Australia, New Zealand and Lebanon

Celebrating the Future: Honouring a Sacrifice

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 …

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Sydney’s Annual Youth Meet with Archbishop Mar Meelis Zaia

On Tuesday 30th January the Assyrian Church of the East Youth Association in Sydney held its annual Youth Meet, presided over by His Eminence Mar Meelis Zaia AM and clergy. His Beatitude expressed the great joy of the youth’s involvement in the church. He praised them for their active participation in the parish and their zeal and efforts in all youth and wider community events and programs. His Beatitude continued to discuss the challenging times we as Christians are facing in the society and the importance of God in our lives. With helpful tips, His Beatitude worked through the challenges with the youth and delivering guidance on coping mechanisms to persevere in faith. The youth had the chance to fellowship afterwards with one another and share in a delightful meal together as a family in Christ. This marks the beginning of the youth ministries across Sydney parishes for 2024. The Church in Sydney takes this opportunity to thank all volunteers in ACEYA for their hard work and dedication in teaching and working for the youth and the wider community.

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SYDNEY’S CHILDREN CONCLUDE THE 8TH ANNUAL SUMMER PROGRAM

The Assyrian Church of the East Children’s Association (ACECA) hosted its eighth annual summer program, from Monday 15th January to Friday 19th January 2024 at St Hurmizd’s Assyrian Primary School, Greenfield Park. The week long program, themed “Stellar” took more than two hundred and fifty children on an intergalactic adventure into space where they proclaimed the glory of God – along with the heavens, the stars, the moon and the rest of creation (Psalm 19:1). With the numerous rotational stations children explored how Jesus’ shined with hope, love, forgiveness, and joy to the world – and how we can do the same with His power! A massive appreciation to more than sixty Sydney youth of the Assyrian Church of the East who volunteered to run this intensive full-time program, taking time off work and holidays to ensure a great event for the children of our parishes.

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Sydney’s St Narsai College Announces Construction of Phase Three

The Board of Directors of the Assyrian Christian Schools in Sydney has announced the establishment of a state-of-the-art sports and performing arts centre at St Narsai Assyrian Christian College. The latest phase brings to completion the vision of His Eminence Mar Meelis Zaia AM from over two decades ago to have a full educational system operated by the church. That pioneering vision is continually taking its form in reality. To foster creativity, encourage physical sports and manifest talents among school students, the ‎Assyrian Christian Schools Board chaired by His Grace Mar Benyamin Elya announced the commencement of construction of the third ‎phase in the St Narsai Assyrian Christian College complex in the Horsley Park area, through ‎the construction of a modern sports and arts centre. This wonderful project is scheduled to be completed in March ‎of 2025.‎ The centre contains the following features:‎ ‎- Two full-sized courts for playing futsal, basketball, volleyball, and netball -Suitable for a whole-school mass and whole-school assemblies.‎ – A fitness hall fitted with the latest sports equipment – Classes for the purpose of explaining the theoretical or technical aspect of applied sports or ‎technical lessons – Administrative offices for the college In addition to the …

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An Incredible 2023 for Sydney Youth

As we look back on 2023, we reflect on the events and initiatives hosted by the Assyrian Church of the East in Sydney throughout the year. Our youth community experienced a year of immense growth—both in numbers and in faith. From spiritual retreats to cultural celebrations, each event became a stepping stone for our members to draw closer to one another and deepen their connection with God. We kicked of the year by attending the 5th Archdiocesan Youth Conference hosted by ACEYA Melbourne. The conference provided us with a unique opportunity to unite with fellow Youth from Melbourne and New Zealand, sharing our faith together as one Church. The Conference theme, “Let Your Minds Be Above,’ served as a guiding light, encouraging us to elevate our thoughts to the Lord and His Kingdom. The memories created and the friendships formed during the Conference will undoubtedly remain etched in our hearts as we continue our journey of faith together. The Annual Youth Meet gathers our Youth across all parishes to kickstart our ministries for the year. His Eminence Mar Meelis Zaia participates among our Youth to deliver a sermon tailored for our Youth. In 2023, we also announced the parish Youth …

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Sydney Parishioners Gather for Carols

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.

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Sydney parishioners trace steps of the Apostles of the East at Walkathon 2021

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.

