A Publication of Saint Andrews Assyrian Church of the East -Glenview, Illinois

SPRING - 2014
The Easter Vigil Teachings A Sermon presented for the Faithful at Easter Vigil The delightful-joys of this awesome day, which causes me to tremble, prompts me to recite the word of The Prophet. This is the day that the LORD hath made; come let us rejoice and be happy in it. This is the day which has never before seen one like unto it. And, neither after has been there a day like unto it! This is a Great Feast! The pride of all the feasts. This is a Great Joy which has been given to The Church; This Day. Come in peace, The New Day, because the power of darkness has been loosened. Come in Peace, The Day, which does not appear like The One before; Friday. Because, the power of the old-night has been loosened. Come in peace, O, Bright Day! The Bright Day which carries The Glad Tidings. Come in peace, O, You Who gives Consolation to the lost; O, Rejoicer of the Bereaved; The Gatherer of the Scattered; The One who brings those near who are afar-off; The Rejoicer of the despondent ones; The One who gives consolation to those who grieve; The sower of good seed, in the hearing of the Disciples. Come in peace, The Day which has no evening; and, The Joyful Morning in which the turning of the day will not make sad; Come in peace, The Day in which evening will not come; The Resurrection which does not encounter falling-down. Come in peace, The First Born of Days! Both worlds have been wreathed by Your gift. Death is humiliated, and Life is

QUARTERLY MAGAZINE
exalted; sheol is closed ,Baptism is open .The left hand is empty; in the right-hand thundering. The Shepherd was smitten, and HIS lambs scattered; This Day, the wolves have fled; The Church rejoices. In the day other Judas was bribed, and Caiaphas took counsel and listening; Annas stood against; the Pharisees, confused and troubled; Andrew was fleeing; Simon was denying; John was far away; Thomas hid himself; James was amazed; all the Disciples are far away. But, Today! Caiaphas is embarrassed! Annas is blamed; Judas hanged himself; the money was scorned; The Pharisees are silent; The heads of synagogue covers their heads; The Levites blame one another; Pilate is amazed, the trouble-makers and soldiers disappear; the gathering of the wolves are scattered; The Shepherd spoke to HIS sheep; The Flock took HIS utterances and became warmed; Mary is rejoicing; Salome is happy; Magdalene is carrying the Gospel of Peace; The Disciples raised their heads; The Apostles went out from their hidden places; Simon, John are running to The Tomb; Matthew, Bartholomew Rejoice in their happiness; Andrew, James forgot their depression; Thomas is confessing; Pilate is glorifying; The Way of The Tomb is thundering and the way to Golgotha has been abandoned. The sadness has passed to the left; and the consolation is now risen on the right! The door of The Tomb has become The Throne where the martyrs sit. Here let us all, shout aloud and say: Where is your sting of death; and, where is your victory, O, Sheol? This day, the guards of the tomb, were bribed and said:

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His Apostles, stole HIM while we were sleeping! Thereafter He was seen by Mary Magdalene and others. As the Apostles, with open face, say: We know Christ is Risen from among the dead! He will never die again; and death has no power over HIM. But, unto this joy we have been summoned; and unto This Feast we have been invited; let us embrace and kiss one another in love; and give peace to one another; not the peace of betraying one another, not the peace of hypocrisy; peace not from a corrupt conscience; peace not like that of Judas Iscariot, whose reward was hanging himself. The peace which our Savior sent upon the Apostles in the Upper-room; Peace be with all of you; because peace is the loosening of past enmity. We are called for peace, we are gathered to keep peace; as it is practiced each year; Let the Resurrection and The LIFE of Christ be unto you; blessed! Our LORD has made us free from death; from mortality into immortality From Adams descendants to Children of God; from the earthly to the Heavenly; the soulish to the spiritual; instead of discourse (argumentativeness), let us be quiet. From grievous vexation to being peacemakers; instead of being obnoxious behavior, be pleasantly gracious; instead of hard-heartedness, be merciful; instead of meddlesomeness be simplicity; instead prideful, be humble; instead of arrogance, be meek; instead of oppressiveness, be graceful; instead of being a prodigal, enter into fasting (and prayers); instead of drunkenness, be abstainers; instead licentious be of pure behavior (or chaste); instead of laziness, be diligently active; instead of being sinful, be righteous; instead of evil-behavior be upright and just; Continue on page 6
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HOLY APOSTOLIC CATHOLIC ASSYRIAN CHURCH OF THE EAST

