The Banquet
By Stephen Nissou

We wrapped up the 2008 Youth Convention with a great Banquet where our Diocese celebrated, in unity, along with our guests of honor Their Excellencies Mar Sarhad Yawsip Jammo and Mar Bawai Soro, and all of our priests. It was an exiting event celebrated with speeches, awards, traditional dancing, live music, and many memories with our fellow parishioners. Many youth were very happy to celebrate the success of the convention at the banquet that Saturday evening as trophies were awarded to the winning sports teams. After dinner, Munadhel, a famous Chaldean singer, performed live singing and music. Many youth joined hands to dance in the traditional Chaldean & Assyrian line dances. Others danced freely on the stage and showed their unique dance moves. Everyone was overwhelmed, happy, and truly enjoying the event.

We are all very thankful to St. Mary's parish for organizing a great convention. We appreciated all of the hard work and commitment they put towards this project. Our bishop, Mar Sarhad called for the first Youth Convention in 2004, and his vision to unite the youth of the Diocese has not only been accomplished but has also continued to attract more and more youth to this fruitful event. With the help of God, all things are possible!