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METRO DETROIT CHALDEAN COMMUNITY VOL. 22 ISSUE I FEBRUARY 2025

HAPPILY

EVER

AFTER

WEDDING

PLANNING 101

التخطيط لحفل الزفاف

ولحياةٍ‏ مُستقبلية سَ‏ عيدة

Featuring:

Date Night Ideas

Passing the Torch

Heart Health


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FEBRUARY 2025 CHALDEAN NEWS 3


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4 CHALDEAN NEWS FEBRUARY 2025

10/20/23 10:20 AM


METRO DETROIT CHALDEAN COMMUNITY | FEBRUARY 2025 | VOL. 22 ISSUE I

ON THE COVER

14 Happily Ever After

Wedding Planning 101

By Sarah Kittle

FEATURES

16 Come Fly with Me

Date night ideas

By Paul Natinsky

18 Passing the Torch

A new generation of philanthropists

By Sarah Kittle

20 All the Right Notes

10-year-old piano player

By Sarah Kittle

14

DEPARTMENTS

6 From the Editor

Love Above All Else

By Sarah Kittle

8 Guest Column

5,000 Calorie Weddings

By Mike Sarafa

10 Foundation Update

Civics Bee, Children’s Endowment, C.H.A.I.

and Cultural Awareness

12 Noteworthy

Nuns, Chamber, Appointments

13 Money Matters

Mortgage Rates

By Paul Natinsky

22 Culture & History

Mosul at the Crossroads

By Dr. Adhid Miri

26 Health & Wellness

The Cost of Stress

By Jacqueline Raxter, MA, LMSW, LPC

28 Health & Wellness

Heart Health

By Paul Nona, MD & Rena Daiza, MD

30 Iraq Today

Alqosh Past and Present

By Ghazwan Alyass

34 Economics & Enterprise

Get Ready for Prime Time

By Steve Stein

36 A Craftsman’s Calling

By Sarah Kittle

38 Religion

Ba’utha

By Michael Antoon

40 OLF: Growing in Faith

By Grace Alkatib

42 In Memoriam

16

18

FEBRUARY 2025 CHALDEAN NEWS 5


FROM THE EDITOR

PUBLISHED BY

Chaldean News, LLC

Chaldean Community Foundation

Martin Manna

EDITORIAL

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Sarah Kittle

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Grace Alkatib

Ghazwan Alyass

Michael Antoon

Dr. Rena Daiza

Sarah Kittle

Dr. Adhid Miri

Paul Natinsky

Dr. Paul Nona

Jacqueline Raxter, MA, LMSW, LPC

Mike Sarafa

Steve Stein

ART & PRODUCTION

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Alex Lumelsky with SKY Creative

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Zina Lumelsky with SKY Creative

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Double Exposure Photography

Alex Lumelsky

Nicolas Salgado

SALES

Interlink Media

Sana Navarrette

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Sana Navarrette

Subscriptions: $35 per year

CONTACT INFORMATION

Story ideas: edit@chaldeannews.com

Advertisements: ads@chaldeannews.com

Subscription and all other inquiries:

info@chaldeannews.com

Chaldean News

2075 Walnut Lake Road

West Bloomfield, MI 48323

www.chaldeannews.com

Phone: (248) 851-8600

Publication: The Chaldean News (P-6);

Published monthly; Issue Date: February 2025

Subscriptions: 12 months, $35.

Publication Address:

2075 Walnut Lake Road

West Bloomfield, MI 48323

Permit to mail at periodicals postage rates

is on file at Farmington Hills Post Office

Postmaster: Send address changes to

“The Chaldean News 2075 Walnut Lake

Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48323”

Love Above All Else

February is a month for lovers; it’s too cold to

be about anything else!

We are happy to offer an article on wedding

planning, helping couples take the stress out

of organizing their big day. Whether you’re newly

engaged or just planning ahead, this article offers

expert advice to ensure that your wedding day is a

reflection of your unique love story—without the

anxiety.

In addition to the excitement of weddings, we

shine a spotlight on the inspiring work of local

teen philanthropists. These young changemakers

are proving that age is no barrier to making

SARAH KITTLE

EDITOR

IN CHIEF

Whether you’re newly engaged or just

planning ahead, we offer expert advice

to ensure that your wedding day is a

reflection of your unique love story.

a difference in the world. Their efforts are

not only a continuing legacy of giving and

loving your neighbor, but they are also a

reminder of the incredible power of community

service and the positive impact we can

all have on the lives of others.

For those with a love of music, we feature

the remarkable story of child piano prodigy Anthony Gasso.

This young musician’s talent is a testament to the dedication

and passion that drive our future leaders, artists, and creators.

Looking for a fun and memorable way to spend time with

your partner? Our “Warm Up to Date Night” feature offers

some fantastic ideas for romantic outings in our vibrant city.

Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy dinner, a cultural experience,

or something a little more adventurous (like a helicopter

ride!), Detroit has plenty to offer.

In our Noteworthy section, we talk about a video of

Chaldean nuns at a local hockey game that has gone viral,

capturing the hearts of many. The footage shows the sisters,

dressed in their religious habits, enthusiastically cheering

for the team in a show of camaraderie and joy. The viral video

not only highlights the uniqueness of Chaldeans’ cultural

fabric but also serves as a reminder of how sports can unite

us across diverse backgrounds, bringing people together in

shared experiences.

Mental health continues to be a crucial topic, and this

month, we focus on managing stress and maintaining emotional

well-being. With everything happening in the

world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but we have

tips and insights to help you navigate these challenges

and prioritize your mental health.

Heart health also takes center stage in this issue.

February is American Heart Month, and we’ve included

valuable information on keeping your heart

healthy and strong. With simple lifestyle changes

and a focus on prevention, it’s easier than ever to

take control of your cardiovascular health.

In Mosul – An Ancient City at the Crossroads,

Dr. Miri delves into the complex history and ongoing

challenges faced by the city of Mosul in Iraq, highlighting

its strategic importance and the profound impact of both war

and peace efforts on its people. The story offers a sobering yet

hopeful perspective on the resilience of a city that has withstood

tremendous hardships, and it serves as a reminder of

the power of history in shaping the present and future.

Finally, we delve into the Chaldean observance of Bu’atha.

This important cultural tradition serves as a reminder of Chaldeans’

deep roots and the strength of the community.

This February issue is loaded with inspiration, education,

and stories that reflect the vibrancy of the Chaldean community.

As always, we hope these articles encourage you to

embrace new opportunities, take care of your health, and celebrate

the rich traditions that make us who we are. We wish

you a month filled with love, joy, and renewed purpose.

Warmly,

Sarah Kittle

Editor in Chief

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6 CHALDEAN NEWS FEBRUARY 2025


PUBLISHER'S CIRCLE

Join the

Publishers Circle

As the publication of record for Michigan’s

Chaldean community, the mission of the

Chaldean News is to preserve and archive

Chaldean heritage and history, and to tell the

ongoing story of Chaldean contributions to the

communities in which we live and work — in Michigan

and around the world.

In the past five years, the Chaldean News has

substantially increased its readership and social media

following, introduced new digital and website content, and

expanded storytelling with the help of small grant funding.

With the generous help of individuals and organizations,

together, we can ensure that this vital resource continues

to educate and connect the community, while evolving to

meet the needs of future generations.

We truly appreciate your support of our efforts to expand

and strengthen our coverage of the Chaldean community,

both locally and globally. We are excited about the

opportunities ahead, and your support will be essential

in helping us grow our digital presence, preserve our

cultural heritage, and tell even more compelling stories

about the Chaldean community.

You can take part in helping to preserve your

Chaldean heritage by joining the Publisher’s

Circle today. Together, we can continue to

ensure that the Chaldean News remains a

vital resource for generations to come.

To learn more, visit chaldeannews.com

or contact us at 248-851-8600

Let’s grow the circle.

FEBRUARY 2025 CHALDEAN NEWS 7


GUEST COLUMN

5,000-Calorie Weddings

BY MIKE SARAFA

On the occasion of

the Chaldean News’

annual wedding issue,

I thought I’d take a stab

at addressing what many

people agree on but don’t

do anything about— the

considerable food waste at

weddings.

The tradition, at least for

weddings at Shenandoah

Country Club, has devolved

into essentially three full meals in four

hours. Typically, the receptions begin

with a rather substantial pre-function

cocktail hour featuring heavy hot and

cold food, often hundreds of pounds

of fresh seafood, wine and champagne

and even a full bar.

If one happens to arrive a little

later, say around 8:00pm, you will witness

the spectacle of the Shenandoah

staff carting off mounds of untouched

food (not the shrimp and crab legs,

those usually get eaten up).

Once entering the hall, you’re

greeted by either super-sized piles of

hummus and tabbouleh or a plated

full dinner-size salad. At some point,

after the Zeffa and a whole bunch of

other entirely predictable songs, the

soup will come out. This is usually either

a very hearty cream-based soup,

mushroom, or beef barley. By this

time, most tables have asked for another

breadbasket.

If one did not overeat standing up

in the pre-function area, you might

MIKE SARAFA

SPECIAL TO THE

CHALDEAN NEWS

have room for these pre-dinner

delicacies. Otherwise, the

vast majority of these items

get carried away only partially

touched, if at all.

By then, it’s usually pushing

10:00pm as the staff wraps

up the breakdown of the prefunction

space while simultaneously

setting up for

the midnight snacks. To

be sure, back in the day,

weddings ran well past midnight.

That is not so true today.

If you happen to have to

use the bathroom before dinner

comes out, on your way back to

your table you might be able to

grab a slice of pizza, maybe sliders,

a shawarma sandwich, or

pasta or nachos, and often much

more.

Later, if you’re not satisfied

with the wedding cake and ice

cream that is served, you could

return again to the pre-function

space and usually find frozen yogurt,

donuts, and trays of Middle

Eastern dessert among other

sweets.

Anecdotally, I would estimate

that no less than 80% of the plated

meals are tossed in the garbage less

than half eaten. Filet, chicken, braised

beef, potatoes, vegetables, bread—all of

it goes in the Shenandoah dumpster.

It is nearly impossible to enjoy

the plated meal service by the time it

comes because you are either full, or it

is past 10:00pm and much too late for

most people to eat. Or, more recently

I’ve seen many people just forgo the

plated meal and head out to the comfort

food in the foyer as their preferred

dinner option.

Rarely am I around while they’re

breaking down the midnight snack

portion of the event, but I know it is

safe to assume that much of that food

is wasted as well.

We Chaldeans are known for oneupmanship,

which necessarily leads to

the notion that more is better; even if

it’s costly, wasted, and largely unappreciated.

Sometimes less is more but less

would certainly be more than enough

as even a mild sampling of all the offerings

must approach the 5,000-calorie

mark (don’t forget the alcohol).

In a brilliant attempt to further the

value of the extraordinary cost (waste)

of the flowers, a company sprouted

up that breaks the centerpieces

down and packages them in small

bouquets for people to take home.

Absolutely brilliant. Not only does

this give these poor flowers some

lasting power, it saves dramatically

on dumpster space at Shenandoah.

While we’ve all heard criticism

of the food at weddings in the past,

I can say with confidence I’ve never

heard anyone complain about

going home hungry, even if they

didn’t eat their plated meal.

My panacea would be a nice

cocktail reception, maybe with

passed champagne and small appetizers.

A Zeffa, prayer, and toast.

Dinner at 7:45—wow—that would be

earth-shattering and record-breaking!

Then more music. To the best of

my knowledge, it is not written anywhere

that you cannot officially eat

dinner until after the Khigga.

And then, because you couldn’t stuff

yourself at the reception, and you ate

dinner at a reasonable hour, why not

midnight snacks? Whether you needed

it or not, who wouldn’t grab a slice of

pizza on their way out the door?

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8 CHALDEAN NEWS FEBRUARY 2025


Building

Business

Advocacy

Building

Community

Networking

Building

Relationships

Economic

Development

JOIN THE STATE’S LARGEST ETHNIC CHAMBER!

CALL SANA AT 248.851.1200 OR VISIT

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METRO

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TO MORE

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CHALDEANS

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MICHIGAN

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www.chaldeanchamber.com • info@chaldeanchamber.com • 248.851.1200

2075 Walnut Lake Road • West Bloomfield, MI 48323

FEBRUARY 2025 CHALDEAN NEWS 9


FOUNDATION UPDATE

Proud Endowment

Recipient

National Civics Bee local competition participants with Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel.

Make an Impact in the Community

The Chaldean Community Foundation and the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce are once

again partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and Michigan Chamber of Commerce

to offer the 2025 National Civics Bee to local contestants.

This annual nonpartisan competition designed for middle schoolers to boost their civics knowledge,

skills, and passion for community involvement offers students a chance to participate in State

and National Civics Bee competitions.

Any 6th, 7th or 8th grade student residing in Michigan can flex their civics knowledge for a

chance to win recognition and cash prizes. Finalists will be invited to Washington, D.C. to compete

in the National Civics Bee national championship in Fall 2025.

The application portal is open, and all applications are due February 4, 2025, before 11:59pm.

The Children’s Foundation

announced on January 16

that the Chaldean Community

Foundation was selected

as one of 11 recipients

for the Michigan Central

Station Children’s Endowment

Initiative.

Thank you to this community

that believes our

mission should be here

forever, supporting youth

today and for generations

to come.

To learn more about this initiative visit:

http://yourchildrensfoundation.org/MCSKidsForever/

Educating Teachers

You may have heard the term “cultural competency,” but what does it mean, and how can a community

benefit from it? Think of it as a bridge connecting diverse perspectives. When we meet someone

new, whether at work, in your neighborhood, or at an event, we’re not just meeting a person but a

whole world of experiences, beliefs, and values.

CCF educates various communities about the Chaldean culture and most recently, Stacy Bahri,

Strategic Initiatives Manager, provided cultural awareness training for more than 200 teachers from

the Chippewa Valley School District. The CCF’s training touches on Chaldean history, culture, traditions,

and social norms of our community.

These trainings build awareness, help the workforce learn about cultural differences to work

more effectively, help bring balance to the work environment, and provide empathy and understanding

for those they serve.

For more information about our cultural awareness trainings, contact Stacy Bahri at

stacy.bahri@chaldeanfoundation.org.

Chippewa Valley Schools Staff receive a cultural awareness training from CCF’s Strategic

Initiatives Manager, Stacy Bahri.

MSU Extension’s Miloni Rathod teaches workshop to

C.H.A.I. Project participants.

Building Resilience

Taking care of a loved one—whether an aging parent, a person

with special needs, or an individual with chronic health needs—is

among the most precious gifts we can offer. Caregivers can often

face a unique set of challenges, from burnout to feelings of guilt.

As we move through the winter season, it’s even more important

for all of us to maintain our health. Participants of CCF’s

C.H.A.I. (Caregiver Helping Aid Initiative) took advantage of a recent

presentation called, “Maintaining Health During Challenging

Times and Building Resilience.”

Delivered through CCF’s collaboration with MSU Extension,

Educator Milona Rathod shared ways to recognize the causes of

burnout, challenges related to stress, and how to create personal

resilience through a number of tools.

Attendees practiced mindfulness and breathing techniques

to combat stress and incorporated short sessions of meditation

to create an ongoing practice of self-care. Prioritizing and promoting

the self-care of caregivers allows them to stay healthy

and to continue caring for their loved ones.

10 CHALDEAN NEWS FEBRUARY 2025


CAREER

SERVICES

WHAT WE DO

PLEASE CONSIDER INVESTING IN ONE OF OUR NEW AMERICANS.

The Career Services Department at the Chaldean

Community Foundation offers one-on-one assistance to

help clients identify goals and develop careers.

• Career Fairs

• Employer Referrals

• Job Application Completion

• Training Opportunities

• Resume Building

• Mock Interviews

• Cover Letter Writing

• FAFSA Completion

To inquire about adding your open positions to our job bank and hiring one of our

clients, please call or email Elias at 586.722.7253

or elias.kattoula@chaldeanfoundation.org

Chaldean Community Foundation | 3601 15 Mile Rd., Sterling Heights, MI 48310

FEBRUARY 2025 CHALDEAN NEWS 11


NOTEWORTHY

Sr. Cecilia Pacho (left) and Sr. Angela Markos are big hits on

the Jumbotron at a Red Wings game.

Nuns Go Viral

A video of two nuns in the crowd at a recent Red Wings game

went viral on social media. The Daughters of Mary Immaculate

attended the Tuesday, January 7 game at Little Caesars Arena,

and the camera went back to them repeatedly, following the cue

of the crowd. They were popular not only with the crowd at the

game but also with social media users. The many comments extolled

the virtue of joy these nuns were evidently experiencing

and how it made others smile as well. The video had over 2.5 million

views in the first week.

Sharkey Haddad (left) with members of a group from Southfield

that includes top officials from the police department, city

council, and community and church leaders.

Chamber Champion

Sharkey Haddad of the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce

has been working with various local communities and

organizations to boost awareness of the Chaldean community

and businesses in metro Detroit and engage them with their local

elected officials and law enforcement. He has championed

causes such as the fight against Sheetz and also joined several

groups to march in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Most recently,

he invited members of a Southfield group to tour the Chaldean

Cultural Center in West Bloomfield.