We Are Assyrian, We Are Christian

Assyrians have been persecuted for centuries and continue to endure persecution. The reason for persecution stems from two reasons: our Assyrian ethnicity and our acceptance of Christianity. As Assyrians, we are the heirs of the land between the two rivers, Bet Nahrain. We are the descendants of the ziggurat-builders and ancient god Ashur-worshipers. We also were one of the first groups of people to accept Christ as the Savior. Assyrians also speak Aramaic, the language of Christ. Some individuals find this truth unsettling and wish to erase our association with the Middle Easts ancient past by claiming all Assyrian history as Arab. To some, removing the Assyrian presence is an effective method in ridding the land of anything belonging to Assyrian heritage. This is done as a means of telling the world that Assyrians no longer exist, a unique form of oppression.

massacre, ---preferring death to captivity and conversion, ---threw themselves simultaneously into the Zab [river], and were drowned in its waters. 1 The young girls knew their fate and still preferred death than being forced into Islam and agreeing to an artificial Kurdish identity. Unfortunately, numerous girls, boys, and women were abducted and forced to convert to Islam, raising Muslim families during and after the Genocide.

were split via The Brussels line agreement. As a result the Assyrian Church of the East was also split into two parts; some remained part of Turkey, while the rest became part of Iraq. Throughout history the Assyrian Church of the East endured many, many atrocities. During the 1840s; Badr Khan Bey, a Hakkari Kurdish Amir, attacked the Assyrians in the mountains barbarically; killing nearly ten thousand including the aged mother of Mar Shimun. They also took a large number of woman and children captives. Following that was the Assyrian Genocide between 1890s and World War I; by the Ottoman Empire. All these tragic events played a significant role in the migration of thousands of members of this church to the plain of Nineveh that was the center of growth of the Chaldean Catholic Church at the time. Gradually those Assyrians changed their dogma resulting in the growth of the Chaldean Catholic Church that was in communion with the Roman Catholic Church, which provided financial and political sustainability to its members.

The other component of our persecution is our Christian religion. If we adopted Islam, our people most likely would not have been completely annihilated during the beginning of the 20th century (750,000 dead by Ottoman Turks, Kurds, and Persians). Historians estimate our population today would be around 20 million had it not been for the Genocide. If all Assyrians had fallen under Arabization, Kurdification or Islamization, our ancient tongue and traditions may have been lost forever. Why should our spoken language and traditions be forgotten? to Christianity by Mar Addai and In the 1800s Sir Austen Henry Mar Mari two of the seventy two apos- Source: Mar Emmanuel, Bishop. (2008). Assyrians or ChaldeLayard, a British politician and archae- tles of Jesus Christ. At its pinnacle the ans? A Concise Study. ologist in todays Iraq, wrote one of my teachings and traditions of this church favorite quotes concerning the perse- stretched to China, India and Central By: Mariam Amro cution of Assyrians: Asia. However, it wasnt until 1844 that the Church of the East was first recogI must mention the heroic devotion of ten nized as Millet during the Ottoman Tiyari [Assyrian village] girls, who, as Empire that dominated the Middle East they were led across the bridge by the before World War I. After losing the Kurds, on their return from the great war and in 1925 Turkeys territories
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I urge Assyrians, young and old, to never, never deny the Assyrian identity to yourself or anyone, and to never forget that we belong to one of the oldest churches ever established. Our Assyrian people have shed precious blood, and continue to do so, all for the sake of the existence of our people. The next time someone asks you what you are, do not shy away from explaining who the Assyrians were and currently are, as we owe our existence today to our ancestors. Never forget the innocent souls that were massacred by the seypa for being Assyrian and Christian. As Assyrians, we must enlighten While they have different dogma, Christian faith remains the same among others and never forget. all Apostolic and Evangelical churches. By: Ramsen Shamon According to the Catholic dogma and since 1850 the Roman Catholic Church believes that the Virgin Marys (body and spirit) ascended to heaven. While Assyrian Church throughout History the Assyrian Church of the East and other Orthodox churches believe that only the spirit of the Virgin ascended to heaven while her body and the bodies of all the apostles await for the second coming of Jesus Christ. Jesus will physically raise them from the dead giving The Assyrian them back their bodies as confirmed Church of the East by the Khudra book. And this repreis an apostolic sents one of the main differences bechurch. Assyrians tween the Assyrian and the Chaldean accepted Christ Christian beliefs. and were brought

