JANUARY 2026

METRO DETROIT CHALDEAN COMMUNITY VOL. 22 ISSUE XII JANUARY 2026

Adoption Story

Featuring:

Reclaiming a Voice

Sacred Encounters

Tasting History

THE INSPIRING JOURNEY

OF THE PULLIS FAMILY

ARRIVING SOON

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2075 Walnut Lake Road

West Bloomfield MI 48323

METRO DETROIT CHALDEAN COMMUNITY | JANUARY 2026 | VOL. 22 ISSUE XII

ON THE COVER

18 Heartbreak to Hope

A Special Adoption Story

By Crystal Kassab Jabiro

FEATURES

20 Reclaiming a Voice

Chaldean language classes at OU

By Sarah Kittle

22 Sacred Encounters

Manresa’s 100th Anniversary

By Joann Amicangelo

24 Family First

Jarbou siblings at UM-Flint

By Caroline Rathbun

26 Start the Year Strong

Planning for your financial future

By Jenna Abroo

30 A Duet of Art & Music

Cultural Night at CCF West

By Kamal Yaldo

18

34 Tasting History

Mesopotamia on the plate

By Dr. Adhid Miri

DEPARTMENTS

8 From the Editor

Reflection & Renewal

By Sarah Kittle

10 Guest Column

Why America Needs H-1B Talent

By N. Peter Antone

12 Foundation Update

Culture, American University – Baghdad,

Cooking & Baking

14 Noteworthy

Shenandoah YAC, Temple Shir Shalom,

Chaldean Town Marker

16 Iraq Today

Chaldeans in Basra

By Hanan Qia

38 Religion

A New Monk: Brother Daniel

By Shamasha Michael Antoon

40 In Memoriam

42 Events

Chaldean Chamber Christmas Party

34


FROM THE EDITOR

PUBLISHED BY

Chaldean News, LLC

Chaldean Community Foundation

Martin Manna

EDITORIAL

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Sarah Kittle

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jenna Abroo

Joann Amicangelo

N. Peter Antone

Shamasha Michael Antoon

Roy Gessford

Sarah Kittle

Dr. Adhid Miri

Hanan Qia

Caroline Rathbun

Kamal Yaldo

ART & PRODUCTION

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Alex Lumelsky with SKY Creative

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Zina Lumelsky with SKY Creative

PHOTOGRAPHERS

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Alex Lumelsky

SALES

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CONTACT INFORMATION

Story ideas: edit@chaldeannews.com

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Phone: (248) 851-8600

Publication: The Chaldean News (P-6);

Published monthly; Issue Date: January 2026

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Reflection and Renewal

SARAH KITTLE

EDITOR

IN CHIEF

January invites both reflection and renewal—a

moment to honor where we come from while

setting intentions for the year ahead. As we

welcome the first issue of the new year, this edition

reflects the strength, resilience and evolving

identity of the Chaldean community, told through

stories of faith, culture, education and perseverance.

Together, these narratives capture both the

challenges faced and the hope that continues to

guide the community forward.

We open with a timely and informative examination

of H-1B visas, exploring how shifting immigration

policies continue to affect Chaldean professionals,

families and employers. This is followed by our cover feature,

a powerful adoption story that centers on faith, sacrifice

and unconditional love, as a Chaldean family embraces

the joy and responsibility of adopting special children—an

inspiring example of lived compassion in action.

Several features in this issue focus on the preservation of

faith, language and cultural memory—pillars that continue to

sustain the Chaldean community across generations. As Manresa

Retreat Center approaches its 100th anniversary in 2026, we

reflect on its enduring spiritual legacy and the quiet yet profound

role it has played in the lives of countless Chaldeans who have

passed through its doors seeking reflection, healing and renewal.

For many families, Manresa represents more than a retreat

center; it is a sacred space where faith was deepened, friendships

were formed, and lifelong spiritual traditions took root.

That same commitment to heritage and continuity is evident

in the Chaldean language classes now offered at Oakland

University—an important step in safeguarding the mother

tongue at a time when language preservation is both urgent

and deeply meaningful. These efforts ensure that future generations

remain connected not only to the words of their ancestors,

but to the history and identity those words carry.

Education and achievement remain cornerstones of

community life, reflecting long-held values of perseverance,

discipline and opportunity. In this issue, we share

the inspiring journey of three Chaldean siblings pursuing

their studies at the University of Michigan–Flint, a testament

to the power of family support, determination

and academic ambition.

Alongside these personal stories, we offer practical

tools for the year ahead, including a financial

planning article designed to help readers enter

2026 with greater clarity, stability and confidence.

Complementing this forward-looking perspective is

a timeless style guide that thoughtfully blends tradition

with contemporary expression.

This issue also celebrates culture in its many

forms—from a memorable Cultural Night at CCF West

featuring Fr. Patrick Setto and artist Reni Stephan, to

Tasting History: Mesopotamia on the Plate, a culinary journey

connecting ancient civilization to today’s table. Our global lens

turns to Chaldeans in Basra, Iraq, offering insight into community

life in one of the region’s oldest cities and reinforcing the

enduring ties between the homeland and diaspora.

Finally, we mark a sacred milestone as a new Chaldean

monk takes his vows, a powerful reminder of the enduring role

of faith, calling and commitment in the life of the community.

As we begin a new year, these stories collectively reflect

who Chaldeans are—rooted in history, strengthened by faith

and shaped by the people who carry traditions forward.

Thank you for reading, reflecting and growing with us as we

continue this journey together.

Sarah Kittle

Editor in Chief

Correction

In the December issue, the name and website for Christan

Marie Jewelry on the Table of Contents page were listed

incorrectly. The correct spelling is Christan Marie, and

her website is ChristanMarieDesigns.com. We apologize

for the error and any confusion it may have caused.

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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.

wabeekcc.com

To learn more, visit chaldeannews.com

or contact us at 248-851-8600

Let’s grow the circle.


GUEST COLUMN

Why America Needs H-1B Talent

There has been a surge of

commentary about the

H-1B program lately.

Much of it, in my view having

worked in this field for over

30 years, is misguided. Too often,

the debate assumes that

H-1B professionals threaten

the U.S. workforce. In reality,

the program brings in only

about 85,000 highly educated

professional workers in specialty

occupations a year—an

insignificant number in a labor

force of nearly 180 million.

The real benefits of the program

show up over time. Many H-1B recipients,

even those who start in entrylevel

roles, are among the top talent

in their home countries. They may not

be today’s CEOs, but many become tomorrow’s

innovators, scientists, executives

and industry leaders. Just look

N. PETER

ANTONE

SPECIAL TO

THE CHALDEAN

NEWS

at former H-1B holders like

Elon Musk and the CEOs of

Google, Alphabet, Microsoft,

IBM, Nvidia, the World Bank,

Adobe and many others.

When an employer decides

to sponsor a foreign national—

and pay close to $10,000 in legal

and government fees—the

incentive is to hire exceptional

candidates, not mediocre

ones. The idea that H-1B professionals

are simply “cheap

labor” doesn’t square with reality.

H-1B workers can change employers

if they’re mistreated or underpaid,

and companies are required to pay them

wages comparable to—or higher than—

those of American workers or face serious

penalties. If some companies break

the rules, punish the abusers. But don’t

dismantle a system that overwhelmingly

benefits the country.

The wage-depression argument

also falls apart under scrutiny. The

U.S. admits more than a million family-based

immigrants each year who

can work in any field and might do so

for minimum wage—yet we do not see

massive wage suppression from that

group. H-1B professionals, by contrast,

fill highly specialized roles governed

by strict wage rules.

And let’s remember: In the early

1990s, when there was no cap on H-1B

visas, the United States experienced

an explosion of technological growth,

including the birth of the internet

economy. Immigration wasn’t the

only factor, but access to global talent

clearly played a part. A Harvard study

at the time even found that each H-1B

professional was associated with the

creation of five American jobs.

The instinct to “cut immigration”

ignores demographic reality. Without

a steady influx of skilled, working-age

people, the U.S. will face population

Without a steady influx of skilled, workingage

people, the U.S. will face population

decline, labor shortages, and slower

economic growth.

decline, labor shortages, and slower economic

growth. A healthier way to view

H-1B professionals is as future Americans—already

educated, already contributing,

and already excelling in their

fields. They are not a threat to our economy.

They are one of its greatest assets.

Jacob Bacall

Jacob Bacall

Jacob Bacall

Jacob Bacall

Scan Code to Purchase

Jacob’s Books on Amazon



Jacob Bacall was born in 1955 in Telkaif-Mosul, Iraq, into a Chaldean

Jacob Bacall was born in 1955 in Telkaif-Mosul, Iraq, into a Chaldean

Christian family. He completed high school in Baghdad and pursued

studies Christian in Mechanical family. Engineering He completed in the high United school Kingdom. in Baghdad In 1977, he and pursued

immigrated studies in to Mechanical the United States, Engineering where he in joined the United his brother, Kingdom. Eddie, In 1977, he

in the immigrated family business to the operating United States, retail drug where stores. he joined Over time, his brother, Eddie,

business the transitioned family business into real operating estate, where retail Jacob drug found stores. his Over true time, the

Jacob calling.

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Christian

business family.

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found his true

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By the early 1990s, Jacob began investing in income-producing

immigrated

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properties and quickly built a reputation as a successful and

in the

forward-thinking

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calling.

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management, with investments


family residential properties.

properties expanding the latest quickly over books the built from years a reputation author to include and

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donated his of heritage of Commerce, the to Chaldean and is actively Chaldean Iraqi American

involved Community Association in Foundation the of Michigan and community. the (CIAAM), Chaldean He Cultural the has oldest served Center. Chaldean in every organization

various Chaldean non-profit organizations.

leadership in the position United States, on the founded board of the in 1943. Chaldean Additionally, Iraqi American he has served on

Association An the author boards of and Michigan historian of the (CIAAM), at Chaldean heart, the Jacob oldest Chamber has Chaldean written of organization

three Commerce, books: Chaldean

in Chaldeans the United in States, Detroit founded (2014), in Chaldean 1943. Additionally, Iraqi American he has Association served onof

Community To purchase, Foundation please and visit the the Chaldean Mar Ibrahim Cultural Center.

the Michigan boards (2018), of the and Chaldean most recently, Chamber Chaldean of Commerce, Catholic Church Chaldean (2025),

Community co-authored Foundation with Bishop and Bawai the Chaldean Soro.

Cultural Center.

An Library author in and West historian Bloomfield, at heart, Michigan Jacob has or written three books:

An Jacob author Chaldeans order resides and online historian West Detroit at Bloomfield, at amazon.com

(2014), heart, Michigan, Jacob Chaldean has with written Iraqi his wife, American three Anne. books: They Association of

Chaldeans are Michigan proud in parents Detroit (2018), (2014), of and four most Chaldean children recently, Iraqi and American Chaldean grandparents Association Catholic to seven Church of (2025),

Michigan grandchildren. co-authored (2018), and with most Bishop recently, Bawai Chaldean Soro.

Catholic Church (2025),

Jacob co-authored Bacall with was Bishop born in Bawai 1955 in Soro. Telkaif-Mosul, Iraq, into a Chaldean

Christian Jacob family. resides He completed in West Bloomfield, high school Michigan, in Baghdad with and pursued his wife, Anne. They

studies Jacob resides in Mechanical in West Engineering Bloomfield, Michigan, in the United with Kingdom. his wife, Anne. In 1977, They

are proud parents of four children and grandparents to seven

are immigrated proud parents to the United of four States, children where and he joined grandparents his brother, to Eddie,

seven

grandchildren. grandchildren.

in the family business operating retail drug stores. Over time, the

business transitioned into real estate, where Jacob found his true

calling.


properties and quickly built a reputation as a successful and

forward-thinking entrepreneur. His business portfolio focuses on real

10 CHALDEAN NEWS JANUARY 2026 estate development and property management, with investments

Jacob’s Books on on Amazon

expanding over the years to include shopping centers, office

buildings, senior living communities, hospitality ventures, and multi-

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

CHALDEAN CULTURAL CENTER

The Chaldean Cultural Center (CCC) is entering an exciting new

chapter, moving to a state-of-the-art campus that will triple our

size and expand our impact. We’re looking for an inspiring, strategic

Executive Director to lead this growth, elevate our museum

and programming, and build dynamic collaborations with partner

organizations located on-site, including a TV studio, radio

studio, demonstration kitchen, gym, and classrooms.

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of an institution

dedicated to sharing and celebrating the rich history, culture,

faith, and traditions of the Chaldean people.

What you’ll do:

Lead vision and strategy, develop engaging cultural and

educational programs, grow community partnerships, oversee

operations and staff, enhance visitor experience, and drive

fundraising and outreach.

What you bring:

Proven leadership in cultural or nonprofit organizations, strong

program-building skills, experience with partnerships and

community engagement, solid fundraising and budgeting skills,

and a passion for cultural heritage.

Why this role matters:

You’ll guide the CCC through a pivotal expansion and help

bring Chaldean stories, history, and pride to broader audiences.

Salary commensurate with experience

TO APPLY, EMAIL YOUR RÉSUMÉ TO

INFO@CHALDEANCULTURALCENTER.ORG

LOOKING TO HIRE?

CAREER

SERVICES

WE HAVE THE PEOPLE!

POST YOUR OPENINGS AND HIRE ONE OF OUR JOB-READY CLIENTS TODAY!

WHAT WE DO

The Career Services Department provides one-on-one

guidance to help clients navigate job placement and build

successful careers.

• Career Fairs

• Employer Referrals

• Job Application Completion

• Training Opportunities

• Resume Building

• Cover Letter Writing

• FAFSA Completion

For more information,

please contact Elias Kattoula at 586-722-7253 or elias.kattoula@chaldeanfoundation.org

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


FOUNDATION UPDATE

Best of Detroit—

Nominate the CCF

Father Patrick Setto speaking at Chaldean Cultural Night at CCF West.

Celebrating Culture

The CCF is seeking nomination for Best Community

Organization and Fundraising Gala for Best of Detroit

presented by Hour Detroit! Nominations can be cast

from now through January 9th.

The online nomination form can be found on Hour

Detroit’s website under Best of Detroit 2026 or visit

https://www.hourdetroit.com/best-of-detroit-onlineballot/.

On December 11, CCF West celebrated Chaldean Cultural Night featuring artist Reni Stephan and Fr. Patrick

Setto. Both Stephan and Setto shared powerful reflections on art, faith, and the spiritual guidance that inspires

creativity. Their stories highlighted the deep connection between culture, religion, and the artistic journey.

