Locally, On Sunday, April 12, 2015 a special memorial service will be held honoring his legacy (His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV) at St. Mary's Church. 5955 Lindley Avenue, Tarzana, California at 2:00pm

"Perhaps it is one of the signs of the times that we live in, a time filled with all sorts of demands on personal time and activities, or perhaps it is just the human condition, but for whatever reason we often seem to be unprepared when The Sowma Season approaches us. So we tend to brush it of and go on with our daily routine.
The season of Sowma which use to be one of the most important seasons in the lives of our ancestors has practically become distinct in the lives of so many today and a burden to others. This is the exact reason why the effect of the resurrection (Easter), which is the epic of our faith has depleted in our lives.
There is no sign of it as we go about our daily lives. So without preparation which includes reflection on our personal faith, cleansing, repentance and spiritual strengthening Easter becomes just another commercialized festival focused on chocolate Easter bunnies, colorful eggs, elaborate dinner invitations and just another day of fun.
We need a more fitting way to herald Christianity's primary feast - the Great Feast of Easter.
It is time to reclaim the season of Sowma. This year I urge you to decide to observe Sowma and not let it pass us by in a blur!
The season of Sowma is a very personal journey along a path of spiritual growth.
When we commit ourself to fasting, praying, reading of the word and actively participating in church services showing our desire to take on the life of Christ for the sake of the Gospel and in imitation of Christ's time of prayer in the desert.
Sowma should be a time of conversion, a chance to examine our lives through prayer, fasting, and charity, and to conform ourselves to the life of Christ.
The season is full of rich traditions and prayers which you can pull together into your own unique Lenten Devotions.
Cor_Bishop Father George Bet-Rasho

St. Mary’s Parish

Assyrian Church of the East - Los Angeles

To all the Faithful and Caring People.

The Assyrian Church of the East, St Mary’s Parish, will be holding a special prayer on Friday February 27th 7:30pm at St Mary’s Church located on 5955 Lindley Avenue, Tarzana, in support of our brothers and sisters who have been eradicated from their homes located in the northeast part of Syria, namely the 35 Assyrian villages on both sides of the Khabur River. Hundreds of families have been displayed. Over 150 men, women, children, elderly and clergy have been captured by ISIS. Let us all unite our efforts in support of our brothers and sisters.

We are also asking everyone to call the White House on Thursday, February 26, 2015. (202)456-1111 or (202)456-1414. When calling use following statement:

“Hello, My name is [First Name, and Last Name], and I live in [City, State].

I am calling about the recent attacks that occurred this week on the Assyrian Christians in Syria by the so called terrorist group ISIS.

In this raid, ISIS militants abducted at least 150 Assyrians, mostly women and children, and have threatened to execute them if the Kurdish militias in the region do not release several ISIS militant prisoners.

Please, Mr. President we beg you to continue to stand as a leader on human rights. We cannot now stand by idly and watch at these people are pushed from their indigenous lands as a result of  our past actions. It is incumbent on the United States to act affirmatively on behalf of the survival of the Assyrian people in their homeland.

I thank you for your time.”

For those of you who would like to donate to support the displaced, please go to theAcero.org or make a donation at any of our church offices. The Assyrian Church has immediately sent $50,000 from our US parishes, and is in the process of sending $50,000 more within the next 10 days.

Please support our cause.

Cor-Bishop Father George Bet Rasho

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4J4enBhOllw