HOLY APOSTOLIC CATHOLIC ASSYRIAN CHURCH OF THE EAST

Why do We Give an Offering at Church?

We love to give, we feel good and when we give to the house of God, we get blessed. Even though our giving goes to the church directly, we are actually giving our offerings to God alone. The Holy Bible teaches us to give for our own good and for our own blessing and from a joyful heart. By giving, we are simply offering God a very small portion of all the endless gifts and blessings He has bestowed upon us because everything we own and everything we have comes from God. So, when we give, we simply offer Him a very small portion of all the abundance He has already given to us. Therefore, giving is a way of expression to thank and praise to the Lord. It comes from a heart of worship that recognizes that everything we give already belongs to Him. James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who doesnt change like shifting shadows. We are blessed when we give. Acts 20:35 Its more blessed to give than to receive The value of our offering isnt measured by how much we give, but how we give. Mark 12:41-44 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasure. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything she has to live on. And when we give freely to God, we receive freely from God. Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. In Proverbs 11:24 One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. God promises that we will be blessed over and above what we give and also according to the measure that we use to give. But, if we hold back from giving with a stingy heart, we hinder God from blessing our lives. By: Hewi S. Arkis

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dream. It was a vivid dream, about a great, enormous, tree that stood in the middle of the land. It was strong and it touched the sky, its leaves were beautiful and all creatures were fed by it. He heard a voice coming from heaven say, Cut down the tree and trim off its branches; strip off its leaves and scatter its fruitBut let the stump and its roots, bound with iron and bronze, remain in the ground, in the grass of the field. After some hesitancy on Daniels part he interpreted this dream. izes her weakness God loved King Nebuchadnezzar and he loved his people that will come. His gift to the Babylonians was learning humbleness, and how to be weak. It wasnt until the King was brought down that he realized who was the GOD of all the Earth, of the things seen and unseen. Praise, the kind that delights the Lord, was not given until there was suffering. How do I know that God loved the Babylonians? Because the messenger in the Kings dream proves it, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of people. It was God who put King Nebuchadnezzar in power, it was God who gave King Nebuchadnezzar his authority and, no matter the nation or people, God is sovereign over ALL kingdoms (not just Israel). Its something we will all go through, at some time or another. God will humble you, he will bring you down to places you thought you would never be. But rejoice, the suffering is for a reason! When God gives you the reward of learning humbleness it is for His greater purpose. So what was the purpose in this story? The King had to learn humbleness and fear of the Lord, My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before. Not only was he given his position back but received even greater rewards and prosperity. Assyria, we are that tree in King Nebuchadnezzars dream, even though our branches and leaves have been cut, our roots are still firmly planted, bound with Iron and Bronze. Iron the symbol of hardness and strength, bronze, the symbol of resistance to corrosion. The Lord has saved our nation in a special place that will not be cut off. Give him thanks and pray for Assyrians all throughout the World.

Daniel and King Nebuchadnezzar

To the nations and

peoples of every language, who live in all the earth: May you prosper greatly! It is my pleasure to tell you about the miraculous signs and wonders that the Most High God has performed for me. How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an eternal kingdom; his dominion endures from generation to generation.