Over 120 guests enjoyed a guided tour through the facility, where they experienced Reni’s wonderful artwork

up close and listened to a musical performance from Fr. Setto. There was also authentic Chaldean food

from Gold N’ Oven, gammar and phillo crinkle pastry from Couture Cravings Art, Arabic Coffee by Dheyaa Kabo

and music from Oday Al Janabi.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this beautiful evening, and to all the artists who keep our culture alive.

CCF and American

University of

Baghdad Meet

CCF President Martin Manna had a meeting with the

Board of Trustees of the American University of Iraq–

Baghdad to discuss key priorities supporting the university’s

continued growth and success.

The meeting, which was held via video conferencing

between Baghdad, Iraq, and in-person at the CCF

in West Bloomfield, focused on reviewing the university’s

current performance while outlining future

Some of the meeting participants at CCF in

West Bloomfield.

strategies. Discussions highlighted the university’s vision, strategic plans, and key performance indicators,

along with approving internal policies and reviewing several academic and financial initiatives.

This high-level meeting reinforces the university’s commitment to building a modern and advanced academic

institution that contributes to shaping a strong and promising future for Iraq.

The pacha cooking class

from December 18.

Kid’s cookie decorating class participants.

Sweetness is

the Season

On December 15, CCF West hosted 20 kids, ages 8–15,

for a fun, hands-on experience decorating their own

holiday cookies. With pre-measured dough, festive

cookie cutters, frosting, sprinkles, and candy decorations,

the kids let their creativity shine. After baking

and decorating, each participant boxed up their

cookies to take home.

For more information on upcoming classes, visit

https://www.chaldeanfoundation.org/ccf-west/.

Cookin’ Up Pacha in

Nana Bernadette’s

Kitchen

On December 18, CCF West hosted a Cooking Chaldean

- Pacha Edition. The hands-on class led by Natasha

Dallo provided a step-by-step process on how

to prepare pacha from cleaning to sewing and stuffing,

just in time for the holidays.

For more information on upcoming Cooking Chaldean

classes, visit https://www.chaldeanfoundation.

org/ccf-west/.


BUILDING BUSINESS ADVOCACY BUILDING COMMUNITY NETWORKING BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

CHALDEANS CONTRIBUTE MORE THAN

$18 BILLION

ANNUALLY

TO THE MICHIGAN ECONOMY

METRO DETROIT IS HOME

TO MORE THAN

187,000

CHALDEANS

1,000+

REPRESENTING MORE THAN

5,000+ BUSINESSES

200+

MEMBERS

CORPORATE MEMBERS

19,000+

SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOWERS

5,000+

ATTENDEES

30% NON-CHALDEAN

AT ANNUAL EVENTS

MEMBERSHIP

7

INVESTED

$1 MILLION

IN

START UP COMPANIES

IN CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS

THE CACC RANKS AMONG THE

TOP 5 LARGEST CHAMBERS

IN MICHIGAN

PAC MADE MORE THAN

$225,000+

MORE THAN

20,000+

READERS PER MONTH

Get Social With Us!

CHALDEANCHAMBER.COM | INFO@CHALDEANCHAMBER.COM

248-851-1200 | 2075 WALNUT LAKE RD., WEST BLOOMFIELD, MI 48323


NOTEWORTHY

From left to right: Jenna McKay, Paul Qarana, Anthony Jabero, Giavino Murad, Annie Acho, Patrick Kakos,

Lexi Kejbou, and Skyler Kizi.

TURNING MILES INTO MEANING:

Young Adults Raise $36,298 for Cancer Care

The Shenandoah Young Adult Committee presented a $36,298 check to the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer

Center’s Patient and Family Support Program. The funds were raised through the committee’s inaugural 5K run,

which was planned in just one month and brought the community together for a morning of purpose and unity.

The donation will directly support resources and services that provide comfort, care, and encouragement to

patients and families facing cancer.


Welcomes Temple Shir Shalom

The Chaldean Community Foundation

hosted members of Temple

Shir Shalom at Shenandoah

Country Club on December 11

as part of its Cultural Education

for Adults initiative. Following a

guided tour of the Chaldean Cultural

Center, participants gathered

in the dining room and were

divided into four small groups for

a facilitated question-and-answer

discussion led by Chaldean moderators.

The shared meal created

space for thoughtful dialogue,

cultural exchange, and personal

connection, allowing guests to

engage more deeply with shared

history and traditions between

the Jewish and Chaldean communities

in Iraq and Michigan.

In the spirit of continued learning,

the CCF also presented each

participant including Rabbi

Schwartz with a book on the history

of Chaldeans in Michigan.

The book will be added to the

Temple’s library, extending the

impact of the visit beyond the

day’s conversation.

Clockwise from above:

1. Group shot outside the

Chaldean Cultural Center.

2. Rabbi Schwartz and

Fr. Marcus Shammami.

3. Mary Romaya conducts a

tour of the Cultural Center.

CHALDEAN TOWN RECOGNIZED:

Historic Marker

Honors Detroit

Neighborhood

A new Michigan Historical Marker to be unveiled

along Seven Mile Road will formally recognize

the area as Chaldean Town, honoring the neighborhood

that served as the cultural and economic

heart of Detroit’s Chaldean community

for much of the 20th century. Beginning in the

early 1900s, Chaldean immigrants—primarily

from the village of Telkaif in northern Iraq—settled

on Detroit’s east side, drawn by opportunity

and sustained by close family networks. They

brought with them the Chaldean language, a

form of modern Aramaic, and the traditions of

the Eastern Rite Roman Catholic Church, laying

the foundation for a tightly knit community that

would shape the area for generations.

At its height in the 1970s and 1980s, Chaldean

Town stretched from State Fair Avenue to Six Mile

Road, with Seven Mile lined by Chaldean-owned

businesses, homes, and churches. Grocery stores

became an economic backbone, offering new arrivals

both employment and a path to stability. Institutions

such as Mother of God Church—opened in

1948 as Michigan’s first Chaldean Catholic church—

and Sacred Heart Chaldean Church, founded in

1974, anchored community life. While many families

later moved to the suburbs as they prospered,

the legacy of Chaldean Town endures. The marker,

sponsored by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation

and to be installed by the Michigan History Center

sometime in 2026, will stand as a permanent acknowledgment

of the neighborhood’s role in Detroit

history and of the nearly 200,000 Chaldeans

who now call metro Detroit home. The marker is

currently being stored at CCF West.

The Chaldean Town historical marker is

currently being stored at CCF West.


6TH, 7TH, AND 8TH GRADERS:

How can you make

a difference in

your community?

Start with an essay to enter

the 2026 National Civics Bee ®

nationalcivicsbee.org

How it Works

If selected, you will be invited to participate in

a live competition near you. Finalists at regional

competitions advance to state competitions, and

finalists at state competitions advance to the

National Championship in Washington, D.C.!

Prizes include cash awards, trophies, recognition, and

a $100,000 contribution to a 529 plan for the National

Champion.

In 2026, if you win your state competition, your school

could receive a $5,000 donation.

Students who participate in the National Civics Bee

strengthen their civics, writing, and public speaking

skills, and form friendships with other young leaders

along the way.

Emily Brubaker

2024 National

Civics Bee Champion

Write an essay proposing your ideas

for improving your community.

• Use the 2026 Essay Application Guide to find this

year’s official prompt, judging rubric, writing tips, and

submission instructions.

• Read the Contest Rules. Public, private, charter, and

homeschool students in grades 6–8 who reside in

participating states are eligible.

Submit your essay by February 3, 2026.

• You’ll need permission from a parent or

guardian to apply.

• Create an account for the online application portal:

https://my.reviewr.com/NationalCivicsBee/site/

NationalCivicsBee2026

• Submit your essay application by 11:59 p.m. on

Tuesday, February 3, 2026 (Hawaii Standard Time).

What if you’re chosen to advance?

You’ll be invited to compete at the nearest live

bee. The winners of each round advance to the

next, and the winner from each state competition

receives a paid trip to Washington, D.C., to

compete in the National Championship in Fall

2026.

To help prepare, finalists receive a special study

guide and complimentary access to Khanmigo ® ,

Khan Academy’s AI-powered online tutor.

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

1st Place $100,000*

529 plan contribution

2nd Place $25,000*

3rd Place $15,000*

PRIZES*

STATE FINALS

1st Place $1,000*

Plus a potential $5,000**

donation to your school!

2nd Place $500*

3rd Place $250*

REGIONAL BEES

1st Place $500*

2nd Place $250*

3rd Place $125*

* Amounts shown are the anticipated minimums to be awarded. All amounts are cash prizes except as

indicated above. Finalists for each round should reference their respective Contest Rules for full prize

information.

** Full details on the entry procedure are described in the Contest Rules, which will be available on

September 8, 2025 upon contest opening.


IRAQ TODAY

Chaldeans in Basra

Bishop Mar Habib Nawfli on history and identity

BY HANAN QIA

As part of our coverage of the

history of the Chaldean people

and the regions where they

have lived, I had the honor of interviewing

His Excellency Bishop Mar

Habib Hormuz Nawfli, shepherd of

the Chaldean Diocese of Basra and the

South, and apostolic visitor to Europe.

He shared insights into the Chaldean

community’s historical presence in

Basra, its spiritual and cultural life,

and the challenges it faces today.

His Excellency emphasizes that

the Chaldean presence in Basra and

the South represents a long-standing

symbol of Christian faith and Chaldean

culture in this part of Iraq. This

presence is not limited to Basra alone;

it extends to Amarah, where an active

parish exists, and to Nasiriyah, which

hosts a church, along with a small

number of families in other cities.

Bishop Nawfli notes that this presence

is not merely ecclesiastical but

also a source of hope and openness,

respected by Muslims and Sabians

alike, who see churches as part of the

region’s spiritual and cultural landscape.

He said many turn to these

spaces for prayer—particularly at

shrines dedicated to the Virgin Mary—

and take part in public events, lectures

and exhibitions, as well as services at

sister churches in the city.

On the community’s historical

roots, he said Chaldean identity was

particularly strong and well established

between the fourth and 12th

centuries, with a revival in the 19th

and 20th centuries. That trajectory, he

noted, was shaped by major regional

changes, beginning with the arrival

of Muslims in the seventh century—a

development viewed at the time as a

significant historical shift—and later

by the fall of the Abbasid state and

the political and social upheavals that

followed. While these events affected

Christian life in the region, they did

not erase its depth or continuity.

At the family level, Basra has historically

been home to prominent Chaldean

families who played an important

His Excellency Bishop Mar Habib

Hormuz Nawfli

role in the city’s social and economic

life. Among them are the Al-Burjuni,

Jory Michael, Al-Saour, Kaja Ji, Arabo

and Zebari families, with the Al-Oweid

family considered one of the oldest.

The Chaldean Church in Basra also

plays a central role in pastoral and social

life. Its work includes charitable efforts

such as the annual Good Samaritan

Ecumenical Market held during

the Christmas season, regular liturgies

and a range of community services.

The diocese is also active in preserving

heritage and documenting the history

of Christians in the South, most

notably through the Basra and Southern

Chaldean Diocese Museum, which

safeguards the community’s collective

memory for future generations.

In this context, Bishop Nawfli’s

scholarly and historical contributions

are particularly noteworthy. He has

authored several significant works,

most notably Christianity in Southern

Mesopotamia, which offers comprehensive,

well-documented research

on the history of Christians and Chaldeans

in Basra and the South and

serves as an essential reference for

scholars and others interested in the

region’s history.

The Chaldean community in Basra

has been profoundly affected by successive

waves of migration, particularly

after 1980 with the onset of the

From left: Chaldean Diocese in Basra.

Christianity in Southern Mesopotamia.

Iran-Iraq War, followed by years of

sanctions, the 2003 U.S.-led invasion

and subsequent sectarian violence.

These developments eroded confidence

in the prospects for a just political

system capable of ensuring peace

and stability, leaving many Christians

feeling marginalized and facing inequalities

in civic life.

Despite these challenges, Chaldeans

in Basra maintain generally positive

relations with other religious and

ethnic groups and are respected within

the broader community. At the same

time, demographic shifts—particularly

the arrival of migrants from southern

rural areas with limited exposure to

Christian life—have reshaped the city’s

social landscape. These groups are estimated

to make up about a quarter of

Basra’s population, though the proportion

varies in other cities.

Most organized initiatives remain

church-led, including efforts once

carried out by the local branch of the

Chaldean League. There are no local

branches of Chaldean political parties,

aside from some church-supported

Christian organizations based in

Europe and local entities such as the

Hammurabi Organization.

Chaldean identity today is expressed

through daily life, including language,

dress, cuisine, arts, literature, values

and social customs. However, the community’s

small size has limited its ability

to establish a dedicated social club, leaving

most gatherings centered on church

services and religious celebrations. Living

among predominantly Arab families

has also led to some unintentional cultural

assimilation.

Despite these challenges, the diocese

has reached several important

milestones, including the opening of

the diocesan museum in 2014; a primary

school and a Christian education

institute in 2017; the Divine Mercy

House; and two event halls. In liturgical

life, more than 10 altar servers have

been trained and ordained after learning

the Chaldean language.

On family life, Bishop Nawfli said

education and employment opportunities

are generally accessible, with unemployment

remaining low. Housing,

however, is the primary challenge. The

diocese has provided semi-subsidized

housing for dozens of families, while

roughly one-third own their homes and

about 60% rent at high rates, contributing

to delayed marriages and lower

birth rates. As a result, the number of

families is not expected to grow significantly,

and the church continues


its pastoral care for both longstanding

residents and newcomers.

The diocese places strong emphasis

on archiving and documentation.

In 2015, it published a comprehensive

history of Christianity in southern

Mesopotamia, reprinted in 2021,

and has digitized records of baptisms,

deaths and marriages from 1880 to the

present, encompassing the historical,

ecclesiastical, cultural and social dimensions

of Chaldean life.

Bishop Nawfli highlighted two key

requirements for sustaining the Chaldean

presence: providing housing for

young couples to encourage marriage,

and promoting a culture of prudence

and economic planning. He noted that

current conditions reflect decades of

war and religious extremism.

Among notable church landmarks,

the oldest surviving church is St.

Thomas, built in 1880 in old Basra, followed

by a large cathedral constructed

in 1930 under the patronage of the

Virgin Mary. Each church contains a

shrine visited by many city residents

for prayer, with 20 recorded cases of

miracles attributed to the Virgin’s intercession;

His Excellency is preparing

a booklet on this subject.

The diocese also operates a kindergarten

established 34 years ago, a primary

school since 2017 with over 1,000

graduates, and a Christian education

institute attended by Muslim students

earning diplomas in religious sciences.

For more than 11 years, cultural

and educational lectures have been

delivered to university and secondary

school students, reaching roughly 500

students annually.

