From: The Encyclopedia of Canada's Peoples/Assyrians/Arian Ishaya
The Assyrians of Canada are proud of their ancient ethnic and religious heritage and have been keen to preserve it. The language of liturgy in the Assyrian churches in Canada is still the classic Aramaic, or Syriac, the language spoken by Jesus Christ. Ancient rituals such as shahra, the traditional village festival held on various saints’ days, is celebrated. So is the doukhrana ceremony, in which a lamb is sacrificed at the church either on special religious days or to fulfil personal vows. Religious days are solemnly observed according to the ancient rites.
Assyrian civic organizations observe kha-b-Nissan (the Assyrian New Year) and Martyrs’ Day (commemorating the Semeil Massacre), as well as other national days. Educational seminars are conducted on a regular basis to promote national awareness and unity. Moreover, the Assyrian churches and civic and political organizations in Canada are either affiliated with or independently participate in conventions and events sponsored by analogous Assyrian organizations worldwide. Assyrian Canadians love informal conversation, as is evident at the civic club in Toronto which buzzes with activity, especially on weekends. Assyrians from Hamilton, Windsor, and London do not hesitate to drive to Toronto to participate in special events sponsored by the club.
Considerable ethnic vigour is evident in the community because the majority of Assyrians are first-generation refugees and immigrants. Given the rise of nationalist politics in their homelands and the value attached to multiculturalism in Canada, the Assyrians are likely to retain their distinct identity in the rich Canadian ethnic mosaic.