Before I go into the interpretation, one thing to take away from the Kings first action was that God talks to his children every day, all day. Pay attention to his signs. God has a good way of showing you the answers without speaking. King Nebuchadnezzar knew it was the voice of God and trusted the interpretation to a holy man that can give him the Can you guess who gave God such answers. great praise in the above bible verse? Was it Samuel the great prophet? Was Daniel replied that the tree was actually it Jonah the messenger who was saved the King, You have become great and from the belly of a whale? Or maybe it strong; your greatness has grown until was David after winning another victo- it reaches the sky. The command to ry? I had to re-read this verse multiple leave the stump of the tree with its roots times in Daniel chapter 4 to realize that means that your kingdom will be reit was none other but the King who con- stored to you when you acknowledge structed the Hanging Gardens of Baby- that Heaven rules. Therefore, your lon, restored old temples, known as a majesty, be pleased to accept my adbrutal warrior who eventually brings vice: renounce your sins by doing what destruction to Judah and Jerusalem, but is right, and your wickedness by being none other than King Nebuchadnezzar. kind to the oppressed. It may be that But it cant be him I thought. Babylon then your prosperity will continue. and all of her kings, I have always learned, were evil and showed no mer- Well after this interpretation, lets just cy. King Nebuchadnezzar in the book of say King Nebuchadnezzar forgot about Daniel becomes the main character and the message and its meaning. After it is here that Daniel gives us more in- about a year he even boasted on how sight into this brutal king. great his kingdom was because of HIS power, and HIS majesty. This is when Nebuchadnezzar, no matter how vi- God fulfilled the Kings dream. Nebucious and ambitious, still had faith in his chadnezzar was driven away from peomagicians but God was to show himself ple and ate grass like the ox, his hair to this Babylonian king and give him, grew like the feathers of an eagle and and his people a chance to learn more his nails like the claws of a bird. Pretabout the ONE TRUE GOD. King Nebu- ty much the King went crazy. So I chadnezzar had a dream, we all have thought to myself God why do you pundreams, but has there ever been a ish him for his confidence and his prosdream you have had that spoke to you? perity? You are a good God right? But I That made you feel that God was trying then remembered a verse from one of to speak to you? Your spirit will hear my favorite saints, St. Therese, the call of God, no matter what your Everything is a grace, everything is a faith, or position in life, King Nebuchad- direct effect of our Fathers love nezzar knew he had to find out what this difficulties, contradictions, humiliamessage was. He calls Daniel the tions, all the souls miseriesbecause chief of the magicians to interpret his through them, she learns humility, real-

By: Juliana Thomas

Copyright 2014 by Assyrian Church of the East

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The mission.

Honor and glorify God the father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and make Him known. Preach His word (The Gospel) through the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East, established by the teachings of our Lords Disciples and the Churchs Saints, Patriarchs, Bishops and Priests, as the source of the good news. Teach the Assyrian Language (Neo-Aramaic), one of our Lords main Languages, to our Children and educate them on the importance of speaking and preserving it.

Saint Andrews Church Committee

Saint Andrews Committees:

Church Senior Pastor Father George Toma. Deacons: Norman Israel, Elbron Odisho, Adnan David, Sargon Kesso, Edison Youkhana, George Antar, Yousef Mikhael, Sabir, George Baezo, Thompson Esho, Alfret Shamoun, Elie Antar. Committees Chairman (David Arkis). Building Director/Manager (Interim-David Arkis): Younes Zaia, Namrood Khamis, Louzan Odisho, Rema Shamoun, Elona Bahram, Paul Rehana, Peter Amaden, Ray Kando, Youkhana Youkhana, Zaya Youkhana, Saliba Abraham, Rami Gorges. Co-Chairman (Jack Youna). Secretary (Ban Youna). Treasurer Chairman (Gilbert Khosrabowdi): Sargon Yosip, Mariam Lazar, Najla Mikhail, Bushra yalda Accountant (Julie Kako). Memorial wall: Al Puccinelli, Nadia Warda. Youth President (Peter Azzo) Ladies Auxiliary Chairwoman (Catrina Khamou): Doreen Haider, Sonia Khammo, Layla Youkhana, Bassima Sorisho, Magie Zaya, Jane Hana, Jenny, Nada Younan, Mariam. Choir Chairwoman (Najat Marcos): Saad Yalda, Elie Antar, Jena Kena. Education-Jennifer Younan, Deacon Adnan David, Souad Timatyos, Nirona Shino, Dr. Michael, Juliana Thomas, Mike Micho, Deacon Adnan David, Youbert Bahram, Helen Yousif, Nwyia Garmo, Bronica Amrahi, Josephine Youhana, Mardin Shinoo, Connie Shakro, Kristy Andrews, Queen Ishay, Raquel Youkhana, Stephanie Andrews, Claudia Shakro, Neeran Shmoel, Regina Younan., Hewi Arkis Youth Choir- Rachel Thomas, Jena Kena, Sargon Yalda. Sports (Vacant). Public Relations (Vacant). Ushers Chairman (Michael Michael): Albert Youel, Youkhana Youkhana, Ramzi Odich, George Danyel, Gilbert Gewargis, Abrahim Lazar, Robert Thomas, Zaya. Visitation Chairman (Deacon Norman Israel): Anderious Youkhana. Special Events Chairperson (Vacant): Suzana Yalda, Nirona Shinoo, Julie Kako, Hewi Adaay, Diala Joseph, Sargon Yalda, Neeran Shmoel, Aida Joseph, Tanya Khamo, Doreen Haider, Diana Esho. Maintenance Chairman (Musa Moshy): William Younan, Anderious Youkhana, Ashor Tamo (IT), Manny Yalda (IT), Yalda Kako (IT), Ashor Khoshaba (Sound System), Tony Atou (Sound System), Mounir Shamoon (Sound System). Media Chairman (Billy George): Hani Shawel, Robert Thomas, Hewi Arkis, Dani Shamoun, Ramsin George, Amer Kasso, Albert Lazar, Benyamin Odisho, Saliba Abraham.

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HOLY APOSTOLIC CATHOLIC ASSYRIAN CHURCH OF THE EAST : . : : . : : . . : .

Palm Sunday Matthew 21:9 (The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who !comes in the name of the Lord )!Hosanna in the highest heaven John 12:13 (They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of Isra)!el

- : . . . : . : . : . : . . . : . . . . . : : . : : : : : . . . . . . : : : :

: By Father George Toma : Saint Andrews parish Priest . : Feast of the Holy Resurrection 2014 : . . : .
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: ................. : : . : : . () : : . : . : : : : ( ) : : : . ... . . : ! : : : . : 2000 : : : 2000 !

...Continue from page 1...The Easter Vigil Teachings instead of wickedness be good; let us love one another from the depth of our heart, because unto this Peace we have been called; clap your ;hands, and glorify with excellency exalt in a Lordly manor, and with spiritual praises unto The ONE who !this day has risen from the dead And in HIS resurrection we have all been resurrected: Amen. He resurrected the thief, the son of our nature; this day you will be with ME in Paradise, may HE make us worthy to receive HIS heavenly revelation; and, to participate in HIS heavenly Kingdom: Amen Translated from Aramaic into English

HOLY APOSTOLIC CATHOLIC ASSYRIAN CHURCH OF THE EAST

Acts 10:40

(but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. 41 He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosenby us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his )name.