James Esshaki

Newly

Appointed

James Esshaki was appointed

to the Road Commission for

Oakland County (RCOC) on

Monday, January 13, 2025. The

RCOC maintains more than

2,700 miles of county roads,

over 230 miles of state highways

and approximately 1,500

county, city and state traffic

signals in Oakland County.

They are also leading the way

in developing “smart” traffic

signals that employ state-ofthe-art

computer and communications

technologies to

improve traffic flow, decrease

travel time, enhance safety

and reduce the vehicle tailpipe

emissions that are characteristic

of stop-and-go driving.

We can’t help you

text with gloves.

But we can help you

with mobile banking.

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Member FDIC

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MONEY MATTERS

What’s Next for Borrowers?

A sneak peak at mortgage rates for the new year

BY PAUL NATINSKY

There is mixed news coming

out of the real estate sector in

the aftermath of COVID and

the turbulence of the recent election

cycle. Right now, there is good news

for sellers of homes purchased before

the pandemic. Super-low interest rates

and government grants and programs

that help buyers with down payments

ushered in a real estate boom that

caused housing inventories to evaporate

and house prices to soar.

The real estate market moves in

cycles, with housing prices affected by

wide array of variables. A typical cycle

features fluctuations of 3 to 5 percent,

says Danny Marogy, Vice President of

National Accounts at United Wholesale

Mortgage. UWM’s clients are

mortgage brokers, and Marogy manages

major accounts from the Midwest

to the West Coast.

Marogy says the boom induced

during COVID by a combination of

subsidized down payments and very

low mortgage interest rates caused the

supply of available houses to plummet,

resulting in a dramatic 26 percent

spike in average prices. And while the

market has settled down, homeowners

are likely to retain much of the COVIDinduced

value increase.

Inventory got really low during

COVID. Everyone was moving and

prices skyrocketed, said Andi Numan,

President and founding Broker at Swift

Home Loans in Birmingham. He said

offers over asking price were the norm.

“There was no such thing as putting in

(an offer for the) asking price. You had

to go higher, and everything was a bidding

war.”

Numan started selling mortgages

in 2012 and opened Swift Home Loans

in 2021.

Interest rates have since normalized

and are fluctuating between 6.5

and 7 percent, said Gabe Gabriel of

Palladium Financial Group, a small

real estate sales and brokerage firm.

Inventory is bouncing back. A year

ago, there was only enough inventory

for two months; now the supply has

Mortgage experts, from left: Andi Numan, Danny Marogy and Gabe Gabriel.

increased to about four months.

According to the National Association

of Realtors, “Months’ supply refers

to the number of months it would

take for the current inventory of homes

on the market to sell given the current

sales pace. Historically, six months of

supply is associated with moderate

price appreciation.”

Gabriel says people who bought

homes within the past five to 10 years

have a lot of equity, especially if much

of their mortgage is paid. But a lot

these homeowners are reluctant to

sell because in order to realize their

equity, they would have to finance a

new home at, in some cases, twice the

interest rate they are currently paying.

Gabriel’s real estate and mortgage

brokerages are a second career. He was

a chemical engineer working in manufacturing

from 1978 until 2001 when he

decided to work for himself as a mortgage

broker. He quickly established

himself as a Realtor and as a real estate

broker.

Lower interest rates allowed people

to buy houses that were previously out

of reach, said Numan. With a 2 percent

difference in interest rates, a $400,000

mortgage can be had for $500 less per

month, he said.

Put another way, as the fed began

loaning money at a zero percent interest

rate and mortgage rates plummeted,

people were able to buy a home

for $100,000 more than they would

otherwise be able to afford, said Numan.

That causes property values to

increase because everyone is willing

to pay more. Inventory goes down because

everyone can afford to pay more.

The government slowed it down

to the extent that it could by making

mortgage terms less favorable for

those buying a second home. This left

more opportunity for those looking to

buy a first or primary home. On the

back end of this, inventory is going up

because affordability is going down.

“People can’t afford the prices that the

houses are at right now,” said Marogy.

However, he said that now is a

great time to buy because, despite

high house prices, those who are selling

can be bargained with—buyers

have leverage. He added that elevated

interest rates are not a big problem, as

buyers can refinance into a lower rate

as soon as six months after purchase.

As the market normalizes, perhaps

it will return to its fluid norm. Numan

says the average homeowner refinances

every three to five years and moves every

five to seven years. As with other factors

affecting the real estate and mortgage

businesses, the election and its ramifications

appear to be a mixed bag.

A week or two before the election

there was a lot of hype, optimism and

expectation, said Gabriel. “After the

election, we see optimism,” he explained.

“People think Trump being a

businessman might change things. (As

of) now, nothing has changed. However,

there is a feeling of optimism. I can

translate (it by) the number of calls

we’ve had. People who were sitting on

the sideline calling us back and asking

what the rates are like.”

“Everyone wanted to wait for the

election to see what was going on,”

said Numan. “People were expecting

rates to go back down after the election.

There was some disbelief that they

actually went up after the election.”

He said it’s hard to measure effects in

winter, real estate’s slow season. But

rates aren’t the factor they once were as

people adjust to the new reality.

“I think it’s going to be a conservative

approach. I don’t think President

Trump is going to do something drastic

to where he is going to drive rates

down, because if you drive rates down,

you’re also going to raise inflation,”

Marogy said.

Unless the country faces direct involvement

in a war or faces another

pandemic, the real estate market will

remain stable, unlikely to fluctuate

much this year, said Marogy.

But if the past few years are any indication,

“stability” may be a relative

term.

FEBRUARY 2025 CHALDEAN NEWS 13


COVER STORY

Happily Ever After

Wedding Planning 101

BY SARAH KITTLE

Planning what should be one of the happiest days of your

life can be surprisingly stressful. So stressful, in fact, that

there’s a TV show called Bridezillas that highlights brides

who have lost control under the pressure. While a completely

stress-free wedding might not be realistic, it’s certainly possible

to minimize the chaos with plenty of preplanning.

At the Chaldean News, we consulted experts

to create a simple yet comprehensive guide

to wedding planning. We hope this helps

you navigate the process and reduce some

of the stress that comes with planning this

life-changing event.

Setting a Budget

One of the first things you and your partner need to decide on is

your wedding budget. This can be tricky and, unfortunately, is

often a source of pre-marital tension. To avoid this, agree on a

total budget early on that you can comfortably afford, factoring

in any contributions from family members if applicable. Be sure

to also set up a way to track expenses to prevent overspending—a

common pitfall in wedding planning.

Talk with your partner about what aspects of the wedding are

most important to both of you. Allocate the bulk of your budget

to those elements. According to The Knot,

the average wedding in metro Detroit

14 CHALDEAN NEWS FEBRUARY 2025


will cost over $30,000 in 2025, and if

you’re following trends, your budget

might need to stretch even further. A

Chaldean wedding for 500 guests will

average around $125K-$200K

As The Knot explains, couples are

prioritizing connection and quality

over quantity, leading to more personalized

touches like custom details and

unique guest experiences.

Dalia Attisha, from The Event Planner,

also points out that trends this

year include dramatic head tables and

a variety of late-night snack options.

She suggests couples start planning

early—sometimes years in advance—to

secure their preferred date and venue.

Booking venues during off-peak times

can help stretch your budget further.

Lawrence and Andrew from Top

That Table also note current trends like

draped fabric, deconstructed floral arrangements,

and bold, monochromatic

floral designs. Unique dining experiences

and interactive guest activities,

like photo stations or signature cocktail

bars, are also popular but can quickly

add to your costs. Wedding cakes are

also trending larger, with prices ranging

from $1,500 to $2,500, according to

The Pastry Guru, Jonathan Elias.

Many wedding planners have established

relationships with preferred

vendors and may even be able to get a

discount on rental items. Hiring a professional

could save you many sleepless

nights. If possible, reserve 5% of

your budget as a “just in case” fund

to help avoid overspending. Setting a

realistic budget (and sticking to it) is

extremely important if you want your

wedding to be stress-free.

Setting the Date & Creating

a Timeline

Once your budget is in place, it’s time to

settle on a wedding date. When choosing

your date, consider the season (floral

prices will vary), the significance of

the day, and the availability of venues.

Don’t forget to check with your bridal

party to make sure they’re free as well!

Consider a package deal with the

venue that has all-inclusive pricing

and can handle both the wedding and

the reception to save on transportation

costs. Some venues are so beautifully

decorated that they can save you money

on décor.

An event planner that works with

the venue can also offer suggestions

Advance planning is key to a smooth

wedding experience…Wedding planning

requires coordinating many vendors:

caterers, photographers, florists,

videographers, DJs, and more.

Cake by the Pastry Guru, Jonathan Elias.

for saving money, such as food and

appetizer stations—which generally

cost less than table service and passed

hors d’oeuvres. Choosing food that is

in season will help, as will limiting the

number of entrees. Remember, simple

can be delicious. You can also offer a

signature drink rather than an open

bar, but this option is more controversial

for guests that look forward to

(and expect) a premium bar.

A well-planned menu does more

than satisfy hunger—it’s an experience.

It sets the stage for connection,

conversation, and unforgettable

memories shared around the table.

Deciding on the right menu can feel

like a big decision. With options ranging

from plated dinners to buffet-style

spreads and interactive food stations,

each has its pros and cons and needs

to be considered early in the wedding

planning process.

A wedding timeline is another key

element to keeping things organized.

Send out your save-the-date cards 6-9

months in advance, and make sure

they align with your wedding theme.

Attisha suggests using QR codes for

RSVPs to save both time and money on

traditional mail responses.

Creating a Guest List

& Hiring Vendors

Finalizing your guest list early is critical

for determining the size of your venue

and catering needs. Downsizing the

guest list is an easy way to cut costs. Keep

in mind that some vendor costs, like

those for photographers or DJs, are fixed

regardless of how many guests you have,

while others—like catering—will vary.

Wedding planning requires coordinating

many vendors: caterers, photographers,

florists, videographers,

DJs, and more. According to The Knot,

couples typically hire an average of 14

vendors. These costs add up quickly.

As Attisha points out, she has established

strong relationships with trusted

vendors, which makes the process

smoother for her clients. Having an experienced

planner who you trust and

can communicate with effectively can

greatly reduce stress.

One of the first vendors to book is

your photographer. Wilson Sarkis of

Wilson Sarkis Photography and Cinematography

advises couples to secure

their photographer as soon as possible,

especially if they are getting married

during peak season. His company

only accepts one wedding per day to

ensure full focus on each client.

“We have many bookings for 2026,

and, unfortunately, have had to turn

away couples for next year because we

already have that date booked,” said

Sarkis.

The Last Word

Advance planning is key to a smooth

wedding experience, or at least as

smooth as it can be! We hope this

guide has covered the essentials, from

setting a budget to choosing a venue,

hiring vendors, and creating a timeline.

Remember to stay organized,

communicate openly with your partner

and vendors, and always focus on

what’s most important to both of you.

Most importantly, relax and enjoy

the process—this is a celebration of love

and commitment! On your big day, take

a moment to soak it all in and cherish

the memories you’re making with your

friends and family. With these tips in

hand, you’re on your way to creating

the wedding of your dreams.

FEBRUARY 2025 CHALDEAN NEWS 15


FEATURE

A couples’ helicopter tour of Detroit would be an exciting dating opportunity.

PHOTO COURTESY MAX FLIGHTS

tasting menu. The food is innovative

and flavorful, and the service is efficient

yet unpretentious. Given its small size,

reservations are a must. Mabel Gray is

part of the transformation of Hazel Park

into one of Metro Detroit’s newest and

most sought-after neighborhoods.

Selden Standard in Midtown is

another local favorite that excels in

both atmosphere and cuisine. The restaurant

is often credited with helping

to jumpstart Detroit’s modern food

scene. It offers a combination of New

American fare, craft cocktails, and a

warm, rustic ambiance that draws diners

from all over the region. Its success

has made it a go-to for date nights, especially

for couples looking for a place

that’s trendy yet welcoming.

Grey Ghost Detroit, also in Midtown,

offers a unique experience with

its emphasis on meat dishes and innovative

cocktails. The cozy, intimate

atmosphere makes it a great option for

those looking for a romantic dinner

with a touch of rustic charm. While the

restaurant is renowned for its cocktails,

it’s also a great spot for those

who prefer mocktails, as the restaurant

has earned praise for its creative

non-alcoholic drink offerings.

For a more casual but equally delicious

date, consider heading to Buddy’s

Pizza in Hamtramck or Lafayette

Coney Island in downtown Detroit.

These iconic spots serve up some of

the best Detroit-style pizza and classic

coney dogs, perfect for a fun, laid-back

date that still delivers on flavor.

Come Fly With Me

Romantic Ideas to beat the winter blues

BY PAUL NATINSKY

What makes the perfect setting

for a date night? It’s the

right mix of factors: the holidays

are over, restaurants are entering

the slow season, and tax refunds are

starting to hit bank accounts. Meanwhile,

those gray January and February

days can leave many searching for

ways to lift their spirits. Whether you’re

looking for a cozy, intimate night out

or an action-packed adventure, Metro

Detroit offers plenty of options to help

you warm up your date night.

Classic Date Night Ideas

For a traditional evening out, nothing

beats a fine dining experience. Metro

Detroit has a wide range of restaurants

to satisfy all tastes and budgets.

Whether you’re looking for a quiet, upscale

dinner or a casual but delicious

bite, you’ll find plenty of options to

make the evening memorable.

Notable spots include Hazel Park’s

Mabel Gray Kitchen, popular Midtown

restaurants like Selden Standard and

Grey Ghost Detroit, and local icons

such as Buddy’s Pizza in Hamtramck

and Lafayette Coney Island in downtown

Detroit.

Mabel Gray, a relatively new addition

to the Metro Detroit dining scene,

has quickly become a standout. Located

in Hazel Park, this small but exceptional

restaurant offers a memorable

dining experience with its eight-course

Unconventional Date Night

Adventures

If you’re looking for something a little

more adventurous, Metro Detroit offers

a wide range of unique experiences

that go beyond dinner. From helicopter

rides to ghost tours, there’s no

shortage of exciting options to make

your date night stand out.

For thrill-seekers, consider a helicopter

ride over downtown Detroit

with Max Flight Helicopters. This unforgettable

experience allows you to

see the city from a whole new perspective,

soaring high above the skyline

while taking in breathtaking views of

the Detroit River and its surroundings.

It’s an ideal option for couples who

want to add a bit of excitement to their

evening.

If you’re in the mood for some-

16 CHALDEAN NEWS FEBRUARY 2025


thing more interactive, why not try axe

throwing at Detroit Axe in Ferndale?

This fun and unique activity offers an

adrenaline rush, as you and your date

try your hand at throwing axes at targets

in a safe and controlled environment.

It’s a great way to bond over a

little friendly competition.

For fans of puzzles and challenges,

escape rooms from World of

Escapes provide an immersive experience

where you and your date

must work together to solve clues and

escape before time runs out. With a

variety of themes, from mysteries to

thrillers, escape rooms offer an interactive

and team-building experience

that’s perfect for couples looking to

test their problem-solving skills.

If you’re intrigued by the supernatural,

Detroit Paranormal Expeditions

offers guided ghost tours that

take you through the city’s most

haunted locations. Whether you believe

in ghosts or just enjoy a spooky

story, these tours are a fun and eerie

way to spend a night together.

After-Dinner Entertainment

After a delicious dinner and adventure-filled

date, you might want to

continue the fun with some entertainment.

Metro Detroit is home to a thriving

theater and comedy scene, ensuring

that your night doesn’t end with

just a meal.

Catch a Broadway or off-Broadway

show at Detroit’s Fisher Theatre,

which has long been a hub for worldclass

productions. Renovated in 1961,

the theater offers an intimate setting

for major touring shows. This winter,

you can enjoy stage productions

of The Golden Girls and Clue, which

promise to entertain with their humor

and nostalgia.

For something a little more avantgarde,

check out Matrix Theatre Company

in Detroit, which specializes in

socially conscious theater that encourages

dialogue and new perspectives.

This theater company is known for

producing thought-provoking plays

that tackle contemporary social issues.

If comedy is more your style, Mark

Ridley’s Comedy Castle in Royal Oak

and the Detroit House of Comedy offer

a great night out. Both venues feature

local and touring comedians, ensuring

you’ll get plenty of laughs throughout

the evening. For those looking for

Top of page: The downtown Detroit location of Buddy’s Pizza on Broadway Street.

Above: The historic Fisher Theatre is always a romantic date night choice.

more interactive comedy, try improv at

Go Comedy! in Ferndale or Planet Ant

Theater in Hamtramck. These venues

allow for a more engaging experience,

where the audience plays a role in

shaping the performance.

Music lovers will find plenty of options

to dance or enjoy live tunes at

legendary spots like Cliff Bell’s and

Baker’s Keyboard Lounge. Cliff Bell’s,

known for its jazz performances, has a

cozy vibe and a great cocktail selection.

Jazz lovers can also head to Baker’s,

an iconic Detroit venue with a rich history

that has hosted some of the world’s

most famous jazz musicians. With live

performances every night, it’s an ideal

location for couples who want to enjoy

smooth music in an intimate setting.

Combining Adventures for an

Unforgettable Date

For a truly unforgettable date, why

not combine some of these activities?

