Envision faith taking shape in bricks and mortar here at Saint John Holy Apostolic Assyrian Church. This church stands as a testament to community resilience. It is a beacon of spiritual nourishment in Chicago.
Saint John Holy Apostolic Assyrian Church is more than a building. It is a vibrant hub of faith and outreach. This church is dedicated to connecting people to the teachings of Jesus Christ. This connection extends far beyond the church walls. Support for those in need remains a priority.
Founded with the mission of serving others Saint John Holy Apostolic Assyrian Church plays a vital role in community well-being. The church fosters inclusivity and social engagement. Saint John Holy Apostolic Assyrian Church organizes diverse activities. These include home-based life groups prayer meetings and Bible studies. These enrich the spiritual lives of its members. They also enrich the wider community.
In 2001 tragedy struck Saint John Holy Apostolic Assyrian Church. The church was the target of an apparent hate crime. On September 23rd a fire erupted. A passerby noticed smoke and flames. They were coming from the roof of the church. The fire occurred at about 3:55 A.M.
Qashisha Charles Klutz was the pastor at the time. He believed someone started the fire. They pushed paper through a mail slot and lit it. Firefighters contained the blaze. They brought it under control by 4:20 a.m. The west side of the building sustained damage. Police investigated the fire as arson. The Civil Rights Division explored it as a possible hate crime. Damages were estimated around $200000.
Marvin Odeshoo was a parishioner and Korean War veteran. He poignantly stated “We’re from the Middle-East but this is our country. We wouldn’t do anything to harm the country at all.” Sunday services were cancelled due to the damage.
Despite this setback Saint John Holy Apostolic Assyrian Church stood firm. It continued its mission. The Assyrian Church of the East considers itself a continuation. It developed among Assyrians in the first century AD. This was in Assyria Upper Mesopotamia and Persia. Thomas the Apostle Addai of Edessa and Bartholomew the Apostle established it.
The church’s distinctiveness arose from complex events. These occurred within the Church of the East. This was during a transitional period. It began in the mid-16th century. It lasted until the 19th century. Splits mergers and rival patriarchal lines marked this time.
A key dispute was union with the Catholic Church. Pro-Catholic branches became the Chaldean Catholic Church. Traditional branches became the Assyrian Church of the East. In 1994 the Church of the East and the Catholic Church signed a declaration. It was called the Common Christological Declaration. They created guidelines for Eucharist admission. This was between the Chaldean Catholic Church and the Assyrian Church of the East.
The Assyrian Church of the East is headed by the Catholicos-Patriarch. Its hierarchy includes metropolitan bishops and diocesan bishops. Priests and deacons serve in dioceses and parishes. These extend throughout Western Asia India North America Oceania and Europe.
Today Saint John Holy Apostolic Assyrian Church remains a vital part of Chicago. It is located at 1421 W Lawrence Ave. It is a place where faith community and support intertwine. It enriches lives and fosters connections. The story of Saint John Holy Apostolic Assyrian Church is one of unwavering faith. It is a commitment to community in the face of adversity.