Assyrian Church of the East, Eastern Dio)cese, Executive council (Mutwa

Some of 2014 projects:

Funeral Fund program Taxes exempt the Saint Andrews Northbrook land Develop ideas for Saint Andrews Northbrook land. Saint Andrews loan refinance Saint Andrews Daycare Saint George Water bill exemption Saint George House Tax exemption Saint George House development Saint George Parishioners bus Saint Marys Classes project 501c3 application processing

Standing L-R: Rafik Ishaya, Ashor Shamas, Youssef Namroud, Albert Malik, Walton Mirza, Ossie Toma, David Arkis. Sitting L-R: Nineveh Gewargis, Grace Abraham, Hani Khiziran (VP), Youkhana, Youabb (P), Joe Jacobs, Flora Haji, Julie Kako

. . . . . . ( ) . . . - . . . .
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The ladies are always on call to serve the church in all events such as funerals, religious occasions, memorials "Douchraneh" and preparation for picnics. The committee ladies also are experts in baking delicious Kadeh & Kelacheh and other sweets which they sale to the public in a fundraiser events called (bake sale), these events are scheduled several times a year. parishioners, after coming down to the Church banquet hall (cultural center) they share different homemade foods and Assyrian culture dishes and in many occasions some churchgoer ladies volunteer with a pot of Dolma as a dedication to be served sometimes as a sandwich. Pastries are also occasionally dedicated to the Church. Also, the famous delicious church Martoucha (flour and date syrup fried in oil), it was also called the holy food of our forefathers!, is always prepared ready to be served after the Mass. On the other hand, Hareesa, (sometimes cooked with chicken), is always served in the main occasions such as Christmas, Easter and Memorials. Several times a year, especially when the Holy Mass is celebrated in the evening, potluck is a tradition of the Let us not forget the gallant men of Saint Andrews Church, especially Youkhanna Youkhana, who help the ladies by moving the heavy stuff and arranging chairs and tables in the Cafeteria.

.. ( ) - / ) ( . ( : ( ) . . penticete mysticete - . - mega petera medosa balaenoptera musculus - ) ( ) - - . ) ( ) ( ) ( - ....... . . ...

Easter (The Resurrection) Acts 2:23 (This man was handed

over to you by Gods deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.) 1 Peter 2:24 (He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.)

The Gracious Kitchen Ladies at St. Andrews Church

Whether it was rain, sleet or snow storm the gracious ladies who run the catering services St. Andrews Church were always there to serve the worshippers. Throughout this past winter we had severe winter conditions but the ladies were able to come to the Church to prepare catering services for the Sunday Mass and every Sunday and under freezing conditions they came eagerly ready to prepare food and drinks for the worshippers after the Mass.

