sunday 28 November 2021 with more than 600 walkers trekking the eight-kilometre route around St Hurmizd’s Cathedral in Greenfield Park. The map traced the steps of the Apostles of the East; St Addai, St Mari, St Thomas and St Simon Peter himself, where walkers passed by major cities that signified milestones in their ministry across the homeland: Seleucia, Nisibis, Babylon, Nineveh and Edessa. Walkers picked up a handout explaining the significance of the city and the church fathers’ commentary. The walk was officially opened by His Eminence Mar Meelis Zaia AM and Reverend Fathers of Sydney parishes with a short program to welcome the walkers and cut the ribbon. The event concluded with a celebration at Edessa Reception Hall (Eden Venues) with entertainment, amusements and a barbecue. All proceeds from the Walkathon will go towards helping the needy displaced individuals and families in the Middle East, local charities in Australia and the works of the Youth Association in Sydney.

To all the sons and daughters of the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East and fellow brothers and sisters in faith, The Holy Synod of the Assyrian Church of the East would like to inform all the faithful of the Church of the results on the Electoral Council held from the 6th to the 8th of September 2021, at St. John the Baptist Cathedral, Erbil, to choose the 122nd Catholicos Patriarch. The Prelates of the Church gathered from all dioceses across of the world, except for His Beatitude Mar Aprem Metropolitan India and the UAE, whose health condition prevented him from attending the Holy Synod meeting. We pray to the Almighty God to grant him good health, and we hope to see him with us in the coming councils. With supplication to the Almighty God, and guidance of the Holy Spirit, and in the spirit of love and brotherhood, the Synodical meetings took place to elect a new Patriarch for the Church, to succeed His Holiness Mar Gewargis III Sliwa, who submitted his resignation last year for health reasons. We pray to the Almighty Lord to grant His Holiness Mar Gewargis III health and full recovery, and we …