Start with a helicopter ride, followed

by dinner at a restaurant like Mabel

Gray or Selden Standard, then head

out for an escape room challenge or

a ghost tour to keep the excitement

going. Or, if you prefer a laid-back

yet fun evening, start with dinner at

Buddy’s Pizza, then enjoy live music

at Cliff Bell’s or Baker’s.

No matter what combination you

choose, the key to a great date night

is creating a mix of experiences that

both you and your date will enjoy.

Whether you’re after a night of luxury

and fine dining or looking for an action-packed

adventure, Metro Detroit

offers plenty of ways to make your

winter date nights memorable.

End the Night on a High Note

And if your date night takes an unexpected

turn or just doesn’t go as

planned, there’s no need to worry. Head

over to The Raven Lounge, Detroit’s oldest

blues bar, where you can unwind and

enjoy some live blues music to cap off

the evening. Whether you’re celebrating

or commiserating, The Raven Lounge offers

a cozy, laid-back atmosphere perfect

for reflecting on your night.

So, whether you’re looking for romance,

excitement, or a bit of both,

Metro Detroit has the perfect mix of

options to warm up your date night

this winter.

FEBRUARY 2025 CHALDEAN NEWS 17


FEATURE

Left to right: Jason, Jude,

and Jonan Gumma with

Officer Joshua Center.

Passing the Torch

Chaldean Youth carry forward a tradition of giving

BY SARAH KITTLE

PHOTO BY

For Chaldean families, charity is

not just an act of kindness; it is

a way of life. Growing up in Iraq,

Chaldean children witnessed firsthand

how their parents would open their

homes to those in need, whether by

sharing food, offering financial support,

or organizing community events for the

less fortunate. The concept of helping

others transcended material wealth; it

was about offering love, compassion,

and support during difficult times.

After emigrating to the United

States and other countries, Chaldean

parents continued to emphasize these

values. As new generations grew up in

diverse environments, they carried the

lessons of generosity learned from their

parents. Whether by volunteering at local

shelters, participating in community

fundraisers, or supporting charitable

organizations in Iraq and the diaspora,

Chaldean youth have embraced a deeprooted

ethos of giving.

The sense of philanthropy among

Chaldean youth is not limited to financial

donations; it is also reflected

in time and effort. Many are actively

involved in local initiatives, from

mentoring younger generations to organizing

food drives and healthcare

campaigns. Their commitment to giving

back, both locally and globally,

reflects the enduring legacy of their

parents’ teachings.

Ava Elia is a sophomore at Detroit

Country Day. She is the cofounder and

vice president of the school’s Chaldean

American Student Alliance (CASA).

When her brother Alex took a school

trip to volunteer at an under-resourced

school in the heart of Detroit, what he

saw there inspired the siblings to create

a new kind of non-profit.

“Witnessing the contrast between

the resources I had always taken for

granted and the limited materials

available to these students was shocking,

to say the least,” said Alex. “It inspired

me to take action and ultimately

led to creating Spark 313, a non-profit

dedicated to empowering metro Detroit

youth by addressing educational

inequalities.”

Spark 313 partners with United

Way to provide essential learning tools

like notebooks, books, and writing

supplies to underserved schools in Detroit.

The siblings started from scratch,

building a website and using social

media to spread the word. They raised

over $6,000 in just one week, demonstrating

their commitment to the cause

and securing their partnership with

United Way.

“I’ve always believed in the importance

of helping others, especially kids

who don’t have the same opportunities

we’ve had,” Ava said. “Spark 313 has

allowed me to make a direct impact

and knowing we’re helping kids feel

prepared and confident in their education

keeps us motivated.”

Jason Gumma, a senior at University

of Detroit Jesuit High School,

embodies the school’s motto of being

a “Man for Others.” He’s involved in

various philanthropic efforts, including

tutoring students at Christ the King

Elementary and volunteering at Trinity

Health Oakland and St. Thomas Chaldean

Church.

“Whether it’s organizing food and

clothing drives, mentoring youth, or

assisting in parish events, I have developed

a deep connection to my faith

and a strong commitment to uplifting

others,” Jason said.

He and his younger brothers Jude

and Jonan, a sophomore and freshman

respectively at Brother Rice, recently

spearheaded a fundraising campaign

that raised over $3,000 to assemble

and distribute more than 150 first aid

kits to local schools, businesses, and

organizations. These recipients included

local day cares, elementary

and high schools, police stations, restaurants,

banks, and gas stations.

“We wanted to do something that

could make a real difference in our

community,” said Jason. “These first

aid kits are a small step toward helping

local businesses and organizations

be prepared for emergencies, and

we’re proud to contribute in this way.”

Our goal was to bring people together

by showing how small efforts

can have a big impact,” said Jude. “By

giving these kits to places like the police

station, we hope to build a safer

and stronger community.”

“This project is about more than

just first aid kits,” added Jonan. “It’s

about taking action and showing that

everyone can play a role in helping

others. We’re grateful for the support

we’ve received and hope this inspires

others to give back, too.”

These kids are inspiring everyone.

Officer Josh Center of the Bloomfield

Hills Police Department said, “Their

initiative in creating and distributing

first aid kits reflects a remarkable

commitment to our community. These

young men are not just helping others,

they’re setting a powerful example of

leadership, compassion, and responsibility

that inspires us all.”

Jason is also the founder of a teen

chapter of Project ADAM, a Michiganbased

initiative that has equipped over

100 high schools with defibrillators and

raised awareness about sudden cardiac

arrest. As captain of his school’s varsity

hockey team, he has learned resilience,

discipline, and how to motivate others

toward a shared goal.

“My experience as a leader, volun-

18 CHALDEAN NEWS FEBRUARY 2025


Ava Elia Alex Elia Jordyn Farida with her cookies

teer, and global learner have not only

strengthened my character but also fueled

my drive to make a tangible, lasting

impact in my community and beyond,”

shared Jason. “These combined

efforts have shaped me into a person

dedicated to serving others with integrity,

compassion, and purpose.”

Jordyn Farida’s uncle was diagnosed

with leukemia at a time when

COVID restricted visitation to hospitals.

The family was not allowed to

visit, and they felt helpless. “I wanted

to do something that would make a

difference and let him know we support

him,” said Jordyn. “Seeing him

persevere through his struggles and

beat cancer inspired me to give back to

my community by helping others who

were also affected by cancer.”

Jordyn had already established a

cookie baking company, providing

treats for graduation parties and baby

showers. To maximize profits, her family

stepped in to lend a hand. “My mom

helped me reach people in our community

using social media and taking

orders and my brother helped me

deliver them,” said Jordyn. Together,

they created Jojo’s Sweet Eats, a nonprofit

that raises money for the Leukemia

Lymphoma Society of Michigan.

“Growing up, I saw how my family

would always go out of their way to

help others, whether it was relatives,

friends, or even strangers,” said Jordyn.

“That sense of generosity made

me want to be involved in my community

and give back. It also taught me

that giving isn’t just about money—it’s

about time, effort, and making people

feel like they belong.

“When we raise money, it doesn’t

just go into a fund—it helps real patients

and families who are going

through really tough times,” explained

Jordyn. “At events, you meet survivors,

like my uncle, who tell you how much

the support means to them, and that’s

when it hits you: what we’re doing actually

matters. It’s not just about raising

money; it’s about giving people

hope and showing them they’re not

alone.”

Reese Bacall is a student at St.

Mary’s Preparatory. She and another

student named Sorelle Yono co-founded

the Community Care Club (CCC) at

their school and dedicated it to helping

others in the community, or as

Reese put it, “We work hard to coordinate

with various local organizations

to help the less fortunate.”

What does that look like? Collecting

scarves, mittens, hats and coats

to distribute during the cold winter

months, assembling and delivering

meals to shelters, or providing feminine

hygiene products or baby items

to mothers and children in need are

all examples of what this club does. If

a local or national emergency occurs,

these students immediately convene

to see how they can assist.

“We are so blessed in life, and I

feel it is our duty to help those who

are in need,” explained Reese. “Any

act of kindness and compassion that

can have a lasting impact is not only

beneficial for the other person but

also for us as humans…and society as

a whole.”

CCC has already helped dozens of

people stay warm this winter, and Reese

hopes the club continues to inspire

future generations to serve the community.

“I pray it inspires our teens/

students to not only join but to keep

it alive by donating and continuing to

take leadership long after we graduate

to help those in need in our community,”

she said. “Every person’s contribution

makes a difference.”

The best part about these kids’

philanthropy is it invites others to

help, too. Even the people who buy

Jordyn’s cookies can feel good about

helping. With 313 Spark, Ava said, “We

raise funds through websites like Go-

FundMe and partner with members of

the community to both assemble and

distribute these kits. It’s been truly

amazing to see the difference even this

small act of kindness can make.

“Within the Chaldean community,

we’ve seen families step up to volunteer

and contribute to our cause,

showing how our culture thrives on

helping others,” Ava went on. “Beyond

our community, we’ve witnessed

the smiles and gratitude of kids and

parents who receive the kits. These

moments remind us why we started

this project and show us that even

small efforts can bring change to people’s

lives.”

Jason Gumma put it this way,

“Growing up, I saw firsthand how

Chaldeans always came together to

support one another, through small

acts of kindness or larger efforts to

support those in need. Our tight-knit

culture has shaped my approach to

giving back, emphasizing the importance

of a community-driven approach

to make a lasting impact.”

This spirit of philanthropy continues

to thrive in the Chaldean community,

with each generation playing

a vital role in sustaining the culture of

charity and compassion. The legacy of

giving, rooted in the traditions of Iraqi

Christianity, has inspired a new generation

to not only care for their own but

to extend a hand to those in need, ensuring

that the heart of the Chaldean

spirit remains strong and vibrant for

years to come.

What would these young philanthropists

say to the next generation

about doing good?

Don’t wait for the perfect moment,

just start,” advised Ava. “Begin by

finding a cause you care about, maybe

through personal experience or hearing

moving stories, and think about

small ways you can contribute.

“Surround yourself with supportive

people who share your vision. Most

importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for

help or advice. As with anything, challenges

will come, but with passion and

persistence, you can overcome them.

Most importantly, remember that every

effort counts, and even small actions

can make a huge difference in

someone’s life.”

Jordyn Farida agrees, and added,

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help or

team up with friends, because it’s way

easier and more fun when you work

together. And most importantly, don’t

underestimate what you can do. Even

if you’re young, your efforts can make

a big difference.”

“The perfect moment doesn’t exist,”

added Alex. “You have to take the first

step and figure out the rest as you go.”

FEBRUARY 2025 CHALDEAN NEWS 19


FEATURE

All the

Right

Notes

From top of page: Anthony Gasso performs at a piano recital in 2024. Anthony with his teacher Nancy Meyette.

A 10-year-old

piano student

shows great

promise

BY SARAH KITTLE

Anthony Brandon Gasso is not

your typical 10-year-old. But

then again, he is. He enjoys

Roblox and basketball, roller skating

and soccer. With his classmates, he is

learning how to play the recorder in

Music class.

But Gasso, a fourth grader from

Sterling Heights, has received recognition

for his remarkable piano

skills from the National Guild of Piano

Teachers. The honor, which was

awarded last year, acknowledges his

dedication and growth as a young musician.

Gasso, who began playing the piano

at age 4, was presented with a 5-year

trophy, a 5-year pin, and pins for each

year he participated in the Guild’s auditions.

These awards mark his continued

success in memorizing and performing

10-piece piano solos from a variety of

musical genres, including baroque,

classical, romantic, and contemporary.

How did Anthony react to being

recognized? “It was amazing,” said

Gasso, who is the oldest of four boys in

his family. “It’s been a lot of practice,

but it’s fun and I like the challenge.”

Gasso’s piano journey began when

he was 4 years old and saw his older

cousins taking lessons. His natural

interest in music led him to start lessons

with Nancy Meyette, a seasoned

piano teacher based in Bruce Township.

Meyette, who has been teaching

piano for more than 40 years and

has a background in vocal music, has

helped Gasso hone his skills and develop

a love for performing.

“Anthony is always smiling when I

see him,” said Meyette. “He is becoming

an accomplished musician and is

diligent about practicing.”

Anthony’s recognition by the Guild

places him among a growing number of

Chaldean students who have received

the prestigious award. Christian Toma

was honored in 2023, and Leanna Kasmikha

received the same recognition in

2020.

20 CHALDEAN NEWS FEBRUARY 2025


Anthony’s many trophies.

The National Guild of Piano Teachers,

founded in 1929, is renowned for

its non-competitive approach to piano

education. The Guild provides an opportunity

for students of all levels,

from beginners to advanced players,

to showcase their progress through

structured, non-competitive auditions.

Unlike traditional music competitions,

the Guild’s system focuses

on individual improvement, with

students evaluated on their accuracy,

phrasing, rhythm, technique, and

overall musicality.

Anthony’s

recognition by the

Guild places him

among a growing

number of Chaldean

students who

have received the

prestigious award.

For young musicians like Anthony,

the Guild offers more than just

awards—it provides valuable feedback

and motivation to continue developing

their musical talents. Through these

auditions, students gain exposure to

a diverse repertoire and constructive

critiques from qualified adjudicators,

which helps them grow as artists and

set new goals.

The Guild’s primary goal is to foster

growth and enjoyment in students

while encouraging them to continue

their piano studies. The program includes

a range of awards, from diplomas

and plaques to scholarships and

special honors. In addition to the benefits

of personal growth, the Guild also

fosters a sense of community among

piano teachers and students.

For Anthony, the recognition is a

testament to his commitment to his

craft. Despite his academic success

as an all-A student and his role as

the model for his younger brothers,

he continues to excel in his musical

endeavors. His dedication is not only

apparent in his achievements but also

in his daily routine of practicing and

preparing for the Guild auditions.

“We are not super strict about his

practice schedule,” says Janie Gasso,

Anthony’s mom. “Parents need to be

patient with their kids.” She and dad

Brandon are equally proud of their

son’s accomplishments.

Fast and upbeat is Anthony’s music

choice, like Radetzky’s March by

Johann Strauss. He is currently mastering

two songs for a solofest this

month.

Looking ahead, Anthony is eager

to continue his piano studies and explore

new musical challenges. When

asked if he will pursue music professionally,

he said he didn’t know yet;

he’s only ten.

He did, however, offer advice for aspiring

young musicians: “Word hard but

don’t worry if you make mistakes,” said

Anthony. “That’s how you learn.”

A TTORNEYS & C O UNSELORS AT LAW

Congratulations,

Ron Acho!

TO BE HONORED AT THE 22ND ANNUAL

Awards Dinner

THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2025, 6 PM

SUPPORTED BY

Ron Acho

BUSINESSPERSON

OF THE YEAR

FEBRUARY 2025 CHALDEAN NEWS 21


CULTURE & HISTORY

The Spirit of Mosul

An ancient city at the crossroads of history

BY ADHID MIRI, PHD

Mosul, meaning “the linking

point” in Arabic, serves as a vital

connector between Iraq and

Syria. Known historically as Nineveh, the

city is named after an Assyrian goddess

associated with fish. One of the world’s

oldest cities, Mosul has been a strategic

crossroads for millennia, facilitating the

movement of diverse peoples, ethnicities,

and religions, including some of the

world’s oldest Christian communities.

Due to its location, Mosul has become

a melting pot of cultures and

faiths, reflecting Iraq’s pluralistic identity

through centuries of coexistence.

The Old City of Mosul showcases a rich

heritage, with well-preserved streets and

architecture blending Nestorian Christian

and Islamic decorative arts.

The city’s significance grew as it fell

under the control of the Islamic State

on June 10, 2014, becoming a target for

anti-ISIS forces. This article offers an

overview of Mosul’s historic importance

and a poignant account of the atrocities

committed by ISIS against Christians and

other ethnic groups.

Known as the “Mother of the Two

Springs” for its temperate climate, Mosul’s

Old City symbolizes Iraq’s ancient

heritage. However, the region witnessed

extensive destruction during ISIS control

and subsequent liberation efforts, with militants targeting

government buildings, educational centers,

and hospitals.

Since its liberation in 2017, Mosul has faced significant

challenges in reconstruction, with the Iraqi

government estimating a need for at least $88 billion

to rebuild infrastructure, restore homes, and assist

displaced residents. Despite the formation of the

Mosul Reconstruction Committee to address these issues,

much of the devastation remains unaddressed

seven years later.

From Destruction to Reconstruction

Since the defeat of the Islamic State in 2017, the Iraqi

city of Mosul has struggled with slow reconstruction

efforts. The Old City, the area most affected by

the war, has seen millions of tons of rubble removed,

but government-led reconstruction has primarily

focused on restoring water and electricity networks

and repairing roads.

Despite these efforts, political conflicts among

The Historic Al-Hadba Minaret in Mosul.

local parties have hindered the quality and scope of

reconstruction. Activists note that substantial reconstruction

work began only after the end of the coronavirus

pandemic in 2021, which positively impacted

municipal conditions in Mosul.

The pace of reconstruction has remained sluggish,

with the accumulation of rubble complicating

removal efforts and some neighborhoods remaining

closed. Bureaucratic hurdles have also delayed projects,

with financial allocations for reconstruction

failing to match the extent of the damage.