After the worshippers leave, the Work at the kitchen is on voluntary kitchen ladies stay behind to clear bases and any lady or girl can serve the tables, clean the kitchen and put the Church. The kitchen is run by a everything back in order. group leader (committee chairwoman) in a very friendly atmosphere. The ladies love to work in the newly Interview by: Sam Khamou renovated kitchen, which was remodeled recently to accommodate the increased number of parishioners and designed to meet the latest local and state codes for safety and sanita tion. Moneys were raised mainly by donation from few Church members.
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Schedule of events for Saint Andrews Church for the upcoming quarter
Thursday April 17, 2014. It is the Thursday of the Passover. The Holy Mass will be celebrated at 6:30 P.M. The Holy Mass will be followed by Potluck. Night Vigil. Friday April 19, 2014. It is the Friday of the Passion. Evening Service will start at 7:00 PM. Saturday April 19, 2014. It is the Saturday of Lights. Evening Prayer begins at 4:00 P.M. English Mass at 5:00 PM. Easter Vigil Service begins at 7:00 P.M. Mid night Mass begins at 9:00 P.M Sunday April 20, 2014. It is the Sunday of the Holy Resurrection. Holy Mass will be celebrated at 9:00 A.M. Monday April 21, 2014. It is the Monday of the Robber who was crucified in the right hand of the Lord. The Holy Mass will be celebrated at 9:00 A.M. Thursday April 24, 2014. It is the Commutation of Saint George the Martyr. The Holy Mass will be celebrated at 6:30 PM. Friday May 2 & Saturday May 3, Indoor Fundraiser sale. Sunday May 4, 2014. It is the Commemoration of Mar Odisho & Mar Daniel. The Holy Mass will be celebrated at 9:00 AM. Monday May 5, 2014. It is the Commemoration of Raban Hormizd. The Holy Mass will be celebrated at 6:30 PM. Tuesday May 6, 2014. It is the Commemoration of Saint Shmuni & her Sons. The Holy Mass will be celebrated at 6:30 PM followed by Potluck. Thursday May 15, 2014. It is the Commemoration of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Holy mass will be celebrated at 6:30 PM. Friday May 16, 2014. Social evening at the church cultural center (banquet all) live band, food, prizes. Thursday May 29, 2014. It is the Feast of the Ascension of our Lord into heaven. The Holy Mass will be celebrated at 6:30 P.M. Sunday June 1, 2014. It is the Commemoration of the Consecration of the Saint Andrews Altar with Oil. The Holy Mass will be celebrated at 9:00 AM. Friday June 13, 2014. It is the Friday of Gold. The Holy Mass will be celebrated at 6:30 PM. Friday, June 20th, 2014 social event at the church cultural center (banquet hall), live band, food, prizes. Sunday, June 22nd, Outdoor picnic Sunday, June 29th, His Holiness blessings to all graduates event. Thursday July 3, 2014. It is the Commemoration of Saint Thomas the Apostle. The Holy mass will be celebrated at 6:30 PM. Sunday July 13, 2014. It is the commemoration of his Beatitude the late Mar Yousif Khnanisho Metropolitan of Baghdad Iraq of the Assyrian Church of the East and Mar Pathion the blessed. The Holy mass will be celebrated at 9:00 AM. Friday, July 11th, 2014, social event at the church cultural center (banquet hall), live band, food, prizes. Tuesday July 15, 2014. It is the Commemoration of Mar Qoriaqos the Martyr and his Mother Yoliteh the Martyrs who were crowned in the year 304 AD. The Holy Mass will be celebrated at 6:30 PM. Sunday, July 20th, Outdoor picnic. Friday July 25, 2014. It is the Commemoration of the 72 Apostles. The Holy Mass will be celebrated at 6:30 PM. Sunday July 27, 2014. It is the Feast of Nosardael. The Holy Mas will be celebrated at 9:00 AM August: Wednesday August 6, 2014. It is the Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Feast of Transfiguration took place in the year 33 A.D. The Holy Mass will be celebrated at 6:30 P.M. Friday August 8, 2014. It is the Commemoration of Mar Mari the Apostle. The Holy Mass will be celebrated at 6:30 Pm. Friday August 15, 2014. It is the Commemoration of the falling asleep of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the year 38 A.D. The Holy Mass will be celebrated at 6:30 PM. Sunday, August 17th, 2014. Outdoor picnic. Friday, August 22nd, 2014 social event at the church cultural center (banquet hall), live band, food, prizes.

Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East Churches and Parishes in the world

Eastern Diocese of United States, Bishop Mar Paulus Benjamin: 9 Churches, 9 Parishes, 10 Priests.

Western Diocese of United States, California-Bishop Mar Awa Royel: 7 Churches, 8 Parishes, 8 Priests.

Western Diocese of United States, Arizona/Nevada-Bishop Mar Aprim Khamis: 5 Churches, 8 Parishes, 8 Priests.

Canada, Bishop Mar Emmanuel Yosip: 4 Churches, 5 Parishes, 5 Priests.

Europe, Bishop Mar Odisho Oraham: 3 Churches, 16 Parishes, 12 Priests.

Australia & Lebanon, Metropolitan Mar Meelis Zaia: 10 Churches, 12 Parishes, 14 Priests. 2 Elementary, 1 High school & 1 Retirement Home.

Inida & UAE, Metropolitan Mar Aprem Mooken, Bishop Mar Yohannan Yoseph, & Bishop Mar Awgin Koriakose : 31 Churches, 30 Parishes, 49 Priests.

Syria, Bishop Mar Aprem Nathniel: 32 Churches, 32 Parishes, 11 Priests. 1 Elementary School.

Iran, Bishop Mar Narsai Benyamin: 84 Churches, 4 Parishes, 2 Priests.

