Catholicos-Patriarch Mor Awa Royel III congratulates Syriac people on Akitu 6773

CALIFORNIA, U.S. — On the advent of 6773rd Babylonian Syriac–Assyrian New Year, Akitu, Catholicos-Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East Worldwide Mor Awa III issued a congratulatory letter.

“The 1^st of April is a historic day for our ancestors who created the first civilization in Beth Nahrin (Mesopotamia) and spread it to the whole world. Our ancestors used to celebrate the Akitu,” read the letter. “We, as an ancient indigenous people, had an inheritance similar to Christianity since ancient times.”

The Patriarch mentioned the story of the prophet Jonah in the Old Testament and the repentance of Nineveh people at that time.

The Patriarch congratulated the Syriac (Aramean-Chaldean-Assyrian) people all over the world on Akitu, which is a symbol of our culture and religion.

The Patriarch added that, on Akitu, prayers are raised to God to save our homeland from crises, bring security and peace, and unite our people in facing challenges.

The Assyrian Church of the East is keen to publish statements and letters also in Syriac. It also extends Akitu congratulation on 21^st March every year, to confirm that Akitu celebrations used to last for 11 days, starting from 21^st March until 1^st April.