St. Peter Parish honors 2008 Assyrian graduates

On May 23, 2008, the St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Assyrian Church of the East, Youth Ministry of Glendale, Arizona hosted a graduation ceremony for all members of the community graduating from elementary, junior high school, high school and college.

The keynote speakers of the event were Francis Murad, Ph.D., who sat as vice-president of a major Engineering Consultant Firm in Detroit, MI, and H.G. Mar Aprim Khamis who before becoming a bishop in the Assyrian Church of the East, was an elementary school teacher in Baghdad, Iraq.

Also in attendance was Cor-bishop Frederick S. Hermiz and other prelates of St. Peter the Apostle Parish.

Dr. Francis Murad spoke to the graduates of the “value of an education” and illustrated his struggle from washing dishes for $1.20 an hour to attending the University of Maryland to attain his Ph.D. in Engineering. He also stressed the importance of attaining a high school diploma and entering into the professional job field.

“The jobs that were once there are not there anymore due to advancements in technology. You are more expendable then ever before, thus, employers demand the highest level of education and training when entering the work place,” stated Dr. Murad.

H.G. Mar Aprim Khamis addressed the graduating youth of the “zeal and guts” that is needed to persevere and arrive at the level of “self-actualization” that we all stress to achieve. Bishop Khamis also asserted the importance of placing and living the word of Jesus Christ in ones life when venturing out into the world of academia.

“There was once a wise man who told a friend that he had read all the books of science and math that were necessary for an education. But still, that man felt empty. Why? As his friend so dearly pointed out, ‘because you have never read of the Book of Life.’ What is the Book of Life my beloved children? The teachings of Jesus Christ,” said Bishop Khamis.

Bishop Khamis thanked all of the graduates for all the work they have put in thus far and to continue to reach for higher levels in their studies.

“Never give up and always strive to be the best, for the sake of your Holy Church and your Holy Nation, Assyria,’ Bishop Khamis added, ‘trust me, do your best, and God will the do rest.”

St. Peter the Apostle Youth Ministry would like to congratulate all of our beloved graduates. Here’s to you Class of 2008:

Alan Awdisho

James Anoid

Nahran Anoid

Ninveh Anoid

George Baba

George Benyamin

Mary Benyamin

Nenwae Benyamin

Audrina Bet Zomayeh

Joulyana Binyamin

Maria Chalabi

Michelle Chalabi

Ashor Chamoun

Miriam Daniel

Aded Daniel

Albertine David

Anita David

Chris Dawood

Sargon Dawood

Timothy Elias

Steven Gamo

Odisho Hermiz

DeeDee Krikorian

Nahrain Kando

George Mamouk

Jessica Mirza

Chris Murad

Nohra Murad

Youri Sayadian

Georgina Shamoun

Nahrain Slivo

Katerina Warda

Nahrain Warda

Sofia Warda

Ramsen Yalda

Fallon Yaro

Reach the reporter at: joseph.hermiz@asu.edu

This article was published on April 29th, 2008, in the State Press – Arizona State University Independent Daily.

Joseph N. Hermiz is an Assyrian-American writer and Assyrian political activist studying History and English at Arizona State University.