Walkathon 2015

ACEYAS’ annual Walkathon is back!

This year the Walkathon will take place on Sunday 21 June 2015. The walk will start and end at St Hurmizd’s Cathedral, and will be officially be opened by HB Mar Meelis Zaia AM Metropolitan among reverend priests and deacons.

Registrations require a $10 fee (which will cover costs for shirts). You can register and pay with a youth committee member during Sunday night bible studies, or online via the following links:

Register: walkathon.syd.aceya.org/register
Download sponsorship form: walkathon.syd.aceya.org/form
Pay registration fee: walkathon.syd.aceya.org/pay
General donations: walkathon.syd.aceya.org/donate

We pray you have a blessed day.

God bless,
ACEYA • Sydney

CAN YOU HELP?

Please help us bring some joy and make Christmas a wonderful time for those less fortunate than us.

Hampers can be packed in a shoe box, green shopping bag or a foam fruit box; nothing too big or it becomes a WH&S issue.

You may donate items every Sunday night at youth, from 7 – 9pm. Or every Wednesday at 7:30 – 8:30pm. You may also donate via PayPal (sydney.aceya.org/christmashamper), and the youth committee will purchase canned foods on your behalf. All items must be donated on or before Sunday 7 December.

The suggested items to donate:

CANNED GOODS
Fruit
Christmas Pudding
Corn
Christmas Cake
Spaghetti
Nuts
Salmon/Tuna
Ham
Peas
Beetroot
Carrots

PACKET GOODS
Breakfast cereal
Flour
Noodles
Pasta
Rice
Packet sauces
Christmas lollies/Jellies

DRINKS
Tea
Milo
Cordial
Fruit Juice
Coffee
Mineral Water

OTHER ITEMS
Savoury biscuits
Sweet biscuits
Vegemite
Peanut Butter
Nutella
Chocolate/s
Other spreads

TOILETRIES
Soap/Liquid Soap
Toothpaste
Shampoo-conditioner
Softeners
Shaving Cream
Shower Gel
Face Washers
Wipes
Tea Towels
Dishwashing Liquids
Pegs

CHRISTMAS ITEMS
Bon Bons
Tinsel
Christmas Decorations

PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE OUT OF DATE ITEMS, PERISHABLE OR ALCOHOL.

Thanks in advance for your kind support,
ACEYA • Sydney

Radio interview with HG Mar Awa Royel, Bishop of California

Listen to the recording of the Voice of the Youth radio program hosting HG Mar Awa Royel in their weekly program talking about the latest ecumenical news.

Life of i: Sydney Youth Retreat

There was fun, laughter, faith and fellowship at this year’s annual youth association retreat!

The event, which was organised by the Assyrian Church of the East Youth Association – Sydney (ACEYA – S), was labeled a success. With close to 100 people in attendance, coaches departed from St Hurmizd Cathedral early Friday evening 12th of July.

Upon arrival at the Wesley Vision Valley site, a hot dinner was served and youth were placed into colour groups ready for a night of activities that included photography, painting and affirmations. Rev’d Father Narsai Youkhanis, Youth Associations Australia Chaplain, gave a welcoming talk on the importance of making Christ the center of our lives. Building upon the retreat theme, St Paul to the Romans 12:2a, we as Christians should not conform to worldly patterns, but rather live a Christly and Godly life in peace and holiness.

The groups were then offered free time to get unpacked and settle into their lodges before some called it a night and others opted for the cafeteria for some hot chocolate, coffee and light snacks around the fireplace.

On Saturday morning attendees woke up to a big breakfast at the main hall that was sure to prepare them and give them the much needed boost for an afternoon of enduring sports.

There were screams of victory and overcoming fear of heights as groups competed in sports activities ranging from archery, to rock climbing and high wire zip line.

After an adrenalin packed afternoon, it was time for spiritual relaxation with Dn. George Rasho taking one workshop and Danny Kelaita and Morris Toma co-leading another. Youth took part in both group discussions titled iFall and iMe. The discussions focused on selfishness and the world today and the influence and effects of technology on our lives.

Later on in the afternoon, the amazing race, titled iRace, kicked off with teams scrambling to look for clues to finishing first. Each clue stop had verses from the Bible that led them to their next location.

The last dinner was served late Saturday evening that consisted of succulent chicken, vegies and gravy, followed by an all ice-cream dessert. Once dinner was over, campers made their way to a bonfire for a short talk from Rev’d Father John Kushaba, hymns and toasted marshmallows. Youth then made their way to their lodges for free time before lights went out for an early Sunday morning Eucharistic Liturgy which was consecrated by Rev’d Father Narsai Youkhanis.

The Eucharistic Liturgy took place at the Valley Chapel that was surrounded by greenery and a lake. The youth partook in the body and blood of Christ to the angelic hymns of the church choir and the beautiful scent of holy incense.

After the Eucharistic Liturgy, breakfast was served, followed by a short break for campers to pack their belongings and regroup one last time. Youth had their last lunch, got back into their groups and were each presented with a card picturing His Beatitude Mar Yosip Khnanisho, the late Metropolitan of Iraq and revered saint of the Holy Church. Before departure, individual colour group photos were taken, followed by a large group photo that concluded the retreat and saw campers board the buses with new friendships and stronger faith.

By Emmanuel Brikha

Record crowds pack YGT 2013!

By: Emmanuel Brikha

The annual Youths Got Talent show has officially kicked off for 2013 on Sunday, in front of a sell-out crowd of hundreds of people at the Nineveh Lounge in Edensor Park, Sydney.

The highly acclaimed show that is hosted by the Assyrian church of the East Youth Association Sydney (ACEYAS) featured four new judges this year. Assyrian music stars, Charles Tooma, Randa Yacoub, Ramos D Artist and Ben Isaac.