Local activists assert that civil society and volunteer

teams initiated the early reconstruction and

relief campaigns, which eventually prompted the

local government to support these efforts. International

organizations, including those affiliated with

the United Nations, later joined in, further advancing

reconstruction efforts.

In recent years, progress has included the reconstruction

of many government buildings and the paving

of city roads, as well as the rebuilding of seven

hospitals and numerous health centers. The local

government reported rebuilding 345

schools within the first year, with additional

schools still under construction.

Mosul Governor Al-Jubouri stated that

approximately $305 million in compensation

has been paid to affected

citizens, with an additional $270 million

needed to complete compensation

efforts.

Numerous bridges in Nineveh Governorate

have also been rebuilt, including

key structures like the Badush, Al

Kayara, Munira, Al Zab, and Al Kawir

bridges, which are among the longest

in Iraq. Five bridges in Mosul connecting

the city across the Tigris River have

been restored, and work has begun on

a sixth bridge north of the city.

While many historical mosques and

churches have been rebuilt through international

donations, other projects

still face significant challenges. Health

institutions, including hospitals and

medical facilities in western Mosul,

remain in disrepair, and infrastructure

projects, such as Mosul International

Airport, have encountered delays due

to ongoing political conflicts and local

council elections.

UNESCO’s “Revive the Spirit of

Mosul” Project

A year after Mosul’s liberation, UNES-

CO initiated reconstruction and reconciliation

efforts to restore the city’s

rich and diverse heritage. This work

is part of UNESCO’s “Revive the Spirit

of Mosul” initiative, launched in February

2018, aimed at revitalizing the

city’s history and culture after extensive

damage to its 2,500-year-old legacy.

With support from 31 countries and close collaboration

with the Iraqi government and local communities,

this initiative is one of the most ambitious restoration

projects in recent decades. In partnership with

the United Arab Emirates, UNESCO began rebuilding

three symbolic landmarks in Mosul in the fall of 2018,

working alongside the Ministries of Culture and the

Sunni Endowment Diwan.

Projects include the reconstruction of the iconic

Al-Nouri Mosque, the Al-Hadba Minaret, the Al-Sa’aa

and Al-Tahera churches, 124 heritage houses, the

Agha Mosque, and the Al-Ikhlas School in the Old

City of Mosul, creating 3,100 local jobs.

The preparatory phase involved de-mining sites,

consolidating remaining structures, and removing

rubble, which included recovering valuable artifacts

for reuse in reconstruction. This meticulous work

was overseen by international experts and archeology

students from the University of Mosul.

UNESCO’s revival efforts also aim to facilitate the

22 CHALDEAN NEWS FEBRUARY 2025


return of displaced residents to their homes in the

Old City. The organization is currently restoring

124 historic houses, supported by the European

Union. Preparations included the removal of 2,107

tons of rubble and 21 unexploded ordnance.

As of now, UNESCO is nearing completion of

the reconstruction of the first 44 historic buildings,

enabling residents to return. The project

is also focused on creating job opportunities for

young people in Mosul, encouraging local participation

in the rebuilding process. Recovery

has been gradual, with extensive work needed to

clear mines and restore homes, roads, and infrastructure

for the city’s 1.5 million residents.

UNESCO, along with guests from Le Jour du

Seigneur, hosted a preview screening on September

12, 2024, of the documentary “The Lady of the

Hour in Mosul” by Frédéric Jacovlev. This film

highlights the reconstruction of key sites in Mosul,

including the Our Lady of the Hour Convent,

the Al-Tahera Church, the Al-Nouri Mosque, and

the Al-Hadba Minaret, all part of the “Reviving

the Spirit of Mosul” initiative.

Rebuilding Mosul’s Landmarks

Mosul was once a vibrant Christian metropolis,

a legacy reflected in its ancient and modern

heritage that endures despite recent catastrophic

events. The first church documented in Nineveh

(modern-day Mosul) dates back to 570 AD, with

the Mar Isha’ya Church mentioned in the “Chronicle

of Seert,” confirming the presence of a pre-existing

Christian community. Over the centuries, various

councils and conflicts led to the establishment of

numerous churches from different denominations,

including Armenian and Latin congregations.

UNESCO’s preparatory phase, which encompassed

three key sites, was crucial for establishing

a solid foundation for reconstruction. This involved

securing external borders and removing rubble laden

with explosives. Following this, the consolidation

phase commenced, during which detailed designs

for the reconstruction process were developed in consultation

with local residents and experts to ensure

community involvement and ownership.

Mosul Construction Workers Celebrate the Re-Construction of

Al-Hadba Minaret in Mosul.

Al-Hadba Minaret

The Al-Hadba Minaret, with a history spanning 800

years, dominates the Mosul skyline and serves as a

symbol of the city and Iraq. Residents expressed a

strong desire to rebuild the minaret to its original

45-meter height, decorated with bricks and maintaining

its signature slant, as it stood before its destruction

in 2017.

Rebuilding the minaret has posed significant challenges,

particularly in recreating its original slanted

shape using traditional construction methods. The

process involves a series of specialized engineering

operations, including securing and strengthening

the foundations that will support the cylindrical

structure. A critical stage of construction involves developing

a new foundation system that connects the

minaret’s base to stable soil. Efforts will be made to

use as many of the original 44,000 bricks as possible,

although maintaining the original slope of 2.5 meters

will be impossible due to material limitations.

Al-Nuri Mosque

The renowned Al-Nuri Mosque, which ISIS destroyed

in 2017, is slated to reopen by the end of this year as

part of a major UN initiative to restore some of Iraq’s

most historic religious sites. The mosque, famous

for its leaning minaret, was a significant landmark

where ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared a

“caliphate” in 2014. After ISIS was expelled in 2017,

Nineveh was left in ruins.

The restoration project, launched in 2018, has

largely completed the structural aspects of the

mosque and minaret, including the consolidation of

the dome and prayer hall. However, work on the leaning

minaret and finishing touches remains ongoing.

The battle to reclaim Mosul from ISIS lasted almost

nine months, resulting in widespread devastation,

thousands of civilian deaths, and the displacement

of over 900,000 people.

To ensure authenticity, UNESCO sourced bricks

that match the original dimensions, thickness, and

patterns. The project, called “Revive the Spirit of Mosul,”

has received substantial funding from the UAE,

which contributed $50 million to restore the Al-Nuri

complex. Since its inception, the project has created

3,000 jobs for locals and expanded to include

the restoration of two nearby churches, Al-Saa’a

and Al-Tahera.

The Clock Church (Al-Sa’aa)

The Our Lady of the Hour Convent, established

in the 1870s by the Dominicans, is located in

central Mosul and is known for its bell tower

and four-faced clock. The first papal mission to

Mesopotamia arrived in 1870, leading to the creation

of this convent, which has served religious,

cultural, and social purposes.

During ISIS’s occupation, the monastery

was vandalized and misused. Restoration efforts

began in 2021 as part of a broader initiative

by UNESCO to revitalize downtown Mosul. The

project emphasizes cooperation between Christians

and Muslims, aiming to restore both the

convent and a nearby mosque, symbolizing a

return to the city’s diverse heritage.

Church of the Immaculate Conception (Al-

Tahera)

The Syriac Catholic Church of Al-Tahera,

built in 1859 and restored a century later, was

severely damaged during ISIS’s control from

2014 to 2017. The roof collapsed, and significant

portions of its arcades and exterior walls were

destroyed.

The reconstruction of Al-Tahera Church mirrors

the Clock Church project, aligning with

community expectations and respecting the

site’s cultural and religious significance. The detailed

design is complete, and an Iraqi contractor has

been selected for the restoration.

Mosul Museum

When ISIS seized Mosul in 2014, it looted and destroyed

priceless Assyrian and Sumerian artifacts in

the Mosul Museum. The world watched in horror as

militants smashed historic sculptures, a campaign

that was condemned as a war crime by the UN.

The devastation inflicted on the Mosul Museum

constituted a profound cultural loss in a region considered

a cradle of civilization. ISIS targeted these

cultural sites not for military significance but to erase

civic identity. Many smaller items were stolen, while

about 25,000 volumes from the museum library were

burned, and the buildings suffered extensive damage,

including a significant hole in the Assyrian Hall

floor from a bomb blast.

Recognizing the need for reconstruction, organizations

worldwide are collaborating on the project,

including the Smithsonian, the Iraqi State Board of

Antiquities and Heritage, the Louvre, the World Monuments

Fund, and the International Alliance for the

Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas. Restoration

efforts began with documenting the damage and collecting

evidence of the destruction.

The goal is for the Mosul Museum to reopen in

MOSUL continued on page 24

FEBRUARY 2025 CHALDEAN NEWS 23


CULTURE & HISTORY

MOSUL continued from page 23

2026, fostering tourism in the Old City, improving

living standards, and restoring hope to a city rich in

archaeological treasures.

Mosul University

Education, culture, and heritage are key elements for

successful reconstruction and deserve full support.

Mosul University, the second largest in Iraq with

30,000 students, bears the scars of war, occupation,

and destruction as it rebuilds its campus and community

after enduring a dark chapter in its history.

The university was subjected to a reign of terror

during ISIS control, which reshaped its curriculum

and ethos to align with the group’s ideology. Subjects

like literature and philosophy were suspended, and

anything perceived as opposing their religious views

was attacked. ISIS militants burned books in the

central library and demolished archaeological sites,

deeming any literature that did not advance their

agenda as meaningless. Academics linked to the

West or loyal to the Iraqi government were targeted,

and university staff faced threats for not reporting escape

plans of colleagues. Novels, movies, music, and

even cellphones were banned.

During the occupation, the university shifted

focus to subjects supporting ISIS’s war efforts. Foreign

fighters used some buildings for accommodation,

and physical sciences became prioritized. ISIS

promoted training in medicine, pharmacy, nursing,

and dentistry to fill gaps left by fleeing doctors. Even

sports were reimagined as jihadist training, incorporating

military-style lessons.

After more than two years of occupation, the

university faced destruction from ground and air attacks.

The central library remains in ruins, a stark reminder

of what was once one of the largest libraries

in the Middle East. Academics described a climate of

fear, with books burned and subjects banned. Those

who remained in Mosul felt compelled to attend under

threat of violence.

Now liberated, students and faculty are grateful to

return, but a lingering sense of fear persists. The psychological

legacy of war and occupation casts a long

shadow over the campus. While rubble remains to be

cleared, academic links with the international community

are being rebuilt. Collaborations with institutions

like Lancaster University are underway, offering expertise

and technology, while St. Andrews University organizes

fundraising initiatives to send books to Mosul.

The university has suffered from isolation, but

efforts are underway to restore its cultural vibrancy.

More than 3,000 books have been shipped to Mosul,

and the Mosul Book Bridge project aims to replenish

a library that once housed a million volumes. There

are encouraging signs of minority groups, such as

Christian and Yazidi students, returning, further enriching

the university’s diversity.

Despite ongoing insecurities and concerns about

post-war corruption, the need for modern facilities

and resources remains critical. Renovations have

begun, but many classrooms and equipment are outdated,

highlighting the need for new teaching methods

and administrative practices.

Mosul Airport

Mosul International Airport was initially established

as a civil airport in 1990 and reopened on December

2, 2007, after extensive renovations. Captured by ISIS

in June 2014, it became a strategic military site until

liberation by Iraqi forces on February 23, 2017.

The airport suffered significant damage during

the occupation, with militants reportedly sabotaging

runways and infrastructure. Following liberation,

de-mining efforts were completed by November 2019,

paving the way for a comprehensive rebuilding plan.

The rehabilitation of Mosul International Airport

is crucial for enhancing regional connectivity and

supporting local economic recovery. Its restoration

signifies a vital step toward rebuilding Iraq’s infrastructure

and improving transportation options for

residents of the Nineveh governorate.

As of now, 86 percent of the rehabilitation is complete,

and the airport is set to resume civilian flights

in 2025.

A Taste of Safety, Security, Stability, and Freedom

Priest at The Ruins of Al Tahirah Syriac Catholic

Church in Mosul destroyed by ISIS.

Mosul endured a painful three years under ISIS,

but now, following liberation, the city is slowly reclaiming

its spirit. Many Iraqi cities are experiencing

relative stability after decades of conflict, and

Mosul is no exception.

Seven years after authorities declared victory

over ISIS, the streets, parks, and restaurants of Mosul

are once again bustling with families enjoying

newfound safety and freedom. Restaurants near

historic sites like Kara Saray Palace are thriving,

with hundreds of patrons daily enjoying local and

international cuisine.

Nearby, a tourist complex in a previously popular

forest area offers amusement parks, restaurants,

and gardens, drawing families seeking leisure and

normalcy.

Conclusion

Mosul has endured tremendous loss, but there is renewed

hope for the future. The ongoing revival efforts

in the city reflect a collective commitment to humanity.

Today, the power of international cooperation is

evident in the preservation of heritage, the creation

of jobs, and the training of young people, all of which

foster hope and lay the groundwork for lasting peace.

Despite the challenges that remain, the spirit of

resilience among Mosul’s residents is palpable. As the

city rebuilds, it serves as a testament to the strength

of its community and the global commitment to support

its recovery. The sights and sounds of everyday

life returning to the streets signal a brighter chapter

for Mosul and its people.

SOURCES: AL JAZEERA.NET, AHMED AL DABBAGH, UNESCO/MOAMIN

AL-OBAIDI, ALHURRA / SPECIAL –WASHINGTON, AL-ARABIYA NEWS, THE NA-

TIONAL, THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, WIKIPEDIA, AND IRAQI NEWS.COM.

24 CHALDEAN NEWS FEBRUARY 2025


AYDA SAGMAN

Administrative Support

MARYANA SHABO

Behavioral Health Therapist

MARIAM ABDALLA

Behavioral Health Therapist

JACKIE RAXTER

Behavioral Health Program Manager

Emotional wellness is the ability to understand your

emotions and adapt to difficulties, stress, or changes in

life. Emotional wellness is important for overall health and

can lead to better physical health, stronger relationships,

and emotional resilience.

Project Light trilingual (Arabic, Chaldean, English) licensed,

professional therapists are here for you and your best

health. Through the process of therapy, you can change selfdestructive

behaviors and habits, resolve painful emotions,

improve relationships, and explore issues that may be hard

to face alone.

Your therapist will help you to establish person centered

goals and determine the steps you will take to reach those

goals. Your relationship with your therapist is confidential

and our common therapeutic goal is to improve the quality

of life, no matter the challenge.

We invite you to seek out the Light of Project Light!

Serving Michigan residents ages 13 years and up. Please call

to request a Project Light Intake at (586) 722-7253.

CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVACY: The CCF and Project Light is committed to your privacy

and confidentiality and are sensitive to the stigma and stress that come with seeking mental

health support. Therefore, all counseling records are kept strictly confidential. Information

is not shared without client’s written consent. Exceptions to confidentiality are rare and

include persons who threaten safety of themselves others or in circumstances of a court order.

Chaldean Community Foundation

3601 15 Mile Rd., Sterling Heights, MI 48310

FEBRUARY 2025 CHALDEAN NEWS 25


HEALTH & WELLNESS

The Cost of Stress and Negative Mental Health

BY JACQUELINE M. RAXTER, MA, LMSW, LPC

In addition to its impact on an

employee’s physical and mental

health, stress costs businesses and

the economy billions of dollars annually.

Stress-related absenteeism and

presenteeism (when employees are

physically at work but not fully engaged

due to illness, injury, or other

medical conditions) contribute to decreased

productivity, lower output,

higher employee turnover, and inflated

healthcare costs. As workplace

stress and mental health concerns

become more apparent, it’s clear that

fostering a healthier work environment

can greatly benefit employees

and reduce long-term business costs.

Key statistics highlight the magnitude

of the issue:

• An estimated 1 million workers

are absent every day due to stress.

• Job stress is estimated to cost U.S.

industries more than $300 billion annually

in absenteeism, reduced productivity,

and accidents.

• Employees lose over five work

hours each week due to stress-related

thoughts and concerns.

• Work-related stress contributes to

$190 billion in annual healthcare costs

in the United States.

• While being employed generally

supports mental health by providing

purpose, income, identity, and routine,

workplace factors can compromise

this well-being.

• Workplace Stress and Its Impact

on Mental Health

Stress is defined as the body’s nonspecific

response to demands placed

upon it. However, it’s more complex

than that. Stress arises from life changes,

especially significant ones, and

from situations where individuals feel

they have little control. If left unmanaged,

stress can lead to severe mental

and physical health issues, including

cardiovascular disease and cancer.

In extreme cases, stress can be fatal,

robbing individuals of the satisfaction

they should gain from their labor.

Burnout occurs when chronic work

stress persists over time. The World

Health Organization (WHO) defines

burnout as an “occupational phenomenon”

characterized by exhaustion,

negative feelings toward one’s job,

and reduced efficacy at work.

Discrimination in the workplace—

based on race, gender, sexuality, socioeconomic

class, religion, age, or

disability—can also harm mental

health, in addition to being illegal.

Discrimination against individuals

with mental health disorders is also

unlawful.

Stigma surrounding mental health

issues remains a significant barrier.

Employees may face insensitive comments

or assumptions from colleagues

if they request time off for mental

health reasons. This lack of support

only exacerbates the harm caused by

stress.

