Archdiocese of Australia and NZ: Commemoration of St Mary

2009-08-15

“...behold, from now all generations shall give me a blessing.”
Luke 1:48

Saturday 15 August, 2009 saw approximately four thousand faithful flocked the St. Mary’s Church of the Assyrian Church of the East in Fairfield, Sydney – Australia, to commemorate the passing of St. Mary the blessed Virgin, Mother of Jesus Christ Our Lord. Church attendees occupied the church assembly hall and grounds showing their love and respect for St. Mary, the second heaven. 

The Eucharistic Liturgy of the Holy Oblation (Qurbana Qadisha) was said by His Beatitude Mar Meelis Zaia, Metropolitan of the Diocese of Australia and New Zealand, assisted by the Diocesan Priests and Deacons.

In his sermon, His Beatitude delivered a brief history of the St. Mary concluding by encouraging both men and woman of all age to look to her as a role model for humility and awareness to serve the Lord God whenever a calling is heard. His Beatitude added that in the Assyrian Church of the East, Mary is mention in all the liturgical services, in particular during the Hallowing of the Eucharist, fulfilling Mary’s instructions that “… All generations shall give me a blessing.” (Luke 1:48)

It is inspiring to report that His Beatitude also welcomed the many brothers and sisters of the Chaldean Catholic Church, who frequently attend the Eucharistic Services of the Assyrian Church of the East in St. Mary’s Church and other churches. 

Simultaneously, the Eucharistic service was also conducted in St. Hurmizd Cathedral, Greenfield Park and the Holy Qurbana was offered by Chorbishop Ashur lazar. A large number of faithful attended the service, lifting up praise, honour, thanks giving and worship the holy and life giving name of our heavenly Father, Who through the blessed St. Mary fulfilled His promise to mankind saying, “…Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14).