In a remarkable convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and linguistic passion, the enigmatic beauty of ancient languages and cultural identities is emerging from the shadows. For one individual, this fusion is more than an academic pursuit; it’s a personal odyssey fueled by a deep desire to reconnect with his roots and amplify the voices of silenced cultures.

Part I Few members of the Chaldean community in Detroit still survive and remember what the village was like in the early 1900s, when our pioneers made the brave and challenging journey to America. What drove them to accomplish such a feat? To understand the enormity of such a journey, it’s necessary to recall the reality of village life and its simplicity.

The culinary traditions of the Chaldean community are as rich and diverse as our ancient history. Originating from the cradle of civilization, Chaldean cuisine boasts a plethora of flavors that narrate our cultural heritage. As the Chaldeans found a new home in Detroit, Michigan, we brought along our cherished recipes, crafting a unique food narrative that melds ancient traditions with the modern-day food landscape of the Motor City.

To quote St. Pope John Paul II in 2000, “To adopt a child is a great work of love. When it is done, much is given, but much is also received. It is a true exchange of gifts…” When, during a crisis pregnancy, a decision is made to have the baby, a gift of life is given. When the birth mother decides to place the baby for adoption, that’s a gift of family.

As a 15-year-old Catholic girl who found herself “in the family way” in 1982, I didn’t have a whole lot of options. My parents enrolled me in counseling at Catholic Social Services in preparation to place my baby for adoption. It wasn’t what I wanted to do, but I was still in school and lacking resources to be independent, so I went along.

In the heart of the Nineveh Plain, nestled in the ancient town of Alqosh, a masterful craftsman weaves stories and tradition with every stitch. Meet Thamir Yousif Qoda, a man who has dedicated his life to the art of crafting traditional garments that hold the essence of Chaldean, Assyrian, Kurdish, Arab, and Yazidi cultures.

In Iraq, Christmas is a unique occasion for Christians; the celebrations, customs, and traditions are very religious in nature. Persecuted for their faith, the people in Iraq associate the festival of Christmas with two things — the birth of Jesus Christ and celebrations of the mid-winter holidays. With great devotion, the Christians celebrate the festival of Christmas by carrying out religious services and reciting prayers. The celebrations are historically serene and peaceful.

Ever since he can remember, Fadi Babbie has had warm memories of his family’s New Year’s Eve traditions, celebrated in his birthplace of Baghdad, Iraq. Not surprisingly, many of his memories are related to the food that was served.

Metro Detroit employers felt the ground shift beneath them during the height of the COVID pandemic in 2021-2022. Precautionary measures intended to limit the spread of COVID-19 had the devastating unintended effect of slowing to a trickle the revenue streams of “in-person” businesses such as restaurants, concert venues and banquet halls.

The future of the Chaldean community is something that I tend to contemplate quite often. I wonder how our cultural norms and language will evolve. I fear that while our faith persists, our culture and language are fading.

They never lose. Never. The Shaya brothers — Pierce and Connor — each won a flight championship at the Division 1 boys tennis state tournament this fall in Midland to maintain their perfect record at the sport’s biggest stage.

Life is full of many big and small moments. In this lifetime, we may experience many victories that leave us feeling accomplished, as well as plenty of defeats that can leave us feeling lost.

As a stateless and fragmented nation, our language is especially integral to our identity, as one of the last remaining links we share.

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 their identity.

The Chaldean Community Foundation, in partnership with the Chaldean Heritage Center in West Bloomfield (Shenandoah Country Club), took the initiative to host the second annual Mesopotamian Writers Conference (Beth al-Nahrain) on Saturday, November 11 in the Wireless Vision Gymnasium located in the Chaldean Community Foundation building in Sterling Heights.

From November 3 through November 5, pieces from select artists were displayed at the Chaldean Community Foundation for the 2nd Annual Beth Nahrain Art Show. Featured artists included Reni Stephan, Sabah Wazi, Azhr Matti, Wilson Sarkis, Mark Georgies, Cassidy Azzow, Fr. Patrick Setto, Emad Tammo, Habib Hannona and Savannah Meyer. Proceeds from the event benefited the victims of the Bakhdida wedding fire through a fundraising effort supported by Nineveh Rising.

Cardinal Sako recently called for a secular system in Iraq that separates religion from the state, citing it as the optimal choice for governance in Iraq. Speaking at the Peace and Security Forum in the Dohuk province, Sako urged for a constitutional amendment in the country, emphasizing the importance of “establishing a civil democratic state that adopts citizenship, embraces diversity, and respects rights, civilizations, religions, and sects.”

Reni Stephan, 42, was born in Baghdad and moved to the U.S. when he was 11. He said his family has plenty of musical talent, and while he shares a love of music, his artistry is more visual in nature. Stephan is a sculptor and painter who owns the Studio Lamassu Art Studio on 15 Mile near Ryan Road in Sterling Heights.

Iraq’s President Abdul Latif Rashid met with the head of the Catholic Church Pope Francis in the Vatican after a controversial dispute earlier this year with the head of the Chaldean Church.

According to a statement released by the president’s office, Rashid and Pope Francis discussed the situation of Christians in Iraq with the president saying they are a “key component in the building of the country, its progress and prosperity.”

On November 11, 2023, a small crowd gathered to witness the rededication of an almost forgotten relic at the corner of Walnut Lake and Inkster Roads. The Peace Memorial was originally raised by the now defunct Walnut Lake Women’s Club to honor area military members who fought in the Civil War and both World Wars.

The CCF’s H.E.A.L. (Hard of Hearing, E.S.L., American Sign Language, Life Skills) Project is using a state-of-the-art driving simulator to help deaf students to learn how to drive. The H.E.A.L. Project helps better equip those with hearing impairments to live independent lives. Assisted by an American Sign Language interpreter for the deaf, the group will learn how to become licensed drivers.

A workshop regarding brain health was presented by Macomb Community College Nursing students on November 15. The event proved to be an invaluable resource for those in attendance to learn more about brain health, how to keep your mind healthy, proper nutrition and exercise to reduce stress.

Nearly 700 attendees had the opportunity to experience the land between two rivers through paintings, woodwork and sculptures at the 2nd Annual Beth Nahrain Art Show held at the Chaldean Community Foundation November 3-5.

Featured artists included Reni Stephan, Sabah Wazi, Azhr Matti, Wilson Sarkis, Mark Georgies, Cassidy Azzow, Fr. Patrick Setto, Emad Tammo, Habib Hannona and Savannah Meyer. Proceeds from the event benefited the victims of the Bakhdida wedding fire through a fundraising effort supported by Nineveh Rising.

Prospective college students and their families attended the Oakland University Admissions and Financial Aid Night on November 15. Guests were able to meet with Oakland University staff and ask questions about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the associated costs of higher education, and the overall admissions process.