A toxic work environment, which

can foster high turnover and low productivity,

often results from employee

depression and anxiety. Furthermore,

employees can be affected by personal

stressors unrelated to work, such as

relationship issues or financial strain,

which can spill over into their professional

lives and manifest as irritability,

distractibility, or emotional instability.

Creating a Healthy Workplace

A workplace that prioritizes employee

mental health benefits both the

workers and the business. Employers

can foster a positive environment

by educating leadership and employees,

establishing policies that reflect

workplace values, and accommodating

individuals with mental health

issues or disabilities. By setting the

foundation for a healthier work environment,

business owners can

promote good mental health, prevent

burnout, and create a win-win

situation for both employees and the

organization.

Here are some strategies to improve

workplace mental health:

• Promote work-life balance: Encourage

employees to take full advantage

of their allotted leave time each

year. Establish clear “off” hours that

are respected by colleagues and leadership.

• Encourage help-seeking behavior:

Ensure employees feel comfortable

asking for help when dealing

with work-related challenges. Open

communication is key to resolving

workplace issues.

• Reject fear as a leadership tool:

Using fear as a motivator can increase

stress, feelings of helplessness, and

alienation while lowering self-esteem

and team cohesion.

• Foster clear communication: Ensuring

clarity in communication can

reduce unnecessary conflicts, boost

productivity, and align team members’

efforts.

• Respond proactively to crises:

Be sensitive to external events, such

as natural disasters or tragedies like

school shootings, that may affect

your employees’ mental health. Understanding

the broader context can

help you support employees in times

of need.

Employer-provided benefits can

significantly contribute to an employee’s

well-being. Healthcare insurance,

paid time off (PTO), and employee assistance

programs (EAP) are tangible

ways to create a health-conscious

work culture.

Reducing Stigma and Providing

Resources

Educating workplace leaders and employees

about mental health resources

can reduce stigma and promote an

atmosphere of support. Employees

may fear retaliation or job loss if they

seek mental health care. By providing

confidential resources, offering training

for leadership, and making selfassessments

available, businesses can

help employees feel more comfortable

seeking the help they need.

Understanding Stress and Mental

Health Care

Stress is not a disease, but a natural response

to change. Our bodies produce

a cascade of physiological changes to

help us react to perceived threats, often

referred to as the “fight or flight”

response. Under normal circumstances,

the body returns to a relaxed state

within an hour. However, chronic

stress can impair physical and mental

health. People who remain in a heightened

state of stress for long periods

may struggle with task management,

experience more frequent illnesses,

and are more susceptible to injury.

Does mental health care help? Absolutely.

Mental health encompasses

emotional, psychological, and social

well-being, and it affects how we

think, feel, and act. It also shapes how

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we handle stress, relate to others, and

make decisions. Mental health is important

throughout every stage of life.

Seeking professional help allows individuals

to work with licensed mental

health professionals who are equipped

to identify and address the signs and

symptoms that may negatively affect

an employee’s performance. A therapist

can assist with strategies to create

a healthier work-life balance, helping

individuals overcome workplace stress

and improve overall well-being.

Take Action for Better

Mental Health

Taking the proactive step of reaching

out for support can make a significant

difference in managing stress and improving

mental health. Sharing the

importance of good mental health

with those you care about can create

a more supportive and understanding

environment both inside and outside

the workplace.

Jacqueline Raxter is a Behavioral Health

Program Manager at the Chaldean

Community Foundation. Bi-lingual,

licensed professional therapists are

available to support Michigan residents

aged 13 and up. Services are offered in

a confidential setting by appointment.

Healthcare insurance status is not

a barrier. For more information

or to request printed materials on

Project Light services at the Chaldean

Community Foundation, please call

(586) 722-7253 Monday through Friday

from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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FEBRUARY 2025 CHALDEAN NEWS 27


HEALTH & WELLNESS

Heart Health

Promoting a cultural approach to prevention in the community

BY PAUL NONA, MD & RENA DAIZA, MD

February is American Heart Month,

a time to turn the spotlight on

heart disease, the leading cause of

death in the United States. This tradition

began in 1964 when President Lyndon B.

Johnson, a heart attack survivor himself,

issued the first proclamation declaring

February as a time to raise awareness.

Every year since, U.S. presidents have

continued this vital tradition, emphasizing

the importance of heart health for all

Americans.

Heart disease disproportionately

affects the Chaldean community, with

studies showing that our community

is four times more likely to report this

condition compared to other minority

groups. Factors like socioeconomic

status, cultural traditions, and lifestyle

choices play a significant role. This

underscores the urgent need for community-focused

initiatives to improve

heart health awareness, access to care,

and the adoption of healthier lifestyles.

Our vibrant Chaldean community,

while rich in culture, faces unique

heart health challenges. Why?

Genetics: Family history plays a

significant role. Genetic factors may

make some Chaldeans more susceptible

to conditions like high blood pressure,

high cholesterol, and diabetes,

all major risk factors for heart disease.

Diet: Traditional Chaldean cuisine,

while delicious, can be high in saturated

fats, salt, and sugar, especially when

adapted to the American diet. Dishes

like labneh, geymar, and baklava (we

know, the yummy stuff!) are often high

in fat and sugar. Incorporating more

fruits, vegetables, and whole grains,

while modifying traditional dishes to

be heart-healthy, is crucial.

Lifestyle: Busy lives with long

work hours, commuting, and limited

physical activity are common, contributing

to a sedentary lifestyle. This

lack of physical activity significantly

increases the risk of heart disease.

Stress: Immigration, cultural adjustment,

socioeconomic pressures, and life

in general can contribute to stress. The

pressure to succeed, maintain cultural

traditions, and present a successful image

within a close-knit community can be

overwhelming. Social media can exacerbate

these pressures, leading to feelings

of inadequacy and competition. So, what

can we do?

Eat Right: Prioritize a heart-healthy

diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole

grains, lean proteins, and explore hearthealthy

adaptations of traditional dishes,

such as using leaner meats, incorporating

more vegetables, and reducing

the amount of oil used in cooking.

Get Moving: Aim for at least 150

minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic

activity per week, such as brisk walking,

swimming, or cycling. Include

strength training exercises two or

more times per week.

Manage Stress: Practice relaxation

techniques like meditation, prayer,

yoga, or deep breathing. Foster strong

social connections through family,

friends, and community involvement.

Participate in cultural activities and

religious practices that provide a sense

of belonging and support.

Get Regular Checkups: Schedule

regular visits with your primary doctor

or cardiologist for regular check-ups

and screenings. Monitor blood pressure,

cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.

Consider discussing the coronary

calcium score with your doctor to assess

your individual heart health risk.

Develop Healthy Habits: Quit

smoking or vaping and avoid secondhand

smoke, and limit alcohol consumption

to moderate levels.

Now is the time to prioritize heart

health within our community. While

heart disease presents challenges,

there are resources to overcome them.

By prioritizing heart health through

education, awareness, and community

support, we can create a healthier

future for generations to come.

SOURCES: JAMIL H., FAKHOURI M., DALLO F., TEMPLIN

T., KHOURY R., AND FAKHOURI H. SELF-REPORTED

HEART DISEASE AMONG ARAB AND CHALDEAN

AMERICAN WOMEN RESIDING IN SOUTHEAST

MICHIGAN. ETHN DIS. 2008 WINTER;18(1):19-25. PMID:

18447094. DR. PAUL NONA IS A BOARD-CERTIFIED

CARDIOLOGIST WHO MANAGES A DIVERSE RANGE

OF CARDIAC AND VASCULAR CONDITIONS. DR. RENA

DAIZA IS A FAMILY PRACTICE PHYSICIAN WITH HENRY

FORD HEALTH.

28 CHALDEAN NEWS FEBRUARY 2025


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FEBRUARY 2025 CHALDEAN NEWS 29


IRAQ TODAY

Alqosh Between Past and Present

Celebrating the history of this ancient city

BY GHAZWAN ALYASS

The ancient Chaldean town of

Alqosh is a town in the Nineveh

Plains of northern Iraq, a subdistrict

of the Tel Kaif district situated

45 km north of the city of Mosul. The

locals of Alqosh are Chaldeans who

since the 18th century adhere to the

Chaldean Catholic Church.

To discuss the antiquity of its history,

the authenticity of civilization,

the beauty of heritage, the sources of

thought and culture, the roots of language,

the decoration of its letters,

and unique treasures of its people’s

knowledge, our words must be directed

at its attributes, which epitomizes

all its reputation and titles.

There are many opinions and interpretations

of the origin of its name, but

we have drawn a clear conclusion that

is beyond doubt. We identify it today

with its beautiful geographic location,

lying on the slope of the mountain that

bears its name. When one wanders

through its neighborhoods and alleys,

its features begin to emerge and fully

realizes that we are standing before a

history full of distinction at all levels.

The depth of Alqosh’s archeological

history extends thousands of years.

The presence of historic sites and the

excavation of its surroundings reveals

a host of treasures. Every stone in it

has a story, a tale, or a religious landmark,

such as the shrine of the Prophet

Nahum, the Church, and School

of Mar Mikha, and the Monastery of

Rabban Hormizd, which stands well

preserved at the top of nearby Mount

Alqosh overlooking the town and the

agricultural fields below. These sites

provide sufficient evidence of the

town’s authenticity, visible history,

and accessibility, and are considered a

major tourist attraction to this day.

Men gather at the gate of a social club in Alqosh c. 1980s.

Location and History

Alqosh is one of the oldest sub-districts

of Iraq, as it was the center of

the district before the formation of the

modern Iraqi state in 1921, where on

December 27, 1918, Boutros Shimon

Adamo was appointed the first director

of the district. It is administratively

linked to dozens of surrounding villages

and towns and affiliated with

the Tel Kaif district within the Nineveh

Governorate. In addition to being the

center of the district, this town is considered

an important Christian religious

center as it hosts the episcopal

see of the Chaldean Diocese of Alqosh.

Alqosh is a very ancient Chaldean

town whose history goes back more

than 1,000 years BC due to the presence

of the shrine of the Prophet Nahum

who predicted the fall of Nineveh.

Alqosh is a Chaldean word made up of

two parts: Ail - Qosht, meaning the

strong god. The town’s economy and

people’s living conditions are based

on agriculture, farming, trade, weaving,

and pastures for sheep and cows.

It is surrounded by vast large agricultural

lands, fertile fields, wide threshing

areas, vineyards, and trade.

To understand and share this great

archeological history and geography,

and learn more facts, we engaged

one of the sons of Alqosh to clarify

the picture and convey to the readers

interesting details about its most important

archaeological sites, places,

and prominent personalities. We interviewed

Deacon Samir Zori, a local man

known for his in-depth knowledge and

high-level artistic, cultural, and historical

talents and abilities.

Deacon Zori is a prominent linguist,

a scholar of the Chaldean language,

and skilled in the distinct art of calligraphy.

Zori began to narrate his valuable

information and stories by highlighting

the fact that Alqosh has unique ancient

archaeological sites, including:

Shweetha Da-Ganawy: Chaldean

words meaning the “bed of strangers.”

Masna’ai: An ancient monument

carved in the middle of the mountain

as an altar for “idols.”

Kouba Da-Maya: The “water cave,”

is a large and wide cave carved into the

mountain and contains a small spring

of water suitable for drinking.

Kirra: Meaning “to stand,” it is a

manual work in the form of a circular

hill believed to be an ancient observatory

established after the fall of

Nineveh at the hands of the Chaldeans

led by King Nebuchadnezzar. The

Chaldean kings ruled Nineveh after its

fall in the year 612 BC.

Qarzi: A small and somewhat low

mountain range, its height is about 50

meters above the Qasha neighborhood

and separated from the main mountain

by a wide valley. Two generations

ago, several houses were built on it,

but have since disappeared.

In my opinion, the name should be

pronounced “Karzi” with the letter Kaf

and not Qaf because it has no meaning

in Chaldean. However, it is believed

that Karzi means “the one who calls”

as it is a high and likely location when

events occur, whether happy, sad,

or frightening. The caller climbs this

range to call the residents of Alqosh to

be careful.

The Temple of the Prophet Nahum

the Qoshite

A very ancient Jewish temple site was

established before the arrival of Christianity

in Alqosh. Nahum’s shrine is

close to the shrine of his sister Sarah.

His parents and grandfathers were

prisoners of the Assyrian king, Sennacherib.

The temple was designed in the

form of a tomb similar to the rest of

the tombs of the prophets. His name

is written in the Holy Bible, the Old

Testament, which predicted the fall of

Nineveh forever in 612 BC.

One of his many prophecies was

that Nineveh is a pool whose water has

dried up, and “woe to the city of blood!

Your rulers are dead, O King of Assyria,

your nobles have departed you, your

people are scattered in the mountains,

and no one is gathering them. Everyone

who hears your news claps their hands

at you and your calamity.”

Christian Alqosh

Alqosh embraced Christianity in the

first century when Mar Mikha al-Nu-

30 CHALDEAN NEWS FEBRUARY 2025


hadri came to it, Alqosh became Christian

and had the Church of Mar Korkis.

Alqosh was exposed to many disasters,

including the Mongols and Tatar invasions

in the fifteenth century, and this

is proven by the presence of the Mongol

Tatar cemetery on the road to the Monastery

of Rabban Hormizd and in the time

of Tamerlane in the thirteenth-century,

Tahmasp Quli Khan and Nader Shah in

the fifteenth century.

It was exposed and subject to persecution

in 1832 by Prince Muhammad

al-Awaar (the one-eyed), nicknamed

Mirakur. Anba Gabriel Danbo, the

head of the Monastery of Rabban Hormizd,

was martyred there, along with

several monks and large numbers of

Alqosh people.

Alqosh and other Christian towns

married to a Frenchman of Al-Qoshi

origin, but it was not known exactly

which family she belonged to.

During the last few decades, immigration

continued to America, Canada,

Australia, and Europe. Al-Qoshies

in the diaspora continue to cling to

their Chaldean identity and traditions

in dress and customs in addition to

their Christian faith.

The name Alqosh is famous worldwide,

because it is the town of the

Prophet Nahum Alqoshi who was mentioned

in the Bible, and the first school

was established to teach the Chaldean

language and Chaldean script since

the arrival of Mar Mikha in the fifth

century AD. It is also famous for its calligraphers,

writers, and poets.

was likely since the times when the

people of Alqosh converted to Christianity.

This date goes back to the fourth

century AD when Mar Mikha came to

Alqosh and Alqosh church was full

of people, priests, and deacons. The

cemetery was divided into the original

Alqosh clans according to age. It contains

old graves from the twelfth century

AD until 2015 when a new cemetery

was built west of Alqosh.

Samir Zori also described his memories

and records in collecting information

about the old Alqosh market, saying:

“The old Alqosh market is located

in the middle of Alqosh town and has

several alleys to reach it: an alley from

Qasha neighborhood from the east of

the market, two alleys from Tahttani

neighborhood south of the market, and

Shrines

As for the shrines, Deacon Zori said:

“Many churches and shrines were

built in Alqosh, the first of which are:

Mar Korkis Church in the third century

AD; Mar Mikha al-Nuhadri Church and

School in the fifth century AD; the famous

Monastery of Rabban Hormizd

was founded in the seventh century

AD; the Monastery of Our Lady Lady

Mary, Keeper of Crops in the eighteenthcentury

AD; Mar Qardakh Church and

Shrine; Mar Shimon Shrine, which is

probably old, was built in the name of

Mar Shimon Bar Sabaei, the Chaldean

Patriarch during the time of Shapur II

in the third century AD; Mar Shimoni

Shrine; Mar Youssef Shrine; Mar Sahdona

Shrine; Mar Zadika Shrine; and

Mar Yohannan Shrine”

Women in traditional Chaldean village garments head into church. Date unknown. The old Bazaar in Alqosh c. 1971

suffered from the Simele Massacre,

which caused a large migration into

Alqosh. The Simele Massacre, also

known as the Assyrian Affair, was committed

by the Iraqi army led by General

Bakr Siddqi during a campaign systematically

targeting the Assyrians in and

around Simele in August 1933. The number

of deaths was estimated by British

officials at 600. Some Assyrian estimates

are higher, positing that as many as

6,000 were killed and over 100 Assyrian

villages were destroyed and looted.

The town was also affected by regional

conflicts and wars in northern

Iraq between the Baath regime, and

the Kurdish people, the movement of

ISIS to the region, and the fall of the

Baath regime.

Two centuries ago, there was a migration

from Alqosh to Mosul, Baghdad,

Basra, and Europe. It is said that

Patriarch Youssef Audo, when he visited

France, met an elderly woman

Alqosh Old Neighborhoods

The town of Alqosh is located north

of Mosul and south of Dohuk. It is the

center of a district affiliated with the

Nineveh Governorate.

Alqosh has three old neighborhoods:

the Qasha neighborhood,

located east of the town, the Sina

neighborhood, which is located west

of it, and the Tahttani (i.e. lower-level

neighborhood), which is located south

of the Qasha and Sina neighborhoods.

The neighborhoods are separated by

an alley named after the neighborhood.

These names are Chaldean

words. The areas expanded and had

new neighborhoods.

