Assyrian Church of the East opens first parish in Germany

(Assyrian Church) - The Assyrian Church of the East’s Diocese of Europe has purchased its first church property in Borken, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.

His Grace Mar Odisho Oraham, Bishop of Europe and Patriarchal Representative arrived at Düsseldorf International Airport on 25 June 2013. Accompanied by the Rev’d Cor-bishop Stephan Yalda, the Bishop of Europe was met in Germany by The Rev’d Fr Dr Patros Youkhana (Parish Priest) and Mr Ashur Gewargis (Committee Member).

On the same day His Grace visited the new church property, to be consecrated in honour of Mar Odisho and Mar Qardagh, which has been purchased in the district of Burlo, city of Borken.

With the participation of the faithful who had gathered at the newly purchased church, His Grace conducted prayers according to the rites of the Assyrian Church of the East. The Bishop also gave an address in which he expressed his joy at the purchase of the first Assyrian Church of the East property in Germany. Bishop Mar Odisho went on to thank the faithful sons and daughters of the parish who assisted in the purchase of the church and offered his spiritual guidance to the members of the congregation asking them to remain faithful sons and daughters of the Holy Church.

The prayers were followed by a formal welcome given in His Grace’s honour at a local venue. At the function Bishop Mar Odisho was greeted with hymns performed by the children of the parish along with the church choir. A light supper was organised by the Ladies Auxiliary. Rev’d Fr Dr Patros (Parish Priest) formally welcomed His Grace and thanked him for his visit and support of the congregation.

On 26 June 2013 the Bishop met with the parish priests and visited the homes of a number of faithful enquiring as to their welfare and offering his blessings. At 3pm on the same day, His Grace along with the Parish Priest and other relevant individuals finalised the legal purchase of the property at a local legal office.

His Grace then departed Borken to Düsseldorf International Airport returning to his Diocesan See in the Swedish capital Stockholm.

The consecration of the newly purchase Mar Odisho and Mar Qardagh Church in Borken will be held on 4 August 2013. His Grace Mar Odisho Oraham, aided by parish clergy will consecrate the church at 9.30am after which he will consecrate the Eucharistic Liturgy. A function will be held following the holy services to mark the auspicious occasion.

The address of the new church is:
An Der Evangelischen Kirche 46325
Borken – Germany