Assyrian Church News Official News Site of the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East
Diocese Eastern USA
“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (Matthew 16:18)
The 34th anniversary of His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV’s consecration as Catholicos Patriarch of the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East has been celebrated in dioceses and parishes around the world, on Sunday 17th of October.
His Holiness, who was ordained into the priesthood more than 53 years ago, celebrated his consecration as guest of honor at a commemoration dinner at the patriarchal headquarters in Chicago, Illinois, Diocese of the Eastern United States.
The community’s love and appreciation for His Holiness was apparent, with more than 1000 faithful church members attending the commemoration dinner, including a large contingent of chorbishops, priests and deacons.
In recognition of his 34 years of service as Patriarch and shepherd of the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East, H.H. Mar Dinkha IV was presented with 34 cakes, each marked with a city name visited by His Holiness over the years.
His Holiness made the sentimental choice to first cut into the cake marked as the village of Darbandokeh, Iraq, the place of his birth in 15 September 1935.
Following the presentation, His Holiness addressed the faithful in a speech outlining his recent trip to Iran for the consecration of His Grace Mar Narsai Benjamin, Bishop of Iran, on the 13th of September 2010.
H.H. Mar Dinkha IV credited the Iranian government with showing great respect towards the ACOE’s clergy, and stated the importance of maintaining good relationships with neighboring communities and respective governments.
However, His Holiness prayed that the safety and circumstances of Christian and Assyrian brothers and sisters living in the Middle East would not be jeopardized by negative public statements and attitudes from community leaders in the west.
Looking to the preservation and future growth of the Church, His Holiness said his long-term goal is to return the Apostolic See to northern Iraq, where the roots of the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East remain.
[nggallery id=86]Diocese Western USA
St Hurmizd’s Parish in San Diego, California has honored the commemoration of His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV’s consecration as Catholicos Patriarch of the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East, with admirable presentations by faithful church members.
The anniversary celebration commenced early Sunday morning with the offering of the Holy Eucharist by Reverend Youkhana Ajabu, St Hurmizd’s parish priest.
Following the offering of the Holy Eucharist, the parishioners entered the church hall where speeches, poems, hymns and video presentations took place in honor of our Patriarch.
The faithful fellowshipped in the love of Christ by sharing a light brunch and together celebrated the cutting of the anniversary cake
Reverend Youkhana Ajabu
St Hurmizd’s Parish Priest
San Diego, USA
Archdiocese Australia, New Zealand and Lebanon – Sydney
His Beatitude Mar Meelis Zaia, Metropolitan of the Archdiocese of Australia, New Zealand and Lebanon, has paid tribute to His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV’s perseverance in growing the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East.
Speaking at a reception dinner held at Sydney’s Edessa Hall in commemoration of the 34th anniversary of His Holiness’ consecration, His Beatitude spoke on the Patriarch’s work and great achievements throughout the years.
H.H. Mar Dinkha’s accomplishments in expanding the ACOE include consecrating Metropolitans and Bishops throughout the years, consecrating churches and establishing many parishes throughout various countries, most notably in the USA.
H.B. Mar Meelis also mentioned the already completed and ongoing work in the Archdiocese, specifically the newest addition, Lebanon, and the great amount of work needed within the country.
The reception, which was attended by various priests, deacons, associations and hundreds of faithful parishioners, also featured presentations of poems and speeches in respect to our Holy Father.
Presentations were made by members of The Assyrian Schools (Mar Narsai Assyrian High School and St Hurmizd’s Assyrian Primary School), Youth Association, St Mary’s Parish, St George’s Parish, Ss Peter and Paul Parish and St Hurmizd’s Parish.
We pray that God may protect and guide H.H Mar Dinkha IV in continuing his work for the church, and to strengthen him to build faith and hope within our communities.
[nggallery id=79]Archdiocese Australia, New Zealand and Lebanon – Wellington
[nggallery id=88]Archdiocese Australia, New Zealand and Lebanon – Beirut
Youth members of St George’s Parish in Beirut have displayed their love for the Holy Apostolic Catholic Church of the East through remembrance of the Assyrian culture, during celebrations in honor of His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV.
Faithful members, both young and old, gathered on the morning of 17th of October in holiness and prayer while the Holy Eucharist was offered by Reverend Akhiqar, St George’s parish priest.
Following the service, a celebration took place commemorating the 34th anniversary of the consecration of H.H Mar Dinkha IV Catholicos Patriarch of the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East.
Songs and prayers were offered by the priests, deacons, church choir and faithful to H.H Mar Dinkha, asking the Lord to protect him and keep him safe from all evil and his hosts.
Assyrian nationalism was displayed by the church youth, who dressed in historical Assyrian royalty clothing and fellowshipped in the love of Christ and one another.
[nggallery id=78]Diocese of Europe – Netherlands
[nggallery id=92]Diocese of Europe – Germany
[nggallery id=95]Diocese Syria
Prayers for the protection and guidance of His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV have been raised to the Lord by members of St George’s Parish in Damascus, Syria.
While commemorating the 34th consecration of H.H Mar Dinkha IV as the Catholicos Patriarch of the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East, St George’s Parish conducted the Holy Eucharist with the presence of various priests and deacons.
During the service, Archdeacon Thomas Asitevo read the Holy Gospel and then gave a brief biography of the life of H.H Mar Dinkha IV to the present faithful.
Following the offering of the Holy Eucharist, fellowship was undertaken over an inviting breakfast in the hall of the church.
Further prayers were raised to the Lord asking for blessings and a long and healthy life with his beloved Holy Synod and church members.
Information Committee
St George’s Parish
Assyrian Church of the East – Damascus
Archdiocese Iraq, Iran and Russia
The homeland’s faithful members of St John the Baptist Parish in Ankawa, Iraq gathered to celebrate the 34th Anniversary of His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV as Catholicos Patriarch of the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East.
In attendance were Reverend Simon Gewargis, the parish priest at St John the Baptist (Mar Youkhanna), as well as Reverend Ninos Oicha and various deacons and faithful.
Speeches, poems and hymns were performed by the parish choir in honor of H.H. Mar Dinkha IV’s anniversary, touching upon the life of His Holiness, his hard work put towards the church and the life-long dedication in working for the Lord and His bride.
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