Orthodox ReligionsThe Chaldean

Church

The origin of the Chaldean Church began in 1551 due to a dispute in the Assyrian “Church of the East”. This break-away Church was formed under the leadership of Yohanna (John) Sulaga, a monk of the Rabban Hormizd located 30 miles north of Nineveh. This Church was recognized by the Roman Catholic Church and was later called Chaldean.

Chaldeans emigrated to Australia in the 1960’s but the main migration began in the 70’s.

There are now about 13,000 Chaldeans in Sydney and around 9, 000 in Melbourne. The first Chaldean Church, St Thomas’ Chaldean and Assyrian Catholic Church, was established in Sydney in August 1978. Father z. Toma was appointed as the Chaldean parish priest. The sisters of the Order of the Immaculate Conception live at Bossley Park and are involved in child care and parish work.

Origins of the church, when and where it started. Who

started it?

The common language of communication within the Chaldean Catholic Church is a dialect of Aramaic. However, few people study Aramaic or use it as a written language. Liturgical books, hymns and prayers are reproduced in Arabic and English

The Chaldean Church celebrates nine liturgical seasons, each with special prayers and readings from the scriptures.

The Season of ‘Soubara’ (Advent/Nativity)The Season of ‘Denha’ (Epiphany)The season of ‘Saouma’ (Lent)The Season of ‘Qyamta’ (the Resurrection)The Season of ‘Shlile’ (the Apostles) The Season of ‘Qayta’ (Summer)The Season of ‘Elya/Sliwa’ (Elia/Cross)The Season of ‘Moushe’ (Moses)The Season of ‘Quoudashe-Edta’ (The Church)

Liturgy

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The Chaldean Rite, also technically a distinct rite, also originated from the Antiochene Rite. This rite is also divided into two rites: The Chaldean Rite, located primarily in Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Egypt, Syria, Turkey and the United States, reunited with Rome in 1692, and uses the Syriac and Arabic languages in the liturgy. The Syro-Malabar Rite, located in India, claims to have originated with St. Thomas the Apostle, and uses the Syriac and Malayalam languages in the liturgy. Although the Syro-Malabar Rite was never in formal schism, for centuries no communication occurred between them and Rome until the time of the missionaries in the 1500s.

Liturgy

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The sacraments of the Chaldean Church are:

Baptism and Confirmation

Baptism and Confirmation ceremonies are very similar to the present day Catholic ceremonies, except Chaldean fully submerge the child in water and two white ribbons are tied to the left arm of the child and godparent.

Penance (Reconciliation)

Made between the ages of 8-10 and always before receiving first communion. The language used is Aramaic, unless people request Arabic or English.

Eucharist

Eucharist is received after the first reconciliation (Penance). The host is dipped in wine and placed on the tongue. Chaldeans take communion as both bread and wine.

Marriage

The marriage ceremony is very similar to Catholic marriage ceremonies. Vows are exchanged, rings are exchanged, two witnesses are required usually the best man and bridesmaid, readings, and prayers as chosen by the priest.

The Sacraments of the Chaldean Church

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Click symbol for photo

Click symbol for photo

Click symbol for photo

Holy Orders

The Chaldean Church has three orders of Deacon:

A reader who reads the Old Testament from the Acts of the Apostles. A sub-deacon who reads the letters of St Paul. Deacon who reads the Gospels, baptises, gives Holy Communion, marries couples and conduct funerals.

In addition there are orders of priest, bishop and patriarch.

Anointing of the Sick

Anointing of the Sick is similar to Catholic ceremony. Psalm 51, the Lord’s Prayer, anointing with chrism of the eyes, mouth, ears, hands and feet. If the person is near death general absolution is given. Prayers are recited.

The Sacraments of the Chaldean Church

The most important person of the Chaldean Church is St Thomas (Mar Toma) the Apostle.

The feast of St Thomas is celebrated on the nearest Sunday to July 3rd.It is also the Chaldean Patriarchal Day. St Thomas was the first Apostle to the East. St. Thomas is best known for his role in verifying the Resurrection of his Master. Thomas' unwillingness to believe that the other Apostles had seen their risen Lord on the first Easter Sunday merited for him the title of "doubting Thomas." Eight days later, on Christ's second apparition, Thomas was gently rebuked for his scepticism and furnished with the evidence he had demanded - seeing in Christ's hands the point of the nails and putting his fingers in the place of the nails and his hand into His side.

St Thomas is the Patron Saint of architects.

St Thomas – An important person of the Chaldean

Church

Other important people of the ChurchSimeon Sawa (Oldman)

This feast celebrates the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. The focus is on the role of Simeon rather than on Jesus.Candles are lit by everyone during the Divine Liturgy. The candles are a symbol of Jesus (the Light) entering the Temple. It is celebrated on February 2.

Our Lady Guardian of Fields (Plants) (May 15)

This feast is observed in countries where the people depend on growing wheat and barley for their living. Our Lady is asked to protect these fields from insects, pests, drought and natural disasters. This is an ancient celebration in honour of Mary. This feast symbolises Mary’s protection of Jesus and of us. Many monasteries and churches are dedicated to Mary under this title.

St George (April 24)

On this day, people take food to the village church for a shared picnic. An animal is slaughtered on this feast day.

The Chaldean Church – Important Features

Exterior important features: Cross on top of the dome, cross near the entrance, stone brick building, arch windows in the dome.

Interior important features: The Chaldean Cross and statue of Mary and baby Jesus.

Arch windows surrounding the interior, Chaldean Cross feature above the Altar, stations of the cross artwork painted on the walls of the church.

Mural artwork of the Last Supper, central aisle, wooden pews.

Pictures of a Chaldean Church showing the important features of the building inside and out:

Symbolism of the Chaldean Church

Chaldean cross is featured on buildings, alters, and vestments.