In conclusion, the paternal and pastoral

leadership of Bishop Mar Habib

Nawfli merits special recognition for

his tireless efforts to guide the faithful

and preserve their identity under challenging

circumstances. The dedication

of priests Father Emad Albanna and

Father Aram Pano, serving under his

guidance, is equally notable. They continue

their spiritual and humanitarian

work with patience and commitment,

despite the small number of believers

and the many challenges they face, including

limited community awareness,

rising extremism, and daily pressures.

Their service stands as a living testament

to faith, perseverance and love,

embodying the church’s mission of

steadfastness and witness.

الكلدان يف البرصة:‏ املطران مار حبيب النوفيل،‏

الزائر الرسويل يف أوروبا،‏ عن التاريخ والهوية

حنّان قيّا

ضمن تغطيتنا لتاريخ شعبنا الكلداين ومناطق

تواجده،‏ كان يل رشف محاورة سيادة املطران

مار حبيب هرمز النوفيل،‏ راعي أبرشية الكلدان

يف البرصة والجنوب،‏ والزائر الرسويل إىل أوروبا،‏

الذي استعرض خالل اللقاء تاريخ الوجود الكلداين

يف مدينة البرصة،‏ وأبعاده الروحية والثقافية

واالجتامعية،‏ والتحديات التي يواجهها اليوم.‏

يؤكد سيادته أن الوجود الكلداين يف البرصة

والجنوب يُعد عالمة راسخة عىل حضور اإلميان

املسيحي والثقافة الكلدانية يف هذه املنطقة من

العراق،‏ وال يقترص عىل مدينة البرصة وحدها،‏

بل ميتد إىل العامرة حيث توجد خورنة فاعلة،‏

وإىل النارصية التي تحتضن كنيسة،‏ إضافة إىل

عدد محدود من العائالت املنترشة يف مدن

أخرى.‏ ويرى املطران أن هذا الوجود ال يحمل

بعدًا كنسيًا فحسب،‏ بل يشكل أيضً‏ ا عالمة رجاء

وانفتاح،‏ إذ ينظر إليه املسلمون والصابئة باحرتام،‏

ويعتربون الكنائس جزءًا من نسيجهم الروحي

والثقايف،‏ ومكانًا يلجأون إليه يف أوقات الصالة،‏ وال

سيام إىل مزارات السيدة مريم العذراء،‏ فضالً‏ عن

املشاركة يف الندوات واملعارض والنشاطات العامة،‏

إىل جانب حضور كنائس شقيقة أخرى يف املدينة.‏

وعند الحديث عن الجذور التاريخية،‏ يوضح

سيادته أن هوية األجداد كانت قوية وراسخة

بصورة خاصة بني القرنني الرابع والثاين عرش،‏ ثم

عرفت ازدهارًا جديدًا خالل القرنني التاسع عرش

والعرشين.‏ غري أن هذا املسار تأثر بتحوالت

تاريخية كربى شهدتها املنطقة منذ القرن السابع

وما تاله،‏ مع دخول املسلمني إىل املنطقة بوصفه

تحوالً‏ تاريخيًا مهامً‏ يف سياق ذلك العرص،‏ ثم الحقًا

مع سقوط الدولة العباسية وما رافق تلك املراحل

من اضطرابات سياسية واجتامعية،‏ األمر الذي

انعكس عىل أوضاع املسيحية وحضورها يف بعض

الفرتات،‏ من دون أن يلغي عمقها أو استمراريتها

التاريخية.‏

وعىل مستوى العائالت،‏ عرفت البرصة عددًا

من العائالت الكلدانية العريقة التي كان لها

حضور اجتامعي واقتصادي بارز عرب العقود،‏ من

أبرزها بيت الربجوين،‏ وبيت جوري مايكل،‏ وبيت

الساعور،‏ وبيت كجه جي،‏ وبيت عربو،‏ وبيت

زيباري،‏ ويُعد بيت أوحيد من أقدم هذه العائالت

وجودًا يف املدينة.‏

أما عىل الصعيد الرعوي واالجتامعي،‏

فتضطلع الكنيسة الكلدانية يف البرصة بدور فاعل

من خالل مبادرات خريية واجتامعية متنوعة،‏

من بينها سوق أخوية السامري الصالح املسكونية

الخريي الذي يُقام سنويًا خالل موسم عيد امليالد

املجيد،‏ إىل جانب القداديس والخدمات الكنسية

املنتظمة.‏ كام تعمل األبرشية عىل الحفاظ عىل

الرتاث وتوثيق تاريخ املسيحيني يف الجنوب،‏ وال

سيام عرب إنشاء متحف أبرشية البرصة والجنوب

الكلدانية،‏ الذي يشكّل مساحة حية لحفظ

الذاكرة الجامعية لألجيال القادمة.‏

ويف هذا السياق التوثيقي،‏ يربز أيضً‏ ا الدور

العلمي والبحثي لسيادة املطران مار حبيب

النوفيل،‏ الذي له،‏ مع جزيل االحرتام والتقدير،‏

عدد من املؤلفات املهمة،‏ يُعد أبرزها كتاب

‏»املسيحية يف جنوب وادي الرافدين«،‏ والذي

يتضمن معلومات وافية وموثقة عن تاريخ

املسيحيني والكلدان يف البرصة والجنوب،‏ ويُعد

مرجعًا أساسً‏ ا للباحثني واملهتمني بتاريخ املنطقة.‏

وقد تأثر املجتمع الكلداين يف البرصة بشكل

بالغ مبوجات الهجرة املتعاقبة،‏ إذ هاجرت نحو

85% من العائالت بعد عام 1980 نتيجة الحرب

مع إيران،‏ ثم سنوات الحصار،‏ وبعدها أحداث

عام 2003 وما أعقبها من عنف طائفي.‏ وأدى

ذلك إىل تراجع األمل بعودة نظام سيايس عادل

يضمن السالم واالستقرار،‏ مع شعور رشيحة

واسعة من املسيحيني بالتهميش وغياب العدالة

الكاملة يف املواطنة.‏

وعىل مستوى العالقات املجتمعية،‏ يؤكد

سيادته أن الكلدان يف البرصة يتمتعون بعالقات

جيدة مع مختلف املكونات الدينية والعرقية،‏

ويحظون باالحرتام والتقدير العام.‏ إال أن الواقع

االجتامعي شهد تغريات ملحوظة مع تزايد أعداد

الوافدين من بعض املناطق الريفية الجنوبية،‏

ممن مل تتح لهم سابقًا فرصة االحتكاك باملسيحيني

أو التعرف عىل املسيحية عن قرب،‏ نتيجة

محدودية التعليم وقلة االطالع.‏ ويُقدَّر أن هذه

الفئات تشكل اليوم نحو ربع سكان البرصة،‏ وهو

واقع ينسحب بدرجات متفاوتة عىل مدن أخرى

أيضً‏ ا.‏ وتبقى املبادرات املنظمة يف معظمها كنسية،‏

حيث أُسس فرع للرابطة الكلدانية عمل لعدة

سنوات قبل أن يتوقف لقلة االلتزام،‏ يف حني ال

يوجد فرع حزيب كلداين،‏ باستثناء بعض املنظامت

املسيحية املدعومة من الكنيسة يف أوروبا وأخرى

محلية مثل منظمة حمورايب.‏

وتظهر مالمح الهوية الكلدانية اليوم من

خالل عيش الثقافة الكلدانية مبختلف أبعادها،‏

من اللغة واألزياء واألطعمة والفنون واآلداب،‏

إىل القيم والعادات االجتامعية.‏ غري أن قلة العدد

حرمت الكلدان من إنشاء نادٍ‏ خاص بهم،‏ فباتت

تجمعاتهم تقترص عىل القداديس واملناسبات

الكنسية.‏ كام أدى تشتتهم وسط محيط أوسع

إىل تأثر بعضهم،‏ من دون وعي،‏ بعادات وأفكار

دخيلة.‏ ورغم ذلك،‏ متكنت األبرشية من تحقيق

خطوات مهمة،‏ أبرزها افتتاح متحف األبرشية

عام 2014، ثم املدرسة االبتدائية ومعهد التثقيف

عام 2017، ودار الرحمة اإللهية،‏ إضافة إىل إنشاء

قاعتني للمناسبات.‏ وعىل الصعيد الطقيس،‏ جرى

إعداد ورسامة أكرث من عرشة شاممسة بعد

تعليمهم اللغة الكلدانية.‏

ويف تقييمه لواقع العائلة الكلدانية،‏ يرى

سيادته أن فرص التعليم والعمل متاحة إىل حد

كبري،‏ وال تكاد تُسجل بطالة،‏ إال أن أزمة السكن

تبقى التحدي األبرز.‏ فقد وفّرت الكنيسة سكنًا

شبه مجاين لعرشات العائالت،‏ يف حني ميتلك

نحو ثلث العائالت بيوتًا خاصة،‏ ويعتمد نحو

60% عىل اإليجار املرتفع،‏ ما أدى إىل تراجع

الزواج وقلة اإلنجاب.‏ ولهذا،‏ ال يُتوقع ازدياد عدد

العائالت بشكل ملحوظ،‏ مع استمرار الكنيسة يف

رعايتها للمسيحيني وغريهم،‏ مبا يف ذلك الوافدون.‏

ويؤكد املطران أن األبرشية تويل أهمية كبرية

لألرشفة والتوثيق،‏ إذ أصدرت كتابًا شامالً‏ عن

تاريخ املسيحية يف جنوب ما بني النهرين عام

2015، أُعيدت طباعته عام 2021، كام جرى حفظ

سجالت العامدات والوفيات والزواجات رقميًا منذ

عام 1880 وحتى اليوم،‏ مبا يغطي مختلف جوانب

الحياة الكلدانية التاريخية والكنسية والثقافية

واالجتامعية.‏

وحول متطلبات استمرار الحضور الكلداين،‏

يخترصها سيادته بحاجتني أساسيتني:‏ توفري

السكن للشباب لتشجيع الزواج،‏ وتعزيز ثقافة

القناعة والتدبري االقتصادي،‏ مشريًا إىل أن

الظروف الراهنة هي نتاج عقود طويلة من

الحروب والتشدد الديني.‏

أما املعامل الكنسية،‏ فيذكر أن أقدم كنيسة

باقية هي كنيسة مار توما التي شُ‏ يدت عام 1880

يف البرصة القدمية،‏ تلتها الكاتدرائية الكربى التي

بُنيت عام 1930 بشفاعة السيدة العذراء.‏ وتضم

كل كنيسة مزارًا خاصً‏ ا بالسيدة العذراء،‏ يزوره

كثري من أبناء املدينة للصالة،‏ وقد سُ‏ جلت عرشون

حالة شفاء تُنسب إىل شفاعتها،‏ ويعمل سيادته

حاليًا عىل إعداد كتيب خاص مبجد السيدة

العذراء.‏ كام تضم األبرشية روضة منذ 34 سنة،‏

ومدرسة ابتدائية منذ 2017 تخرج منها أكرث من

ألف تلميذ،‏ ومعهد تثقيف مسيحي يدرس فيه

طالب مسلمون لثالث سنوات ويحصلون عىل

دبلوم يف العلوم الدينية،‏ فضالً‏ عن نشاطات

ثقافية وتعريفية تُلقى منذ أكرث من 11 سنة

لطلبة الجامعات واملعاهد والثانويات.‏

ويف الختام،‏ ال بد من اإلشادة بالدور األبوي

والراعوي الذي يضطلع به سيادة املطران مار

حبيب النوفيل،‏ وما يبذله من جهود حثيثة يف

رعاية أبناء الكنيسة والحفاظ عىل حضورهم

وهويتهم يف ظروف دقيقة وصعبة.‏ كام يربز

التفاين الكبري لآلباء الكهنة،‏ األب عامد البنا واألب

آرام پانو،‏ الذين يخدمون تحت رعايته بأمانة

وصرب،‏ رغم قلة عدد املؤمنني وتعدد التحديات،‏

من ضعف الوعي املجتمعي إىل مظاهر التشدد

وضغوط الحياة اليومية.‏ ومع ذلك،‏ تبقى خدمتهم

شاهدًا حيًا عىل اإلميان وااللتزام،‏ وتجسيدًا صادقًا

لرسالة الكنيسة يف الثبات والشهادة واملحبة.‏


COVER STORY

From Heartbreak to Hope

The inspiring adoption journey of the Pullis family

BY CRYSTAL KASSAB JABIRO

When Dawn (Shaouni) Pullis’s

stomach pains were

too much to bear, she went

to the doctor and was surprised by a

diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

She was 21.

The examination was caught in

its early stage, so she had an oophorectomy,

the surgical removal of both

her ovaries, and did not require chemotherapy

or radiation. It took eight

weeks to recover, but years to find a

life partner who would accept her as

an infertile wife. Pullis was rejected

multiple times by Chaldean men when

she told them she would be unable to

have children.

“No Chaldean man was brave

enough for an adoption journey at that

time,” she noted.

Pullis eventually got engaged to

her now-husband Joe, who came from

a big Irish Catholic family, the sixth of

ten children. He was content with the

idea that life would be just the two of

them. They had lots of siblings, and

nieces and nephews, they thought.

Nevertheless, he brought up adoption

and told her he would be fine with

that, too, if she wanted to pursue it.

They began the process on the day of

their third wedding anniversary, and

their first child, Evelyn, was born on

January 1, 2016. She just turned 10.

The Pullis Family immediately applied

to adopt more kids after Evelyn

was born and were even willing to accept

multiples. More than three years

Caption

The Pullis kids share a close bond.

later, they welcomed an adoption placement

of twin boys, Thomas and Dominic.

They were overjoyed, and that joy

was contagious, as friends and family

members consistently stopped by to

drop off necessities.

The joy never disappeared, even

when the Pullises were informed that

their sons were each diagnosed with a

microdeletion of Chromosome 15, a genetic

disorder that included cleft palates.

They also had congenital femoral

deficiency (CFD) and would require

limb lengthening. There was never another

decision to make, Pullis said.

“The Holy Spirit filled me with the

strength for the road ahead because they

were meant to be ours,” said Pullis, 48.

The boys, now six years old, have

spent months at a time (multiple times)

with their big sister and parents at the

Paylee Institute in West Palm Beach,

Florida. They are a case study of twins

with CFD who have made remarkable

gains in their physical activity, particularly

in terms of limb lengthening. Most

of all, the experience there has been

emotionally healthy for the whole family.

There is an on-site house that accommodates

30 families, allowing the

kids to see others like themselves. Pullis

claimed all the kids encouraged each

other in different ways, and that was a

sign to her that God wanted them there.

Pullis maintains that it was God’s

plan all along; that perhaps her infertility

was a sign for her to adopt these

three beautiful children and form a

family with them. If her children did

not have these conditions, she and Joe

would have adopted more right away.

