Welcome to this week’s edition of News from the Eastern Churches, brought to you in collaboration with L’Oeuvre d’Orient. Let’s dive into the latest updates from the Orient!
The Grand Opening of St. Mary’s Assyrian Cathedral in London
Last Sunday, February 16, witnessed the historic inauguration of St. Mary’s Cathedral in London by His Holiness Mar Awa III, the Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East, and Bishop Mar Awraham Youkhanis. This magnificent cathedral now serves as the European diocese’s headquarters, overseeing congregations in the UK, France, Belgium, Austria, the Netherlands, and Greece. The cathedral, formerly known as the Anglican Church of St. James, faced closure in 2018 due to structural issues. Thanks to generous donations from the local Assyrian community and the diaspora, the church was acquired and beautifully renovated. The thriving Assyrian community in the UK, estimated at 7,000 strong, now has a spiritual home to call their own.
Celebrating Saint Sargis in Armenia
February 15 marked the joyous celebration of Saint Sargis in Armenia, a day dedicated to the blessing of youth as decreed by Catholicos Karekin II of Etchmiadzin. Young people from different dioceses across Armenia congregated at the Mother Cathedral of Etchmiadzin to honor Saint Sargis, a revered 4th-century martyr and former Byzantine general known as the protector of youth. Tradition dictates that young individuals consume salty biscuits, called aghablit, before bedtime, seeking dreams that may reveal their future beloved.
Exploring the Heritage of the Holy Land
From February 14 to 15, the 30th edition of the Conference on Arab Heritage for Muslims and Christians took place in Bethlehem, organized by the Al-Liqa Center for Religious, Heritage, and Cultural Studies in the Holy Land. This year’s theme, “Justice is the Path to Peace,” brought together a diverse group of priests, intellectuals, and scholars to discuss pressing issues like the economic and social repercussions of the ongoing conflict. Shocking statistics were revealed, including the daily loss of $2.5 million in tourism revenue and a staggering 36% unemployment rate in Bethlehem. The financial strain on Christian institutions and the mass emigration of Palestinians were pivotal topics of conversation, shedding light on the challenges faced by the Holy Land’s heritage.
