Assyrian Christian Rally

Tuesday 7th August 2007 - (Martyr’s Day)

On a freezing and misty morning, over 500 members of the Australian Assyrian Sydney and Melbourne communities braved the weather and set up camp on the lawns of the Australian Parliament House in Canberra, home to the nation’s federal politicians and key decision makers.

“We are here today to encourage our government to take a more active role in safeguarding the Assyrian nation,” said Gaby Kiwarkis, President of the Australian Assyrian Christian Association. The Association organised the rally at the request of Assyrian mothers who where distressed with the continuing persecution of Christians in Iraq and the constant rejection of applications for migration of their refugee families.

Present on the day were representatives of Assyrian organisations, politicians and human rights campaigners as well as ministers of God from Assyrian and Australian churches. Songs of worship were sung by all and prayers were committed to our Lord Jesus Christ.

The opening prayer was delivered by Rev. Genard Lazar of the Assyrian Church of the East, and later in the day conducted a service after giving a short sermon on Matthew 5:44, saying “Only God has the might to cause us to feel beyond the immediate searing pain of persecution and struggle, and to desire a transformation of the heart of the abuser.” Rev. Lazar emphases that love must be for all “the people of Iraq, regardless of who they are, must be true and of the quality that helps to bring about a change for the better of all in that country”. The Saints Peter and Paul Parish of the Assyrian Church of the East organised the prayer program, where Deacon Denis Mirza also preached on the need to match Faith with Deeds and called on Christians in Australia to support the Assyrian Christians of Iraq.

Amongst the many speakers was Ravina Jouda of the Assyrian Sports and Culture Club, highlighting that 7th of August was the Assyrian Martyr’s Day, a most fitting occasion to stand before Parliament House to lobby for a tangible solution to the crisis faced today by Assyrians of all Christian denominations in Iraq. In his speech, the President of the same Culture Club, Ashur Yacoub, gave a similar message in Assyrian emphasising that our people have had enough of the inattention from the world community. Rev. Yousip Yousip of the Ancient Church of the East spoke of the deep pain Christians face on a daily basis in Iraq and as refugees in the surrounding countries.

The sky was ablaze with Assyrian and Australian flags gently touched by the light breeze forming a beautiful picture of white and blue against the backdrop of a cloudless sky. Towards the rear of the group, large banners were raised, all with different messages in support of the Assyrians of Iraq and their situation, including “Assyrian Homeland Isaiah 19:23-25” and “Stop Genocide against the Christian Assyrians of Iraq”.

However, the most significant observation by all was the vision of large wooden crosses held up by the Assyrian youth. This highlighted the importance of Christians, especially the Assyrian people, coming together and speaking as one.  

As the day progressed, God’s sun shined down on his people, making the ambience stronger. Human Rights campaigner Michael Darby gave a powerful and uplifting speech, calling the current situation of Assyrians intolerable and leading a loud chant of “A homeland for Assyrians” and “Save the Assyrians, We want Assyria”. Rev. Gregor Henderson, President of the Uniting Church of Australia and John Henderson, President of the National Council of Churches of Australia gave speeches decrying the persecution of Assyrian Christians and the need for effective policies by governments to alleviate their dire condition. Pastor Paul Green, candidate of the Christian Democratic Party and the Hon. Chris Bowen Member for Prospect were also present to speak on the occasion. Mr Chris Bowen received a petition from Gaby Kiwarkis signed by the people who attended on the day.

The central message touched on by all the speakers was the need to solve the severe humanitarian crisis Assyrians are in by providing migration for their refugees as a temporary measure and a permanent solution through the establishment of a self-administered Assyrian Regional Government in Iraq. The Australian Assyrian Christian Association’s website (click here) provides a detailed account of the petition made to the Australian government.

May God bless all who showed their support by attending this milestone event in support of the Christians of Iraq. In the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, may God touch the hearts of all peoples and governments to act responsibly to end the suffering of the Assyrian nation. Amen.

Article courtesy of the Assyrian Church of the East (Australian & New Zealand Diocese).

Posted: 09/08/2007