“We really wanted to make sure

our kids had the attention they deserved,”

said Pullis, who owns and

operates two State Farm Insurance

agencies. “We have Mommy and Me

or Daddy and Me outings, where each

of us spends one-on-one time with the

kids. This was especially important for

Evelyn because the boys do require so

much special attention.”

Pullis also asserted that it was essential

for her and her husband to

stay connected, as they constantly attend

to their kids’ immediate needs. To

strengthen their marriage, they attended

a couples’ retreat two months ago in

Farmington Hills, called Retrouvaille,

a Catholic-based, peer-led program for

married couples. She said it was the reset

they needed and would recommend

it to any couple willing to attend.

Her message to the couples with

infertility is this: “You are not alone.

There are numerous resources available.

Start with our own Office of Life

at the Chaldean Diocese.” Pullis also

encourages couples who already have

kids to consider adopting.

“All kids are a blessing, and what a

beautiful way it is to add to your family,”

said Pullis.

Adoption may appear overwhelming

at first, and it was not easy, she

said, but everything was fixable. She

had no fear because she took it one

step at a time.

“God will provide.”

For more information on adoption,

visit the Office of Life at https://

chaldeanchurch.org/life/. For more

information on Retrouvaille, visit

https://helpourmarriage.org/.


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FEATURE

Reclaiming a Voice

The growing movement to learn and preserve Chaldean

BY SARAH KITTLE

Top of page: Participants in the Chaldean Language class.

Above: Stephen Hannawi on the Oakland University Campus.

Stephen Hannawi is a man with

a mission. It all started when

he was 8 years old in Tel Kepe,

where he and his older brother served

in church—attending Vespers, daily

prayers, and the rosary.

In Iraq, Vespers was celebrated in

the Chaldean language, a dialect of Aramaic

called Sureth. Stephen started

to learn the language so that he could

participate in the liturgy. “I love the

language because it was the language

of Jesus Christ,” Stephen explains. He

was seriously considering entering the

priesthood.

“I was around priests and deacons,

and it was a good environment,” he

recalls.

By age 13, the demographics in Tel

Kepe began to shift. Persecution of the

Christian community was becoming

increasingly apparent, and Christian

lands were being confiscated and given

to non-Christians. “It was a painful realization,”

Stephen says, “realizing the

language and the culture is a target.”

As an adolescent, Stephen made

a vow—to protect the Chaldean language

for the rest of his life.

He continued serving at church,

sometimes spending 14-hour days. He

trained deacons, held language classes

for 40 to 50 students each summer

over four months, and began preserving

church manuscripts, creating a

library and cataloging the texts. With

access to these invaluable records, he

dedicated himself to study, putting in

long hours daily.

“My dad was a teacher, so he always

pushed us for academic excellence,”

he says. “Being involved in

church, I heavily wanted to invest my

time in the language and the ancient

tones of the Chaldean liturgy.”

Lost Treasure Found

Luckily for Stephen, electricity came

to Tel Kepe in the 1940s and because

of that, the church had archives which

included 8mm tapes. “I found my lost

treasure,” says Stephen. “I have all

this and I was so eager to learn.”

It took years, but Stephen learned

every hymn, even those no longer in

use. When a priest told him, “You’re

never going to chant those,” he replied,

“It’s OK, Father, I’m learning it as history

because I want to preserve it.”

He also created a dictionary to

record the dialect of his hometown,

which was becoming diluted. “My

grandmother’s generation spoke very

differently from mine,” he recalls. He

spent time with elders to record and

preserve their words. Although the

original dictionary did not survive, the

work lives on.

By age 13, Stephen had developed

enough fluency to instantly translate

classical Chaldean into the Tel Kepe

dialect during Mass, particularly the

Saint Paul’s letters and Old Testament

readings.

Father Raphael Kanona, a priest in

Tel Kepe, became Stephen’s mentor.

“He was older, and he was my treasure

for any questions I had,” Stephen says.

“He played a big role in my training.”

Even as a child preparing for

priesthood, Stephen prioritized the

language. “I started collecting parables,

lullabies, and folk songs from my

town because it was going away,” he

says. “It was fading.”

Continuing the Mission

Stephen and his brother were both

deacons in Iraq, serving alongside

each other. When they came to America

as young adults, they noticed that

the Chaldean language, so far removed

from the source, was becoming even

more weakened. “We promised each

other that one day we’ll do something

about it,” Stephen says.

Before that dream could be realized,

his brother joined the U.S. Army

as an interpreter and gave his life in

service. “That made my promise to


Your Plan, Their Peace

him sacred,” Stephen says. “I know

I’m doing it by myself now.”

Fast forward to 2025: Stephen is

teaching a Chaldean Revival class

at Oakland University, where he has

received tremendous support. “Oakland

University is about diversity,” he

explains.

He also receives strong backing

from the Chaldean community. “I see

youth hungering for identity,” he says.

“So I am teaching identity through language.

Belonging is powerful. You need

belonging. Identity gives you that.”

According to Stephen, English may

be the language of power, but Chaldean

is the root. “It has been the language

of science for 3,000 years. No

other language can claim that.”

Chaldean history is steeped in science.

“Our culture created the world’s

first writing system in the city of Uruk,

laying the foundation for recorded

knowledge,” Stephen explains. “From

there, our culture was advanced in

mathematics, law, finance, agriculture,

irrigation, architecture… Math

was the language of the universe. They

built ziggurats aligned with the Earth’s

magnetic field. We don’t know what

they knew.”

Hannawi emphasizes that language

preservation is not only a Chaldean

concern—it is a matter of human

history. Yet he sees Chaldean as

uniquely sacred.

“You know, out of all the 7,000

languages of the world, God spoke

Chaldean,” he asserts. “He chose a

virgin. He chose a cross. And He chose

a language. It was not random. I truly

think He wanted to honor it, because

He spoke to Abraham in Chaldean.

Even now, the Jewish people preserved

the Chaldean language of Babylon.

There’s no way this language could

have survived without divine intervention.

We are here. We are still ‘we.’ This

language still exists by miracle.”

Identity Through Language

Hannawi teaches identity through language.

“I want them to learn it well

so they can teach their kids,” he says,

“who may be the next generation of

leaders, teachers, and influencers. I

want to strengthen the Chaldean memory

within them—spiritual, cultural,

historical, and familial. It’s a long-term

project, but I want a whole revival.

This language has done so much for

humanity; we should not let it go.”

He believes preserving Chaldean

is an ethical obligation, not just for

Chaldeans but for all humanity. “If it

wasn’t for that 3,000-year advancement,

where would we be? We would

not have cars. We would not have artificial

intelligence. We would not have

all these advances we enjoy today.”

Hannawi’s workshop at Oakland

University is free and non-credit, with

no textbooks required. “They only

have to show up. That’s it,” he says.

The current group has 78 total members.

Classes are also posted online

for those who cannot attend in person,

reaching thousands through Instagram,

Facebook, and YouTube. “The

lectures are permanent resources.

People can access them anytime. I’m

recording all grammar and conjugation

for intermediate Chaldean now,

aiming to finish by April.”

By then, Hannawi will graduate

with a master’s in artificial intelligence,

prepare for the Patent Law bar

exam, and expand OU offerings to

include intermediate and advanced

Chaldean classes.

Reaffirming the Vow

“I lived all my childhood, from 8 until

18, immersed in manuscripts, hymns,

and the Chaldean language,” Hannawi

recalls. “There were hymns in

my town that no other town had. Some

were long and complex, requiring real

vocal skill. ISIS burned them. ISIS

thought they destroyed them forever;

however, the powerless 13-year-old

boy kept them in his heart. I still know

them all. I chant them at funerals. My

investment now is to create a website

and spread this heritage. These hymns

are not gone. They are still here.”

Hannawi sees language as central

to Chaldean spiritual identity. “It’s the

language of Jesus, of the prophets, of

the martyrs, of the monks who wrote

our liturgy. It’s a beautiful, highly

spiritual liturgy that elevates you.” He

believes Chaldean connects Heaven

and Earth and considers it his lifelong

mission to preserve the language for

future generations.

“Preserve your identity. It is really

who you are. Without your identity,

you lose your sense of being,” he says.

“Learn the language. If you don’t preserve

your own identity, you become the

collective memory of someone else.”

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FEATURE

Sacred Encounters

Manresa celebrates 100th Anniversary

BY JOANN AMICANGELO

Manresa Jesuit Retreat House

is a retreat center in Bloomfield

Hills. It is situated on 39

beautiful acres of forest, gardens and

a stream with outdoor Stations of the

Cross and many places for quiet prayer

and contemplation. Thousands of people

visit Manresa each year to experience

God in new ways through their retreats,

programs, classes and spiritual

direction, many of whom leave with a

life-giving encounter with the Sacred.

This past September Manresa

kicked off a year-long celebration leading

up to its 100th Anniversary on September

23, 2026. Under the theme of

“Sacred Encounters: Yesterday, Today,

Tomorrow,” the celebration began with

an outdoor Mass on Sunday, September

28, with more than 225 people present.

“It was a wonderful time of worship

and fellowship with our community

of retreatants and those who have

been touched by the ministry offered

here,” said Sr. Linda Sevcik, SM, Executive

Director of Manresa.

Manresa was founded in the early

1920s by a group of laymen who decided

that they wanted to experience Jesuit-led

retreats in Detroit, rather than

traveling all the way to Cleveland, Ohio.

Today Manresa offers conference

retreats for men, women and married

couples and opens its doors to more

than 1,500 youth each year through

hosted school retreats and day programs.

It also offers Individually Directed

Retreats of four to eight days, a

variety of spiritually enriching in-person

and online programs and classes,

and its Internship in Spiritual Companionship

has equipped hundreds of

men and women to accompany others

on their spiritual journey.

Reflecting on Manresa’s rich history

of sacred encounters, Sr. Sevcik said:

“Our mission continues to be guided

by the spirituality of Saint Ignatius,

and as a result, Manresa has been

a sanctuary for countless individuals

who have found spiritual renewal

and deeper connection with God. Our

house and grounds offer a quiet and

safe space to encounter the Sacred and

experience the transformative power

of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius

of Loyola.”

100th Anniversary

Celebration Banquet

Manresa’s 100th Anniversary celebration

continues in the new year with the

I00th Anniversary Celebration Banquet

on Thursday, May 7, 2026. This special

annual banquet will be held at Shenandoah

Country Club in West Bloomfield

with Detroit Archbishop Edward

Weisenburger as the keynote speaker.

Steve Raymond, Manresa’s Director

of Development, said the event is

an opportunity for business and community

leaders to support Manresa’s

ministry through financial sponsorships

and/or ad placements in the

banquet program.

“The sponsorships will play a

significant role in meeting our operational

costs and maintaining our aging

facility,” said Raymond. “We hope to

raise the support needed to tackle several

important capital improvement

projects in the near future.”

Dave Nona, long-time Manresa retreat

participant and a member of the

banquet planning committee said, ‘’I’d

like to see those members of the Chaldean

community who were educated

by Jesuits in Iraq or in the US, or had

family members educated in these

schools, or were spiritually helped by

Manresa’s retreats and programs, attend

the 100th anniversary celebration

on May 7. I humbly ask those who have

been abundantly blessed to consider

a special sponsorship in gratitude to

God and to continue the work of Manresa

for the next 100 years.”

Manresa will close its celebratory

year with an outdoor Mass and picnic

on Sunday, September 20, 2026. This

is a free event, though registration is

required.

“We invite all our retreatants and

guests to join us for these upcoming

events to honor our past, celebrate our

present and look ahead to our future,”

said Sr. Sevcik.

If you have any questions about

sponsorships, contact Steve Raymond

at sraymond@manresa-sj.org,

248.644.4933, extension 111 or call Dave

Nona at 248.521.0977. Sponsorships

received by March 30, 2026, will be

included in the Manresa banquet

program. Tickets for the event will be on

sale March I at manresa-sj.org/100Years.


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FEATURE

The Jarbou siblings on University of Michigan’s Flint Campus.

Family First

Three siblings make their mark at UM-Flint

BY CAROLINE RATHBUN

For most students, attending college

is a moment to strike out

on their own, the start of a solo

journey of discovery and growth. But

for Sarah, Samantha and Sebastian

Jarbou—a trio of siblings enrolled at the

University of Michigan-Flint—higher

education is a shared adventure filled

with mutual support, friendly mix-ups

and a deep commitment to giving back.

Growing up together in Clio, the

trio developed a strong sense of connection

and community that has

proved invaluable in college. As firstgeneration

college students, UM-Flint

has become their second home, where

each pursues a distinct academic path

while maintaining the family bond

that has defined their lives.

A Shared Journey through

Uncharted Territory

First-generation college students are

often concerned that higher education

can be an isolating and uncertain setting.

But for Samantha, Sarah and Sebastian,

having one another has transformed

the experience into a chance to

grow their familial connections while

expanding their horizons.

“Being first-generation college students

has definitely been a challenge,

but having each other has made it a lot

easier,” said Samantha. “We’ve been

able to lean on one another for advice,

motivation and reassurance when

things get tough. It helps knowing that

someone else in the family understands

exactly what you’re going through.”

While navigating college has required

learning on the fly, their family’s

support has been unwavering. “It’s

been a learning process for everyone,

but our family is proud and supportive,”

she said. “Even though they didn’t

have the same experiences, they’ve always

encouraged us to keep going and

make the most of every opportunity.”

The shared first-generation experience

has created a unique bond that

extends beyond academics. “It’s been

rewarding to go through this experience

together,” Samantha said. “We’ve

grown a lot individually, but also as a

family. Being first-generation can be

overwhelming at times but sharing it

with your siblings makes it much less

lonely and much more meaningful.”

Following in Each Other’s

Footsteps

Sarah, a senior nursing major, was

the first sibling to attend UM-Flint and

helped lead the way for her younger

siblings.

“As the oldest sibling and the first to

attend UM-Flint, I feel like I helped pave

the way for my younger siblings, and it’s

rewarding to see them follow their own

paths,” she said. “We cheer each other

on, study together, volunteer together

and enjoy being present in each other’s

lives while pursuing our goals.”

Her influence made an impact.

When Sarah attended orientation, her

siblings and mother accompanied her.

“They all fell in love with UM-Flint

that day,” she recalled. Now, years

later, she cherishes memories of their

first week of school, “when we took

photos together, excited to be at the

same school again.”

Samantha, a junior biology major

with a pre-medical concentration and

a psychology minor, had several options

for college, including the Ann

Arbor campus, but chose to stay close

to family and community. “It’s rare

and special to share this journey as a

family,” she said. “Being here together

allows us to celebrate our successes,

support one another through challenges

and fully embrace the opportunities

that higher education provides.”

