Australia, New Zealand and Lebanon

His Holiness MarDinkha IV Catholicos Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East Christmas message 2011.

The Youth Association of Beirut, Lebanon has organized a Christmas Concert as part of their activities for the church's local community.

St. Hurmizd Parish in Sydney held their annual Carols by Candlelight and Christmas drama, much to the joy of a large congregation. The events, on 18 December, were organised in two segments; the first segment included the performance of church hymns and songs and the second segment followed on with a presentation of the nativity of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The night was attended by Reverend Chor-Bishop Ashoor Lazar, St. Hurmizd Cathedral parish priest, along with Reverend Moshe Barkho and many deacons. The hymns performed at Carols by Candlelight was organised and composed by Shoora (Alexander) Michalian, conductor of St. Hurmizd Cathedral choir, and performed by the church choir. [nggallery id=334]

Graduation ceremonies have been held in recognition of Mar Narsai Assyrian College (MNAC) and St. Hurmizd Assyrian Primary School (SHAPS) students who will be continuing to the next level of their education in 2012.

His Beatitude Mar Meelis Zaia AM Metropolitan of the Archdiocese of Australia, New Zealand and Lebanon has met with Emanuel Shekwana, former director of Syriac Studies in Iraq’s Ministry of Education.

Protection for Christians and non-Christians living in the Middle East has been discussed during a meeting between His Beatitude Mar Meelis Zaia AM, Metropolitan of Australia, New Zealand and Lebanon, and His Excellency Mouayed Saleh, the Iraqi Ambassador to Australia.

High school students of Mar Narsai Assyrian College in Sydney, Australia have been privileged to attend lectures based on the importance of the Assyrian language.

More than 60 youth from parishes across Sydney and Melbourne have fellowshipped on Queensland's sunny coast, as part of a weekend trip organised by the Youth Association of Sydney.

Former Australian Prime Minister and current Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Kevin Rudd MP has met with His Beatitude Mar Meelis Zaia AM, Metropolitan of Australia, New Zealand and Lebanon in Sydney.

St. George Parish in Matraville, Sydney has celebrated the commemoration of their patron saint, St. George the Martyr.

As an important facet of the school curriculum, Sydney’s Mar Narsai Assyrian College participates in weekly interschool sport activities.

The annual Walk-a-thon fundraiser, organised by the Youth Association of the Assyrian Church of the East in Sydney, has once again achieved its aim of bringing the Assyrian community together for a good cause.

His Grace Mar Emmanuel Joseph, Bishop of Canada, has been warmly received by Sydney faithful while presenting a lecture titled The Assyrian Language, during a special event organised by the local Youth Association.

The Assyrian Australian Association (AAA) extended an invitation to His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV, Catholicos Patriarch, His Grace Mar Emmanuel Joseph, and His Beatitude Mar Meelis Zaia AM.

His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV, Catholicos Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East has advised caution of non-Apostolic faiths while reigniting pride for the ancient Church, during a four-day visit to the city of Melbourne.