CELEBRATING THE 3RD ANNIVERSARY OF THE CONSECRATION OF HIS HOLINESS, CATHOLICOS PATRIARCH MAR AWA III ROYEL

The Official Patriarchal Photo of the 122nd Catholicos Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East, His Holiness Mar Awa III Royel 

Today marks the third anniversary of the consecration of Patriarch Mar Awa III Royel to the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East. His Holiness has been a steadfast leader, guiding the Assyrian Church with wisdom, humility, and a deep love for Christ and His people. Born in Chicago and raised in a faithful Assyrian family, His Holiness has dedicated his life to serving the Church, first as a priest and then as a bishop, before being consecrated as Patriarch in 2021.

His personal connection to Bp. Joseph, as a dear friend and mentor, and the one who baptized his daughter in 2016, has added a special motivation to pray for the Patriarch in our jurisdiction, and a deep desire to see the Assyrian Church recognized and appreciated for its witness of faithfulness by the West. His Holiness's leadership has been marked by a profound commitment to the spiritual welfare of his flock, the preservation of the ancient liturgical traditions, and the promotion of dialogue with other Christian traditions, offering the richness of the Assyrian Church’s heritage to the broader Christian world, from which we can all learn and grow. We are grateful for this work and ask God to increase it. 

On this joyous day, we offer our heartfelt prayers for His Holiness’s health, safety, and continued strength in his sacred ministry. May God bless him with wisdom, like that of Solomon, and guide him in his leadership of the Assyrian Church and her people, who have so much to teach their Western Christian brethren. 

COLLECT PRAYER 

Almighty and Everlasting God, who didst raise up thy servant, Mar Awa III, to the high office of Patriarch in thy Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East, we beseech thee to bless and strengthen him with holiness of life and wisdom from above. Grant that his high priesthood may shine as the stars in the heavens, and may the prayers of the holy saints and fathers of the East ever guard and protect him as a high wall of protection. By thy grace, may his leadership continue to guide the Assyrian people in truth and righteousness. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.