Holy Eucharist Services Commence for Queensland Faithful

The Assyrian Church of the East has revisited Brisbane, Queensland to bring back the word of God to the city’s faithful.

Newly ordained Priest Reverend Ninos Elya, Sydney’s Deacons Eddy David and Steven Khizan, and a congregation of 50 Queensland faithful gathered on 26 February at Petrie State School for the offering of the Holy Eucharist.

At 8am, the faithful gathered for the commencement of morning prayers followed by the Holy Offering at 9am. The gospel reading, Matthew 7:15-28, suited the joy of the faithful in Brisbane, brought attention to the Great Fast, and formed a beautiful connection to the now established monthly Eucharistic Offerings.

In his sermon, Rev. Ninos made reference to Matthew 7:24-25: “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock”.

Rev. Ninos said: “The Assyrian Church of the East forefathers received the Gospel from the disciples of Christ in the Aramaic language and went out to preach this Gospel to the four corners of the world”.

The gospel has reached places such as China, Japan and India, and now this same church which was established by the disciples has gathered individuals from across the state of Queensland who are alert and ready to hear the word of God and receive the Body and Blood of Christ.

“It was great to see faithful parishioners coming from all parts of Queensland to take part in the Holy Offering. We have great faith that this small congregation will grow and one day a Parish will be established,” said Deacon Eddy David.

At the completion of the offering of the Holy Eucharist, the parishioners organised a light meal of food suitable for fasting. The congregation, priest and two deacons came together for fellowship.

“This was a great ending to the beginning of our monthly visits,” said Deacon Steven Khizan.

The parishioners were very thankful for being blessed with the opportunity to partake in the Holy Offering. “We have always tried to keep a Christian lifestyle, but it is hard when you are missing an important aspect of being Christian, attending and partaking in the holy offering,” said one thankful faithful. “We feel blessed that the Assyrian Church of the East has now been established for our small Queensland community and we look forward to the monthly offering of the Eucharistic Liturgy in the beautiful and sacred Aramaic language.”

Rev. Ninos will make the journey up to Queensland once a month to offer the Holy Eucharist accompanied by deacons from Sydney. It is the goal of the Assyrian Church of the East to help this congregation grow and blossom and form its own parish. This, through faith in God, is possible since the Assyrian Church of the East is built on Christ, the Son of God.

“He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter answered and said, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.’” (Matthew 16:15-18)

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