Admin TOA

Admin TOA

Genesis of the Syriac Community in North America *

The presence of the Syrian Orthodox Church on American soil goes back to the late nineteenth century. There are no records of who the first Syriac person was to arrive on American soil, but it is known of some individuals, such as Dr. Abraham K. Yoosuf, a native of Kharput, Türkiye, who arrived in the United States as early as 1889. Dr. Yoosuf was born on December 12, 1866, and received his higher education at Central Turkey College in Gazi Antep (Aintab), where he graduated in 1886 and worked as instructor until 1889. The same year he came to the USA and worked his way through Baltimore Medical School, graduating with high honors. He then settled down in Worcester, where he began his practice and in 1897 organized and served as president of the Assyrian Benefit Association. Dr. Yoosuf was a prominent figure who played an important role in the life of the Church, people and adopted nation before passing away on December 26, 1924.

ASA Delegation Tours Azerbaijan to Demonstrate Solidarity

Members of an Azerbaijan Society of America (ASA) delegation visited Azerbaijan on September 6-13, 2022. The delegation trip started with the visit to the Tomb of the late President of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev and laying a wreath on behalf of Azerbaijan Society of America, as the symbol of remembrance and to show our formal respect. Continued with visiting the Alley of Martyrs and the Turkish Martyrs’ Cemetery & Memorial. Aesthetically designed and laid out memorial that leads to the monument with the flame burning in memory of martyrs who lost their lives defending Azerbaijan.

World Percussion Master Who Doesn't Like to Brag, Burhan Öçal

Recognized worldwide as a virtuosic percussionist Burhan Öçal has made the bridging of musical cultures his central mission. A native of Kırklareli in Thrace region, he grew up in a musical family. From his father, he learned a variety of percussion instruments, while his mother introduced him to religious vocal music. After his first contact with Western music, he became interested in combining other genres and cultural traditions, such as jazz and Western classical music, with his own. Burhan Öçal’s instruments are as diverse as his music. He is a highly skilled player on a number of stringed instruments. Once Sting described him as ‘the king of drum.’

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