The apex body of Zoroastrians in North America, the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America kicks off its 30th Anniversary Celebrations this weekend with a Gala function at its birthplace in Chicago, USA.
Over 150 Zarathushtis will gather for an evening of merriment, celebration and a sit-down Lagan Nu Bhonu…a traditional Parsi Wedding Feast.
Below is the press release circulated by FEZANA.
FEDERATION OF ZOROASTRIAN ASSOCIATIONS OF NORTH AMERICA (FEZANA) TO INAUGURATE YEARLONG 30TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS, NOV. 5, IN CHICAGO
The event will spotlight the contributions of FEZANA, feature a musical skit about the founding of FEZANA, traditional wedding-style dinner, and a special after-dinner Magic and Mind Reading performance.
Burr Ridge, Ill., Nov. 3, 2016 – FEZANA, the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America, together with ZAC, the Zoroastrian Association of Chicago, today announced it will hold a gala celebration dinner, 6 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 5, at ZAC’s Dar-e-Mehr (center of worship) to mark the anniversary of FEZANA’s founding 30 years ago in the very same location. In addition to the anniversary celebration, the gala will serve as an important fundraiser to infuse and support infrastructure funds for both organizations. The Dar-e-Mehr is located at 8615 Meadowbrook Drive in Burr Ridge, Illinois.
The event will spotlight the contributions of FEZANA, feature a musical skit about the founding of FEZANA, traditional wedding-style dinner, and a special after-dinner Magic and Mind Reading performance. The Chicago gala is the first in a series of yearlong events to be held in Zoroastrian communities throughout North America, celebrating and honoring FEZANA’s contribution to the flourishing of North American Zoroastrianism over three decades.
FEZANA’s constitution was drafted and signed in May 1986 by pioneer community leaders seeking cohesion, foundation and infrastructure to unify established and fledgling Zoroastrian communities across the United States and Canada. Today, FEZANA serves as the coordinating body for 26 Zoroastrian member associations and 15 coordinating groups throughout North America. Driven by beliefs and values, including caring for the environment and climate change, equality, and social justice, Zoroastrians are committed to being a part of real-world solutions that impact and affect positive change for human and global advancement.
Quotes:
Homi D. Gandhi, President, FEZANA:
“Over the last thirty years, FEZANA has broadened its role and continues to build Hamazori,
or collaboration, with other Zoroastrian and non-Zoroastrian organizations worldwide. Aligned
with our Zoroastrian belief system and values, we support and promote social justice, gender
equality and wise stewardship of the environment.”
Rohinton M. Rivetna, Founder, FEZANA:
“As we celebrate our thirty-year anniversary, it’s in our interest to be mindful of FEZANA’s
founding goal, to draw upon the very best talents and resources among Zarathushtis in North
America, and to coordinate and channel this potential productively to strengthen the
community and perpetuate the religion.”
Zoroastrians have long-served as effective bridge builders in interfaith dialogue as they see from their own faith, traditions of truth, righteousness, charity, beneficence and respect for creation reflected in traditions of the religions of both the occident and the orient. Zoroastrianism, founded circa 1500 BCE, is credited to be one of the oldest monotheistic religion, influencing post-exilic Judaism, which adopted some Zoroastrian beliefs such as the ultimate victory of good over evil and the resurrection of souls. These percepts were then transmitted through Judaism to Christianity, and later to Islam. Zoroastrianism flourished as the imperial religion of three Persian empires, those of the Achaemenians, Parthians and Sassanians, and was the dominant religion from Turkey, and eastward to China during those times. North America’s Zoroastrian community includes those who arrived from the Indian subcontinent, known as Parsis, and those who came directly from Iran seeking religious freedom.
About FEZANA
Founded in 1987, FEZANA serves as the coordinating body for 26 Zoroastrian member
associations and 15 corresponding groups throughout the United States and Canada. FEZANA promotes the study, understanding and practice of the Zoroastrian faith in North America. FEZANA represents the interests of its member associations, and carries out philanthropic and charitable activities worldwide. FEZANA Journal, FEZANA’s publication of record, circulates to Zoroastrian households in more than 22 countries, as well as to scholars, academicians and religious organizations worldwide. www.fezana.org
About Zoroastrian Association of Chicago
Founded in 1975, ZAC has been serving the spiritual, cultural and social needs of Zoroastrians in greater Chicago, and is a beacon for Zoroastrians in the Midwest United States and beyond. Located in Burr Ridge, IL, ZAC has been a pioneer association for the growth, perpetuation and flourishing of Zoroastrianism in the United States. For more information visit www.zac-chicago.org.
Contact:
Jim Engineer
FEZANA Media Relations
Mobile: 630.728.1387