West Europe

Sydney, Australia – In a momentous occasion for the Assyrian Church of the East, Mar Awraham Youkhanis, the Bishop of London and Western Europe, has achieved a significant academic milestone. On Thursday, 21 March 2024, His Grace was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree from Macquarie University, one of Australia’s leading institutions of higher education, located in Sydney. The ceremony witnessed the participation of distinguished figures from both the religious and academic communities. His Grace’s doctoral thesis, entitled “The Book of Admonitions to Hermits and Monks By ʿAḅed-Mšīḥā Ḥīrtāyā: A Critical Edition of the Syriac Texts and English Translation with Introduction and Critical Notes,” represents a significant contribution to the study of ancient East Syriac texts and the broader field of Eastern Christian studies. Under the supervision of Dr. Ken Parry, Professor Paul McKechnie, and Professor Rifaat Ebied, His Grace embarked on a scholarly journey that not only illuminates the spiritual and ascetic practices of early Christianity but also offers critical insights into the rich history of Syriac literature and theology. The graduation ceremony was graced by the presence of His Eminence Mar Meelis Zaia AM, Metropolitan of Australia, New Zealand, and Lebanon, alongside His Grace Mar Benyamin Elya, …

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 …

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 …

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, …

On Monday 15th June, His Grace Mar Awraham Youkhanis participated in a virtual discussion on a project entitled ‘Rewriting Global Orthodoxy: The Oriental Churches in Europe, 1970-2020’ The meeting was hosted by the Faculty of Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies Radboud University of Nijmegen in The Netherlands. The project started in October 2019, by the Faculty, in cooperation with the Institute of Eastern Christian Studies, with a grant from the European Research Council of the European Commission. It explores the religious publications of the Coptic, Syriac Orthodox, Armenian, Ethiopian and Eritrean churches in Europe, in comparison with those of the Church of the East and other churches whose members over the past fifty years have moved to various European countries. It studies these Churches who have in various ways established dioceses, churches and parishes, and have started to build up church life and the education of the young and the old, via a variety of publications – published in Europe or in other places of the world. His Grace was joined by scholars and other Church leaders during the virtual session. His Grace is grateful to the Faculty for the invitation to participate in the discussion and looks forward to contributing …

For God so loved the world, that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life, John 3:16 His Grace Mar Awraham Youkhanis along with Rev. Fr Tony Malham have today met with youths aged between 14-40 at St Mary’s Cathedral in London. With nearly 200 youths in attendance, His Grace opened the meet with Our Lords Prayer. His Grace proceeded with a sermon which centered around Gods abundant love for mankind, the importance of love and forgiveness and how each one of us has the love of God in our hearts and we should always keep that in our minds in our treatment of eachother. Following this inspirational sermon, registration forms were handed out for each person to become an official youth member and receive updates about all future youth events. In the coming months committees will be formed to fulfil a variety of tasks and implement programmes for all ages. Programmes will include Bible Studies, A school for anyone who wishes to study to be a Deacon, Assyrian language studies, Social Events, fundraisers and a monthly youth magazine. We encourage ALL youth who want to serve and want to …