Sebastian, a first-year computer

science major and basketball team

member, is the newest Wolverine in

the family. “Growing up in such a supportive

family has made campus feel

like a second home. I’ve been able to

rely on my sisters for guidance, and

their encouragement inspires me to

push myself academically, athletically,

and personally,” he said. “ This

is nothing new to me, though; it has

been this way throughout my educational

journey.”

While grateful for the overlap,

there is a bittersweet reality: his sisters

will graduate while he is still at UM-

Flint. “Being the last sibling to join

UM-Flint has been rewarding, but also

a little bittersweet, knowing that my

sisters will graduate while I’ll still be

here,” Sebastian said. “I have grown

used to this rhythm throughout our

education, so I’m grateful for the years

we share at the same school, making

memories and supporting each other.”

The siblings have built a strong

support system, each providing guidance

and encouragement in their own

way. “We motivate and inspire one another,

whether it’s through studying,

sharing advice or volunteering as a

family,” Samantha said. “That support

makes even the busiest weeks manageable.”

Sarah takes her role as the oldest

seriously, striking a balance between


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accountability and encouragement.

“I guide my siblings when needed

and celebrate their achievements so

we can all grow together,” she said. “I

hope to be a source of guidance and

encouragement, helping them navigate

challenges while reminding them

to embrace opportunities. I want them

to feel confident exploring their passions

while knowing our family is always

behind them.”

Sebastian appreciates the guidance

but also brings his own energy to the

dynamic. “I lean on them for advice

and support, but I also contribute my

perspective, energy and excitement,

especially as I explore athletics and get

more involved on campus,” he said.

Leadership, Learning and Laughter

Beyond academics, the siblings

have made their mark on campus life.

Samantha currently serves as Student

Government president, a role she

holds with pride and humility. Her involvement

began in her first year and

has expanded to vice president of the

Honors Student Council, secretary of

the Minority Association of Pre-Medical

Students, research assistant on

two studies, lab teaching assistant,

supplemental instructor, and active

member of the Honors Program.

“I was inspired to run because I’ve

always been involved in student council

with my siblings since elementary

school,” Samantha said. “My siblings

are proud and supportive—they remind

me to stay grounded and to use

this opportunity to give back to the

UM-Flint community.”

Her leadership has not gone unnoticed—sometimes

in unexpected

ways. Samantha and Sarah look so

much alike that people frequently mistake

them for twins, despite being 17

months apart in age. “Sarah and I have

shared many moments where people

mistake her for me, like when I gave

the Academic Convocation Speech and

my previous professors congratulated

her, thinking she was me,” Samantha

said. “Everyone calls us twins, but

we’re many months apart. We love

laughing about it.”

Sarah embraces the mix-ups with

good humor. “I really enjoy it when

people think I’m Samantha, it’s like I

get to be the president without doing

all the work!”

For Sebastian, having two wellknown

sisters comes with its own

dynamic. “Many people know me

through my sisters, but I’m excited to

build my own reputation and carve out

my own path, following in their footsteps

in spirit, but in my own way,” he

said. “We share the same family values

and love for service, but our paths are

different. I get to explore athletics and

computer science while learning from

my sisters’ experiences.”

A Tradition of Giving Back

Service runs deep in this family. Volunteering

together is a cherished tradition,

whether through Flint nonprofit

organizations or campus events such

as Touch-a-Truck.

“We’ve always been a close-knit

and supportive family, full of love,

laughter and shared responsibility,”

Samantha said. “Being first-generation

students, we learned the value

of hard work and perseverance early

on, and that drive has shaped how I

approach my studies, leadership and

volunteering at UM-Flint.”

Sarah echoed that sentiment: “Our

family has always emphasized caring

for one another and giving back. That

foundation has made navigating college

more meaningful, as we balance our

studies while finding ways to serve our

community and support each other.”

As the siblings look toward the future,

their goals remain rooted in service

and gratitude. Samantha hopes

to continue serving students with

compassion while leaving a lasting

impact through leadership and community

involvement. Sarah aims to excel

academically and give back to the

community. Sebastian plans personal

and academic growth while contributing

to campus life and cherishing his

remaining time with his sisters.

“Being first-generation students

has made us deeply grateful for the

opportunities UM-Flint provides,”

Samantha said. “We hope to carry

forward the lessons we learn here by

giving back to the community that has

supported us.”

For now, the siblings are making

the most of their time together on campus—studying,

laughing, volunteering

and building memories that will last

long after graduation. At UM-Flint,

these three have shown that when it

comes to higher education, sometimes

the best journey is the one you take together.

MARCH 12 - APRIL 5

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FEATURE

Start the Year Strong

Planning for your financial future

BY JENNA ABROO

One of the most common New

Year’s resolutions is saving

money. In today’s uncertain

economy, making smart financial decisions

is more important than ever.

Building a solid savings cushion,

maintaining a diversified investment

portfolio, and following a consistent

budget are proven ways to achieve financial

stability.

Setting clear and realistic goals is

essential to saving successfully, and

one goal everyone should plan for is

retirement. At some point, most people

hope to step away from work and

enjoy their later years with family. Depending

on life circumstances, that

day may arrive sooner than expected.

Preparing for retirement is critical but

knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming.

Saving for something 10,

25, or even 40 years away can create a

false sense of time. The good news is

that a few simple strategies can help

put your future on track faster than

you might think.

When it comes to financial planning,

time can be both our greatest ally

and our greatest enemy. Saving years

in advance can provide a financial

cushion later in life, yet time is also

something we can never regain once

it has passed. Setting aside income for

the future can feel intimidating, especially

in today’s uncertain economy.

What feels important at 18 or 25 often

looks very different in our 60s and 70s.

Saving as early as possible allows

your money to work for you through

the power of compound interest. Compound

interest occurs when earnings

grow not only on your initial investment

but also on the interest it has

already generated. Even small, consistent

contributions toward retirement

can grow significantly over time, resulting

in a larger total later in life.

Social Security is another key component

of retirement planning. After

paying into the system during their

working years, many Americans rely

Retirement planning is not a one-size-fits-all

process … What matters most is starting the

conversation and taking intentional steps,

no matter your age or income level.

on Social Security as a source of retirement

income. According to the Social

Security Administration, nearly nine

out of 10 people ages 65 and older were

receiving Social Security benefits as of

Dec. 31, 2024.

While many people have paid into

the system for much of their working

lives, the benefit alone is often

not enough to support a comfortable

retirement. This raises an important

question: How much is enough? According

to a report from Trinity College,

a common rule of thumb is that

retirees need about 70% to 80% of

their pre-retirement income to maintain

a comfortable standard of living.

Because benefits vary widely, having

supplemental income is essential.

With company-funded pensions now

largely a thing of the past, there are

several ways individuals can plan for

retirement. Financial planners can

help build a diversified portfolio based

on an individual’s risk tolerance, including

options such as stocks, 401(k)

s and Roth IRAs. Choosing investments

with higher growth potential is

one way to put your money to work for

the future.

The second most important factor

in achieving financial success is

planning. Good intentions alone mean

little without a clear strategy to support

them. Your approach will depend

on your financial goals and the stage

of life you are in, but having a plan is

essential.

If your employer offers a 401(k)

match, be sure to contribute at least

enough to receive the full match. For

example, if your employer matches

contributions up to 3%, you should

contribute a minimum of 3% as well.

Being proactive with retirement savings

allows your earnings to grow over

time through compounding.

Whenever possible, consider directing

work bonuses or extra income

into your 401(k). While annual contribution

limits apply, making consistent

contributions can significantly increase

your retirement savings as the

years go by.

The age at which you retire can significantly

affect your benefit amount.

Some people assume the best option

is to stop working and claim Social

Security as soon as they are eligible at

age 62, but that is not always the case.

According to Bank of America, “For

every year you delay receiving a Social

Security payment before you reach age

70, you can increase the amount you

receive in the future.”

Claiming benefits too early can

result in a permanent reduction in

monthly payments. Each year you

delay claiming benefits, up to age 70,

increases your monthly amount, and

those increases can add up quickly

over time. Even postponing retirement

by one year can make a meaningful

difference.

Deciding when to claim benefits

is largely a numbers-based decision

that depends on your savings, income

sources and long-term financial goals.

While no one knows how long they

will live after retirement, it is important

to choose a plan that provides financial

comfort and security.

Retirement planning is not a onesize-fits-all

process, and the right approach

will look different for everyone.

What matters most is starting the conversation

and taking intentional steps,

no matter your age or income level.

Whether it is increasing contributions,

adjusting investment strategies

or reassessing long-term goals, small

changes today can lead to greater financial

security tomorrow.

For those unsure where to begin,

speaking with a qualified financial

professional can provide clarity and direction.

Scheduling a financial review,

attending an educational workshop or

using trusted planning tools can help

turn intentions into action. The most

important step is the next one — taking

control of your financial future before

time takes that choice away.


ADVOCACY

ACCULTURATION

COMMUNITY

DEVELOPMENT

CULTURAL

PRESERVATION

2025 MACOMB BUSINESS AWARDEE | NON-PROFIT OF THE YEAR

2025 IMPACT

NEARLY

52,000

INDIVIDUALS SERVED FROM 68

COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN

MISSION

Improving the stability, health,

and wellness of those we serve

through advocacy, acculturation,

community development,and

cultural preservation.

MORE THAN

30%

OF CLIENTS

ARE NON-CHALDEAN

IMMIGRATION

2 045 ,

IMMIGRATION APPLICATIONS FILED

HELPED NEW AMERICANS FILE AN N-400

278

TO BECOME U.S. CITIZENS

PROJECT LIGHT

LICENSED TRILINGUAL

SOCIAL WORKERS PROVIDED

1 574 ,

INDIVIDUAL THERAPY SESSIONS

PROJECT BISMUTHA

$

MORE THAN

34 600

,

WORTH OF IN-KIND SERVICES

173

2,504

742

EMPLOYMENT

2128

,

JOB PLACEMENT

SERVICES CONDUCTED

60% EMPLOYMENT RATE

43 COMPANIES PARTICIPATED

IN JOB FAIRS

PHYSICIAN APPOINTMENTS

PRESCRIPTIONS VALUED

IN EXCESS OF $10,250

LAB TESTS VALUED AT $ 23,089

ATTAINABLE HOUSING

$

60MILLION

IN ATTAINABLE HOUSING PROJECTS IN

MACOMB COUNTY

TIGRIS TOWER I - OPENED 2025

TIGRIS TOWER II - EXPECTED 2027

COMMUNITY CENTER

$

20MILLION

COMMUNITY CENTER CONSTRUCTED

IN WEST BLOOMFIELD

THE MICHAEL J. GEORGE

CHALDEAN LOAN FUND

$

438 199

,

IN OUTSTANDING LOANS

BREAKING BARRIERS

10 495 ,

INDIVIDUALS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL

AND/OR INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES AND

OLDER ADULTS SERVED

14,847

HOURS OF RECREATIONAL RESPITE

AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING

EDUCATION

28 SCHOLARSHIPS PROVIDED WORTH

$

82 , 500

752

STUDENTS WERE ASSISTED IN

SUBMITTING THE FAFSA AND

NAVIGATING FINANCIAL AID

281

INDIVIDUALS ENROLLED IN ESL,

GED, AND PRESCHOOL

Get Social With Us!

Chaldean Community Foundation | 3601 15 Mile Rd., Sterling Heights, MI 48310 | 586-722-7253 | chaldeanfoundation.org


FEATURE

Celebrating Chaldean Authors

2025 Beth Nahrain Writers online conference highlights books,

films and milestones from writers of Mesopotamian heritage

BY ROY GESSFORD

The 4th Annual Beth Nahrain

Writers Conference was held

November 8, 2025, in a virtual

format, celebrating books and

achievements by Chaldean authors

and speakers. Previously hosted at

Oakland University, the Chaldean Cultural

Center and the Chaldean Community

Foundation, the 2025 conference

moved online to better serve its

expanding global audience of writers

and participants exploring Mesopotamian

history and culture.

The event featured keynote authors

Weam Namou, Jacob Bacall, Father

John Jwad and Father Michael Bazzi.

It was moderated by Christina Oraha,

who guided the three-hour program.

Namou opened and closed the conference,

discussing eight of her most

recent books. She first highlighted

three prominent Chaldean historical

figures featured in her work: the 17thcentury

priest and American adventurer

Elias Al-Musili; 19th-century memoirist

Maria Teresa Asmar, a relentless

traveler from Tel Keppe, Iraq; and the

Rev. Joseph Beyhum Nayeem, whose

courage during the 1915 genocide continues

to inspire readers today.

Namou also shared four children’s

books from the Magical Museum Series,

inspired by her tenure as executive

director of the Chaldean Cultural Center.

She closed her remarks with Pomegranate,

her romantic comedy novel

adapted into an award-winning feature

film. Set in Sterling Heights, the film

has earned more than 50 international

festival awards. The film is currently

streaming across multiple platforms.

Fr. John Jwad, an associate priest at

St. John Chaldean Catholic Church in

Calgary, Alberta, shared the long journey

from concept to consecration of Alberta’s

first Chaldean Catholic church. While

Canada’s first Chaldean community

dates to Thunder Bay, Ontario, Calgary

did not have a dedicated parish until

2025. More about the parish can be found

through its website, stjohnclgary.org.

Jacob Bacall, noted historian and

businessman, spoke next. A four-time

author and co-author with Bishop Bawai

Soro of Chaldean Catholic Church, Bacall

traced the evolution of early Chaldean

faith communities in Iraq to modern

North American church life in both

the United States and Canada. The book

features extensive archival photography

documenting community growth, hardship

and resilience. The title and Bacall’s

other books are available through Michigan

bookstores and online distributors,

including Arcadia Publishing.

As founder of Let in the Light

Publishing and a former student of

Bazzi, I was able to present excerpts

from Bazzi’s latest book, The Life of

Tilkepnaye, describing village life

in Tel Keppe — about 6 miles from

Mosul — prior to the 2014 ISIS takeover.

Expanding on Bazzi’s 1969 title

Tilkepe: Past and Present, the new

work explores the close relationship

between Aramaic-speaking villagers

and church traditions during planting,

harvest and festival seasons.

Bazzi participated by phone, answering

questions about the book and

offering broader insights on Chaldean

cultural identity. Bazzi has authored

14 books, available through major

global distributors.

Recordings of the 2025 Beth Nahrain

Writers Conference are publicly

available on YouTube. Oraha was noted

for keeping the program engaging

and seamless throughout. The event

is family-friendly and draws interest

from both the Chaldean and wider historical

and literary communities.


Do you possess a passion for bettering the lives of others?

Join our ever expanding team!

HIRING

WE ARE

Case Worker - Sterling Heights and West Bloomfield

Communications Coordinator - West Bloomfield

Event Coordinator- Sterling Heights

Government Affairs Representative- Washington D.C.

