A Real Renaissance

February is officially cuddle month, when frosty weather and frigid temperatures keep us confined to the great indoors. On the other hand, it is also a great date month, with Valentine’s Day smack dab in the middle. Lucky for you, dear reader, we have supplied some fantastic ideas for dating in Detroit—there are so many places to go, some that may even be new to you!

Detroit today is experiencing a real resurgence, unlike the “renaissance” I lived through growing up in the city in the 70s and 80s. It feels like it can now truly be called “the Renaissance City,” and not just because of the Lions winning the Division Championship in the National Football League (although that doesn’t hurt). Everywhere you look downtown, there is a vibrancy and energy we haven’t seen in a long time, if ever. And we are part of it!

Embracing romance, we have curated a few stories to go with the theme. Besides the dating article, we have an update from Beshar Shukri, who penned the original “Dating While Chaldean” article in October 2023, a wedding cake recipe in Chaldean Kitchen, and some love in a pizza pie, with a story about Tania’s Pizza. Wrapping up the romance issue are some archival wedding photos supplied by the Chaldean Cultural Center.

Several features in this month’s edition focus on Iraq, with Cal Abbo’s Mesopotamia to the Motor City Part II in the lead, followed by Dr. Miri’s article on Christian contributions towards building the country of Iraq. Iraq Today and Chaldean Digest both relay stories about recent conflict in northern Iraq and the effect on the people living there. Noteworthy this month highlights a young boy who shares his faith and a young woman who found her calling. The Sports section celebrates an extraordinary individual by the name of Brendin Yatooma.

For newcomers to America, Paul Natinsky gives some basic advice regarding money and budgeting in the Life Skills department. We also share a brief story about Patrick N’golo, a recent immigrant who came to the U.S. with his family for asylum and was helped by the Chaldean Community Foundation.

Our cover story this month was penned by none other than Fr. John “Junior” Jwad, newly ordained and filled with the Spirit. He reminds us that Lent is a way of life, not just something you give up for couple of weeks before Easter. The observance of Lent is a significant and solemn period emphasizing repentance, prayer, and fasting, mirroring the biblical 40 days that Jesus spent fasting in the desert. The focus is on self-reflection and spiritual growth, and the time is special and sacred.

Make the most of it.

Sarah Kittle

Editor in Chief