Assyrian Church News Official News Site of the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East

Preserving Heritage: St. George Assyrian Language School in Melbourne In the multicultural landscape of Melbourne, diversity thrives as communities from all corners of the globe weave their cultural tapestries into the fabric of the city. Among these vibrant communities, the Assyrians stand as a testament to resilience, preserving their rich heritage in foreign lands. At the forefront of this cultural preservation effort lies the St. George Assyrian Language School, an institution dedicated to nurturing Assyrian language, culture, and faith. Established as a beacon of Assyrian identity, St. George Assyrian Language School has experienced remarkable growth over the years. In 2024, the school proudly welcomed a record-breaking 530 students through its doors. This surge in enrolment posed logistical challenges, necessitating the acquisition of demountable buildings to accommodate the expanding student body. Despite these challenges, the school’s commitment to providing a nurturing environment for Assyrian youth remained unwavering. At the heart of St. George Assyrian Language School’s curriculum lies the preservation of the Assyrian language. With meticulous attention to detail, students are guided through the complexities of this ancient Semitic tongue, ensuring its continuity for generations to come. The school utilizes a comprehensive series of textbooks tailored to different levels of proficiency, …

Sydney, Australia – In a momentous occasion for the Assyrian Church of the East, Mar Awraham Youkhanis, the Bishop of London and Western Europe, has achieved a significant academic milestone. On Thursday, 21 March 2024, His Grace was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree from Macquarie University, one of Australia’s leading institutions of higher education, located in Sydney. The ceremony witnessed the participation of distinguished figures from both the religious and academic communities. His Grace’s doctoral thesis, entitled “The Book of Admonitions to Hermits and Monks By ʿAḅed-Mšīḥā Ḥīrtāyā: A Critical Edition of the Syriac Texts and English Translation with Introduction and Critical Notes,” represents a significant contribution to the study of ancient East Syriac texts and the broader field of Eastern Christian studies. Under the supervision of Dr. Ken Parry, Professor Paul McKechnie, and Professor Rifaat Ebied, His Grace embarked on a scholarly journey that not only illuminates the spiritual and ascetic practices of early Christianity but also offers critical insights into the rich history of Syriac literature and theology. The graduation ceremony was graced by the presence of His Eminence Mar Meelis Zaia AM, Metropolitan of Australia, New Zealand, and Lebanon, alongside His Grace Mar Benyamin Elya, …

Voice of the East – Vol. 70 – Nov & Dec 2023

On Sunday, 4th February 2024, the congregation gathered in St Abdisho Cathedral in Melbourne, Australia, to celebrate the Commemoration of our blessed Martyr and Saint, Mar Benyamin Shimun. This blessed day commenced with the celebration of the Holy Eucharistic Liturgy celebrated by His Grace Mar Benyamin Elya, Bishop of the Diocese of Victoria and New Zealand. Following the Holy Eucharistic Liturgical Service, the Assyrian Church of the East Youth Association Melbourne hosted a morning breakfast in Mona Lisa Hall in celebration of the life of this blessed Saint. The programme also included the 2024 Annual Graduation Ceremony, which celebrated the achievements of Assyrian Language School, High School, TAFE and University graduates. The programme began with a wreath–laying ceremony by His Grace Mar Benyamin Elya, who was accompanied by our reverend fathers and esteemed graduates. Following an opening prayer and morning breakfast, the graduation ceremony commenced. His Grace Mar Benyamin Elya presented our graduates with a certificate and gifts, commending their efforts and perseverance throughout their studies. The ceremony saw Assyrian youth complete tertiary courses such as Medicine, Oral Health and Business, as well as high school students who graduated in 2023, a number of whom graduated with ATARs of over …

On Tuesday 30th January the Assyrian Church of the East Youth Association in Sydney held its annual Youth Meet, presided over by His Eminence Mar Meelis Zaia AM and clergy. His Beatitude expressed the great joy of the youth’s involvement in the church. He praised them for their active participation in the parish and their zeal and efforts in all youth and wider community events and programs. His Beatitude continued to discuss the challenging times we as Christians are facing in the society and the importance of God in our lives. With helpful tips, His Beatitude worked through the challenges with the youth and delivering guidance on coping mechanisms to persevere in faith. The youth had the chance to fellowship afterwards with one another and share in a delightful meal together as a family in Christ. This marks the beginning of the youth ministries across Sydney parishes for 2024. The Church in Sydney takes this opportunity to thank all volunteers in ACEYA for their hard work and dedication in teaching and working for the youth and the wider community.

Voice of the East – Vol. 70 – Sep & Oct 2023

The Assyrian Church of the East Children’s Association (ACECA) hosted its eighth annual summer program, from Monday 15th January to Friday 19th January 2024 at St Hurmizd’s Assyrian Primary School, Greenfield Park. The week long program, themed “Stellar” took more than two hundred and fifty children on an intergalactic adventure into space where they proclaimed the glory of God – along with the heavens, the stars, the moon and the rest of creation (Psalm 19:1). With the numerous rotational stations children explored how Jesus’ shined with hope, love, forgiveness, and joy to the world – and how we can do the same with His power! A massive appreciation to more than sixty Sydney youth of the Assyrian Church of the East who volunteered to run this intensive full-time program, taking time off work and holidays to ensure a great event for the children of our parishes.