September 2, 2005

Robin Hawin leads the San Jose Assyrian Church of the East band.

Some of those attending gather for a photo. From the left are Father Shmouel Dinkha, Maggie Khananisho, Virgina Peera, Bishop Mar Bawai Soro, who is Bishop of the Diocese of Western California, and Stella Karamian.

The dance line snakes through the food booths.

Assyrians celebrate with festival in Willow Glen

By Carol Rosen
Editor

The Assyrian Church of the East celebrated its 15th annual festival Aug 20-21 on the church grounds on Minnesota Avenue in Willow Glen.

Besides the live music, which sounded as if you had moved to the Middle East, the festival featured folk dancing, great food, wine and attractions for the children. The festival is a good way to learn about a people, their customs, their food and their church.

San Jose’s Assyrian population is descended from the ancient people of Mesopotamia (Iraq). Before Christ’s birth they helped found the civilizations of Assyria and Babylonia. Today they are Christians who worship at the Ancient Church of the East, which dates back to the holy apostles.

These San Jose Assyrians worship at the Catholic Assyrian Church of the East, which is located in Willow Glen. One member of the community is Representative Anna Eshoo, who is a first generation American of Assyrian and Armenian descent. And Narsi David, a San Francisco chef, who is also of Assyrian descent, donated the wine to sell.

The festival, which celebrates the community’s history and culture, drew large crowds on both days. At least 700 people spent the day at the celebration on Aug. 20, dancing and eating, talking and just listening to the music. The church has been located in Willow Glen for about 20 years, prior to that it was in Campbell.

Assyrian dancing is a big part of the culture. Children start learning to dance as soon as they can walk. Those who aren’t members of the church were also given some dancing lessons and asked to join in the fun.

It was a great time, and a lot of fun. Thank goodness, there will be another one next year!