Rauma: This is Alqosh cemetery, a

Chaldean word meaning a high place,

located east of Alqosh. It is a high and

wide hill that the people of Alqosh

used as a cemetery for their dead. Its

geographic existence is natural and

ancient, however, its use as a cemetery

two alleys from the west Sina neighborhood.

It is a well-organized and beautiful

market consisting of shops, which

are of equal size and divided into several

adjacent sections, most of which are for

grocers, butchers, carpenters, blacksmiths,

craftsmen, cloth merchants, and

shops selling dairy, milk, and cheese.”

Within the market, there are three

wholesale Khans (warehouses). Most

of the shops and inns are owned by the

Chaldean Church of Alqosh, some are

owned by Our Lady of the Chaldean

Monastery, and some are owned by

well-known families in Alqosh.

The market of this town has played

an important role for decades, as a

commercial center for many years,

where various goods brought by merchants

from distant areas were traded,

exchanged, and sold. In this market,

the process of bartering goods such as

fruits and vegetables was carried out

in exchange for wheat and barley.

Mar Mikha Church and School

This church was probably built at the

beginning of the fifth century, around

414 AD, and its location did not change

but was expanded, and a school was

built to teach children and youth the

Chaldean language, Christian education,

and hymns.

During the time of Mar Mikha,

his church was next to the Church of

Mar Korkis and close to the shrine of

the Prophet Nahum al-Qoshi from the

west and on the same line where the

houses of Alqosh were built (Qarzi) as

we mentioned before.

The Church of Mar Korkis, the

Church of Mar Mikha, and the Temple

of the Prophet Nahum were built

south of the houses of Alqosh. After

some time, the people of Alqosh built

houses in a row of these churches and

on three sides: the east, the west, and

the south, and they remain to this day.

Famous Figures in Alqosh

Ancient Alqosh produced famous figures,

and due to the limited space,

we limit listing the names of famous

patriarchs and some of the old calligraphers,

famous people, in various

historical fields including religion,

culture, politics, and arts.

We start from the twelfth century

AD because the previous centuries

did not record, or we could obtain ancient

manuscripts to know historical

figures due to hostile incidents, destruction,

and persecutions.

ALQOSH continued on page 32

FEBRUARY 2025 CHALDEAN NEWS 31


IRAQ TODAY

ALQOSH continued from page 31

Calligraphers

Isho the monk, a very skilled Chaldean

calligrapher, has a manuscript in Chaldean

writing with the magnificence

of calligraphy on parchment (gazelle

skin) of the Old Testament, consisting

of 25 notebooks, which he completed

in 1200 AD.

The skilled calligrapher and the

beauty of his handwriting, Father Ataya

Al-Maqdisi 1520.

The famous calligrapher Father

Yaqoub Abdul-Masih Khazmi 1569 AD.

Calligraphers in Chaldean script

from Beit Rabbi Raba (Shikwana) and

calligraphers from Beit Homo (the

Homo House).

Because of the limits of the number

of words and pages for this journalistic

investigation, the spotlight in this

area was limited to religious figures

only from the shepherds of the church

in addition to what was mentioned by

the skilled ancient calligraphers.

Patriarchs from Alqosh

Patriarchs of the Nestorian Chaldean

Church: Timotheus II 1318 - 1332 AD;

Dinha II 1332 - 1364 AD; Simeon II 1364

- 1407 AD; Simeon III 1407 - 1437 AD;

Elia IV 1437 - 1437 AD; Simeón IV Al-

Basidi 1437 - 1476 AD; Simeon V 1497-

1501 AD; Elijah V 1502-1503 AD; Simeon

VI 1504-1538 AD; Simeon VII 1538-1551

AD; Simeon VIII 1551-1558 AD, during

his reign, the Nestorian Chaldean

Church split into two parts, Nestorian

and Catholic; Elijah VI 1558 - 1476 AD;

Elijah VII 1576 - 1591 AD; Elijah VIII 1591

- 1617 AD; Elijah IX Simon 1617 - 1660

AD; Elijah X Yohanna Marukin 1660 -

1700 AD; Elijah XI Marukin 1700 - 1722

AD; Elijah XII Denha 1722 - 1778 AD;

Elijah XIII Isho’yab 1778 – 1804; and

Yohnan Hormizd VIII 1804 - 1838 AD.

These are patriarchs of the Chaldean

Nestorian Church from the town

of Alqosh from the house of the Abouna

family (father’s family).

Patriarchs of the Chaldean Catholic

Church: Patriarch Yohannan Shimon

Sulaqa 1551-1553 AD; Patriarch

Youssef Audo 1837-1878 AD; Patriarch

Emmanuel Tomka 1900-1947 AD; and

Patriarch Paul Cheikho 1958-1989 AD.

Plus, hundreds of bishops, priests,

pastors, monks, and deacons are

skilled in reading, writing, calligraphy,

poetry, melodies, and memorizing

difficult hymns.

Spreading abroad

Alqosh was not far from its sister

Christian villages and towns that

suffered in the homeland. It went

through many tragic events and attempts

by aggressors who intended to

eliminate its civilizational, intellectual,

cultural, and religious heritage.

However, despite everything that

happened to it, its zealous sons rose

stronger, drawing their strength,

determination, and insistence from

their faith and courageous history.

However, the ferocity of events and

successive policies of persecution led

to the departure of many Alqosh families

abroad, searching for a land in

which to plant the seedlings of their

values and history so that their children

and grandchildren could reap

The ferocity

of events and

successive policies

of persecution led

to the departure

of many Alqosh

families abroad.

beautiful fruits with a distinctive flavor

that traces its origins back to their

hometown of Alqosh.

Despite all the pressures, harsh

conditions, political, and demographic

changes, and the gradual

shrinkage of its population over time,

it has maintained its familiar bold

historical features that have not been

affected by the regional demographic

changes so far.

The deep love and attachment of

its expatriate sons to it led them to

establish many associations and organizations

overseas as the Alqosh

community spread and established

itself across the diaspora. Most of

the principals and directors of these

charitable, social, and cultural institutions

chose to have names and

signs related to the history of their

town. They always repeat the saying,

“Indeed, we do not live in Alqosh, but

Alqosh will always live in us.”

املختلفة التي يأيت بها التجار من مناطق بعيدة

فكانت تتم يف هذا السوق عملية املقايضة بني السلع

من الفواكه والخرضوات يقابلها الحنطة والشعري .

اما ما يخص املزارات قال الشامس زوري

لقد أنشأت كنائس ومزارات عديدة يف القوش وأولها:‏

كنيسة مار كوركيس يف القرن الثالث امليالدي.‏

كنيسة ومدرسة مار ميخا النوهدري يف القرن الخامس

امليالدي.‏

دير الربان هرمزد الشهري يف القرن السابع امليالدي.‏

دير السيدة مريم حافظة الزروع يف القرن الثامن

عرش امليالدي.‏

كنيسة ومزار مار قرداخ.‏

مزار مار شمعون وعىل االرجح انه قديم وشيد عىل

اسم مار شمعون برصباعي البطريرك الكلداين يف زمن

الشابور الثاين يف القرن الثالث امليالدي.‏

مزار مارت شموين

مزار مار يوسف

مزار مار سهدونا

مزار مار زديقا

مزار مار يوحنان

كنيسة مار ميخا ومدرسته:‏

بنيت هذه الكنيسة عىل األرجح يف بداية القرن

الخامس حوايل سنة 414 م ومل يتغري مكانها بل

توسعت اكرث وبنيت مدرسة لتعليم األطفال

والشباب اللغة الكلدانية وتعليم املسيحي

والرتاتيل.‏ ويف زمن مار ميخا كانت كنيسته بجوار

كنيسة مار كوركيس وقريبة عىل رضيح النبي

ناحوم االلقويش من جهة الغرب وعىل نفس الخط

حيث كانت بيوت القوش مبنية عىل ‏)قرزي(‏ كام

اسلفنا ذكرها وكانت كنيسة مار كوركيس وكنيسة

مار ميخا وهيكل نبي ناحوم مشيدة جنوب بيوت

القوش وبعد مرور من الزمن قام اهايل القوش

ببناء بيوت بصف هذه الكنائس ومن ثالث جهات

الرشقية والغربية والجنوبية وإىل يومنا هذا.‏

الشخصيات املعروفة واملشهورة يف القوش:‏

القوش العريقة أنجبت شخصيات مشهورة ولضيق

املساحة للكتابة بهذا املجال سأخترص بذكر األسامء

البطاركة وبعض الخطاطني القدامى ألن هناك

مشاهري كثريين،‏ ويف مجاالت تاريخية مختلفة منها

دينية،‏ ثقافية،‏ سياسية،‏ وفنية.‏ وبشتى املجاالت،‏

سنبدأ من القرن الثاين عرش امليالدي،‏ ألن ما سبق من

هذه القرون مل نحصل عىل مخطوطات قدمية ملعرفة

شخصيات تاريخية بسبب الحوادث واالضطهادات.‏

من الخطاطني:‏

ايشوع الراهب خطاط كلداين ماهر جدا له

مخطوط بالكتابة الكلدانية بروعة الخط عىل الرق

‏)جلد الغزال(‏ العهد القديم بقوام 25 كراساُ‏ أنجزه

سنة 1200 م.‏

الخطاط املاهر وبجامل خطه القس عطايا

املقديس 1520

الخطاط املشهور القس يعقوب عبد املسيح

خزمي 1569 م

الخطاطون بالكتابة الكلدانية من بيت ريب رابا

‏)شكوانا(‏ وخطاطون من بيت هومو

وبسبب تحديد عدد الكلامت والصفحات الخاصة

بهذا التحقيق الصحفي سيقترص تلسيط الضوء يف هذا

املجال فقط عىل الشخصيات الدينية من رعاة الكنيسة

باإلضافة إىل ما ذكر من خطاطني بارعني قدماء

البطاركة من القوش:‏

1. بطاركة الكنيسة الكلدانية النسطورية :

طيامثاوس الثاين 1318 ‎1332‎م

دنحا الثاين 1332 ‎1364‎م

شمعون الثاين 1364 ‎1407‎م

شمعون الثالث 1407 1437 م

ايليا الرابع 1437 1437 م

شمعون الرابع الباصيدي 1437 1476 م

شمعون الخامس 1497 ‎1501‎م

ايليا الخامس 1502 1503 م

شمعون السادس 1504 1538 م

شمعون السابع 1538 1551 م

شمعون الثامن 1551 1558 م

ويف عهده انشطرت الكنيسة الكلدانية النسطورية

إىل شطرين نسطوري كاثولييك.‏

ايليا السادس 1558 1476 م

ايليا السابع 1576 1591 م

ايليا الثامن 1591 1617 م

ايليا التاسع شمعون 1617 1660 م

ايليا العارش يوحنا مروكني 1660 1700 م

ايليا الحادي عرش مروكني 1700 1722 م

ايليا الثاين عرش دنحا 1722 1778 م

ايليا الثالث عرش ايشوعياب 1778 1804

يوحنان هرمزد الثامن 1804 1838 م هؤالء

البطاركة للكنيسة الكلدانية النسطورية من بلدة

القوش من بيت ابونا.‏

2. بطاركة الكنيسة الكلدانية الكاثوليكية :

البطريرك يوحنان شمعون سوالقا 1551 ‎1553‎م

البطريرك يوسف اودو 1837 1878 م

البطريرك عامنوئيل تومكا 1900 1947 م

البطريرك بولس شيخو 1958 1989 م

ومئات من األساقفة والكهنة والقساوسة والرهبان

والشاممسة البارعني بالقراءة والكتابة وحفظ

األلحان الصعبة والكثرية .

االنتشار يف املهجر

مل تكن القوش بعيدة عام عانته شقيقاتها القرى

والبلدات املسيحية األخرى يف الوطن حيث مرت

عليها العديد من األحداث املأساوية محاولة من

املعتدين القضاء عىل إرثها الحضاري والفكري

والثقايف والديني لكن رغم كل ما حل فيها كان

أبناؤها الغيارى ينهضون اقوى مستمدين من

إميانهم وتاريخهم عزميتهم وإرصارهم ، لكن

رضاوة األحداث وسياسات االضطهاد املتعاقبة

أدت إىل رحيل الكثري من العائالت االلقوشية إىل

خارج البالد باحثني عن أرض يغرسوا فيها شتالت

قيمهم وتاريخهم ليستطيع أبنائهم وأحفادهم

جني مثاراً‏ بهية بنكهة مميزة تعود أصولها إىل

مسقط رأسهم القوش فربغم كل الضغوط

والظروف القاسية واملتغريات السياسية وانكامش

عدد سكانها تدريجياً‏ مبرور الزمن إال أنها بقيت

محافظة عىل سامتها التاريخية املعهودة التي مل

يطالها التغيري الدميغرايف حتى اآلن

فالحب العميق وتعلق ابنائها املغرتبني

بها قادهم إىل تأسيس الكثري من الجمعيات

واملنظامت خاصة بالجالية االلقوشية املنترشة

يف بلدان املهجر واغلب تلك املؤسسات الخريية

واالجتامعية والثقافية اختار القامئني عليها أسامء

لها مرتبطة بتاريخ بلدتهم فهم دامئا يرددون

مقولة “ صحيح نحن ال نعيش يف القوش لكنها

ستبقى دامئا تعيش فينا “ .

