Why the Assyrian Churchof the East?
Honest answers to the questions many of us carry.
Who is Jesus Christ?
Christians believe that Jesus of Nazareth is the eternal Son of God who became man, taught, healed, forgave sins, died on the cross, and rose from the dead. Faith in Him is not merely a feeling. It rests on the witness of the apostles and on the lived experience of countless believers through the centuries.
For Assyrians, this faith is woven into our history. Tradition holds that the Gospel came to our lands through the apostles and their disciples, including Saint Thomas, Saint Addai, and Saint Mari. Our ancestors heard the good news in Aramaic, a language close to the one Jesus Himself spoke.
What makes Assyrian Christianity distinct?
Our churches belong to the Syriac Christian tradition, one of the oldest branches of the Christian family. The Church of the East sent missionaries along the Silk Road as far as India and China, and gave the world saints and teachers such as Saint Isaac of Nineveh. Saint Ephrem the Syrian, whose hymns are still sung today, is beloved across the Syriac churches.
Our worship, including the Liturgy of Addai and Mari, our fasts such as the Rogation of the Ninevites (Ba'utha d'Ninwe), and our hymns connect us directly to the faith of our forefathers.
How do I come back?
There is no wrong time to return. Begin with prayer, find a parish, and talk with a priest. Read our step-by-step guide on Welcome Back Home.
How do I talk to my family and friends about coming home?
Sharing faith begins with love. A few ideas:
- Listen first. Ask about their story and why they stepped away.
- Invite, don't pressure. A simple "Come with me this Sunday" or an invitation to a feast-day celebration goes a long way.
- Pray for them. Entrust them to God and be patient.
- Live it. Joy, kindness, and faithfulness speak louder than arguments.
- Share this site. Sometimes a gentle link is the first step.
Still have questions?
Your local parish priest is always glad to help. You can also reach us on social media (see the links at the bottom of the page).