Dear friends,

The year 2009 has proven to be a successful year for the Syriac Universal Alliance (SUA). For that, we are deeply thankful to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, whose birth we celebrate this week, like our ancestors have faithfully done for almost two millennia.

SUA representatives have traveled long distances to serve, defend and promote the interests and needs of the Aramean (Syriac) people. Just to mention a few examples, thanks to your unrelenting moral support and encouragement we have

• attended several court cases in Turkey to monitor and report about the unjust trials faced by the Mor Gabriel Monastery;
• met with government officials in Turkey, Syria and certain European states;
• participated in United Nations conferences in Geneva and New York about human rights issues concerning indigenous peoples and national minorities;
• organized and/or attended conferences, seminars and lectures about past, present and future issues of our people throughout Europe and the USA;
• visited our people in Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, the USA, Canada and some European countries.

These efforts have not gone unnoticed. Reports have appeared in various external and internal media channels. Our hard work has also resulted in a number of new enthusiastic individuals who have joined the growing SUA family – they are committed to work for the cause of the Aramean people through or with SUA.

With your continued assistance, we will continue and expand our mission of service in 2010. Among other things, we intend to organize more activities in still more countries and places in the new year. We are already looking forward to meeting you and to working with you.

On behalf of the Syriac Universal Alliance, we finally wish you a Merry Christmas and pray that God will bless you and your families with a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year!

Johny Messo

President Syriac Universal Alliance