32 CHALDEAN NEWS FEBRUARY 2025


IRAQ TODAY

القوش بني املايض والحارض

للحديث عن عراقة التاريخ وأصالة الحضارة وجامل

الرتاث ومنابع الفكر و الثقافة و جذور اللغة وزخرفة

حروفها وغري ذلك من النعوت الحسنة و الكنوز

املعرفية الفذة البد أن يكون كالمنا موجها إىل القوش

التي تخترص كل األلقاب والعناوين وإن تعددت

االعتقادات والتفسريات يف أصل تسميتها إال أننا

استقينا حقيقةً‏ واضحة ال تقبل الشك،‏ نراها إىل

يومنا هذا بإطاللتها الجميلة وهي تربض عىل سفح

الجبل الذي يُسمى باسمها وعند التجول يف أحيائها

وأزقتها تبدأ تتجىل مالمحها لنُدرك متاماً‏ اننا نقف

امام تاريخ حافل بالتميز عىل كافة املستويات،‏ فعمق

جذورها متتد إىل آالف السنني،‏ فحينها مل نعد بحاجة

لنبش األرض يف البحث والتنقيب عن كنوزها األثرية

العديدة،‏ فكل حجر فيها له قصة وحكاية وكذلك

املعامل األثرية،‏ كمرقد النبي ناحوم وكنيسة ومدرسة

مار ميخا ودير الربان هرمزد وهي شاخصة للعيان إىل

يومنا هذا،‏ دالئل كافية عىل األصالة والرصانة،‏ حيث

يكاد كل ركن فيها يتحدث عن ذاته ويحمل يف طياته

عبق املايض العتيق الذي بات يعرفه الجميع.‏

وهي من أقدم نواحي العراق،‏ فهي مركز

ناحية قبل تشكيل الدولة العراقية الحديثة يف

١٩٢١ حيث يف ‎٢٧‎كانون األول ‎١٩١٨‎عنيّ‏ فيها

‏)بطرس شمعون أدمو(‏ أول مدير للناحية ، ترتبط

فيها إداريًا العرشات من القرى والبلدات املحيطة

بها وهي تابعة لقضاء تلكيف ضمن محافظة

نينوى وتبعد عن مركز املحافظة ‎٤٥‎كم شامالً‏

فباإلضافة إىل كونها مركزًا للناحية تعترب هذه

البلدة مركزًا دينيًا مسيحيا مهامً‏ فهي تحتضن

الريس األسقفي ألبرشية القوش الكلدانية.‏

القوش بلدة كلدانية عريقة وقدمية جدا يبعد

تاريخها أكرث من 1000 سنة قبل امليالد لوجود رضيح

النبي ناحوم الذي تنبأ بسقوط نينوى والقوش كلمة

كلدانية من مقطعني أيل قوشت مبعنى اإلله القوي.‏

الحالة املعيشية فيها مستندة عىل الفالحة والزراعة

والتجارة والحياكة ومرعى لألغنام والبقر وهي متلك

أرايض زراعية كبرية املساحة وبيادر واسعة ونصب

الكروم والتجارة.‏

وأمام هذا العمق التاريخي الكبري كان علينا أن

نستضيف أحد أبناء القوش ليك يوضح الصورة لنا

وينقل للقراء الكرام تفاصيل ممتعة عن أهم مواقعها

األثرية وأماكنها وشخصياتها البارزة،‏ لذلك أجرينا

حوارا مع الشامس سمري زوري،‏ هذا الرجل الذي

يتمتع مبواهب وقدرات فنية وثقافية وتاريخية عالية

املستوى،‏ فالشامس زوري من املبدعني يف مجال لغتنا

الكلدانية والبارعني يف خطها.‏ بدء ضيفنا الكريم برسد

معلوماته القيمة يف التحدث عن أن القوش فيها

مواقع أثرية قدمية منها:‏

شويثا دكناواي:‏ وهي باألصل شويثا دكلواي وهي

كلمة كلدانية مبعنى مسبية الغرباء.‏

مصناعي ‏:وهو أثر قديم محفور يف وسط الجبل

عىل شكل مذبح لالوثان.‏

كوبا دمايا:‏ كهف املاء وهو كهف محفور يف

الجبل كبري وواسع وفيه ينبوع ماء صغري صالح

للرشب.‏

كِرا:‏ مبعنى ‏“تصدد”،‏ وهو عمل يدوي عىل شكل

تل دائري يعتقد أنه مرصد قديم قد أقيم بعد سقوط

نينوى عىل يد الكلدان بقيادة امللك نبوخذ نرص ألن

ملوك الكلدان حكموا نينوى بعد سقوطها بعد عام

612 ق.م.‏

قرزي:‏ هي سلسلة جبلية صغرية وقصرية نوعا ما

يبلغ ارتفاعها عن محلة قاشا حوايل 50 م ومفصولة

من الجبل بوادي واسع وقبل جيلني واكرث كانت

قد بنيت عليها بيوت اما االن قد اندثرت.‏ حسب

اعتقادي هي كَرزي بحرف الكاف وليس بحرف

القاف ألن االسم األول ليس له معنى بالكلدانية أما

املعتقد كَرزي تعني ‏“املنادى”‏ حيث أنها موقع مرتفع

ومحتمل عند حدوث أي حدث إن كان مفرحا،‏

محزنا،‏ أو مخيفا املنادي يتسلق إىل هذه السلسة

للمنادى لساكني القوش من الحذر.‏

هيكل النبي ناحوم االلقويش:‏ هو هيكل قديم

جدا قبل املسيحية يف القوش ورضيحه قريب من

رضيح أخته سارة وكان آبائه وأجداده أرسى لدى

االمرباطورية االشورية منذ ملك سنحاريب ‏.إذ كان

هيكله عىل شكل قرب كباقي قبور األنبياء.‏ واسمه

مكتوب يف الكتاب املقدس العهد القديم الذي

تنبأ بسقوط نينوى وإىل األبد سنة 612 ق.م.‏

من نبوءته ‏)نينوى كربكة جفّ‏ ماؤها.‏ ويل ملدينة

الدماء.‏ مات والتك يا ملك أثور عظامؤك فارقوك

وتشتت شعبك عىل الجبال وال من يجمع.‏ كل من

يسمع بخربك يصفق عليك بكفني.(.‏

القوشاملسيحية:‏

اعتنقت القوش املسيحية منذ القرون االوىل حيث

عند قدوم مار ميخا النوهدري اليها يف القرن الخامس

كانت القوش مسيحية وفيها كنيسة مار كوركيس.‏

تعرضت القوش لنكبات كثرية منها املغول والترت

يف القرن الخامس عرش ويثبت بذلك لوجود مقربة

الترت املغول عىل طريق دير الربان هرمزد ويف

زمن تيمورلنك يف القرن الثالث عرش.‏ وطهامسب

قويل خان ونادر شاه يف القرن الخامس عرش

وتعرضت إىل االضطهاد سنة 1832 من قبل األمري

محمد االعور امللقب مرياكور واستشهد بها األنبا

جربائيل دنبو رئيس دير الربان هرمزد مع عدد

من الرهبان واعداد كبرية من أهايل القوش.‏

وتأثرت مبذبحة سميل حيث الهجرة الكبرية

إىل القوش وحركات شامل العراق بني الحكومة

نظام البعث والشعب الكوردي وحركة نظام

داعش وسقوط النظام البعثي ومنذ قرنني حدثت

هجرة من القوش إىل موصل وبغداد والبرصة وثم

إىل أوروبا ويحىك بأن البطريرك يوسف اودو عند

زيارته لفرنسا التقى بامرأة كبرية السن متزوجة

من فرنيس وأصلها القويش ومل تعرف بالضبط

من أي عشرية.‏ وكانت الهجرة مستمرة إىل أمريكا

وكندا واسرتاليا وأوربا وهم يف املهجر ومتمسكني

بهويتهم الكلدانية وتقاليدهم بالزي والعادات

إضافة إىل إميانهم املسيحي

إن اسم القوش مشهور عامليا،‏ ألنها بلدة النبي

ناحوم االلقويش يف الكتاب املقدس وتأسست أول

مدرسة لتعليم اللغة الكلدانية والخط الكلداين منذ

قدوم مار ميخا يف القرن الخامس امليالدي وهي

مشهورة بالخطاطني والكتاب والشعراء.‏

أحيائها القدمية

بلدة القوش تقع شامل مدينة املوصل وجنوب مدينة

دهوك وهي مركز ناحية تابعة ملحافظة نينوى فيها

ثالث محالت قدمية جدا وهي محلة قاشا التي تقع

رشق البلدة ومحلة سينا التي تقع غربها ومحلة

تحتاين تقع جنوب املحلتي قاشا وسينا ويفصل املحلة

من األخرى بزقاق باسم املحلة وهذه االسامء كلامت

كلدانية . أما اآلن توسعت وفيها أحياء جديدة .

راوما:‏ مقربة القوش وهي كلمة كلدانية مبعنى

موضع مرتفع وموقعها رشق القوش انه تل مرتفع

وواسع استعمله اهايل القوش مقربة ملوتاهم وجوده

طبيعي قديم لكن استعامله كمقربة محتمل منذ

اعتناق أهايل القوش باإلميان املسيحي ويعود هذا

التاريخ يف القرن الرابع امليالدي الن عند قدوم مار

ميخا اىل القوش يف القرن الخامس كانت كنيسة

القوش عامرة وكان بها كهنة وشاممسة.‏ وقد قسمت

إىل عشائر القوش األصليني حسب القدم.‏ وفيها قبور

قدمية منذ القرن الثاين عرش امليالدي ولحد السنة

2015 حيث بنيت مقربة جديدة غرب القوش .

كذلك وصف لنا سمري زوري عن ذكرياته

ومدوناته يف جمع املعلومات عن سوق القوش

القديم قائال:‏ يقع سوق القوش قديم يف وسط

بلدة القوش وله عدد من أزقة للوصول إليه:‏ زقاق

من محلة قاشا من جهة رشق السوق وزقاقان من

محلة تحتاين من جهة جنوب السوق وزقاقان من

جهة غرب السوق من محلة سينا.‏

إنه سوق نظامي وجميل متكون من دكاكني

أكرثها متساوية الحجم ومقسم إىل عدة اقسام

متالصقة أكرثهم للبقالني ودكاكني القصابني ودكاكني

نجارين ومنهم للحدادين وأصحاب املهن اليدوية

ودكاكني لبزازين ودكاكني لبيع اللنب والجنب ومن

ضمن السوق هناك ثالث خانات للبيع بالجملة.‏

ومعظم الدكاكني و الخانات ملك كنيسة القوش

الكلدانية ومنها ملك لدير السيدة للرهبنة الكلدانية

ومنها ملك لعوائل معروفة يف القوش وقد لعب

سوق هذه البلدة دورًا هامًا لعقود طويلة فقد كان

مركزا تجاريا لسنوات عديدة يتم فيه تبادل البضائع

FEBRUARY 2025 CHALDEAN NEWS 33


ECONOMICS & ENTERPRISE

Rudy’s Prime Steakhouse opened last October at the site of the former Rudy’s Market in downtown Clarkston.

Get Ready For Prime Time

Chaldean businessmen transform a historic

Clarkston market into a destination

BY STEVE STEIN

Robert Esshaki and Christopher

Thomas owned a piece of

Clarkston history, but the Chaldean

businessmen had a decision to

make.

Owners and operators of the beloved

Rudy’s Market in downtown

Clarkston since 1989, they faced the

stark reality that small independent

grocery stores were, as Esshaki said,

“with a few exceptions, becoming a

thing of the past as competitors like

Amazon, Meijer, Kroger, etc., continue

to expand and dominate the landscape.

“So, as the old adage says, we

looked at what was going to change in

the next 10 years and what isn’t going

to change in the next 10 years.”

What’s not going to change, Esshaki

said, is people will always want

a great dining experience. “It’s simply

one of the most personal experiences

that life has to offer,” he said.

So Esshaki and Thomas made the

difficult but well-researched decision

in 2021 to close the market, which Esshaki

called a community treasure and

said was still doing well because of its

catering operation and open an upscale

steakhouse at that location.

The steakhouse opened October

15. Its name is “Rudy’s Prime Steakhouse”

in honor of German immigrant

Rudy Schwartz, who founded Rudy’s

Market in 1933 at the corner of Main

and Washington Streets in downtown

Clarkston and moved it to its final location

at 9 Main Street in 1954.

Esshaki and Thomas bought the

market from the Schwartz family in

1989. “It was a no-brainer to name the

steakhouse after Rudy,” Esshaki said.

Constructed in 1915, the building at 9

Main Street originally housed a Ford

dealership and service shop, and later

a Kroger.

Now the more-than-century-old

building has a new purpose. There are

100 seats in the steakhouse and another

35 seats in the bar/lounge of the

4,400-square foot facility.

“We love Clarkston. Over the years

we’ve become a part of the community

and have made too many friends to

count,” Esshaki said. “We wanted to

do what was best for the community

and ourselves with the transformation

of Rudy’s Market, and that was to create

a destination steakhouse.

“We looked at the map, and we

didn’t see a steakhouse like ours to

the north, east or west. There are

steakhouses like ours in Birmingham

and Troy to the south, but those

aren’t exactly around the corner (from

Clarkston).

“Clarkston is a dynamic community

that has a population with an income

level that can support our steakhouse.

The city’s downtown is historic,

but more retail and restaurants have

been opening there in recent years.”

The former Rudy’s Market building

needed to be updated from the ground

up, Esshaki said.

“We partnered with the Clarkston

City Council, Planning Commission

and Historic District Commission to

come up with a plan that would allow

us to update the building, but at the

same time keep the character of the

building,” Esshaki said. “They were

great to work with and very supportive

of the project.”

Birmingham-based Saroki Architecture

and Kelly Building & Development

Company were hired “and they

took us to the finish line,” Esshaki

said. “We couldn’t be happier with the

design, ambience and quality of the

finished product.”

Rudy’s Prime Steakhouse has

been packed most nights, Esshaki

said. Many customers have come from

northern Oakland County communities

like Rochester, said Essaki, plus

Genesee County communities like

Fenton and Grand Blanc, and eastern

Detroit suburbs.

Here’s a sampling from the lengthy

Rudy’s Prime Steakhouse menu:

Appetizers include shrimp cocktail

($20), octopus ($15) and house-baked

sourdough bread ($9).

34 CHALDEAN NEWS FEBRUARY 2025


There are enough things

out there going viral.

Get your COVID-19

and flu vaccines.

Help keep your immune system

from going viral. Talk to your

health care provider.

Michigan.gov/COVIDFluRSV

From left: Co-owner Robert Esshaki greets customers at Rudy’s Prime Steakhouse. Christopher Thomas, co-owner of Rudy’s Prime Steakhouse, chats with customers.

Salads include a classic wedge ($14).

Main courses include Allen Brothers

8-ounce prime fillet ($85), Australian

lamb chops ($50), Rosewood Ranch flat

iron ($45), Arctic salmon ($36), mushroom

pasta ($26), fried chicken ($25)

and Rudy’s cheeseburger ($18).

Shareables include Piedmontese

Tomahawk ($125), a 28-ounce, bone-in

char-grilled steak with sea salt.

There’s also lobster tail ($28), mac

and cheese ($14), vegetables including

roasted carrots ($13), sauces including

bearnaise, cocktails, mocktails, dessert

cocktails, and desserts including

creme brulee.

Esshaki and Thomas also purchased

the former Clarkston News

building at 5 Main Street that’s next

door to what’s now Rudy’s Prime

Steakhouse, and an adjacent parking

lot, in 2021. They plan to turn the

building into another restaurant, upscale

cigar and bourbon bar, and a

2,500-square-foot wine cellar that will

serve all three of their venues. Renovations

will probably begin in late 2025

or early 2026, Esshaki said.

Thomas is excited about the next

project. “As temporary stewards of

the historic Rudy’s Market and former

Clarkston News buildings, we recognize

that these buildings were here

long before us and will remain long

after we’re gone,” he said.

Rudy’s Prime Steakhouse hours are

4-10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday,

4-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday,

and 4-9 p.m. Sunday. To reserve

a table and see the menu, go to

rudysprimesteakhouse.com. Table

reservations also can be made by

calling (248) 625-3033.

FEBRUARY 2025 CHALDEAN NEWS 35


ECONOMICS & ENTERPRISE

A Craftsman’s Calling

Snapshot of Vivid Millwork

BY SARAH KITTLE

Vivid Millwork is more than just

a cabinetry shop—it’s a vision

where form meets function, and

beauty emerges from raw materials. Fareed

Yousif, an Iraqi Chaldean Christian

who immigrated to the U.S. as a young

man, carries with him not only the memories

of a war-torn homeland but also

the deep-rooted faith of his ancestors.

Growing up in Baghdad, Yousif’s

life was shaped by both the teachings

of the Church and the rich tradition

of craftsmanship passed down

through his family. Summers in the

small village of Karamles in northern

Iraq exposed him to different forms of

architecture. “I’ve always had a vision,

to see how things come together, how

they are built,” said Yousif. “When I

went to Babylon, I was amazed.”

Yousif’s uncle Samir, a renowned

woodworker in Iraq, passed on his

craft to his nephew, who would eventually

become a skilled artisan in his

own right. Though Fareed was only a

toddler when Samir left for America,

he never lost his connection to the

woodworking tradition.

Yousif grew up as the son of a government

worker, living in Iraq until he

Vivid Millwork does commercial installations as well as residential.

was 14. That’s when his family fled the

Gulf War. After spending a year and a

half in Austria, they immigrated to the

U.S. Fareed immediately started high

school, facing the challenge of learning

English. “I was young,” he recalls.

“I was able to learn quickly.”

After graduating from Troy High

School, Yousif pursued studies in architecture.

“We had a lot to learn, but

we made it,” he recalls. However, in his

second year of college, tragedy struck

when his father passed away. Yousif left

school to care for his mother and sisters,

and soon returned to woodworking.

A Craftsman’s Journey

Yousif worked for his uncle from a young

age, learning the trade well enough to

run the shop on his own by age 18. “I

had a lot of challenges because people

didn’t like taking orders from an 18-yearold,”

he says. “But I owned my spot.”

He takes great pride in his work,

blending modern techniques such as

efficiency and technology with traditional

craftsmanship and quality. In

the quiet of his workshop, Yousif often

reflects on the life of Jesus, a carpenter

by trade, who worked with his hands to

build and repair. He sees a direct parallel

between Christ’s work and his own.

“Just as Jesus shaped and restored lives

through His teachings,” he says, “I believe

I can create something beautiful

and meaningful from raw materials.”

A man of deep faith, Yousif places

his life in God’s hands. “There’s nothing

that I’ve asked for that I haven’t

gotten,” he says. “But I’ve never asked

for anything material.” Fareed doesn’t

require much—just a family, a way to

make a living, and a home.

He even dreamt of his son before

he was born, before he married his

wife. “I swear, he came just like I visualized,”

said Fareed.

Throughout his life, Yousif has

trusted the Lord to guide his path. When

he struggled to find work and was his

uncle’s only employee, he learned how

to design and estimate. “The beautiful

thing about my uncle’s operation was

that it was all hands-on. It wasn’t really

advanced,” Yousif recalls.

Building a Future

Yousif had the advantage of learning

both the ‘old school’ and ‘new

school’ methods. At a young age, he

could craft almost anything from wood,

as well as design it electronically.

In 2008, during the recession, Yousif

applied for unemployment. He and his

wife had just bought a house and were

in danger of losing it. “I’m not shy to say

it,” he says. “We had to sell our jewelry,

our furniture, just to buy food.”

By the end of 2009, his uncle had to

let Yousif go. Never having filled out an

employment application or sat through

a job interview, Fareed was lost.

“I was clueless,” he says. “I looked

at my wife and kid, got in my car, and

started driving.” Not paying attention

to where he was going, Yousif passed

by a building with a “For Lease” sign.

He stopped and called the number.

With no customers, no equipment,

and no money, Yousif still committed

to leasing the space. The owner

agreed to wait two weeks for the first

payment. Fareed wasn’t sure what the

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future held, but he trusted that God

would provide a way forward.

The next day, he received a call

from a different cabinet shop, offering

him work. “How did you find out?”

Yousif asked. The caller replied, “I

don’t know. Someone told me to give

you a call.”

The job offered $27 an hour—almost

double what Fareed had been

making at his uncle’s shop. He was

glad he hadn’t filled out the salary section

of the application. “I was going to

put $10 an hour,” he says.

Yousif was upfront with his new employer,

telling him he planned to start his

own business. The boss was supportive

but asked him to take business calls privately,

so the other employees wouldn’t

know. Less than a month later, Yousif’s

Yousif’s craftsmanship comes at a premium,

but he believes customers with high

expectations are willing to pay for quality.

pay was raised to $30 an hour. He stayed

with the company for two years while

also building his own operation.

He also feels immense gratitude toward

the hospital in Chicago that gave

him his first major project—a main

lobby for a hospital. Those photos are

still featured on Vivid Millwork’s website.

At the time, Yousif charged the

woodworking equipment to his wife’s

credit card. He also invested $60,000

in design software.

“The unique thing I can provide

is design, fabrication, and management

all in one,” Yousif says. “It helps

with communication and allows me to

maintain control over the timeline.”

