Three deacons ordained as priests at Assyrian Church of the East cathedral in California

19/08/2026

MODESTO, California, USA — Three deacons were ordained as priests at Blessed Mart Shmune Cathedral in Modesto, California, in a ceremony presided over by Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East Mar Awa III as the church marked the Feast of the Dormition of Mary, Mother of Christ.

The ordination ceremony drew a large gathering of clergy and parishioners. Priests and deacons participated in the Divine Liturgy alongside the cathedral choir and a large congregation of worshipers.

The three newly ordained priests are Father Athniel Bazi — who will serve at Mar Narsai Parish in San Francisco, Father Allen Yousefi — who will serve as an assistant priest at St. Joseph Parish in San Jose, and Father Korkis Aziz — who will serve in the Patriarchal Archdiocese in Arba’ilo (Erbil) after completing his current master’s degree studies in California.

During the ceremony, Patriarch Mar Awa III congratulated the newly ordained priests and offered his blessing as they begin their priestly ministry.

He urged them to remain committed to serving the Church and its faithful, emphasizing the spiritual and pastoral responsibilities entrusted to them as priests.

The ordination took place during a significant period in the church calendar, coinciding with the commemoration of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary and adding particular spiritual significance to the celebration.

The ceremony brought together clergy and faithful for an occasion marked by prayer and celebration, while highlighting the continuation of the Assyrian Church of the East’s pastoral ministry in California and beyond.