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GRAND OPENING AND BLESSING OF ST ABDISHO’S ASSYRIAN CENTRE

On Sunday 23 May 2021, the Assyrian Church of the East and Assyrian community of Victoria celebrated the historic opening of the newly constructed St Abdisho’s Assyrian Centre in Coolaroo. The Centre is a Diocesan project to provide an accessible space for members of the community including youth, seniors, women and other groups. The facility will also be the permanent home of the St George Assyrian Language School. The Grand Opening and Blessing function was led by His Beatitude Mar Meelis Zaia AM, Metropolitan of Australia, New Zealand and Lebanon and His Grace Mar Benyamin Elya, Bishop of Victoria and New Zealand. The opening was attended by The Honourable Nazih Elasmar MLC, President of the Victorian Legislative Council, Maria Vamvakinou MP, Federal Member for Calwell representing The Honourable Anthony Albanese MP, Leader of the Opposition, Frank McGuire MP, State Member for Broadmeadows, Cr Joseph Haweil – Mayor of Hume City, Viv Nguyen – Victorian Multicultural Commissioner, Victorian Multicultural Commission Commissioner Mohammad Yassin, Hume City Council Councillors Cr Sam Misho, Cr Jim Overend and Cr. Naim Kurt and a range of other dignitaries and representatives from a range of sectors. The program included performances from students of St George Assyrian Language …

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Bishop Mar Awraham Youkhanis Ordains Priests for Diocese of Western Europe

On Sunday 23 May 2021, His Grace Mar Awraham Youkhanis Bishop of the Diocese of Western Europe elevated two deacons to the ranking of priesthood to serve in Western Europe, Reverend Father Ninos Babisha and Reverend Father Shimshon Temmo. After necessary visa paperwork and applications are completed, Reverend Father Ninos Babisha will commence theological studies in Vienna, Austria, and will be responsible for our communities living within Austria. Reverend Father Shimshon Temmo will commence his theological studies and service in Athens, Greece, caring for our communities living in Egaleo and Thessaloniki, along with his wife Mrs Mirna Temmo. His Grace extends his gratitude and thanks to His Beatitude Mar Meelis Zaia AM Metropolitan for his support. Australia’s border closures caused many issues for the plans of the Diocese of Western Europe. His Grace Mar Awraham desired to ordain the new priests in their respective parishes in Europe. Nonetheless, His Grace was able to travel to Sydney, Australia to fulfil the ordinations in order to prepare for the arrival of the new priests into Vienna and Athens. May the Lord bless Fr Babisha and Fr Temmo as they commence their service in Europe, and embark on a God-fearing and holy priesthood, …

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Sydney’s Children on the Fourth Annual Summer VBS 2021

The Assyrian Church of the East Children’s Association (ACECA) hosted its fourth annual summer program, from Monday 11th January to Friday 15th January 2021 at St Hurmizd’s Assyrian Primary School, Greenfield Park. The week long program, themed “Rocky Railway” took the children on mountains of fun, a faith-filled adventure where children discovered how trusting Jesus pulls them through life’s ups and downs. Each day 250 children were lead into spiritual lessons with 50 of ACECA’s most dedicated and hardworking teachers and volunteers. Through station rotations: imagination station, Loco Motion Games, KidVid cinema, and Wild Bible Adventures, the children experienced how to trust our Lord in every situation. The event organisers ensured a COVID Safety Plan was in place protecting the health of the children and volunteers throughout the program. See below link for a video compilation of the event: https://fb.watch/356clydPfV/

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Sydney Priests Graduate with Masters of Theology

On Monday 16th November recently ordained priests, Reverend Fr Ramen Youkhanis and Reverend Father Shlemon Dinkha graduated with their Masters of Theological Studies from the Australian Catholic University, Strathfield. Initially planned to have graduated in April 2020, however due to COVID the graduation ceremony was postponed to November 2020 alongside hundreds of other ACU students. Rev’d Fr Ramen and Rev’d Fr Shlemon were ordained on Sunday 6th September 2020 in Sydney as the official parish priests of St Hurmizd’s Cathedral and St Mary’s Church, respectively.

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Metropolitan Mar Meelis Zaia Ordains Priests for Sydney Parishes

On Sunday 6 September, His Eminence Mar Meelis Zaia AM Metropolitan of the Archdiocese of Australia, New Zealand and Lebanon elevated two deacons to the ranking of priesthood to serve Sydney’s Saint Hurmizd’s Cathedral and St Mary’s Church, Reverend Father Ramen Youkhanis and Father Shlemon Dinkha (formerly Riyadh), respectively. The ordination was celebrated by the Metropolitan with the participation of His Grace Mar Benyamin Elya, Bishop of Victoria and New Zealand and His Grace Mar Awraham Youkhanis, Bishop of Western Europe. During the service, the Metropolitan also announced that Revered Chorbishop Fr Ashoor Lazar would be elevated to Archdeacon (the highest ranking of non-episcopal priesthood in the Assyrian Church of the East) for the Archdiocese in the new year, subject to the easing of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. His Eminence also conveyed his warm wishes and immense thanks to Reverend Father Kivarkis Atto who has reached the age of retirement. Fr Atto has been the parish priest of St Mary’s Church since 1995 and has worked tirelessly for the parish and its members. The newly appointed and ordained priests will lead Sydney’s St Hurmizd’s Cathedral and St Mary’s Church parishes and serve the Assyrian Church of the East community in Sydney …

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