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September 20, 2007 An Historic Event
On the 15th & 16th of September 2007, Saint Paul’s 20th anniversary dinner reception and Holy Qurbana celebration were historic events: Mar Sarhad Yawsip Jammo and Mar Bawai Soro were present along with many priests, deacons and faithful from both Churches. From their remarks it was apparent that for 24 years Their Excellencies have been close friends and serious co-workers in the path of Christian Unity. Both Bishops requested the faithful to call to mind their Christian duty to adhere to the will of Christ for the unity of his one holy Church (John 17:21).
They implored those who heard their message to faithfully live and maintain the Church of the East’s Sacred Tradition and advance its teaching on Church unity as articulated in the Liturgy, Canon Law & Mesopotamian Fathers. And, lastly, both Bishops exhorted the faithful to realize that according to today’s circumstances there is a need for a Chaldean-Assyrian solidarity and unity in order to bridge the gaps of separation and to heal the wounds of division. Mar Bawai’s message centered on the importance of recognizing these facts and resorting to concrete plans for reestablishing the essential unity that characterizes Apostolic & Episcopal ministry. He expressed his full wish for restoring unity with the Chaldean Church and communion with her hierarchy.
The reciprocal message of Mar Sarhad was equally loud and clear: “As authentic heirs of the Ancient and Primordial Church of the East, the Chaldean Catholic Church, and in particular, the Diocese of Saint Peter, has the task and duty to participate in any serious approach for communion with whichever segments of the Church of the East that in truth and deed seeks unity.” It is hoped that in early 2008 some concrete steps shall be taken towards the fulfillment of this sacred goal.
Note: Regarding the historic events mentioned by Mar Sarhad in his sermon, it was Pope Julius III who consecrated Mar Youhannan Sulaka in Rome on April 9, 1553 and who vested him with the Patriarchal Pallium on April 28 of the same year.
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