afezanajournal-winter2011-part1-v05 page1-72.qxp
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In The News couple, angelology, eschatology, Gathic themes in the Dead Sea Scrolls, heaven and hell, lighting candles/fire, coming of a Messiah/Saoshyant – and noted the “benevolence of King Cyrus, who is referred to in the Bible as The Anointed One.” The FEZANA publication: The Zoroastrian Connection with Judaism and Christianity edited by Roshan Rivetna was formally launched, and a copy presented to Rabbi Harold Kudan and to Sister Joan McGuire, a representative of Cardinal George of the Archdiocese of Chicago. Er. Soli Dastur with Mobedyar Bomi Damkevala, lead an interactive session on Jashan Participation with Understanding, based on the new ZAC-Chicago publication Jashan Prayers with Understanding, a legacy of Late Dastur Nowrooz Minocheher–Homji. This book has been compiled by Rohinton Rivetna from My Prayer Guide by the venerable Dasturji and notes/recordings from his series of 40 lectures in Chicago in 1984. Keki Bhote, a life-long student of Zoroastrian theology and history, and a pioneer in furthering Zoroastrianism in North America, in keynote address at lunch traced The Strong Influence of Zoroastrianism on Judaism.
with Armenian Christians. Chicago High Priest, Dastur Dr. Kersey H. Antia presented The Religious Concepts and Doctrines Zoroastrianism Shares with the JudeoChristian Tradition, unfolding how Zoroastrianism laid the foundation for beliefs very central to early religious development. In his absence, the paper was read by Bomi Damkevala.
SESSION III chaired by Bomi Damkevala. Religious Studies professor at St. Ignatius College, Tony Evensen, who holds a Masters in Theology from the Catholic Theological Union and a PhD in South Asian Studies, spoke on Zoroastrianism and the Christian Apocalyptic Imagination and showed how early Christianity has been most noticeably influenced by Zoroastrianism via Jewish apocalypticism. PhD Advanced Student at the University of Chicago, Tobin Hartnell presented Zoroastrian Culture and the Development of Ancient Persia, stressing the multi-cultural aspects of his findings from archeological excavations at Persepolis. As satisfying as the nourishment for the mind, was the nourishment for the palate. Participants were treated to grand meals on both days -- hearty appetizers and pullav-dar dinner on Saturday; and a big breakfast, delicious lunch of seafood and spinachmushroom crepes and a lavish high-tea spread on Sunday. Thanks to Rohinton and Roshan Rivetna for organizing the Conference, to President Dinaz Weber and many ZAC members for their generous hosting, and to the participants some of whom, especially Er. Soli and Jo Ann Dastur, and NAMC President Kobad Zarolia and Nergish, who came from long distances and helped to make this Conference such a memorable and inspirational event.
Speakers from left Tobin Hartnell and Tony Evenson
It is encouraged to hold such SSZ Conferences at different locations, in order to fulfill the vision and mission of SSZ. Mumbai and Houston are planning SSZ Conferences in Mid January 2012 and October 2012 respectively.
SESSION II, chaired by Kayomarsh Mehta. The Very Reverend Aren Jebejian, St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church of Chicago gave some very interesting insights into Zoroastrian Connection
FEZANA JOURNAL – Winter 2011
Report prepared by Roshan Rivetna Photo credits
Roshan Rivetna
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