Mar Meelis Zaia Oral History

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DescriptionThis interview consists of three audio recordings and transcripts. Mar Meelis Zaia was interviewed in 2004 by Beverley Donald.

The interview of Mar Meelis Zaia was undertaken in preparation for the book ‘Foundations of Faith’, researched and written by Beverley Donald.Interview SummaryMar Meelis Zaia was born in Baghdad, Iraq. He was ordained as priest of the Assyrian Church of the East in 1982 in California. He was appointed Bishop, being given the title of Mar, of the Church's diocese of Australia and New Zealand in 1984 and arrived to take up that position in March 1985, which he held until 2009 when he was elevated to Metropolitan of Australia, New Zealand and Lebanon. He is a fluent speaker of his native language Suret (Assyrian), and as well as Arabic and English.

Mar Meelis's diocese includes all of Australia, including Sydney and Melbourne, New Zealand and Lebanon. Presently, there are about 19,000 registered adult members who contribute financially to the Church, and about 4,500 registered non-paying members under the age of 18 years. Of the adult members there are approximately 13,000 in Sydney/New South Wales, 3,500 in Victoria, and 2,500 in New Zealand. The Assyrian community also includes about 6,000 people who are not members of the diocese. After the passing of Mar Narsai De Baz in February 2010, Mar Meelis was given additional responsibility of the Archdiocese of Lebanon, which was added to his title.

On 26 January 2007, Mar Meelis was awarded a 'Member of the Order of Australia' (AM) Medal, in the Australia Day 2007 Honours List by the Queen of Australia, Elizabeth II, for his community service through the Assyrian Church of the East and for his pioneering work in the field of education and the establishment of educational facilities.

On 7 December 2008, Mar Meelis was elevated to the rank of Metropolitan of Australia, New Zealand and Lebanon, taking the honorific His Beatitude in place of the earlier His Grace. He was blessed by Mar Dinkha IV who flew from Chicago along with a further five bishops from around the world. The event drew close to 3,700 people at the St. Hurmizd Assyrian Cathedral, Greenfield Park in Sydney, Australia.

Details

IntervieweeMar Meelis ZaiaFull/other names, TitlesMetropolitan of the Assyrian Church of the EastInterviewerBeverley DonaldDate of interview2004DurationTotal interview 01:16:34Transcripts availableYesRightsFairfield City Council Access ConditionsAccess open for research, written permission required for personal copies and public use

Connections

Oral History ProjectFoundations of Faith - Christian Churches in FairfieldCollectionAll Oral HistoriesThe Ashurbanipal Library Collection - Assyrian CommunityRelated items Foundations of faith : Christian churches in the Fairfield area Assyrian Community

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