Housing Liaison - Sterling Heights

Political Action Committee (PAC) Coordinator - West Bloomfield

Advocacy

Acculturation

For More Information

HR@chaldeanfoundation.org

586-722-7253

www.chaldeanfoundation.org/careers

Community Development

Cultural Preservation


FEATURE

Farah Shammami introduces Fr. Patrick Setto and Reni Stephan to an admiring audience.

A Duet of Art and Music

Cultural Night at CCF West educates and entertains the community

BY KAMAL YALDO

The Chaldean Community Foundation

hosted a cultural evening

at its West Bloomfield location

on Thursday, December 11, titled

“Art and Music.” Father Patrick Setto

and visual artist Reni Stephan were

the guests of honor.

The event drew a large crowd of

community members who enjoyed an

evening celebrating art, music, culture

and history.

The 120 attendees first gathered in

the foundation’s front lobby. Later, Farah

Shammami, the Foundation’s programs

coordinator, and Sheren Deza

led guided tours of the facility, highlighting

the paintings, drawings, and

various sections of the new building.

CCF West houses a reception area,

sports arena, theater, learning lab

classrooms, a martyr’s wall, Chaldean

timeline, demonstration kitchen, Chaldean

Cultural Museum, Mar Ibrahim

Library, business incubator, radio and

television studios, and more. Many areas

bear the names of Chaldean families

who contributed generously to the

center, prominently displayed on donor

walls and building facades.

Following the tour, Shammami welcomed

attendees and thanked them for

participating. Mary Romaya, executive

director of the Chaldean Cultural Center,

provided an overview of the museum’s

relocation from Shenandoah CC

to the new CCF West building. The expanded

museum, three times its previous

size and including a new exhibit on

genocide, is scheduled to open in 2026.

The first guest speaker, Father Patrick

Setto, born in California in 1990 to

Iraqi parents, spoke on the importance

of art in the development of peoples,

nations, and civilizations. He said all

forms of civilization today—architecture,

sculpture, painting—are manifestations

of art.

Father Setto spoke about his personal

experience with art, recounting

a chance encounter with artist Reni

Stephan during a visit to a convent in

Detroit. He was struck by a painting

on display and, upon asking about

the artist, learned it was Stephan. This

meeting marked the beginning of a

friendship that deepened Father Setto’s

connection to art, provided him the opportunity

to develop his own painting

skills, and ultimately led to the creation

of numerous artworks—two of which

were displayed at the event.

The next speaker was the artist

Reni Stephan, born in Baghdad in

1981, who took the audience on a personal

journey. It began with his family

members, who were all involved in

music, both playing and performing.

He then spoke about his birth in

Iraq, his family’s escape and his father’s

efforts to avoid being drafted

into the war again (Reni was 8 years

old at the time), and the painful experiences

they endured before arriving in

the United States as refugees.

Regarding his passion for painting,

Reni said: “My interest in art began later

in life, and I was primarily inspired

by my exposure to the sculptures and

paintings that were abundant in the

civilization of Mesopotamia.

“I began my university studies in

2005, which included research, study,

learning about international artists,

and was able to forge my own distinctive

artistic identity by blending

modern art schools, applying them to

the historical and cultural heritage of

the Mesopotamian civilization,” explained

Reni. “One example of this is

the numerous paintings that adorn the

walls of both Chaldean Community

Foundation buildings, community organizations,

churches, homes, offices

of community members, libraries, and

other places.”

The initial spark for Reni’s artistic

journey came when, in 1990, he participated

in a competition while in his first

year of middle school for a poster titled,

CULTURE continued on page 33


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األمسية الثقافية ملؤسسة

الجالية الكلدانية ‏“ثنائية

الرسم واملوسيقى”‏

كامل يلدو

Top: Attendees enjoyed traditional oud music and Fr. Patrick’s art.

Bottom: Turkish coffee was served.

CULTURE continued from page 30

“Say No to Drugs.” Entering despite his

hesitation and fear of losing, he was surprised

to win first place in his class and

first place in his school, and the poster

was displayed in the school for a month!

Reni emphasizes the importance

of the community supporting art,

artists, and all artists with talent. He

asserts that nations that do not respect

and encourage art will not be

remembered by history, while nations

that appreciate the arts will always

be present. The best example of this

is what our ancestors, the Sumerians,

Akkadians, Babylonians, Chaldeans,

and Assyrians, left behind for us to

treasure and wonder.

The evening concluded on a celebratory

note, leaving attendees inspired

by the intersection of art, music, and

Chaldean culture. Through the stories

of Father Setto and Reni Stephan, guests

experienced how personal journeys,

creativity, and heritage can come together

to strengthen community bonds. The

event reaffirmed the Chaldean Community

Foundation West’s role as a vibrant

hub for cultural enrichment, education,

and the preservation of Chaldean history

and artistry.

بادرت مؤسسة الجالية الكلدانية يف مدينة ويست

بلومفيلد باقامة أمسية ثقافية كلدانية للفن

واملوسيقى يوم الخميس كانون االول - ديسمرب 11

2025 يف موقع مؤسسة الجالية الكلدانية الجديد يف

مدينة ويست بلومفيلد.‏

شارك يف األمسية األب باتريك سيتو والفنان ريني

‏)استوديو ريني أرت(‏ وتناولوا استذكاراً‏ لقصص مسريتهم

الدينية والفنية وشاركوا الحضور يف دعم أألفكار امللهمة

باهمية الفن واإلميان واإلرشاد الروحي التي تُلهم اإلبداع

واإلبتكار،‏ وسلّطت قصصهام الضوء عىل العالقة العميقة

بني الثقافة والدين واملسرية الفنية.‏

وبعد تجمع الحضور يف الصالون األمامي للبناية،‏

اصطحبتهم األنسة فرح شاممي ‏–)منسقة الربامج يف

املؤسسة(‏ يف جولة واستمتع أكرث من 120 ضيفًا بجولة

إرشادية يف بناية مؤسسة الجالية الكلدانية حيث

شاهدوا أعامل ريني الفنية الرائعة واملنترشة يف اركان

وجدران بناية املؤسسة الحديثة ، كام شارك الحضور

يف استذواق مناذج شهرية املذاق من أشهى املأكوالت

الكلدانية األصيلة املجهزة من مطابخ الفرن الذهبي

‏)غولدن اوفني(،‏ وحلويات التمر والفيلو اللذيذة من

‏)كوتور كرايفينغ كارت(،‏ والقهوة العربية الغنية من

‏)ضياء كابوغوم(،‏ وموسيقى رائعة من أداء ‏)عود عدي(.‏

وبدورنا جميعاً‏ نقدم الشكر واإلمتنان لكل

من انضم إلينا يف هذه األمسية الجميلة،‏ ولجميع

الفنانني الذين شاركونا املناسبة ومازالوا يُحيون ثقافتنا

ويرفدونا باللوحات من خالل أعاملهم الفنية املذهلة.‏

وأدناه تقرير كامل عن برنامج األمسية الجميلة بقلم

اإلعالمي كامل يلدو ملجلة اخبار الكلدان.‏

األمسية الثقافية ملؤسسة الجالية الكلدانية

‏»ثنائية الرسم واملوسيقى«‏

بقلم كامل يلدو

من النشاطات الثقافية التي وعدت بها مؤسسة

الجالية الكلدانية يف موقعها الثاين مبدينة ( ويست

بلومفيلد(‏ ، احتضنت القاعة الرئيسية يف البناية

باكورة نشاطاتها بأمسية تحت عنوان : الرسم

واملوسيقى ، وتم فيها استضافة األب باتريك ستو

والفنان التشكييل ريني اسطيفان،‏ وبحضور جمع

جيد جدا من أبناء وبنات الجالية وذلك يوم

الخميس 11 كانون أول / ديسمرب . 2025

بعد تجمع الحضور يف الصالون األمامي للمؤسسة

، اصطحبتهم األنسة ‏)فرح شاممي – منسقة برامج

الكبار يف املؤسسة(‏ بجولة تعريفية بكل مرافق

املؤسسة مع رشح واف عن مضامني اللوحات والرسوم

وأقسام املؤسسة التي حملت اسامء عوائل من

الجالية ‏ِمن مَن قدموا تربعات مجزية لرفع أسامئهم

عىل واجهة القاعات ( االستقبال،‏ الساحة الرياضية،‏

صالة العرض السينامئية،‏ قاعة االجتامعات،‏ املطبخ

الكلداين،‏ املتحف الكلداين،‏ مكتبة مار إبراهيم ابراهيم،‏

قاعة اإلذاعة وقاعة البث التلفزيوين والقاعة الرئيسية(‏

، ثم كان التجمع ، حيث ابتدأت السيدة فرح شاممي

بالرتحيب بالحضور وشكرهم لتلبية الدعوة ، ثم كان

دور السيدة ‏)مريي رومايا(،‏ مسؤولة املتحف الكلداين

التي أعطت ملحة عن االعامل التحضريية لنقل املتحف

اىل البناية الجديدة وبسعة ثالثة اضعاف املساحة،‏

ووعدت بأن يكون االفتتاح الرسمي قريبا.‏

بعدها جاء دور الضيف األول األب باترك ستو:‏

( عراقي من مواليد والية كاليفورنيا عام 1990( ،

الذي تحدث عن أهمية الفن يف حياة الشعوب واالمم

والحضارات،‏ ال بل قال : بأن كل مظاهر الحضارات التي

نشهدها اليوم ليست اال شكال من اشكال الفنون ، إن

كان يف فن العامرة او املنحوتات او الرسوم،‏ ثم تحدث عن

تجربته الشخصية مع الفن وصوال اىل تعرفه عىل الفنان

‏)ريني اسطيفان(‏ منذ أربعة سنوات بطريق الصدفة ،

اثناء زيارته لدير الراهبات يف مدينة ديرتويت ومشاهدته

ألحدى اللوحات التي اعجب بها ، وعندما استفرس عن

الرسام ، كان الجواب الفنان ‏)ريني(‏ . العالقة والصداقة

التي عقدها مع رين،‏ قربته اكرث للفن ومنحته فرصة اتقان

فن الرسم وصوال اىل متكنه من انجاز العديد من اللوحات

الفنية والتي عرض منها اثنتان يف األمسية.‏

تال ذلك الفنان:‏ ( ريني اسطيفان – مواليد بغداد

العام 1981( الذي اخذنا برحلة تحدث فيها أوال عن

عائلته التي كانت مختصة باملوسيقى عزفا واداءا ثم

والدته يف العراق ومن بعدها هروب العائلة تفاديا من

سوق والده مجددا للحرب،‏ ( كان بعمر 8 سنوات(‏

وعن املحطات املؤملة قبيل الوصول اىل الواليات

املتحدة كالجئني ‏.اما عن تعلقه بالرسم فقال : لقد بدأ

عندي هذا االهتامم بوقت متأخر،‏ وكان أساسا مرجعه

اطالعي عىل اعامل النحت والرسوم التي كانت تزخر

بها حضارة وادي الرافدين ، فبدأتُ‏ الدراسة الجامعية

عام ، 2005 والتي تضمنت البحث والدراسة واالطالع

عىل الفنانني العامليني حتى متكنت من ان اصيغ

شخصيتي الفنية املتميزة عرب مزج املدارس الفنية

الحديثة واسقاطها عىل املوروث الثقايف التاريخي

لحضارة – بيث نهرين – ولعل واحدة من الشواهد

هي العديد من اللوحات الفنية التي تزدان بها جدران

مؤسسة الجالية الكلدانية والكثري من مؤسسات

الجالية والكنائس و بيوت ومكاتب بعض أبناء الجالية

واملكتبات وغريها من األماكن .

كانت الرشارة األوىل النطالقته يف الرسم،‏ أن

شارك يف مسابقة وهو يف الصف األول املتوسط (

عام 1990( لبوسرت حمل عنوان ( قل ال للمخدرات(‏

، ورغم تردده وخشيته من عدم الفوز،‏ لكن املفاجأة

كانت ان يحصل عىل املرتبة األوىل عىل صفه ‏)األول

متوسط(‏ واملرتبة األوىل عىل مدرسته ، وأن يعلق

البوسرت يف املدرسة ملدة شهر!‏

يؤكد الفنان ( ريني(‏ عىل اهمية دعم الجالية

للفن والفنانني ، وتشجيع كل الذين يحملون املواهب

ويؤكد:‏ ان اية امة ال تحرتم الفنون وتشجعها لن يرحمها

التاريخ ، وعىل العكس من ذلك لألمم التي تقدر الفنون

فأنها حارضة دوما ، وخري مثال ما تركه لنا اجدادنا من

السومريني واألكديني والبابليني والكلدان واآلشوريني .

لقطات من األمسية:‏

** جرى عرض ابرز اعامل الفنان ‏)ريني

اسطيفان(‏ عىل شاشة كبرية وكانت مرافقة طوال

الوقت يف حديث الضيفني

** استمتع الحضور بعزف راقي عىل آلة العود

قدمها الفنان عدي الجنايب،‏ تضمنت الحانا عراقية

وعربية وعاملية

** عىل طاولة القهوة العربية:‏ كان السيد ضياء كَبّو

** عىل طاولة الحلويات:‏ الخاتون سامنثا دخو

** عىل طاولة املرطبات:‏ السيدة جنيفر

**. عىل طاولة االكالت العراقية الخفيفة :

الخاتون ستيفني يوسف والسيد باترك دخّو ، وكان

الطعام من مطعم ( الفرن الذهبي(‏ الذي تديره

السيدة ابتسام شامس يف مدينة ستريلنك هايتس

‏**اكتظت القاعة الرئيسية بالحضور الذي بقي

مستمعا حتى النهاية وكانت الغلبة يف الحضور للنساء

اللوايت شكلن حوايل 80% من الحضور.‏


FEATURE

Tasting History

Mesopotamia on the plate

BY ADHID MIRI, PHD

Long before cookbooks, before

sugar or tomatoes or even the

idea of a “dessert course,” the

people of ancient Mesopotamia were

cooking with remarkable sophistication.

Between the Tigris and Euphrates

rivers—often called the cradle of

civilization—food was not merely

sustenance. It was ritual, identity

and an offering to the gods.

Mesopotamian cuisine, with

roots stretching back more than

10,000 years, is the oldest documented

food tradition in the

world. Clay tablets inscribed in

cuneiform record recipes, ingredients

and kitchen inventories that

reveal a culinary culture both inventive

and refined. Many of the

flavors described on those tablets still

appear on Iraqi tables today.

Where Civilization Learned to Cook

Upper Mesopotamia was one of the

first places on Earth where humans domesticated

crops and animals. Barley

and wheat were cultivated here, along

with sheep, goats and cattle. Dates,

lentils, onions, garlic and grapes

formed the backbone of the Mesopotamian

diet—ingredients that remain

essential in Middle Eastern cooking.

