COVER STORY Rabban
COVER STORY Rabban Hormizd Monastery was carved out of the mountains about two miles from Alqosh, 28 miles north of Mosul. This 1,600-year-old monastery survived the atrocities of ISIS, mainly due to its geographic location. It was the official residence of the patriarchs of the Eliya line of the Assyrian Church of the East from 1551 to the 18th century, and after the union with Rome in the early 19th century, it became a prominent monastery of the Chaldean Catholic Church. The Monastery of Mar Mattai (St. Matthew) is recognized as one of the oldest Syriac Christian monasteries in existence. Located atop of Mount Alfaf, 20 miles from Mosul, it contains an extensive collection of early Syriac Christian manuscripts. The monastery was founded in 363 by the hermit Mar Mattai who had fled persecution in Amid under the Roman Emperor Julian the Apostate. According to Syriac tradition, he was involved in healing the sister of Mor Behnam and converting the brother and sister and forty of their soldiers to Christianity. 22 CHALDEAN NEWS FEBRUARY 2022
About the Photographer Wilson Sarkis Photography and Cinematography is a pursuit born of passion. For 30 years, Wilson has worked to make a name for himself in the photographic world. His impeccable use of lighting has gained national attention, and he is booked out for years in the metro Detroit area to cover weddings. His knowledge of the subject, posing, lighting, and focus all combine together to create the most beautiful photographs. To Wilson, photography is so much more than the click of a shutter. He has perfected his cinematography creating trailers for engaged couples that follow naturally through to the wedding. Wilson does commercial work as well. Corporate and nonprofit stories are brought to life with a specific sense of style that stems from his creativity and imagery, capturing the essence of the brand. His work with the Chaldean Community Foundation, among others, has brought him into the national limelight. Wilson has been slated to photograph Iraq for a future documentary. He is committed to making an impact in the future of photography, and to helping the people in his homeland not only survive but thrive. “I have passion for what I do. That passion has been my fuel through all these years,” says Wilson. His passion has a renewed purpose with these series of photographs. IF ONLY LIFE WERE AS EASY AS PIE “A BLUE-RIBBON BROADWAY MUSICAL!” “THE AUDIENCE REACHES A FEVER PITCH! ” – Entertainment Weekly MUSIC BY SARA BAREILLES (“LOVE SONG,” “BRAVE”) ON SALE NOW MUSIC HALL • MARCH 15-20 BroadwayInDetroit.com | Ticketmaster.com | 800-982-2787 Groups (10+) BroadwayInDetroitGroups@theambassadors.com (subject: Waitress) • OC - March 18 - 8:00pm ON SALE NOW! FISHER THEATRE ¦ MARCH 8-20, 2022 Photo: Francesco Scavullo BroadwayInDetroit.com | Ticketmaster.com | Box Office Groups (10+) BroadwayInDetroitGroups@theambassadors.com (subject: Summer) • OC performance, March 13 at 7:30pm FEBRUARY 2022 CHALDEAN NEWS 23
