His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV to Visit St. Andrew Parish, Illinois

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.

At 8:30am on 3 June 2012, His Holiness will consecrate with oil the new altar of St. Andrew Parish. Following the consecration, His Holiness will offer the Holy Eucharist to all faithful church members.

The celebration will be marked by a breakfast hosted by St. Andrew Parish’s committee at White Eagle Banquets & Restaurant in Niles, Illinois.

Parish priest at St. Andrew Parish, Chor-Bishop George Toma, said:

“We officially invite all our brothers and sisters in Christ, members of our Holy Church, sons and daughters of our Assyrian national group and all friends to bless us by their attendance in the liturgy of the consecration of the altar, celebration of the Holy Eucharist and the breakfast. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us all. Amen.”

On 15 July 2012, His Holiness will once again visit St. Andrew Church to lay his blessed hands on selected faithful, lifting them to the ranking of deacons.

Following the ordination of deacons, the Holy Eucharist will be offered. A breakfast will take place, hosted by St. Andrew Parish’s Committee at the Church Fellowship Center.

It is noteworthy to mention that according to the ecclesial calendar, 15 July 2012 is the Feast of Nusardel, Commemoration of Mar Quriaqos and his mother Yolethe.

Additionally, it was on this day in 1957 that His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV Catholicos Patriarch was elevated from the rank of diaconate to the rank of Priesthood by the laying of hands by His Beatitude the late Mar Yosip Khnanisho Metropolitan of the Assyrian Church of the East (1918-1977).

All brothers and sisters in Christ and members of the Assyrian Church of the East are welcome.