Diocese

The Youth of the Diocese of California Embark on a Spiritual Journey in the Tradition of the Church of the East’s Illustrious Monastic Fathers at Mar Iskhaq’s 2012 Summer Retreat.

In light of all the recent challenges religious minorities face throughout the Middle East, on July 19, 2012, the Congress of the United States, Washington DC introduced a resolution (H. RES. 732) that calls for the protection of the rights and freedoms of religious minorities in the Arab world, particularly in Egypt and Iraq. In addition, the new resolution encourages the newly elected Egyptian President and Supreme Council of the Armed Forces to ensure that the Constituent’s Assembly will draft a new constitution that is representative of all parts of Egyptian society, including the religious minorities. Also, the resolution calls upon the local and federal governments of Iraq to prosecute acts of violence against Assyrians and other minorities, and make the protection of ancient ethno-religious minorities in Iraq an urgent priority.

The 20th annual Assyrian Food Festival in San Jose, CA hit record numbers. Over 14,000 people attended this year’s two day event. Filled with activities, exhibits, and an array of delicious dishes of kabobs, dolmas, and traditional stews.

The first annual Youth Conference of the Assyrian Church of the East, Archdiocese of Australia, New Zealand and Lebanon has been hailed as a success, after taking place in Sydney, Australia from 5-8 July 2012.

On Friday 18 May 2012, His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV, Catholicos Patriarch, was called upon at the Chicago Patriarchate by Mr Yonadam Y. Kanna MP, Member of the Iraqi Parliament and Secretary General of the Assyrian Democratic Movement.

On the afternoon of Monday, May 14, 2012 His Grace Mar Awa Royel, Bishop of California and Secretary of the Holy Synod, met with the California State Assemblymember Kristin Olsen, Republican representing the the 25th congressional district at the State Capitol in Sacramento. His Grace was accompanied by the Rev’d Father Genard Lazar, Secretary to His Grace and Diocesan Youth Coordinator. Also in attendance was Mrs. Carmen Morad, a member of the Church in the Central Valley area and activist for Assyrian genocide recognition.

The Assyrian language program at Australia’s multicultural public broadcaster SBS has conducted a video-interview with His Beatitude Mar Meelis Zaia AM, Metropolitan of Australia, New Zealand and Lebanon.

His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV Catholicos Patriarch has welcomed to the Chicago Patriarchate, both His Excellency Dr Hamid Al-Bayati, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Iraq to the United Nations, and Dr William Eshaya, the Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Iraq.

On 24 April 2012 the faithful of St. George Cathedral in Chicago celebrated the Commemoration of St. George the Martyr and partook of the Holy Qurbana.

Sydney’s Reverend Father Narsai Youkhanis has received his Master of Arts in Early Christian and Jewish Studies from Macquarie University.

On Sunday 22 April 2012 His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV Catholicos Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East welcomed directors of the Assyrian Aid Society of America (AAS-A) to the Chicago Patriarchate.

His Grace Mar Aprim Khamis, Bishop of the Diocese of Western United States, has ordained three faithful of the Assyrian Church of the East, raising them to the ranking of Lector.

His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV Catholicos Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East is expected to make two scheduled visits to St. Andrew Parish in Glenview, Illinois over the coming months.

The Holy Feast of the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has been celebrated across the world in dioceses and parishes of the Assyrian Church of the East.

The first annual Rejoice Easter Festival has attracted thousands of faithful and locals, who described the event as a resounding success by its organisers, the Youth Association of Sydney.