Centennial Commemoration of the “Urhoyan” Migration from Edessa (1924–2024)

Our roots in Urfa, our branches in Aleppo, the story of a living people.

In 1924, the Syriac Orthodox people of Urfa were forced to leave their homes. Imagine the heartbreak as they carried their church bell on their shoulders, a symbol of their faith, on a journey to a new land, Hay al Suryan—Aleppo, Syria. This wasn’t just a move; it was a loss of everything familiar. Yet, they rebuilt their lives, their church, and their community, showing incredible strength in the face of sadness.

Today, we gather, a century later, to remember our forefathers. We remember the whisper of their footsteps, the strength in their strong hands, the dreams they planted in unfamiliar soil. This anniversary under the auspices of the Archdiocese of the Syriac Orthodox Church of the Eastern United States, isn’t just a date. It’s a homecoming. It’s a chance to feel the echoes of those who came before, to wrap ourselves in their stories, and to promise that their journey continues in us.

We welcome everyone to join us in remembering our ancestors and to celebrate the centennial commemoration of the Urhoyian immigration from Urfa to Aleppo.

Convention Cost
Urhoy convention for events and food (two dinners + two brunches + one lunch): $ 150 per person adult or $ 75 per child (ages 5-10). Special edition commemorative T-Shirts will be available as part of your registration.

Gala Cost
The Urhoy night gala will be at the Virgin Mary church hall (Yousef Shamoun and a Turkish singer).
Kebab bademjan and kibbeh nayyeh will be prepared by the committee.
Tickets: ~~Adults $ 85; Children (ages 5–10): $ 40.~~ (SOLD OUT)

Payment information
Once you calculate your total fee for Convention, Gala and T-Shirts (if any), you can send your payment via Paypal or Venmo. Add Urhoyan in the note of your payment.

RSVP to the convention

Day	Time	Event
9/25-Thursday	7:00 PM	Evening Prayer (Ramsho) + Opening Remarks by His Eminence Mor Dionysius John Kawak
	8:00 PM	Dinner and Fellowship Gathering – Social evening with music.

9/26-Friday	10:30 AM	Morning Gathering & Brunch
	1:00 PM	Lecture 1 (Malfono Pierre Gergi) — From Migration to Migration –followed by a short video from Rev. Fr. George Glore focusing on the situation of Hay Al-suryan today.
	2:30 PM	Free Time
	3:30 PM	Evening Prayer (Ramsho)
	4.00 PM	Group picture (please wear the Urhoy Shirts)
	4:30 PM	Lecture 2 (Malfono Yalda Namek) — Hay Al-suryan in photos.
	7:00 PM	Recital at Saint Mark’s cathedral
	8:30 PM	Dinner and Music – Green Lounge in Paramus — 314 Paramus Rd, Paramus, NJ 07652.

9/27-Saturday	10:30 AM	Morning Gathering & Brunch
		Free time
	4:30 PM	Evening Prayer (Ramsho) at Mor Gabriel
	8:00 PM	“GALA” (Urhoye Night) at the Syriac community Hall (MAC)

9/28-Sunday	11:00 AM	Divine Liturgy (Holy Qurbono at Virgin Mary church)
	1.30 PM	Group picture (please wear the Urhoy Shirts)
	2:00 PM	Lunch at the Virgin Mary Church