Who Are the Chaldeans?

From ancient lands to modern times, a small community continues to leave its mark

Mar Addai of Edessa.

By Cal Abbo

Detroit is home to a unique Middle Eastern community who call themselves Chaldeans. This article attempts to illuminate the Chaldean heritage and religion, tracing its journey from the grand civilizations of ancient Mesopotamia to the culturally rich villages of Northern Iraq. We will explore the profound legacy of the Chaldeans and examine the integral role of the Church of the East in sculpting their identity across millennia.

Historical Roots of the Chaldeans

The Chaldean story begins in the fertile crescent of ancient Mesopotamia, where they established themselves as a notable civilization. Renowned for their advancements in astronomy, mathematics, and governance, the Chaldeans played a crucial role in the development of early human culture and technology. Centered around the city of Babylon, the society was marked by significant contributions to the arts, science, and literature, laying foundations that would influence generations to come.

Many Chaldeans today, especially those in Detroit, claim an ethnic heritage from the Chaldean tribes and civilizations best known for their accomplishments in Ancient Babylon. As a minority in the Middle East as well as the United States, their identity today is centered on this fact.

After Babylon was conquered by the Persian Empire, hundreds of thousands or even millions of Chaldeans migrated to different areas of the Middle East. Many resettled in the Northern parts of Mesopotamia as a result and established the villages and towns that modern Chaldeans come from.

The Church of the East

The Church of the East’s origins are intertwined with the early spread of Christianity. Established in the 1st century AD, the Church played a pivotal role in disseminating Christian teachings across Asia, reaching as far as India and China. Its inception marked a significant chapter in the religious and cultural history of the region, fostering a distinctive Christian theology that was both adaptive and expansive.

After the death of Jesus Christ, his apostles began to travel the world to spread the good news and Christianize the world. Famously, the Apostle St. Thomas began his travels to the far east. Some of the first people he encountered were the Chaldeans and the surrounding communities. These places were already heavily influenced by Jewish culture and doctrine and accepting that the Messiah had arrived was a simple task.

Mar Addai and Mar Mari were crucial in Christianizing the Chaldeans. As St. Thomas continued on his journey to India, these two men stayed in the Middle East to Christianize the people there and establish churches. Today, our liturgy still reflects the lessons given from these two men.

Over the years, the Church of the East became a cornerstone of Chaldean cultural identity. As Christianity spread and became a powerful movement, empires responded by persecuting its followers and leaders. This led to the tradition of martyrdom in our Church, which has influenced Chaldean culture and its extreme level of devotion and piety.

The original Church of the East was a unique blend of Christian doctrine and Jewish ritualistic practices. The Church’s liturgy, conducted in the Aramaic language, served as a living link to the Chaldeans’ ancient past that we still enjoy today. Over centuries, it shaped the spiritual, cultural, and social life of the Chaldean people, influencing their values, customs, and community structure.

In the face of modernity and the challenges of genocide and diaspora, the Chaldean community has shown remarkable resilience in preserving their unique identity. Language, traditions, and strong family bonds are central to maintaining their cultural heritage. The community has navigated the complexities of integrating into new societies while holding steadfast to their roots, showcasing a remarkable ability to adapt and thrive in diverse environments.

The Chaldean diaspora in Detroit is yet another testament to the community’s enduring spirit and adaptability. Having established a significant presence in the city, the Chaldeans have contributed to its culture, economy, and religiosity. In Detroit, they have balanced the preservation of their ancient heritage with the integration into American society, facing unique challenges and achieving notable successes. The Chaldean Church, adapting to its new environment in Detroit, has played an essential role in education, community building, and maintaining a sense of cultural and spiritual continuity that traces all the way back to the mission of St. Thomas the Apostle.