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

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.


Hotel: Courtyard Paramus
320 Route 17 North, Paramus, New Jersey, USA
Two queen beds: $149 plus tax
King bed: $139 plus tax


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.

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.

DayTimeEvent
9/25-Thursday7:00 PMEvening Prayer (Ramsho) + Opening Remarks by  His Eminence Mor Dionysius John Kawak
8:00 PMDinner and Fellowship Gathering – Social evening with music.
9/26-Friday11:00 AMMorning Gathering & Brunch
1:00 PMLecture 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 PMFree Time
4:00 PMEvening Prayer (Ramsho)
5:00 PMLecture 2 (Father Dr. Armando Elkhoury) – Saint Ephrem and Eddessa
7:00 PMRecital at Saint Mark’s cathedral
8:30 PMDinner and Music – Green Lounge in Paramus — 314 Paramus Rd, Paramus, NJ 07652.
9/27-Saturday11:00 AMMorning Gathering & Brunch
1:00PMLecture 3 (Malfono Yalda Namek) — Hay Al-suryan in photos.
2:30 PMFree time
4:30 PMEvening Prayer (Ramsho) at Mor Gabriel
8:00 PM“GALA” (Urhoye Night) at the Syriac community Hall (MAC)
9/28-Sunday11:00 AMDivine Liturgy (Holy Qurobo) at St. Mark’s Cathedral
2:00 PMLunch at the Virgin Mary Church

Our Speakers

 His Eminence
Mor Dionysius John Kawak

Our Speakers

Father Dr. Armando Elkhoury

Our Speakers

Father George Glore

Our Speakers

Malfono Pierre Gergi

Our Speakers

Malfono Yalda Namek

MALFONO PIERRE GERGI
Recently published book and video content from Peter Gergi, you can also find videos on his YouTube channel.


Enjoy this gallery of pictures