Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel & George Janko | PBD Podcast | Ep. 335 | PBD Podcast

Intro

In this episode of the PBD Podcast, Bishop Mari Emmanuel and George Janko join the hosts for a meaningful conversation about the Assyrian community, faith, and unity. The episode offers valuable insights into the history and significance of the Assyrian people, as well as the challenges they face in preserving their heritage. Bishop Mari Emmanuel, a scholar of Syriac language and literature, shares his wisdom and principles, while George Janko brings his unique perspective as a proud Assyrian born in Iraq. Together, they discuss the importance of family, character, and relationships in building a strong community.

Main Takeaways

Significance of the Assyrian Community and Contributions

• The Assyrian community is highlighted for their significant contributions to writing, literature, libraries, paved roads, mathematics, and more.
• Assyrians have a rich history and have embraced Christianity for over 2,000 years.
• The challenges of explaining their identity to others and preserving their history and culture are discussed.

Unity and Division within the Assyrian Community

• The lack of unity within the Assyrian community and the skepticism of the older generation towards the younger generation are explored.
• Tribal influence and self-pride are identified as major obstacles to unity.
• The importance of embracing a collective Assyrian identity over tribal affiliations is emphasized.

The Role of Faith and Leadership in Unifying the Assyrian Community

• The importance of humility, love, and faith in unifying the Assyrian community is discussed.
• The need for leaders to lead by example, serve their community, and prioritize the well-being of others is emphasized.
• The impact of leadership on the unity and progress of the Assyrian nation is explored.

The Influence of Social Media and Celebrity Culture on Faith

• The influence of social media influencers and celebrities on the faith of young people is discussed.
• The decline in Christianity’s growth compared to the rapid growth of Islam is explored.
• The need for Christians to be proud of their faith and spread the message of love is emphasized.

The Power of Love and the True Nature of Christ

• The importance of love as the supreme ethic and the true reflection of Christ is emphasized.
• The need for Christians to surrender to Jesus and acknowledge their dependence on Him is discussed.
• The speaker’s personal experiences and encounters with Jesus are shared, highlighting the fearlessness and power found in a relationship with Him.

Summary

The Significance of the Assyrian Community and Contributions

Bishop Mari Emmanuel and George Janko delve into the rich history and contributions of the Assyrian community. They highlight the Assyrians’ significant role in various fields, including writing, literature, libraries, paved roads, and mathematics. The Assyrian people have embraced Christianity for over 2,000 years, making it an integral part of their culture. However, they face challenges in explaining their identity to others and preserving their history and heritage.

Unity and Division within the Assyrian Community

The lack of unity within the Assyrian community and the generational divide between the older and younger generations are discussed. Tribal influence and self-pride are identified as major obstacles to unity, hindering the community’s progress. The speakers emphasize the importance of embracing a collective Assyrian identity and prioritizing unity over tribal affiliations. They highlight the need for the Assyrian community to overcome these divisions and work towards a shared vision.

The Role of Faith and Leadership in Unifying the Assyrian Community

Faith, humility, and love are emphasized as essential elements in unifying the Assyrian community. The speakers discuss the importance of leaders leading by example, serving their community, and prioritizing the well-being of others. They highlight the impact of leadership on the unity and progress of the Assyrian nation. The need for humble and God-fearing leaders is emphasized, urging them to walk in the footsteps of Jesus and serve their people selflessly.

The Influence of Social Media and Celebrity Culture on Faith

The influence of social media influencers and celebrities on the faith of young people is explored. The decline in Christianity’s growth compared to the rapid growth of Islam is discussed, raising questions about the factors contributing to this trend. The speakers emphasize the need for Christians to be proud of their faith, spread the message of love, and actively engage with young people. They highlight the importance of not compromising their beliefs and values for the sake of popularity or acceptance.

The Power of Love and the True Nature of Christ

The speakers emphasize the supreme ethic of love and its transformative power. They discuss the need for Christians to surrender to Jesus and acknowledge their dependence on Him. The personal experiences and encounters with Jesus shared by the speakers highlight the fearlessness and power found in a genuine relationship with Him. They emphasize that true change and impact come from love and the presence of Christ, rather than relying on human strength or accomplishments.

Conclusion

This episode of the PBD Podcast offers valuable insights into the Assyrian community, faith, and unity. Bishop Mari Emmanuel and George Janko provide a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities faced by the Assyrian people. They highlight the significance of embracing a collective Assyrian identity, prioritizing unity, and preserving their rich history and contributions. The speakers emphasize the power of love, humility, and faith in unifying the community and making a positive impact. Overall, the episode encourages listeners to reflect on their own identities, relationships, and the importance of unity in building a strong community.