Vigil held for Assyrians

Fairfield Assyrian women held a prayer vigil to pray for Christians in Iraq.

The vigil was held at St Mary's Parish, on Tuesday, August 14, on the eve of the Feast of St Mary and the conclusion of the Assyrian Christian Women's Conference.
More than 400 hundred local Assyrian men, women and children attended the service.

His Grace Bishop Mar Meelis Zaia, Bishop for the Australian and New Zealand Diocese said the response from the Assyrian community was overwhelming.

"We hold the blessed Virgin Mary in the highest regard within the Assyrian church of the East,'' he said.

"The parishioners of the Church of the East felt this was their collective way to show spiritual support through the power of Prayer.

"With one voice the community has prayed for the alleviation of the sufferings of our fellow Christian Assyrians in Iraq.''

Part of the Local Assyrian campaign is to bring attention to the suffering, persecution and crimes being committed against the Christian Assyrians in Iraq.

Pictured: Sylvia Jammo, Jacqueline Odicho, Elizabeth Odicho, Florence Odicho, Deena Kelaita and Marlene Adam attended the prayer vigil on the Eve of the feast of St Mary. Hundreds of candles lit up the Polding St Church.

Article courtesy of Fairfield City Champion, printed 16/08/2007.

Posted: 18/08/2007