Catholicos-Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East Mar Awa III Royel visits Assyrian Genocide memorial in Athens, Greece

Catholicos-Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East Mar Awa III Royel visited the Assyrian Genocide Memorial in Athens, Greece, accompanied by metropolitans and priests. The visit included a Divine Liturgy for the souls of the martyrs at the Church of Our Lady in Athens. During the ceremony, the Patriarch placed a wreath on the monument, honoring the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people who were martyred during the Ottoman Empire’s reign in 1915.

The Patriarch emphasized the significance of remembering those who sacrificed their lives for their homeland, referring to them as having watered the land of Beth Nahrin (Mesopotamia) with their pure blood. This act of remembrance aligns with the Assyrian Church of the East’s commitment to preserving the memory of its historical suffering and the sacrifices of its people.

On 6 November, the Patriarch also presided over a Divine Liturgy at the Church of Virgin Mary in Athens, where a large crowd of parishioners gathered. His sermon called for the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) community in Greece to remain attentive to their sacred identity and language. This message reflects the Church’s ongoing efforts to uphold cultural and spiritual heritage among its diaspora.

The visit underscores the Assyrian Church of the East’s role in commemorating historical events and reinforcing communal identity. By engaging with the Assyrian Genocide Memorial, the Patriarch and his delegation reaffirmed the Church’s dedication to honoring its past while fostering a sense of belonging among its members in Greece.

The Assyrian Church of the East, along with the Chaldean Catholic Church, has long been involved in preserving the legacy of its people through religious and cultural practices. These actions highlight the importance of remembering the past as a means of guiding present and future generations. Micah 6:8 reminds us that justice, mercy, and humble service are central to living a life of faith and responsibility.

Source: Read the original report