Diocese

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 …

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.

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.

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 …

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 …

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 …

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Assyrian Church of the East Youth Association of the United States of America met from Friday, January 14 to Sunday, January 16, 2022, at the Cathedral Church of Saint George the Martyr in Chicago, Illinois. The NEC is a joint ministry between the three episcopal sees of the United States commissioned by their respective hierarchs to be a governing body of the Youth Association in the United States.  The committee oversees the planning of the annual national youth conference and works towards the advancement of youth ministry within the country in various capacities. The NEC consists of four executives and three representatives from each United States diocese, the membership of the committee is as follows: Very Rev. Fr. and Chorbishop Gewargis-Bet Rasho of Tarzana, CA – President; Rev. Fr. Genard Lazar of Turlock, CA – Vice President; Rev. Dcn. Andrew Aziz of Gilbert, AZ – Secretary; Mr. Wilson Yonan of Chicago, IL – Treasurer; Rev. Dcn. Allen Youssefi of San Jose, CA – California Diocesan Representative; Rev. Dcn. Elbron Odisho of Glenview, IL – Eastern USA Diocesan Representative; Rev. Dcn. Peter Azzo of Chicago, IL – Eastern USA Diocesan Representative; Rev. Dcn. Zaya …

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.

His Holiness Mar Awa III, Catholicos-Patriarch, received distinguished guests and representatives of governments in private audiences at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Ankawa after his consecration and enthronement on the Feast of the Holy Cross (14 September 2021). His Holiness received the U.S. Consul General Robert Palladino of the U.S. Consulate of Erbil. (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Consulate Erbil Facebook page) The Catholicos-Patriarch received and met with Dr. Stavros Kyrimis, the Consul General of the Republic of Greece on Tuesday, 21 September 2021. On 21 September 2021, Mr. Evin Agassi paid a visit of honor to His Holiness the Catholicos-Patriarch. Mr. Emmanuel Khoshaba, along with a few colleagues, paid a courtesy visit to His Holiness on Monday, 20 September 2021. His Holiness Mar Awa III received Mr. Romio Hakari, the Chairman of Bet-Nahrain Democratic Party, and member of the Kurdish Parliament, along with Mr. Jarjis Younan, a member of the Bet-Nahrain Democratic Party on Monday, 20 September 2021.

The bishops of the Assyrian Church of the East in the United States meet recently ahead of the 33rd annual National Youth Conference. Attending the meeting were: His Grace Mar Aprim Khamis, Bishop of the Diocese of the Western USA; His Grace Mar Awa Royel, Bishop of the Diocese of California and Secretary of the Holy Synod; and His Grace Mar Paulus Benjamin, Bishop of the Diocese of the Eastern USA. ​The three bishops held their meeting on Wednesday, July 30th, at the premises of the St. Mary’s Assyrian Church of the East in Los Angeles, California. The bishops discussed many topics effecting the life of the Church in the United States. Some of the matters discussed were: 1) the National Executive Committee of the Assyrian Church of the East Youth Association (ACEYA); 2) the Constitution of the ACEYA; 3) the importance of transmitting the faith of the holy Church to our youth, particularly the promotion and use of the Assyrian language among our younger generation; 4) currents events in the life of the Church in the States; 5) matters relating to the clergy (priests and deacons) serving the parishes of the US. ​Some of the more notable outcomes of …