To commemorate His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV Catholicos' 50th annivarsary in the priesthood, hundreds of Assyrians gathered in Los Angeles last week for a Golden Jubilee celebration that included special prayers, songs, and a banquet.

His Holiness arrived in Los Angeles Friday, accompanied by His Grace Bishop Mar Aprim Khamis, special assistants Arch Deacon Younan Younan from London, and Father Paul Benjamin.  They were greeted by Father George Bet Rasho, President of St. Mary's Church council David Dizayer, Chairman of the board of advisors Charles Begini, Deacon Walodia Gewargis, and other parish members. 
 

Hundreds of parishioners gathered before services at St. Mary's Assyrian Church of the East on Sunday as His Holiness arrived, to greet him with songs. The Holy Mass service was full to capacity with people waiting outside to enter. In addition, the service included the ordination of deacons Rameil Eaywazi and Maroun Eyvazzadeh, and reader Antoni Eshoie. 
 
Later that evening, His Holiness was greeted again by hundreds who cheered and waved the Assyrian flag in his honor.   The dinner banquet not only commemorated His Holiness'  50th anniversary in the priesthood, but also his  31st anniversary of his consecration to the Holy See of Catholicos Patriarch of the East.