Like many northern, cool weather states, Michigan has lost population in recent census counts. The state has also seen its representation in Congress diminish, losing a seat in the latest census. But the state is not registering the worst outmigration in the nation or region, and its predicted population changes for coming decades paint a mixed picture, leaving open the search for causes and solutions.
Read MoreOn Saturday, March 18, Fr. Marcus Shammami and Fr. John Jaddou led a group of hikers to Saugatuck, Michigan for their annual Lenten hike. The day started off with Mass being celebrated at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Douglas, Michigan, before heading to Saugatuck Dunes State Park for a 4-hour, 6.2-mile hike along Lake Michigan. While the trails were cold and snowy, it did not stop the hikers from enjoying the peacefulness of the nature around them and soaking in Jesus every step of the way.
Read MoreIt has been proven, repeatedly and irrefutably, that fresh air and physical exercise do wonders for children’s physical and mental health, as well as their intellect, spirit, and overall happiness and well-being. However, with technology and social media consuming the lives of children, long gone are the endless bike rides and neighborhood-wide backyard games.
Read MoreThe Chaldean Community Foundation is offering a volleyball program for Grissom Middle School girls this summer. On April 19, the students had the opportunity to try on equipment that they will use during the summer camp. The equipment was generously donated by the Good Sports Foundation, an organization driving equitable access in youth sports and physical activity, by supporting children in high-need communities to achieve their greatest potential, on the field and in life.
Read MoreThe Christians of Iraq are one of the oldest continuous Christian communities in the world. The vast majority are indigenous Aramaic-speaking people who descend from ancient Babylonia, Chaldea, and Assyria, and follow the Syriac Christian tradition.
Read MoreAwsam Alos had a lot of good things to say about his brand-new car and the Michael J. George Chaldean Loan Fund, which provides low-interest loans of up to $15,000 to help individuals in need purchase a vehicle. “One of the best programs I have ever seen.” Alos said. Alos relies on his new car as his primary source of income. An Uber driver by day, he has found independence in owning a vehicle. The cost of renting a car from Uber prevented him from earning more income, forcing Alos to find a solution.
Read MoreNick (Najah) Dawood Konja was born on May 3, 1962, and passed away from complications of pulmonary fibrosis on April 12, 2023. The son of Dawood and Warina Konja, Nick is survived by his brothers Salman (Rejina), Shoki (Miad), Nashwan (Cindy) and sisters the late Amira (Abdelahad) Abdal, Ghanima (Phillipe) Kanouna, Suad (George) Zakar, and Samira (Fiak) Garmo.
Read MoreAhhh, spring in Michigan. We love our state and all its personalities, especially in May. Spring flowers and Mother’s Day make the month a celebration, and we are here for it. In this month’s Family Time, Valene Ayar shares some benefits that come along with gardening with kids. It teaches them respect for nature and introduces them to the satisfaction that comes with having a purpose. Plus, it may help them enjoy vegetables at the dinner table. It could happen.
Read MoreSelwan Anwar Taponi was born to a Syriac Catholic family on April 29, 1969, in Baghdad, Iraq. In August of 1969, he was baptized at the Monastery of the Martyrs Mar Behnam and Mart Sarah in northern Iraq. Growing up in Baghdad, Father Selwan’s home parish was Our Lady of Deliverance Syriac Church in Baghdad. Although they were Syriac Catholic, his family were regular parishioners at Sacred Heart Chaldean Church in the same city; Selwan’s father was particularly close with Bishop (then Father) Jibrail Kassab. It was in this church that he received his First Holy Communion.
Read MoreThe history of alcohol in Iraq stretches thousands of years, back to the invention of beer in ancient Mesopotamia. Their ruins are full of hundreds of clay tablets that record the methods and means of making and drinking beer; some even depict drink councils. Cups and vessels for drinking and manufacturing wine are also frequently found among the artifacts.
Read MoreFor much of history and in many lands, being Christian was considered an act of treason and failure to renounce that belief would result in a death sentence. Called to witness for God and Christ the Savior, these nine brave souls paid the ultimate price for their faith.
Read MoreSunday, March 19 marked the 20th year anniversary of the 2003 US-Invasion of Iraq. That day Detroit Public Theatre held a watch party for the film adaptation of Heather Raffo’s 9 Pars of Desire, an award-winning one-woman show which premiered almost 20 years ago in London and Off-Broadway, later becoming a global theatrical phenomenon. The date also marked three years since Raffo’s father, Georges, passed away.
Read MoreApril marks the Babylonian Akitu Festival, the New Year in ancient Mesopotamia. Professor Amanda H. Podany describes the history of that festival in her book Weavers, Scribes and Kings. She also shares other important details related to the study of Chaldeans.
Read MoreIt has been said that what shapes a person is the books they’ve read, the people they’ve met, and the places they’ve traveled. This applies directly to Habib Hannona’s life journey and philosophy. As an avid reader and ardent culturist, he has read hundreds, perhaps thousands of books in various languages over the years.
Read MoreRon Boji is an extremely successful businessman who happens to base many of his life decisions on a series of “Louie-isms” – sayings he has heard his entire life from his father, Louie (Louay) Boji, a successful businessman in his own right.
Read MoreThe emotion was palpable. Fr. Pierre Konja looked up from his chair in the theater room of our basement and asked, “How are the parents doing?” He was there to meet and counsel a spontaneous gathering of MSU students on the Tuesday evening after the mass shooting on campus.
Read MoreYou can find a job by word-of-mouth, looking for “help wanted” signs on buildings, searching online job engines like Monster.com or Indeed.com, or contacting your local community center, like the Chaldean Community Foundation, for help.
Read MoreAmira Daboul was well into the writing of her first cookbook before a title occurred to her. While working with her editor, Linda Schwartz, “awafi” was a word Amira would mention upon finalizing each recipe. One day, they looked at each other and the idea seemed to strike at once — Amira had found a name for the cookbook.
Read MoreBetween the fall of 2021 and the fall of 2022, 5,621 Christians were killed, 4,542 were arrested, and 5,259 were kidnapped around the world, according to the Christian international network Open Doors. In addition, over 2,000 churches and church buildings were the target of violence. Almost one in seven Christians worldwide were persecuted, with those in the Middle East bearing the brunt of the hatred.
Read MoreThe Great Lakes State has long been a destination for travelers and natives alike seeking natural beauty, scenic drives, historical sites, and relaxing (or even risky) recreation. With its stunning sunsets and its wondrous four seasons, the “Mighty Mitten” is a great place full of exceptional experiences just waiting for you.
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