Assyrian Church News Official News Site of the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East
His Beatitude Mar Gewargis Sliwa, Metropolitan of Iraq, Iran and Russia has laid his hand on Martin Nabil Nicola and raised him to the ranking of Deacon in the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East.
The ordination, which took place at St Odisho’s Church in Baghdad, was held on the morning of Sunday the 19 December 2010, the fourth Sunday after the annunciation of St Mary the Virgin.
A great number of faithful were present to witness this apostolic act, which was a source of hope and great encouragement to church members and all Christians living in the homeland.
His Beatitude Mar Gewargis delivered a sermon on the meaning of the annunciation and how this can apply to all those that receive Christ in His glory. He encouraged the faithful to remain strong and always have faith that God will provide.
Present at the ordination and offering of the Holy Eucharist were Reverend Shamuel Atniel, parish priest of Mar Qardagh Church, and a number of other deacons from the region.
Deacon Martin will be serving the parish under the leadership of Reverend Yoshia Oraham, the parish priest of St Odisho’s Church.
A graduate of the College of Babylon, located in Baghdad, Deacon Martin obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy and Theology which took him six years to accomplish.
The Diocese of Iraq is blessed to have numberous student members of the Church that are also expected to graduate soon with the intention to work for their Church, and will do so according to the almighty will of God.
[nggallery id=111]