Meltha Magazine Online

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1996, Volume 2, No.1(5), page 28

PART III. CURRENT EVENTS I

The Holy Assyrian Apostolic Church of the East in Moscow

Every time His Grace Iraq and CIS metropolitan Mar Gewargis Sliwa comes to visit Moscow we feel that the long awaited day when the dream of Assyrians in Russia who have for years been cut off from their spiritual sources should be fulfilled will come true.

On Wednesday 15 May 1996, the laying of the Holy Virgin (Mart Mariam) Church took place in Sharikopodshipnikovskaya Str . in Moscow. A metal capsule of His Grace message was placed inside the basement along with some soil that had been taken at the foot of Holy Virgin Church in Jerusalem and brought in here for this occasion by chairman of Moscow branch of the Assyrian Church of the East Mr. .Muhattas Shmoel. The message says, "For the sake of Holy Trinity, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. To- day on Wednesday 15 May 1996, in the city of Moscow, I, metropolitan of Iraq and CIS countries Gewargis Sliwa, in the time of Patriarch-Catholics of the Church of the East Mar Dynha IV and along with Assyrian believers, I am taking part in the laying of the Holy Virgin Church. God, bless us all! Amen."

The Assyrian Moscow community along- side a multitude of people of the locality where the church will be built, came to attend this solemn ceremony. There were tears of joy in the eyes of Assyrians. This event has shown once again that only spiritual life will be able to bring us together and save us from assimilation and annihilation.

The laying ceremony was hosted by "Meltha" editor-in chief, Mr. Roland Bidjamov. Speeches were made by His Grace Mar Gewargis Sliwa and the representative of the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox~ Church, hegumen Elisei who congratulate( Assyrians of Moscow on the occasion and conveyed blessing from the Patriarch, Hi~ Holiness, Alexij II.

The chief architect of the future church Mr. Anatoly Pavlovsky submitted to every- body's attention models of the Church building and the attached Assyrian Cultural center. He used Assyrian architectural element and ornamentation typical of ancient Assyrian palaces as well as of modern temples of the Assyrian Church of the East.

The solemn ceremony was accompanied by chorales performed by the Assyrian Children's Choir directed by Mrs. Valentina Osipova.

It is noteworthy that a considerable contribution to this occasion was made by the mentor of the Church of Kasha Khamis Hormiz Yusif, a well-known local public and business worker, Mr. Vyatcheslav l1yushin who could not only organize and carry out extensive preparatory work, but also drew a1] Assyrians in the creation of the Assyrian national temple.

The ceremony also was attended by presidents of such organizations like Assyrian association "LAROS", Moscow association "Hayadta", Assyrian Radio "Kala Atturaya", and "Meltha" Bulletin.

Rabbi Marona Arsanis