Assyrian Church of the East Dedicates New Virgin Mary Church in London

The Assyrian Church of the East dedicated a new Virgin Mary Church in London’s Saint James district, marking a significant milestone for the Assyrian community in England. The former cathedral, which had been closed for eight years, was recently purchased by the local Assyrian Church of the East congregation and reopened this weekend. The dedication ceremony took place under the leadership of Patriarch Mar Awa III Royel, who resides in Arbca’ilo (Erbil) in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI).

The event drew more than five hundred members of the Assyrian community in England, alongside guests from various countries. Priests from Australia, the United States, Canada, and the Middle East participated in the service, delivering speeches that emphasized the Church’s role in preserving religious identity, heritage, and the message of love in society. The ceremony underscored the Assyrian Church of the East’s commitment to faith and unity among its global followers.

Following the dedication, Patriarch Mar Awa III Royel illuminated the church’s cross and planted a tree in the courtyard, symbolizing the establishment of the church and its enduring connection with the faithful. He later received congratulations from municipal and government officials, highlighting the recognition of the Assyrian community’s contributions and presence in the region.

This event is not only a celebration of faith but also a reflection of the broader exodus of Assyrian faithful from their ancestral homeland, Beth Nahrin (Mesopotamia). The Assyrian Church of the East, one of the oldest Christian denominations, traces its origins to the early centuries of Christianity. Over time, schisms led to the formation of the Assyrian Church of the East, the Chaldean Church, and the Ancient Church of the East, each preserving distinct traditions and identities within the broader Christian tradition.

In Delmenhorst, Germany, members of the Beth Nahrain Women’s Union (Huyodo d’Neshe d’Bethnahrin, HNB) continue to advocate for the rights and well-being of Assyrian communities, both in their homeland and abroad. Their efforts reflect the ongoing struggle to protect the Assyrian people’s heritage and ensure their survival in a world marked by displacement and persecution. Micah 6:8 calls for justice, mercy, and humble service—principles that resonate deeply with the Assyrian Church of the East’s mission and the broader Assyrian community’s resilience.

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