from the EDITOR Published By The Chaldean News, LLC Editorial Editor in Chief Vanessa Denha-Garmo managing Editor Joyce Wiswell Contributing Writers Stephanie Abbo Crystal Kassab Jabiroi Junior Jwad Harry Kirbsaum Ken Marten Weam Namou Anthony Samona Michael Sarafa Steve Stein PROOFREADER Ken Marten art & production creative director Alex Lumelsky with SKY Creative graphic designers Zina Lumelsky with SKY Creative Joseph Sesi Photographers AAVA Studio Ivan George Brett Mountain David Reed Wilson Sarkis operations Interlink Media director of operations Paul Alraihani circulation Paul Alraihani CLASSIFIEDS Joyce Wiswell sales Interlink Media sales representativeS Interlink Media Lisa Kalou Lamya Kory managers Vanessa Denha-Garmo Martin Manna Michael Sarafa subscriptions: per year The Chaldean News 29850 Northwestern Highway, Suite 250 Southfield, MI 48034 www.chaldeannews.com Phone: (248) 996-8360 Publication: The Chaldean News (P-6); Published monthly; Issue Date: March 2012 Subscriptions: 12 months, . Publication Address: 29850 Northwestern Hwy., Suite 250, Southfield, MI 48034; Application to Mail at Periodicals Postage Rates is Pending at Farmington Hills Post Office Postmaster: Send address changes to “The Chaldean News 29850 Northwestern Highway, Suite 250, Southfield, MI 48034” Finding my faith As the days led up to Ash Wednesday, I kept thinking about what to do for Lent. Should I give up something, do something or both? This is truly a sacred time of year for Catholics. This season of Lent is designed to bring us closer to Christ. I never share with others my sacrifice; however, I have faith in the choice I made. Although we feature our yearly wedding guide on the cover, we can view this issue as one tied to the faith. Life itself brings about moments where we all must be pushed to find our faith. When you marry, you take a vow in front of God and family inside our Lord’s home. You start your marriage united in faith. Although we bring you light-hearted stories and not-so-funny ones about bridezillas, you can still use this time to reflect on what marriage really means. When you marry, it is like taking a leap of faith. It is one of the most important decisions of your life. Think about it; you have made a serious commitment to another human being. It is the reason I find it so mind-boggling that we focus so much on the wedding and not the vows. Weddings are vibrant and fabulous celebrations. I love our Chaldean weddings — our music, our food, our traditions. I also know that the marriage is not the wedding. As married couples, sometimes we find our faith in each other. For instance, as Catholics do you Vanessa denha-garmo editor in chief co-publisher know your number-one responsibility as a spouse? It is to make sure your spouse gets to heaven. We are all called to bring each other closer to Christ. In fact, it is something ECRC has been doing for more than 10 years. It is the reason the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce is giving them a special recognition at its annual dinner. Bishop Ibrahim Ibrahim had faith in the laity to evangelize and so he gave them his blessings and continued support. ECRC continues to thrive today. ECRC Did you know your number-one responsibility is to get your spouse into heaven? is starting their own annual tradition, which we share on these pages. They are hosting an evening at the Living Stations. This Broadway-like theatrical performance of Christ’s Passion was produced by a local woman and its main performances take place at the Blessed Sacrament Cathedral in Detroit. However, her musical is now traveling the globe. It is said when we sing, we pray twice and sometimes we find our faith in music. As a convert to Catholicism, Kelly Nieto — the producer — found her faith in the Living Stations. In my life, I have found the most difficult time, and yet the most comforting time, to rely on faith is in death. Perhaps you share the sentiment. The reason I found it difficult is the judgment others bestow on the mourning. I penned my opinion in this issue about the way we mourn. It is different for each of us. Sometimes we need to have faith in others as they struggle to find their own faith during their most turbulent times. As I age, I realize that I find my faith every day or I rediscover it. I have faith in justice — that evil will be exposed and the righteous will prevail. I have faith in my family — that our love will transcend all things. I have faith in my friends — our loyalty to each other. I have faith in our leaders — that they follow a moral compass. I have faith in the community — that their intentions are always good. I have faith in myself — that I will always do my best. Most of all of, I have faith in our Lord and that God’s will be done! As Christians everywhere, we know that the true test of our faith is in the Risen Lord. This Lenton season, I spend my days finding my faith. Alaha Imid Koullen (God Be With Us All) Vanessa Denha-Garmo vdenha@chaldeannews.com PARTY ROOM AVAILABLE UP TO 90 PEOPLE PARTY TRAYS AVAILABLE ALL SPECIAL OCCASIONS DINE IN • CARRY-OUT • CATERING Customer Appreciation Daily Lunch Special Choose Two Starting at Soup, Salad or Sandwich .99 10%off ENTIRE BILL Excludes alcohol, Lamb Chops, tax and gratuity. Dine-in or carry out. Must have coupon. Cannot be combined with another offer. Expires 3/31/12 4189 ORCHARD LAKE ROAD • ORCHARD LAKE TWP., MICHIGAN 248.865.0000 1413 ROCHESTER ROAD • ROCHESTER HILLS, MICHIGAN 248.609.2121 Randall Mansour Attorney & Counselor at Law Disability Attorneys of Michigan 888-886-6400 www.damichigan.com 8 CHALDEAN NEWS MARCH2012
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