Established in 1988, the St. Mary's parish was founded on the basis of need. As the community grew in Detroit, it became evident that a parish was needed to accommodate the community that would grow from Detroit and beyond.
The Executive Committee of the Detroit Parish was first established in 1980. During this time, community members expressed interest to His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV and Mar Aprim Khamis in Flint, MI to form a religious community to serve the needs of the growing Assyrian community in the Detroit area. From 1980 - 1988 mass and religious services were conducted at various locations including halls, clubs and community centers.
These 8 years were met with many obstacles and struggle in the search of a permanent home. The many obstacles included finding a convenient location and a price that did not exceed the budget of the parish members. It was through faith and determination that the community was able to purchase the church at its first location, 13304 Toepfer Warren, MI. The church was a blessing from God and was named in the honor of the Mother of Christ, St. Mary. This occasion was a joyful and a large stepping stone for our community. Once the church was purchased, many renovations were done in the altar and basement by the hard work of all community members. It was this type of fellowship that has carried the church through the years and its commitment in tying the Assyrian community together in a place of worship.
As 2006 approached, the church was blessed with a growing community. It was evident to the Executive Committee that the old church had been outgrown with the love and faith of the parish members. It was with joy that on May 6, 2007, the new St. Mary's parish was consecrated at 4320 E. 14 Mile Road Warren, MI.
This facility is geographically closer to our community members. It also provides the additional space needed to accommodate the Parish. Seating 650 parish members, the new location is three times the capacity of the old church. As well, the new church has a mezzanine for our choir members and a basement which seats more than 400 people. This serves as an all purpose recreational room for after mass meetings, classrooms, and offices.
On May 6, 2007, the church was consecrated by His Holiness Khaninia Mardinkha IV and His Beatitude Mar Narsai de Baz, His Grace Mar Yousif Sargis, His Grace Mar Aprim Khamis, His Grace Mar Odisho, His Grace Mar Emmanuel, Father Benjamin Benjamin, Father Joseph Peera and Father Patros Patros.
It is through the continued support and prayers of all parish members and the community that the Holy Apostolic Catholic Church of the East able to flourish. One of the first churches to be built by its own members was Mar Shimun Bar-Sabbai in Flint, MI. The Executive Committee envisions many phases to the new St. Mary's. It is with anticipation to create a community center with the addition of a gymnasium and recreational area for the youth of St. Mary's. With the help of God and the faith of the community to work hand in hand with the Executive Committee to make this promising vision.
We are calling upon the faithful people of our Parish members and community to make pledges and donations. Any amount will assist us in creating a strong foundation for the building of St. Mary's and its future.