These early societies baked bread,

brewed beer and simmered stews long

before similar practices appeared elsewhere.

Archaeological records show

meals that included fish from the rivers,

meat from domesticated animals,

dairy products and a surprising variety

of vegetables, herbs and spices.

Food also carried religious meaning.

Temples maintained kitchens that

prepared elaborate meals for the gods,

A 5,000-year-old Sumerian grill (Manqalla)

who were believed to dine several times

a day. The finest cuts of meat, the most

fragrant spices and the richest sweets

were reserved for divine offerings.

Recipes Written in Clay

The world’s oldest known recipes date

to about 2200 B.C. One calls for a stew

made with beer and dried plums; another

describes the brewing of beer itself.

Babylonian tablets now housed at Yale

University list dozens of dishes, including

stews of goat, pigeon and mutton flavored

with garlic, onions and sour milk.

A Sumerian-Akkadian culinary lexicon

from around 1900 B.C. lists more

than 800 foods and beverages—among

them 300 types of bread and more

than 100 soups. Assyrian reliefs depict

grilled meats, sausages stuffed into animal

intestines and skewered delicacies

that resemble modern kebabs.

These records paint a picture of

abundance and innovation, fueled

by fertile land, complex irrigation

systems and far-reaching

trade networks.

Kleicha: Iraq’s National Cookie

No Iraqi celebration is complete

without kleicha. Crisp, aromatic

and gently sweet, the cookie is

a fixture at weddings, religious

holidays and family gatherings

across Iraq. Muslims, Christians,

Chaldeans, Assyrians and Kurds alike

claim it as their own.

Kleicha’s origins reach back to qullupu,

an ancient Mesopotamian pastry

prepared for spring festivals honoring

the goddess Ishtar. Made with dates or

raisins and baked in clay ovens, these

early cookies symbolized renewal,

prosperity and community.

Modern kleicha is typically filled

with spiced dates or walnuts scented

with cardamom and rosewater. Shaped

into crescents or rounds and served with

strong Iraqi tea, it is both a comfort food

and a cultural emblem—linking modern

households to ancient ritual.

Masgouf

Preparation

Butterfly the Fish: Split the fish

lengthwise down the back, clean

it, and open it like a butterfly. Season

simply with rock salt, tamarind,

or olive oil to highlight the

fish’s natural flavor.

Mount on a Spike: Clamp the

flattened fish to a sturdy wooden

spike or vertical metal frame.

Grill Vertically: Place the spike

around a semi-circular pit of hot

embers, usually fueled with fruittree

wood (apricot, citrus), which

imparts a subtle smoky-sweet

aroma.

Slow-Roast: Let the fish cook

for two to three hours. This indirect

heat crisps the skin while

keeping the flesh moist and

tender—a patient, artful process

often performed in open-air riverbank

restaurants.

Masgouf: The Taste of the Rivers

If kleicha represents celebration, masgouf

represents place. Often called Iraq’s

national dish, masgouf is freshwater

carp grilled slowly over open flames, traditionally

along the banks of the Tigris.

The fish is butterflied, seasoned

and propped upright near a wood fire,

absorbing smoke and heat over several

hours. This method, believed to date

back to Sumerian times, produces a

dish that is smoky, tender and deeply

tied to Iraq’s river culture.

Masgouf is never rushed. Order-

TASTE continued on page 36


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الثقافة والتاريخ

TASTE continued from page 34

ing it is a social commitment—a meal

meant to be shared, discussed and savored.

In this way, it preserves not just

a recipe, but a way of life.

Mersu: The World’s Oldest Dessert

Long before sugar, Mesopotamians

satisfied their sweet tooth with dates.

From them came mersu, the oldest recorded

dessert in history, documented

nearly 4,000 years ago.

Mersu was made by pounding

dates into a paste and mixing them

with nuts, sesame and butter. Rolled

into small balls, it was served at royal

feasts and temple ceremonies. Sweetened

entirely by fruit, it symbolized

fertility, abundance and divine favor.

Today, its descendant lives on in

madgouga, a traditional Iraqi date

pudding prepared through communal

pounding—a ritual as meaningful as

the dessert itself.

Kabab: Fire and Flame

The word kabab comes from the Akkadian

kebabu, meaning “to roast.”

Ancient Assyrian reliefs show soldiers

grilling skewered meat over open

flames, a technique that has endured

for thousands of years.

Modern Iraqi kabab—often made

from beef or lamb and served with flatbread

and yogurt—remains true to its

origins. Its global journey, from Turkey

to India and beyond, underscores Mesopotamia’s

lasting influence on world

cuisine.

A Living Culinary Legacy

Iraqi cuisine is not a relic of the past. It

is a living tradition, carried forward in

kitchens, markets and family gatherings.

Each dish—whether sweet or savory,

simple or elaborate—tells a story

of ingenuity, resilience and community.

To taste these foods is to taste history.

From ancient temple kitchens to

modern Chaldean and Iraqi homes,

Mesopotamian cuisine endures—one

bite at a time.

References: Julia Najor, Babylonian

Cuisine (1979, 1981); Samira Yako

Choulagh, Treasured Middle Eastern

Cookbook (1998); Amira Daboul, Awafi

from Amira’s Kitchen (2020); John

Lawton and Laura Kelley; Aramco

World (2011); Shannon Cothran; CNN;

Encyclopedia Britannica; Wikipedia.