Iraq, Baghdad & Erbil, Mar Gewargis Sliwa: 16 Churches, 14 Parishes, 13 Priests, 3 Schools.

Iraq-Dohuk, Mar Isaac Yosip: 40 Churches, 8 Parishes, 8 Priests. Russia, Metropolitan Mar Gewargis Sliwa: 7 Churches, 3 Parishes, 3 Priests.

Translated & Compiled by: David Arkis

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New Testament

What is the Bible?

The first surprising thing about the Bible is that it is not one book. It was not written by one person. Its a whole library of books!

The first four books of the New Testaments are called gospels which means good news. The aim of all four writers was to tell the story of Jesus before all those who actually seen and known him died, so that people could have an accurate record based on evidence from eye-witnesses. Luke (the Greek doctor who went with Paul on his journeys) also wrote the story of how the church grew, called The Act of Apostles. The rest of the New Testament contains a collection of twenty-one letters written by Christian leaders to churches springing up all over the Middle East.

The last book is unique written in poetry and picture language. It is a series of The Bible we use today contains sixty-six visions of the future, designed to encourage and inspire early Christians against books, written by very different people the background of Roman persecution. over a period of some 2000 years. They Gods Word

include true stories, songs and poetry, laws and rules, sermons and letters, events The Bibles words can therefore be trusted and its message has a special power to speak to people of every age and outlook. That is why the Bible is often called in history and predictions about the future.
Gods Word.

The Bible- Library is divided into two parts, the Old and New Testaments. The Old Testament is nearly twice as long as the New. It is about Gods chosen people, the people of Israel, and takes us from the beginning of time through the sad day, centuries later, when they were conquered and taken as prisoners to Babylon, to the time when exiles returned home.

The Language of the Bible Of course the Bible was not written in English. Because it was put together over thousands of years, by different people, it was originally written in several languages: Hebrew: Most of the Old Testament is in Hebrew, the language of the descendants of Abraham. The Hebrew alphabet has twenty-two letters but no vowels. It is read from right to left. Aramaic: Parts of the book of Daniel were written in Aramaic. It was the ordinary

Then there is a break of several hundred language of Palestine and Jesus would have spoken it. years in the story. The New Testaments Greek: The New Testament was written in common Greek, the everyday lanbegins with the birth of Jesus. It is about guage used widely in eastern part of the Roman Empire. his life and the spread of the Christian Church after his death and resurrection. Prepared by: Shamoun, Shamoun Old Testament The first five books contain the history of Gods people from Abraham to Moses, with an introduction of the creation of the world. It includes Gods rules called the Ten Commandments; the Jews called it The Book of the Law or The Torah. The next twelve books are history. They tell the story of Joshua to the invasion and defeat of Gods people by the Babylonians and Persians, and their return from exile. The next five books deal with poetry and wisdom which contain writings, psalm, songs for worship and proverbs. The last seventeen Old Testament books are called the Prophets. They record the important messages preached by some special leaders God called to speak to his people. They encouraged people to worship God and warned his punishment when they disobeyed and turned to idols.

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Copyright 2014 by Assyrian Church of the East

HOLY APOSTOLIC CATHOLIC ASSYRIAN CHURCH OF THE EAST

Created by Hewi S. Arkis

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Created by Hewi S. Arkis

Copyright 2014 by Assyrian Church of the East

This edition sponsors Romans 8:11 (And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is
living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you. )
Easter greeting for 2014 will take place on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 at 5:00 pm at Saint Andrews Church, please mark your calendar and come to celebrate and greet each other the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with His Holiness, Patriarch Mar Dinkha IV.

Published by Saint Andrews Assyrian Church of the East. 901 N. Milwaukee Ave. Glenview, Illinois. Articles reflect point of view of writers in a positive encouraging way. Edited by: Hewi S. Arkis Printed by: Niles Express Copy & Printing, 7542 W. Oakton, Niles, IL. For more information, comments or suggestions email us at:
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