Looking to the Future

Yousif’s craftsmanship comes at a premium,

but he believes customers with

high expectations are willing to pay

for quality. He hopes to attract more

Chaldean clients and become the go-to

cabinet maker in the community.

He is concerned about clients who

opt for cheap cabinets, then top them

with expensive granite or stone. “Within

two or three years, those cabinets will

fall apart and your $20,000 counter will

crack,” he says. Fareed offers quicker replacements

and more attention to detail

by cutting out the middleman. He also

plans to expand into finished framing.

His son is now involved in the business

through Opal, a general contracting

company. Together, Vivid Millwork

and Opal will become a “one-stop

shop” for everything from construction

to finishing.

Fareed’s dream is to establish a

steady stream of clients, particularly

within the Chaldean community, and

to do more for others. “I give, and I

want to give more,” Yousif says. “I

want to do more.”

FEBRUARY 2025 CHALDEAN NEWS 37


RELIGION

Ba’utha: Supplication of the Ninevites

BY MICHAEL ANTOON

In the season of Denha (Epiphany),

three weeks before the Great Fast

(Lent), the Chaldean Church observes

one of its most significant spiritual

traditions: Ba’utha d’Ninwaye, the

Supplication of the Ninevites. Taking

place this year from February 10 to 12,

the Holy Chaldean Church of the East

calls upon its faithful to participate in

prayers, fasting, and repentance.

Biblical Origins of Ba’utha

Reading from the book of the prophet

Jonah, we see that Jonah was commanded

by God to preach repentance

to the people of Nineveh. God desires

to save the Ninevites, He desires their

repentance and offers His mercy to

them. Jonah initially resisted, fleeing

in the opposite direction, only to be

swallowed by a great fish. For three

days, Jonah prayed within the belly

of the fish, seeking forgiveness for his

disobedience. After being delivered

from the fish, Jonah went to Nineveh,

proclaiming that the city would be destroyed

unless the people repented.

Immediately, the entire city—from the

king to its people—responded with

fasting, prayer, and a turning away

from sin. God, in His mercy, spared

the city.

Historical Foundations of Ba’utha

Turning to the history of Ba’utha in our

Chaldean Church of the East, we look

to tradition and historical accounts

that give evidence of a devastating

plague that struck the entire region of

Mesopotamia in the 6th century. With

nowhere to turn, the people turned to

the church. It is said that the Metropolitan

(Archbishop) of Beth Garmai

(modern day Kirkuk) either heard the

voice of an angel, or remembering the

story of Jonah and Nineveh, called on

the faithful to fast for a week—along

with the Archbishop of Nineveh. Miraculously,

the plague ceased, and the

people were spared through their plea

to almighty God. The plague occurred

under the Patriarchate of Mar Hazqyal

(Ezekiel). At the following synod, the

fast of Ba’utha was implemented to be

commemorated yearly as a three day

fast in remembrance.

Another Fast of Ba’utha

Another important moment in the history

of the Chaldean Church is another

fast, “Ba’utha daw Thulatha” or Supplication

of the Virgins, that arose in the

8th century. It is said that the Islamic

Amir (prince) Abdul Malik bin Alwalid

heard of or possibly visited a convent of

nuns in the region. Lusting over their

beauty, he ordered that they have three

days to send one of them to be his wife.

In response, the nuns turned to prayer

and fasting, starting a special Ba’utha

(supplication) to be protected. Their

prayers were answered when they got

word that the king unexpectedly died

after having intestinal complications

on the third day of their Bautha, sparing

the convent.

Modern Observance of Ba’utha

Today, Ba’utha is observed for three

consecutive days, beginning on the

Monday three weeks before the Great

Fast (Lent). Chaldeans worldwide participate

in Ba’utha through fasting,

prayer, and repentance. Ba’utha traditionally

involves abstaining from food

and drink until midday and fasting

from meat and dairy entirely for the

duration of the observance. There are

also many who do not eat for the full

three days of the fast. The community

gathers together in the Holy Church to

participate in the Liturgical prayers of

the season which reflect on God’s mercy

and our own need for repentance.

These prayers of Ba’utha were written

even before the time of the plague by

Mar Narsai & Mar Ephrem.

Hymns, meditations and readings

relate with the sorrow and agony of the

people of the time as they begged the

Lord to spare them, also calling us to

repentance in our lives today.

On the Thursday immediately following

Ba’utha, the Holy Chaldean

Church of the East observes Qobaltaybootha,

or “Chaldean Thanksgiving”,

as a day to thank God for His mercy. In

our Chaldean Diocese in Michigan and

Illinois, on this day of thanksgiving is

held the annual “Bishop’s Dinner”,

where the community gathers with the

clergy, nuns, and all faithful to raise

funds for the mission of our Diocese:

“to Make Christ Known to All”.

Another instance we could relate

to as a Ba’utha in times of desperation

was the COVID-19 pandemic in

2020. The three Chaldean Eparchies

in North America (Detroit, San Diego,

and Toronto) called upon all the faithful

to pray Ba’utha prayers to end the

Coronavirus pandemic.

Carrying Ba’utha Forward

Through our history, we have come to

truly know Ba’utha as a sacred tradition

in our Holy Church of the East

(not just Chaldean). It is more than a

remembrance of history, but an expression

of our communities’ faith and

trust in God.

By honoring the fast of Ba’utha,

we preserve a cherished tradition, are

called to repentance, implore mercy

from God, and pass on a legacy of faith

and resilience to future generations.

Ba’utha Hymn of Glory:

In pain and tears and fervent prayer,

we cry to you, good Lord above!

Be our healer and our wise guide:

deep are our wounds, bitter our pain.

We have no right to plead to you: our

faults abound, our malice soars.

The earth and land, and all therein

have quaked and raged due to our sin.

In our own time, as Scripture says, the

end of days has come on us.

In mercy, save us from distress,

for height has been confused with

depth.

O good shepherd, come tend your flock,

for whose sake you endured the cross.

Make peace for us in church and world,

that we may live a restful life.

May we be yours, as is your will: Father,

and Son, and Holy Ghost.

Who shall be praised, now and as

then; From age to age: amen, amen.

Maran ithrahem ‘a-layn

Maran qabel bauthan

Maran ithra’el ‘awdayk

O Lord have mercy on us

O Lord accept our pleading

O Lord forgive your servants

38 CHALDEAN NEWS FEBRUARY 2025


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Join our ever expanding team!

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FEBRUARY 2025 CHALDEAN NEWS 39


RELIGION

The Fruits from the Fields podcast at Our Lady of the Fields Camp.

Growing in Faith

The expanding mission of Our Lady of the Fields

BY GRACE ALKATIB

Introducing new ideas, Our Lady

of the Fields (OLF) has continued

to flourish and build connections

within the greater Catholic community.

The property has established and

introduced many new experiences

that are contributing to sharing missions

rooted in faith and service.

Partnering with a multitude of Catholic

colleges and universities, OLF has

announced an internship program that

will soon go into effect. The purpose of

this internship program is for the camp

to expand its outreach and give experience

to various students. The program

specifically targets students looking to

further their education in their fields

of marketing, media and communications,

as well as catechetics.

Students looking to participate in

this internship will receive three credit

hours from their academic university,

provided they participate in 150 hours

of service at OLF. The internship will

provide the students with a professional

Catholic setting where they can

witness the process of promoting a

nonprofit organization and spreading

the Gospel in a special environment.

While many new ventures have

emerged, familiar children and volunteers

continue to strengthen their faith

through OLF year after year. Chaldean

Seminarian Alex Kas-Shamoun, active

volunteer at the camp, states that,

“The mission of camp represents our

Chaldean future. As the world pushes

an anti-Christian mindset toward the

children of the next generation, it is

our job to allow them to know Christ

through fun and exciting things like

OLF Camp.”

The principal mission of OLF is to

commune with God and make a personal

connection, to learn and accept

ourselves as an individual child of

God, and to learn to love others. Since

2022, the following grounds and buildings

have been renovated: the dining

hall and kitchen; a large viewing deck

was built off the dining hall, facing the

lakefront; all sleeping cabins were upgraded

with new floors, bunks, and refreshed

windows; new bathrooms and

showers were added; new programming

features were introduced, including

a giant swing, a continuous high

ropes course, a zipline, and a climbing

tower; and lastly, a beautiful statue of

the Blessed Mother was added.

Michael Hickey, Executive Director

of the camp, states that, “OLF is

very thankful for the commitment from

the Chaldean Diocese and our donors

to drastically improve our beautiful

The principal

mission of OLF is to

commune with God

and make a personal

connection, to learn

and accept ourselves

as an individual

child of God, and to

learn to love others.

grounds. At OLF it is part of our mission

to continue to maintain and improve

what has been bestowed upon us.”

The Difference

Why are OLF retreats different? At OLF,

the philosophy is that God designed us

as body-soul composites. Thus, the retreats

are an integrated experience of

fun and spiritual growth. All the programs

involve moving the body God

gave us, learning practical lessons in

teamwork and virtuous leadership,

and connecting the lessons learned

and incorporating them into our daily

walk with Christ.

Whether it’s climbing the rock

wall, flying down the zip line, or navigating

the low ropes course, OLF staff

are there to connect the physical to

the spiritual, providing an integrated

experience of fun, fellowship, and

faith.

Melissa Marter, Director of Youth

Formation and Events, states that,

“The youth are starving for substance,

not the fluff of a fun time or

being ‘talked at.’ The Mission at OLF

is to connect the common experience

of fun activities - that develop teamwork,

strategic thinking, and navigate

the social emotional scene - to

daily practical applications within

their spiritual lives.

“By extension,” she goes on to say,

“this is also done in the context of immersing

the youth in beauty. Much of

the world today is filled with cheap,

disposable things that are instant

and fleeting. True beauty requires

patience, slowing down to appreciate

the good in what is around us - in

nature, music, worship, architecture,

and each other - all which act as aids

to lift the soul up to God.”

Growing in Reach

Through the embracement of improvements

and opportunities, OLF

has also strengthened their existing

foundations. From August until

November, OLF hosted just over 55

different retreats. The diverse groups

that took part and trusted the staff

at OLF were: Chaldean Youth Camp;

Cardinal Mooney football team;

Chaldean Clergy; Fr. Gabriel Richard

High School staff; St. Catherine of

Siena freshman; Mercy High School

staff; St. Peter and St. Paul Parish;

Our Lady of Refuge staff; St. Fabian

staff; and many more schools, parishes,

and organizations from across

the state.

Our Lady of the Fields is also tackling

an innovative frontier in content

creation and digital media. The new

podcast, The Fruits from the Fields

40 CHALDEAN NEWS FEBRUARY 2025


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hosts a variety of guests and can be

enjoyed on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon

Music, and Apple Podcast. This

podcast, started during the summer

of 2024, is hosted by Josh Burcroff

and Mike Hickey.

Thus far, the podcast has highlighted

individuals connected to OLF

in varying degrees along with the

Catholic Church as a whole. Some

featured guests on the podcast have

been Fr. John Jaddou, Sister Kateri

and Laura Ilov (from Holy Redeemer),

Kim Kerwin, John Brahier, Fr.

Andy Dawson, and Melissa Marter. If

you are looking for a deeper insight

into OLF, listen to the podcast and

enjoy the fruits. Josh Burcroff, Director

of Development, states, “We’re

trying to promote authentic, genuine

conversation with the amazing

people that we come in contact with

through our ministry.”

In addition to the new podcast,

OLF has also begun Catholic music

and ministry through Instagram.

The music ministry may be seen on

Instagram as @songofmary. Praise

and worship music will enhance future

retreats and community engagement.

In the future, Song of Mary

hopes to collaborate with Encounter

Ministries and NET at St. Patrick’s

Parish, both located in Brighton. The

group is in the process of recording

and releasing Christmas music focusing

on what the holiday represents in

our lives as we approach Christmas.

Check out Song of Mary on YouTube,

Spotify, and Instagram.

Abby Preiwisch, Director of Service

and Internship Coordinator,

states that Song of Mary is about

“finding ways to turn our attention

to God. Sometimes that is in the

context of an event like Adoration,

where music can help elevate our

minds and aid our prayer. Sometimes

that occurs when we are scrolling

through social media and see something

that takes us out of the day-today

moment and into a moment of

prayer and of bringing our attention

and focus to God.”

Our Lady of the Fields has established

an annual fund to raise money

for their upcoming projects. Consider

donating at givesendgo.com/ourladyofthefieldscamp

to help contribute

to this very important ministry.

FEBRUARY 2025 CHALDEAN NEWS 41


IN MEMORIAM

Noah Amoni Jarbo

Aug 4, 1928 –

Dec 12, 2024

Najiba Bitti

Nannoshi

May 15, 1947 –

Dec 13, 2024

Labib Faraj Kajy

Jan 16, 1952 –

Dec 17, 2024

Hanaa Zaytouna

Karana

Jan 2, 1959 –

Dec 17, 2024

Najeeba Yalda

Salmoo

Apr 7, 1944 –

Dec 17, 2024

Mary Dawood

Yaldo

Feb 18, 1946 –

Dec 17, 2024

Peter Behnan

Gergis

Aug 19, 1938 –

Dec 18, 2024

Sam Junior Goga

Oct 4, 1993 –

Dec 18, 2024

Najat Denha

Hessano

Oct 1, 1944 –

Dec 18, 2024

Adnan Elyas

Mansour

Mar 1, 1961 –

Dec 18, 2024

Naji Meyou

Jul 1, 1945 –

Dec 20, 2024

Inam Kizy Sharrak

Dec 24, 1968 –

Dec 24, 2024

Nemat Mansoor

Gatie

Sep 1, 1944 –

Dec 25, 2024

Clemantina

Mansoor Habbo

Jul 1, 1933 –

Dec 25, 2024

Nor Alhoda Abd

Alhad Krindi

Jul 1, 1935 –

Dec 26, 2024

Halimah Hurmiz

Youhana

Nov 14, 1946 –

Dec 26, 2024

Rofael Georges

Jul 1, 1944 –

Dec 26, 2024

Magdouni

Kalasho Yaldo

Aug 2, 1940 –

Dec 27, 2024

Souad Asso

Kallabat Al-Sheikh

Jan 1, 1938 –

Dec 28, 2024

Basim Habib

Younan

Feb 20, 1953 –

Dec 29, 2024

Rahel Markoz

Yousif

Jul 1, 1939 –

Dec 29, 2024

Hind Yalda Najor

Nov 21, 1979 –

Dec 29, 2024

Hikmet Stepho

Jul 1, 1943 –

Dec 29, 2024

Najib Tobiya

Kassa

Jul 1, 1941 –

Dec 30, 2024

Terez Esho Toma

Jul 1, 1933 –

Dec 30, 2024

Elezabeth Oshana

Apr 5, 1944 –

Dec 31, 2024

Maryam Yalda

Shabo

Jul 1, 1928 –

Dec 31, 2024

Salima Summa

Mukhtar

Jul 1, 1935 –

Jan 1, 2025

Sabah “Sam”

Seeman

Jun 14, 1940 –

Jan 1, 2025

Sabiha Abdal

Jul 4, 1941 –

Jan 2, 2025

Anwiah Ayoob

Amanuheel

Jun 16, 1947 –

Jan 2, 2025

Eman Naizi

Haddad

Dec 19, 1955 –

Jan 2, 2025

Hanea Dawood

Nona

Jul 1, 1945 –

Jan 3, 2025

Ahlam Nashat

Toma

Jun 22, 1949 –

Jan 3, 2025

Najeeba Jebrail

Razoky

Jan 8, 1959 –

Jan 4, 2025

Youhana Zia

Sokana

Jan 1, 1932 –

Jan 5, 2025

Kamela Bashi

Kouza

Jul 1, 1954 –

Jan 6, 2025

Wadi David Abbu

May 21, 1932 –

Jan 6, 2025

Mark Aziz

Hamama

Feb 3, 1955 –

Jan 7, 2025

Karima Roufa

Loussia Zoma

Jul 1, 1941 –

Jan 7, 2025

42 CHALDEAN NEWS FEBRUARY 2025


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including dishwasher

• Individual unit heating and cooling

• In-unit washer and dryer

• Granite countertops

April 2025

43700 Van Dyke Avenue, Sterling Heights, MI 48314

• Luxury flooring

• Cable and fiber Internet

• Controlled building access

• Central elevators

All residential units at Tigris Tower are

available for individuals and families at

or below 60% of the Area Median Income

for Macomb County.

*Please see chart for eligibility requirements.

• Professional on-site management

• Resident lounge and fitness center

• Convenient parking

• First floor commercial space

AVAILABILITY

UNIT REQUIREMENTS

NUMBER OF

BEDROOMS

NUMBER OF

UNITS

* ANTICIPATED

RENTAL RATE

HOUSEHOLD SIZE

MAXIMUM INCOME

1 BED 63 $1,080 1 $40,320.00

2 $46,080.00

3 $51,840.00

To learn more and explore a

virtual tour, scan QR code

2 BED 72 $1,296 2 $46,080.00

3 $51,840.00

4 $57,540.00

5 $62,160.00

*Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) can be accepted. Actual rent rate will vary based on MSHDA

(248) 602-6745 | tigirstower@continentalmgt.com


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