Tickets went on sale weeks prior to the event online, but the demand was high and tickets at the door also sold out. It wasn’t long before the theatre hall reached full capacity.

More than a dozen youth contestants with talents ranging from singing, to rapping, performing with instruments and dancing wowed the audience with the help of the dazzling atmosphere of light and sound.

Humorous host and YGT director George Rasho along with his stunning co-host Reema Khammo introduced the first act to wild cheers from the crowd, signalling the launch to ‘Youths Got Talent’ 2013.

Heather Tamson opened the stage with her performance of Kelly Clarkson’s hit ‘Because of you’.

The youngest of contestants, two-year-old Abella Rose brought cuteness to the competition when she took to the stage in her dancing costume to the backdrop of pink lights.

Throughout the night the audience witnessed an array of talent including Christian rap acts by Luke Jacobs ‘Big Slang’, and Mark Isho ‘Mark the truth’. Off course a talent show would not be complete without a Michael Jackson performance, which was fabulously given by Ashour Keryakos.

But it was three acts that had all four judges out of their seats giving standing ovations. The first was young contestant George Georges who performed the Linda George unity hit ‘Omtho Hich lo Maitho’, the second was Mark Isho who despite experiencing technical difficulties with his soundtrack continued to rap without audio backing.

But who could forget the last act of the night, 11 year old Ashour Sargis who not only captivated and engaged the audience but had all four judges up on their feet and dancing to his version of ‘Nala’ by Albert Mansour.

Assyrian recording artist and judge Charles Tooma was taken by surprise at the attendance of so many youth.

‘I have never seen so many Assyrian youth (teenagers) in any function organised by any organisation apart from Assyrian New Year festivities’, he said.

He also mentioned Sunday night’s show experience as a judge.

‘During the last 32 years of my singing career I’ve been fortunate to be part of and witnessed many celebrations and have drawn great memories from, but last night’s experience was one I will remember for many years to come’.

Youth Association coordinator, Adwena David, expressed her appreciation to volunteers after months of planning for the event.

‘A lot of hard work has gone into the planning and we couldn’t be happier with the result. The success of the night, as with the success of every event, comes down to the generous volunteers we have. We thank everyone who has had a part, big or small, in helping us bring this show to life’ she said.

YGT Director– George Rasho

YGT Director George Rasho believes last night’s show was one of the biggest yet and reiterated the need for community support.

‘Last night’s show was undoubtedly one of the biggest that our community has seen in terms of artistic expression’.

‘This show is not just about getting on stage to perform, it’s about showcasing our God given talents and coming together as a community and helping our youth reach their goals’.

He also thanked the Youth Association Core Committee who have worked towards making the show the great success it’s been and the judges for their honest, critical yet encouraging feedback.

‘This year’s audience was also a star in itself. Thank you to all of those that came and supported the young stars and the Youth Association and the judges this year gave a professional and honest opinion to all of our contestants and truly encouraged them through their own wisdom’

How to vote

To keep your favourite act in the 2013 YGT competition you can simply do that by voting via sms or online.

For sms, just message the full name of the contestant to 04888 ‘YOUTH’, or simply like their video via the Assyrian Church of the East Youth Association of Sydney Facebook page.

1. Heather Tamson

2. Anothony Makko & Dinatra Misho

3. Abella Rose Gorail

4. Luke Jacob

5. George Georges

6. Rene Adam

7. Shayla Wales and Diana Yousif

8. Dn Ninos Babisha

9. Ashour Keryakos

10. Cadena Slmonyans

11. Matin Isho

12. Christian Khanou

13. Ashur Varde

14. Emily Lazar

15. Dina Adam

16. Ashour Sargis

Purchase tickets online via the youth group page to secure your seat at the epic finale show on Sunday 23rd June 2013 from Ticketbud.

Rejoice Festival 2013

Through the study of the Living Word of God as well as social and cultural activities, young Assyrians continue to grow together spiritually and socially, developing and establishing wonderful and long-lasting relationships, built upon the love of God. We draw upon the teachings of John 2:14b, “I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one.”

Last year we decided to hold the ‘Rejoice’ festival for families to enjoy an Easter event. As a result of the success of the event it has now become an annual event. This year the festival was held on Sunday 7 April 2013 from 12pm-9pm. We have drawn on biblical readings in naming the event ‘Rejoice’; 2 Corinthians 5:15 states ‘And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again’. We understand from this biblical message that through Christ’s death and resurrection our lives are transformed and we are called to live and rejoice in Him. Through Christ’s death and resurrection all of humanity is renewed and saved. In organizing the mentioned event, we wish not to only add to the activities that are already held during the Easter season but to stage an activity which has at its roots a desire to spread the Word of God and the true meaning of Easter.

The day included good food, drinks and entertainment for the whole family. We also had guest stars of favorite Disney characters, amusement rides for everyone and Easter show bags to give the true meaning of the Holy Feast of the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus.

God willing, each and every year Rejoice will continue to be successful and enjoyable for all ages with the ongoing celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Our aim is to spend this day and every other day as brothers and sisters in Christ by sharing our love with one another and remembering Gods ultimate sacrifice for us. Let us not only rejoice for our Lord on Easter, rather let us give thanks and praise to God daily for His unconditional love and blessings.

ACEYA Sydney Core Committee would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their generous donations and ongoing support. We were blessed to have numerous volunteers throughout the day that helped the festival run smoothly. We pray that everyone passed a blessed day celebrating the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, God willing we see you all once again next year.

In The Beginning…

Assyrian Church of the East Youth Association Youth Launch JBS

January JBS: “In The Beginning…” by Rev. Narsai Youkhanis

Play

January JBS: “In The Beginning…” by Rev. Narsai Youkhanis, on 13/01/2013.