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

From 16-20 October 2025, His Holiness Mar Awa III, Catholicos-Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East made a historic visit to Hong Kong, China at the invitation of the Anglican Province of Hong Kong in connection with the 400th anniversary of the discovery of the Jingjiao (Church of the East) Stele in Xi’an and the inauguration of the new Hong Kong Institute of Jingjiao Studies. His Holiness was accompanied by a delegation including His Grace Mar Paulus Benjamin, Bishop of the Eastern United States, His Grace Mar Benyamin Elya, Bishop of Victoria and New Zealand and Secretary of the Holy Synod, Deacon Allen Youssefi of Mar Yosip Church, San Jose, California, and Dr David Tam, His Holiness’ Resident Representative in Hong Kong. Across the rich 5-day programme, His Holiness participated in a range of scholarly ecumenical engagements and symposia organised on the occasion of his visit. First among these on Friday 17 October was a keynote addresses at the Nicea 1700 Roundtable Forum at the Divinity School of Chung Chi College, Chinese University of Hong Kong followed by an ecumenical prayer service, and a keynote lecture on the Reception of the Nicene Creed in the Assyrian Church of the …

Today, the St Yosip Parish community in Leppington gathered with excitement to break ground on our long-awaited community hall, a project supported through a generous $5 million commitment from the Albanese Labor Government. This commitment, championed by Anne Stanley MP, Member for Werriwa, and Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy and Member for McMahon, marks a new chapter for our parish and the surrounding area. The new St Yosip Parish community hall will serve as a vibrant hub for locals of all ages and backgrounds. Designed to be a welcoming space, it will host a wide array of activities, from community events and educational classes to youth programs and support groups. Whether it’s a place for families to celebrate milestones, young people to learn and grow, or neighbours to find practical support, this hall will foster social bonds and create lasting memories. It’s more than a building—it’s a home for our community’s heart and spirit. This project is the first step in a broader vision for Leppington, carefully laid out by His Eminence Mar Meelis Zaia, Metropolitan of the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East. His dream includes not only this hall but also the …

On Wednesday 30th October 2024 a special luncheon was hosted in honour of His Holiness Catholicos-Patriarch Mar Awa III at the Archbishopric of His Eminence Mar Meelis Zaia AM, Sydney. With great pleasure the Archdiocese hosted the many heads of churches in Sydney. This included: – His Eminence Archbishop Robert Rabbat of the Melkite Catholic Church of Australia and New Zealand – His Eminence Archishop Mar Amel Nona of the Chaldean Catholic Church of Australia and New Zealand – His Eminence Archbishop Mor Malatius Malki Malki of the Syrian Orthodox Church of Australia & New Zealand – His Eminence Archbishop Georges Casmoussa of the Syriac Catholic Church in Sydney – His Excellency Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay of the Maronite Eparchy of Australia, New Zealand and Oceania – Reverend Fr Nekatros Nemme representing His Eminence Archbishop Basilios Kodseie of the Antiochian Orthodox Church Archdiocese of Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines – Reverend Monsignor Basil Sousanian of the Armenian Catholic Church in Sydney – Rev Anastasios Bozikis (President) & Mr David Rose (Secretary) of the NSW Ecumenical Council – Ms Elizabeth Stone, General Secretary of the National Council of Churches in Australia The luncheon also hosted government officials that included the Premier …

In the afternoon of Monday, October 28, 2024, His Holiness Mar Awa III, Catholicos-Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East was formally welcomed as an official guest of the Australian War Memorial at the national capital, Canberra. The Catholicos-Patriarch and his accompanying delegation were received by War Memorial Director, Mr Matt Anderson PSM and commenced the visit with a rare opportunity curated by Mr Nick Fletcher, Head of Military Heraldry and Technology at the Memorial, viewing the service medals of the renowned Australian military leader, Lieutenant General Sir Stanley George Savige, KBE, CB, DSO, MC. The late Lieutenant General Sir Stanley George Savige, one of Australia’s most decorated military leaders of both World War I and II shares a remarkable and little known connection to the Assyrian Nation, having commanded an operation which saved more than 50,000 Assyrians from certain death during the Assyrian Genocide of WWI. Following this viewing and exchange on the century old connection of the Assyrian people to Australia, the delegation received a guided personal tour of the exhibits and His Holiness paid his respects to all service men and women at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider. Concluding the visit, His Holiness participated in …

In a historic meeting underscoring the growing ties between Australia and the Assyrian community, His Holiness Mar Awa III, the Catholicos Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East, was welcomed in Canberra by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The meeting took place at Parliament House, where both leaders discussed pressing issues affecting Assyrian Christians globally, as well as the role of Australia in supporting religious practice and providing the platform for places of worship to thrive. Prime Minister Albanese expressed Australia’s solidarity with the Assyrian people, particularly in the face of ongoing struggles and displacement faced by Assyrian Christians in the Middle East. Australia is home to a vibrant Assyrian community, many of whom have fled persecution in countries such as Iraq and Syria. The Prime Minister acknowledged their contributions to Australia’s multicultural society and emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting religious minorities. His Holiness Mar Awa III, who has been a vocal advocate for the rights of Assyrians worldwide, commended Australia’s efforts in supporting refugees and promoting religious tolerance. He highlighted the importance of protecting ancient Assyrian heritage sites and fostering conditions that allow Assyrians to remain in their homelands, while also expressing gratitude for the sanctuary Australia …

The Assyrian Church of the East Youth Association (ACEYA) in Sydney hosted the 6th Archdiocesan Youth Conference, commencing on Wednesday 17th July and concluding on the 21st July 2024. The Conference welcomed youth members of Melbourne, Perth and Auckland, New Zealand. The five-day youth conference themed “Unlocking His Mercies” comprised of spiritually enriching sermons and seminars, alongside social activities strengthening pure Christian fellowship among the youth. The youth were sent on a five-day hunt to pickup the spiritual pieces of the spiritual key to unlock our Lord’s mercies. Ultimately meaning to unlock the Lord’s heart and enter it – making the realisation they themselves are the heart of the Lord. We are inspired to make this realisation through King David who became known as the heart of the Lord. The program was richly filled with sermons by His Beatitude Mar Meelis Zaia and His Grace Mar Benyamin Elya. Along with seminars presented by the parish priests of Sydney, including reverend priests from Melbourne and Auckland, Reverend Father Morris Daoud and Reverend Father Toma K Toma. Further to the prelates and clergy’s sermons and seminars, we welcomed Mr Steve Mortada who gave his personal testimony upon entering the True Faith. The …