Faith the Focus at Edessa Summer School

The summer school sessions of the Assyrian Church of the East’s School of Edessa in Damascus, Syria are affirming the Church’s faith and Assyrian language to students.

The annual school, held for the parishioners of St George Parish, has now commenced with enrollments from 150 students aged 5 to 60 years.

Classes and seminars are held typically on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and are designated and organized by Reverend Toma Asitivo; parish priest of St George Parish.

In his opening session address, Rev. Toma gave thanks to His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV, Catholicos Patriarch of the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East for his continuous help and support towards the parish’s immigrant families, who fled their homeland, Iraq, and await acceptance of permanent residency from a country.

At the same time, Rev. Toma also gave thanks to His Grace Mar Aprim Nathniel, Bishop of Syria, for his love, support and guidance throughout the years of their refuge in Syria.

The teachers, volunteers and parents were thanked for their hard work and dedication to the annual session teaching language and faith to the future generation.

A special thanks to the Assyrian Church of the East Relief Organization (ACERO) was also given for the financial aid and support in allowing such activities to take place.

Rev. Toma, along with other teachers and volunteers, further offered prayers to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, asking to keep the homeland safe, ceasing all wars and allowing peace to return to our historical land.