نكهة التأريخ

مائدة ومذاق بالد ما بني النهرين

بقلم د عضيد مريي

قبل ظهور كتب الطبخ،‏ وقبل السكر والطامطم،‏

وحتى قبل فكرة ‏»طبق الحلوى«،‏ كان سكان بالد

ما بني النهرين القدمية يتفننون يف أعداد وطهي

انواع الطعام برباعة ملحوظة.‏ ففي املنطقة الواقعة

بني نهري دجلة والفرات،‏ والتي تُعرف غالبًا مبهد

الحضارة،‏ مل يكن الطعام مجرد وسيلة للبقاء عىل

قيد الحياة،‏ بل كان طقسً‏ ا وهوية وقربانًا لآللهة.‏

وتعود جذور املطبخ الرافديني وابداعاته

إىل أكرث من 10000 عام،‏ ويعترب من أقدم تقاليد

الطعام املوثقة يف العامل.‏ فقد سجّلت األلواح

الطينية املكتوبة بالخط املسامري وصفات

ومكونات ومخزونات مطبخية تكشف عن

ثقافة طعام مبتكرة وراقية.‏ وال تزال العديد من

النكهات املوصوفة يف تلك األلواح حارضة عىل

املوائد العراقية اليوم مثل الكليجة واملسكوف

واملدكًوكًة والكباب وغريها.‏

الحضارات وفن اعداد الطعام

كانت بالد ما بني النهرين العليا من أوائل األماكن

عىل وجه األرض التي استأنس فيها اإلنسان

املحاصيل والحيوانات حيث تعلمت هذه الحضارة

األوىل فن الطبخ واستعامل املواد املحلية املتوفرة

يف جغرافية املنطقة.‏ فقد زُرع فيها الشعري

والقمح،‏ إىل جانب تربية األغنام واملاعز واألبقار

والدواجن.‏ وشكل التمر والعدس والبصل والثوم

والعنب والخرضاوات أساس النظام الغذايئ يف بالد

ما بني النهرين،‏ وهي مكونات ال تزال أساسية يف

مطابخ بالد النهرين والرشق األوسط.‏

وخبزت هذه املجتمعات القدمية الخبزالرقيق

وخبز التنور،‏ وصنعت البرية،‏ وطبخت انواع الحساء

قبل وقت طويل من ظهور مامرسات مامثلة يف

أماكن أخرى.‏ وتُظهر السجالت األثرية وجبات

غذائية شملت األسامك من األنهار،‏ واللحوم من

الحيوانات املستأنسة،‏ ومنتجات األلبان،‏ وتنوعًا

مذهالً‏ من الخرضوات واألعشاب واآلمالح والتوابل.‏

كام كان للطعام داللة دينية مهمة،‏ إذ كانت

املعابد تحتوي عىل مطابخ وافران وتُعد وجبات

فاخرة لآللهة،‏ وكان األوائل يعتقدون بأن األلهة

يتناولون الطعام عدة مرات يف اليوم،‏ وكانت أجود

قطع اللحم،‏ وأكرث التوابل عطرًا،‏ وأشهى الحلويات

تُخصص للقرابني اإللهية.‏

وصفات مكتوبة عىل ألواح طينية

تعود أقدم الوصفات املعروفة يف العامل إىل حوايل

عام 2200 قبل امليالد،‏ وإحداها تصف طريقة

تحضري حساء مصنوع من البرية والخوخ املجفف،‏

وأخرى تصف طريقة تخمري البرية نفسها من قبل

السومريون وتحتوي األلواح البابلية،‏ املحفوظة

اآلن يف جامعة ييل،‏ عىل قوائم ووصفات لعرشات

األطباق،‏ مبا يف ذلك حساء لحم املاعز والحامم

والضأن املُنكّه بالثوم والبصل واللنب الرائب.‏ وتضم

معجامً‏ سومريًا أكاديًا للطهي يعود تاريخه إىل

حوايل عام 1900 قبل امليالد،‏ يحتوي عىل أكرث من

800 نوع من األطعمة واملرشوبات،‏ من بينها 300

نوع من الخبز وأكرث من 100 نوع من الحساء.‏

وتُصوّر بعض النقوش اآلشورية اللحوم املشوية؛

والنقانق املحشوة يف أمعاء الحيوانات،‏ واألطعمة

املشوية عىل أسياخ والتي تُشبه متاما عملية شوي

الكباب كام نعهده اليوم.‏ وترسم هذه السجالت

واللوحات الطينية صورةً‏ للوفرة واالبتكار

واإلنتشار،‏ بسبب األرايض الخصبة ووفرة املياه

وأنظمة الري املعقدة ووجود شبكات التجارة

واسعة النطاق بني الحضارات املتجاورة.‏

الكليجة:‏ الحلوى الوطنية للعراق

ال تكتمل أي مناسبة عراقية دون حضور الكليجة

وسط املائدة،‏ وتعترب هذه الحلوى املقرمشة

العطرية ذات املذاق الحلو اللطيف الحلوى

الوطنية ألهل العراق وتُعدّ‏ جزءًا ال يتجزأ

من الرتاث وحفالت الزفاف واألعياد الدينية

والتجمعات العائلية يف جميع أنحاء العراق.‏

ويفتخر يف اعدادها وتقدميها للضيوف والزوار

املسلمون واملسيحيون والكلدان واآلشوريون

واألكراد عىل حد سواء.‏

تعود أصول الكليجة إىل حلوى ‏»قولوبو«‏

القدمية،‏ وهي معجنات بالد ما بني النهرين القدمية

التي كانت تُحرضّ‏ ملهرجانات الربيع تكرميًا لإللهة

عشتار،‏ وكانت هذه الحلوى املبكرة،‏ املصنوعة من

التمر أو الزبيب واملخبوزة يف أفران طينية،‏ ترمز إىل

موسم التجديد واالزدهار والتواصل املجتمعي.‏

تُحىش الكليجة الحديثة عادةً‏ بالتمر املتبل

أو الجوز املعطر بالهيل وماء الورد،‏ وتُشكّل عىل

شكل هالل أو دوائر تشبيها بآلهة القمر والشمس

وتُقدّم مع الشاي العراقي ‏)السنكًني(‏ القوي،‏ وهي

بذلك تُعدّ‏ غذاءً‏ وطنياً‏ شهياً‏ ورمزًا ثقافيًا يربط

األرس املعارصة بالتقاليد القدمية.‏

املسكًوف:‏ نكهة شبوط األنهار

واألهوار

إذا كانت الكليجة متُ‏ ثل االحتفال،‏ فإن املسكًوف

ميُ‏ ثل املكان.‏ ويُعترب املسكًوف،‏ الذي يُطلق عليه

غالبًا الطبق الوطني للعراق،‏ وهو نوع من سمك

الشبوط النهري املشوي ببطء عىل نار مكشوفة،‏

ويُعد اإلجتامع حول مائدته عىل ضفاف تقليديًا

كالسيكياً‏ ومن طقوس اطعمة نهر دجلة عىل

امتداد شارع ابو نواس يف مدينة بغداد.‏

عملية طبخ املسكًوف يحتاج معرفة باآلسامك

وخربة مطعمية متميزة بالشوي البطيء،‏ إذ يُشق

السمك من املنتصف،‏ ويُتبل،‏ ويُثبت عموديًا باسياخ

بالقرب من نار الحطب،‏ ليمتص الدخان والحرارة

عىل مدى عدة ساعات،‏ وتُنتج هذه الطريقة التي

تعود إىل العصور السومرية،‏ طبقًا ذا نكهة شهية

وسمكة مشوية طرية مُدخنة ومطعمة بدخان

القصب والحطب ويرتبط هذا التحضري ارتباطًا

وثيقًا بثقافة األنهار واألهوار يف عراق بالد النهرين.‏

وال ميُ‏ كن إعداد وتناول املسكًوف عىل عجل،‏

فطلبه وتحضريه ‏ُيعدّ‏ التزامًا اجتامعيًا،‏ وهو وجبة

مُعدة للجلسات وللمشاركة والنقاش واالستمتاع

به،‏ وبهذه الطريقة،‏ ال يحافظ املسكًوف عىل

اصوله ووصفتة فحسب،‏ بل عىل أسلوب حياة

مجتمعية ومناسبة احتفالية خاصة.‏

مريسو:‏ أقدم حلوى يف العامل

قبل وقت طويل من ظهور السكر واستعامله يف

الرشق األوسط ، كان سكان بالد ما بني النهرين

يُشبعون رغبتهم يف تناول الحلويات بتمر النخيل

املنترش يف جنوب بالد النهرين،‏ ومنه نشأت حلوى

‏)مريسو(‏ التي تعد أقدم حلوى موثقة يف اللوحات

الطينية ويعود تاريخها إىل ما يقرب من 4000 عام.‏

كانت حلوى مريسو تُصنع عن طريق هرس

التمر وتحويله إىل عجينة،‏ ثم خلطه بالسمسم

واملكرسات والزبدة.‏ وكانت تُشكّل عىل هيئة

كرات صغرية،‏ وتُقدّم يف املآدب امللكية واالحتفاالت

الدينية.‏ وألنها كانت مُحالّ‏ ة بالكامل بسكريات

التمر فقد كانت ترمز إىل الخصوبة والوفرة والربكة

اإللهية.‏ واليوم،‏ ما زالت هذه الحلوى موجودة يف

شكلها الحديث،‏ وهي حلوى املدقوقة ‏)املدكًوكًة(‏ ،

وهي حلوى متر عراقية تقليدية تُحرضّ‏ عن طريق

الهرس الجامعي،‏ وبطقوس ومشاركات عائلية ال

تقل أهمية عن طعم الحلوى نفسها.‏

الكباب:‏ كبابو النار واللهب

كلمة كباب مشتقة من الكلمة األكادية ‏»كبابو«،‏

التي تعني ‏»الشواء«،‏ وتُظهر النقوش اآلثارية

القدمية جنودًا يشوون اللحم عىل أسياخ فوق نار

مكشوفة،‏ ومنقلة حجرية وهي تقنية صمدت

آلالف السنني وما زالت تستخدم ليومنا هذا.‏

وال يزال الكباب العراقي الذي يُصنع غالبًا من

لحم الخروف أو خليط مع لحم البقر أو الضأن

او الجمل ويُقدم مع خبز التنوراملسطح واللنب

والبصل وفيًا ألصوله،‏ وتؤكد رحلته العاملية،‏ من

تركيا إىل الهند وما بعدها،‏ عىل التأثري الدائم لبالد

ما بني النهرين عىل اطباق املطبخ العاملي.‏

إرثٌ‏ رافديني طهويٌّ‏ حيّ‏

ال ميُ‏ ثل املطبخ العراقي مجرد بقايا من املايض،‏ بل

هو تقليد حيٌّ‏ يتوارثه األجيال يف املطابخ واألسواق

والتجمعات العائلية.‏ فكل طبق،‏ سواء كان حلوًا

أو مالحًا،‏ بسيطًا أو مُتقنًا،‏ يروي قصةً‏ من اإلبداع

والصمود والتالحم املجتمعي يف بالد النهرين،‏

وإن تذوق هذه األطعمة هو تذوق للتاريخ ذاته

، فمن مطابخ املعابد القدمية إىل البيوت العراقية

والكلدانية الحديثة،‏ يستمر املطبخ الرافديني حيًا

معنا،‏ لقمةً‏ بعد لقمة.‏

املراجع:‏ جوليا ناجور،‏ املطبخ البابيل )1979،

‎1981‎‏(؛ سمرية ياقو جوالغ،‏ كتاب الطبخ الرشق

أوسطي الثمني ‏)‏‎1998‎‏(؛ أمرية دعبول،‏ أطايب

من مطبخ أمرية ‏)‏‎2020‎‏(؛ جون لوتون ولورا كييل؛

أرامكو وورلد ‏)‏‎2011‎‏(؛ شانون كوثان؛ يس إن إن؛

موسوعة بريتانيكا؛ ويكيبيديا.‏


Calling

ALL ADULTS

WE PROVIDE WELLNESS, FUN, LEARNING &

55+

COMMUNITY – ALL UNDER THE CCF WEST ROOF!

COMING IN

2026!

We’re excited to offer a variety

of activities that support health,

learning, and social connection.

Explore fitness, recreation, art,

language, technology, and more.

Build friendships and enjoy

meaningful experiences.

VISIT OUR SITE TO

LEARN MORE!

Scan QR Code

Chaldean Community Foundation West

2075 Walnut Lake Rd, West Bloomfield, MI 48323

farah.shammami@chaldeanfoundation.org | (248) 851-1200 ext. 118


RELIGION

Brother Daniel Says “Yes”

A new monk joins the Antonian Hormizdian Order

BY SHAMASHA MICHAEL ANTOON

For the first time in over fifteen

years, the Chaldean Antonian

Hormizdian Order welcomed a

new novice. On the third Sunday of the

season of Subara (Annunciation), Daniel

Orcen, a 31-year-old from France,

received the beige cassock that marks

the beginning of monastic life at the

Monastery of the Servant of God Martyr

Abbot Gabriel Denbo in Ankawa, Iraq.

In a region where Christian communities

have faced displacement,

violence, and exodus, one young man

made the opposite choice. Rather, he

came.

Abbot Dr. Samer Soreshow (SawrIsho)

Yohanna, Superior General of

the Order, spoke to the significance of

the moment in his homily during the

Divine Liturgy. “After years of drought

that our monastery and monastic houses

have endured, like Elizabeth, here is

God’s grace suddenly bursting forth a

new spring of life,” he said. “A vocation

comes from distant lands, as a sign that

the Spirit works where He wills, and

that God does not forget His vineyard.”

Brother Daniel, in his beige cassock, is welcomed into the Order.

From Paris to Iraq

Daniel Orcen was born to Chaldean

parents from Turkey and raised in Sarcelles,

just outside Paris. He served for

years as a Shamasha, or subdeacon,

in his local church. But his twenties

looked like those of most young people.

He worked, made money, went

out, drove a nice car, and lived the

kind of life that Paris offers.

At nineteen, Daniel suffered cardiac

arrest. Through “a miracle and

the intercession of the Virgin Mary,”

he survived. The next decade passed

in what he calls “the Paris lifestyle”—

money, parties, and all the things success

can buy.

Then, at thirty, something shifted.

During a spiritual retreat called Agape,

Daniel felt something awaken within

him. He traveled to Jerusalem and

stood in Gethsemane, where Christ endured

His Passion. “I felt the Passion

of Christ,” Daniel says. “This deeply

shook me, and at that moment I understood

that I had to give my life to

Christ, as He gave His life for us sinners.”

The pull toward religious life grew

stronger during a trip to Rome. Surrounded

by hundreds of seminarians

at an anniversary celebration, Daniel

heard a voice inside him ask: “Why

not me?”

He first tried joining the Chaldean

monks in San Diego, but after months

of discernment and waiting, it did not

work out. Iraq seemed far away and

uncertain. But a spiritual sister who

knew of his desire reached out to Abbot

Samer in Ankawa. The response was

simple: “For Daniel, the door is open.”

After a fifteen-day visit in October

and a retreat with the Jesuits in February,

Daniel made his decision and left

everything behind—his job, his car, his

life in France.

“Yes, I must learn Arabic; it is another

culture,” he admits. “There are

disappointments, crosses to carry, patience

to have. But the path of the Lord

is filled with grace, with hope, with

joy, with inner peace.”

A Monastery Rebuilt

The Chaldean Antonian Hormizdian

Order has deep roots. It began in the

seventh century with Rabban Hormizd,

a Chaldean monk who carved a hermitage

from the mountainside above

Alqosh. The monastery grew over the

centuries and eventually became the

Patriarchal Seat of the Church of the

East for over three hundred years.

But by the late 1700s, wars and invasions

had left the monastery abandoned.

That’s when Gabriel Denbo

stepped in.

Abbot Gabriel was born in Mardin

in 1775. He worked as a weaver and

nearly died from malaria in his twenties.

In his suffering, he made a vow:

if God healed him, he would dedicate

his life to serving Him. God answered,

and Gabriel kept his word. On Palm

Sunday in March 1808, he reopened

the Monastery of Rabban Hormizd and

refounded monastic life in the Chaldean

Church, despite opposition and

persecution.

Abbot Gabriel didn’t live to see his

work flourish. In 1832, he and three

other monks were killed during a Kurdish

raid led by the Emir of Rawanduz.

But the Order he refounded went on to

educate clergy, preserve manuscripts,

and serve the Chaldean Church for

generations.

Today, the Order maintains six

monasteries, including the historic

Rabban Hormizd Monastery in Alqosh

and the newly opened General Assembly

complex in Ankawa. The Ankawa

site houses the monastery, St. Anthony

the Great Church, and the Scriptorium

Syriacum, a center dedicated to preserving

Syriac manuscripts.

But the numbers tell a difficult

story. The Order once had over seventy

members. Today, there are twelve

monks.

“For over fifteen years, no new

monks have entered the order,” Abbot

Samer said in a previous interview

with CN. “People are more focused on

securing a livelihood or living comfortably,

which has led many of our young

people to seek migration rather than

dedicating their lives to God.”

The beige cassock Daniel now

wears symbolizes purity and the beginning

of monastic formation. If he

completes his year of novitiate, he will

receive the black cassock—a sign of dying

to the world to live fully in Christ.

After that come three years of temporary

vows, and then the possibility of

perpetual profession.

Brother Daniel knows the road

ahead won’t be easy. “I am truly not

worthy to be here,” he says. “Through

this monastic life, I also want to redeem

myself for my years of sin.”

A Mission That Continues

Despite reduced numbers, the Order

continues its work. Monks teach, lead

spiritual retreats, and serve in Chaldean

parishes. They are digitizing centuries

of liturgical prayers and adding

audio recordings of ancient chants for

smartphone apps. They maintain St.

Joseph’s Orphanage, care for the elderly,

and preserve one of Iraq’s largest

private collections of Syriac manuscripts,

some dating back to the eighth

century.

Most importantly, they continue

to pray. “Prayer, focused on Scripture

and liturgy, should be the foundation

of both work and brotherly relationships

within the community,” Abbot

Samer explained. This rhythm of

prayer and work has sustained the

Order through invasions, martyrdom,

and near extinction. This prayer still

sustains them now.

In a region that has been emptied

of Christians through violence and

displacement, Brother Daniel’s decision

to come instead of leave carries

weight. For now, one beige cassock

hangs in the monastery, while the door

remains open for others to follow.


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248.851.1200 office

248.925.7773 cell

chaldeanchamber.com

snavarrette@chaldeanchamber.com



JACQUELINE RAXTER, LMSW, LPC

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

PROGRAM MANAGER

3601 15 Mile Road

Sterling Heights, MI 48310

TEL: (586) 722-7253

FAX: (586) 722-7257

jacqueline.raxter@chaldeanfoundation.org

www.chaldeanfoundation.org

MARYANA SHABO

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH THERAPIST

ELIAS KATTOULA

CAREER SERVICES MANAGER

MARIAM ABDALLA

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH THERAPIST

3601 15 Mile Road


TEL: (586) 722-7253

FAX: (586) 722-7257

maryana.shabo@chaldeanfoundation.org


3601 15 Mile Road


TEL: (586) 722-7253

FAX: (586) 722-7257

elias.kattoula@chaldeanfoundation.org


3601 15 Mile Road


TEL: (586) 722-7253

FAX: (586) 722-7257

mariam.abdalla@chaldeanfoundation.org


LISTEN TO OUR STORIES!

Download the mobile app or visit our website

to hear the latest feature stories in audio form.

chaldeannews.com


IN MEMORIAM

Mamdouha

Bukhtia

Nov 8, 1935 -

Nov 11, 2025

Manuel Abro

Nov 1, 1944 -

Nov 13, 2025

Wejdan Naeem

Deckhou

Sep 14, 1960 -

Nov 13, 2025

Dr. Leath Lewis

Mansour

Sep 3, 1959 -

Nov 13, 2025

Khalid Tello

Jul 10, 1937 -

Nov 13, 2025

Sami Shamoon

Dec 26, 1947 -

Nov 14, 2025

Alfred Farhat

Feb 2, 1970 -

Nov 15, 2025

Sabah Philip

Hana

Jul 1, 1940 -

Nov 17, 2025

Qusia Wadie

Miram

Jun 7, 1972 -

Nov 18, 2025

Wadiaa Kagi

Jul 1, 1940 -

Nov 20, 2025

Faiza Yousif

Putros

Jul 1, 1944 -

Nov 20, 2025

Ruweyda

“Susie” Aoun

Aug 10, 1963 -

Nov 21, 2025

Nabby Yono

Oct 6, 1950 -

Nov 21, 2025

Arthur Joseph

Sharma

Jan 23, 1957 -

Nov 21, 2025

Benyamin Yousif

Nessan

Jul 1, 1955 -

Nov 22, 2025

Neil Edward

May 8, 1961 -

Nov 23, 2025

Nazhat Ikam

Kassab

Jul 1, 1940 -

Nov 23, 2025

Sarhado Yousif

Matti

Jul 1, 1944 -

Nov 23, 2025

Andraws Jamil

Kashat

Aug 6, 1932 -

Nov 25, 2025

Nadine Kassab

Bashi

Nov 7, 1956 -

Nov 26, 2025

Salimah

Kiryakus

Shamon

Jul 1, 1957 -

Nov 27, 2025

Salman Yono

Jul 1, 1949 -

Nov 27, 2025

Firyal Bidawid

Mar 27, 1946 -

Nov 28, 2025

Hani Nissan

Yaqo

Jul 1, 1951 -

Nov 29, 2025

Amanuel Semo

Alloos

Jun 11, 1948 -

Nov 30, 2025

Jolet Barbat

Shango

Oct 28, 1951 -

Nov 30, 2025

Muntaha

Sandiha

Oct 26, 1966 -

Dec 2, 2025

Hanna Shaya

Jul 1, 1943 -

Dec 3, 2025

Jamela Azzo

Mio Kalasho

Jul 1, 1938 -

Dec 4, 2025

Joseph Esho

Oct 1, 1957 -

Dec 5, 2025

Hikmat Marroghi

Kallabat

Jul 1, 1930 -

Dec 5, 2025

Andy Yousif

April 19, 1966 -

Dec 5, 2025

Samer Najor

Nov 29, 1968 -

Dec 6, 2025

Jimmy Safou

Nov 22, 1977 -

Dec 7, 2025

Nadir Sleewu

Hakim

Feb 11, 1965 -

Dec 8, 2025

Najuha Sitto

Jul 1, 1949 -

Dec 8, 2025

Ghanem Alyas

Gasgous

Jul 1, 1932 -

Dec 9, 2025

Sandra Mary

Al’Naimi

Jul 9, 1945 -

Dec 10, 2025

Amel Mansour

Jul 1, 1950 -

Dec 10, 2025

Arkan Aziz

Khami

Aug 7, 1967 -

Dec 11, 2025


PROJECT LIGHT

PROJECT LIGHT

MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM

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

self-destructive 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 regardless

of insurance status. 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.


3601 15 Mile Rd., Sterling Heights, MI 48310


EVENT

Chaldean Chamber

Member Christmas Party

It was festive and merry at the Daxton Hotel for the

Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce Member

Christmas Party on December 2. Approximately 300

members and guests filled the elegant venue, enjoying

its warm ambience, sparkling décor, and lively holiday

spirit. Attendees reconnected with colleagues, strengthened

business relationships, and made new connections

as they celebrated the season together.

Clockwise

from top left:

Separate parlors

were included in

the event space

for the party.

Members filled

the hallways,

ballroom, and

two parlors.

Renee Tomina

(CACC Board

Member) and

Erica Schenkler

from DTE

Energy.

Guests enjoyed

an upscale hors

d’oeuvres table

and passed appetizers.

From left: Carly

Czech, Sheren

Deza, and Erika

Rukas.

A DJ and dance

floor were

located in the

ballroom.

The second

parlor space

was bright and

festive.


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024) 1

10/20/23 10:20 AM

JANUARY 2026

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