Assyrian news

 Iraq – MNN ++ Christians used to be a vital force in the Middle East, but the rise of radical Islam and violence in recent days has driven many away. In 2008, churches were attacked or damaged by bombs, Christians received death threats, and several Christians were murdered, abused and/or …

By Paul Schemm BAGHDAD – AP ++ Iraq has lost more than half the Christians who once called it home, mostly since the war began, and few who fled have plans to return, The Associated Press has learned. Pope Benedict XVI called attention to their plight during a Mideast visit …

By Ethan Bronner JERUSALEM – New York Times ++ Christians used to be a vital force in the Middle East. They dominated Lebanon and filled top jobs in the Palestinian movement. In Egypt, they were wealthy beyond their number. In Iraq, they packed the universities and professions. Across the region, …

By Nuri Kino Tur-Abdin (Turkey) – AINA ++ The land dispute trial of St. Gabriel Monastery in Turabdin, Turkey was postponed for the fourth time. On May 6 a new court session was held in Midyat, Turkey. Again the decision was postponed, this time until May 22 and June 24.Nuri …

Tahran – chnpress ++ Deputy of the leader of the Assyrian Church of the East Metropolitan Mar Gewargis Sliwa arrived here Monday to attend a meeting on dialogue among different religion. The Islamic Culture and Relations Organization (ICRO) reported that during his week-long stay in Iran, the Metropolitan will also …

Ankara – Reuters ++ A leading Syriac Christian group urged Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdoðan on Monday to protect a fifth-century Christian monastery in eastern Turkey from local officials claiming land the monastery has owned for centuries. The dispute over the boundaries of Mor Gabriel, one of the world’s oldest …

Ensched(Holland)- Seyfo Center++ The 41st edition of the Enschedese Marathon took place on Sunday the 26th of April. At least 70.000 people enjoyed the event. Amongst the 8000 runners, many had an Assyrian background. The Assyrian Youth Federation (AJF) and the Assyrian Genocide Centre ”Seyfo Centre” organized the participation for …

By Stacy Milbouer MERRIMACK – Nashuatelegraph ++ After saying Mass to a group of 100 at Thomas More College of Liberal Arts on Sunday, the Roman Catholic archbishop of Iraq spoke of the persecution of Christians in his country, including kidnappings, which he said go underreported and underinvestigated. During the …

     Ankawa, North Iraq – AINA — An Assyrian church security guard was severely beaten on Sunday, April 26 by four people claiming to be Kurds. While guarding the St. Joseph Church and the parishioners during Sunday morning mass, the guard observed a Land Cruiser with three occupants circling the …

     Toronto, Canada – ado — After a long battle with illness, on the evening of Monday April 27, 2009, the Assyrian historian Dr. Hirmis Aboona passed away at the age of 69, in the city of Toronto, Canada. Hirmis Aboona is the author of several books on the ancient …