Tag Archives: San Jose

Joint Youth Bible Study

On Saturday August 28th, 2010 the A.C.O.E, Diocese of California youth ministry held its monthly Joint Bible Study (JBS) at Larsa Hall in Turlock, California, which saw youth members of Mar Yoisp, Mar Zaia, Mar Gewargis and Mar Addai Parishes coming together in the love of Christ and His life-giving word.  The topic for this month’s discussion was “Media and its Influence on Our Christian Lives.” The day commenced with the Assyrian Church of the East liturgical Morning Prayer lead by Reverend Genard Lazar – Diocesan Youth Coordinator, numerous deacons, and all youth members. After the prayer, all attendees were welcomed by Deacon Ramil Bivyodavid, Vice President of the Mar Addai youth ministry, which was the hosting parish for this month’s JBS. Deacon Ramil expressed his gratitude to everyone who attended and urged those who were attending for the first time to engage with this month’s topic, discuss, learn, and join their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ for fellowship. After a few instructions and breakfast, as prepared by the Mar Addai Parish youth committee, all attendees were divided up in groups based on age and dispersed with their respective bible studies leaders for discussion. In these small groups, various …

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18th Annual Assyrian Food Festival in San Jose

The 18th annual Assyrian Food Festival took place Aug. 21 and 22 in San Jose, California. His grace Mar Awa Royel Bishop of California attended this event, along with Rev Archdeacon Nenos Michael of Mar Narsai Parish, San Francisco, and Father Lawrence Namato of Mar Yosip Parish, San Jose and many other dignitaries from the state of California and the city of San Jose. This year we were blessed with record number of attendees, approximately 5,000. Those who attended had their choice of beef, chicken, and vegetable kabobs, as well as rice with dill and lima beans, a traditional yogurt soup called boushala, Assyrian eggrolls called bourak, hummus, mixed olives and dishes with exotic names like kouba, jajik and goupta. Desserts include dates, baklava, a rice pudding called booshalad khalva and familiar items such as ice cream. While food is the focus of the event, there is a parade, live folk music and dancing and a special area for children with activities. The festival is designed to showcase Assyrian traditions and to educate others about the heritage of the land called “the cradle of civilization.” The festival took place at the Assyrian Church of the East, Mar Yosip Parish, located …

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