News

  • Thursday, March 28, 2024 12:00 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    URGENT APPEAL FOR A KIDNEY DONOR FOR A YOUNG PARSI LADY: BLOOD GROUP “O”

    The following is a Medical Appeal to North American Zarathustis shared with FEZANA by Shahrukh Marfatia for his daughter who lives in Calgary.

    Shahrukh writes:

    It has been four years since my rst appeal for a potential donor for my daughter who suffers from Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Sadly, Covid stalled everything, and we could only pick up the donor search again in the past year or so. We did find a donor who registered with the Calgary Hospital Admin Transplant Centre. We were very hopeful that our daughter’s kidney transplant would have been done by now and that she would be leading a good, normal, quality life with her husband and her young boys.

    After all the tests and anxious waiting, we were informed a few months back, that the donor is an incompatible match for my daughter which could lead to a rejection of the donor kidney.

    Hence, my daughterand the donor were entered into the Canadian National program called the Paired Exchange Program (PEP).  This is an option that matches incompatible donor-recipient pairs with other pairs, and they exchange’ donors. Unfortunately, we have now been informed in the February matching round (there are only three/four yearly) that they could not find a suitable donor for my daughter from the PEP. We are therefore, again, making all efforts to find a direct matching donor for my daughter.

    My daughter’s blood group is “Oand we appeal now for American and Canadian donors who are blood group “O” as well. She will be 40 this year and has twin boys who are now 7 years old.Managing family and with her even more declining health situation, as you can imagine, is tough on her. Her key CKD markers like GFR are now at the final stage - 5.

    My family, and I would be so, so grateful if you can consider my appeal to be a donor for my daughter. I know that this requires a tremendous sacrifice on the part of a donor, and we will be very, very thankful for this gift of life to my daughter with your altruistic, selfless act. Please also share this appeal with your friends and communities where you feel this would be appropriate.

    I hasten to add that all admissible expenses for medical and if needed travel and accommodation expenses will be paid for, in accordance with the health system guidelines in the US and Canada. The plan would be, if a matching donor was found from this appeal, in Canada, then the potential donor would be referred to the Calgary Transplant Centre. For the US potential donor, the transplant surgery would take place in the US. We are currently exploring a couple of transplant hospitals on the East Coast.

    If any of you would be so kindly interested, please do email me at: kmsdonorreplies@hotmail.com and once I hear from you I willbe happy to put you in touch with the respective Canada and US Hospital transplant offices.

    Thank you and with kind regards.

    Sincerely,

    Shahrukh Marfatia

    A Distressed Father

  • Tuesday, February 20, 2024 8:00 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    FEZANA Interfaith Activities Committee in collaboration with Project C.A.R.V. (Community Awareness for Relationship Violence) presents:

    Teen Dating Violence
    Become Aware     Help Prevent

    Tuesday, February 20th, 2024, at 8 PM Eastern | 5 PM Pacific

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    In this virtual program, we aim to raise awareness about Teen Dating Violence, and inspire you to join hands with those who are already fighting to prevent and end it. We will also provide the attendees with a basic Toolkit on Teen Dating Violence Prevention.

    Our Speakers:

    • Mishal Ali is a senior at Klein High School and a Co-Founder of Project C.A.R.V.
    • Mahtab B. Dastur is a senior at Klein High School and a Co-Founder of Project C.A.R.V.
    • Susana Pulido is a senior at Klein High School and a Co-Founder of Project C.A.R.V.
    • Elizabell Vo is a junior at Klein High School and a Co-Founder of Project C.A.R.V.
    • Giovanni Valenzuela is a senior at Klein High School and an active advocate for TDV Awareness


    Program Moderated by:

    Bakhtavar Desai & Homi Gandhi,

    Co-Chairs, FEZANA Interfaith Activities Committee


    Register Now

  • Saturday, February 17, 2024 2:00 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    The California Zorastrian Cener (CZC) of Public Relations Committee invites you:

    The class is designed as consecutive sessions. If interested, please plan to attend the first session to be included on the class email list. If you are unable to attend the first session, make sure to email us at pr@czc.org.

    Join Zoom Meeting


  • Tuesday, February 13, 2024 7:05 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    The Ontario Zoroastrian Community Foundation (OZCF) wants your continued support to get them.

    From Here


    To Here

    OZCF thanks each and every one of you for getting OZCF to this stage. As we approach the final stretch of this historic achievement for all Zoroastrians. OZCF is reaching out for your continued support once again and requesting your wholehearted participation by clicking below and donate to:

    OZCF's Funds For Faith 1 Million Challenge

  • Wednesday, February 07, 2024 1:45 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Click on the link CGCG SM FEB 2024-ENGLISH FINAL.mp4 and listen as Julie Aubé, Executive Director at Maison McCulloch Hospice speaks to the impact of Charitable Gaming.

  • Sunday, January 28, 2024 4:09 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    FEZANA is thrilled to share momentous news with you! The vibrant tradition of Sadeh, our cherished mid-winter festival, has officially been inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity!

    This prestigious recognition is a testament to the enduring legacy of Sadeh, a celebration that transcends borders and unites Zoroastrians around the world. From the joyous crackling of bonfires to the heartwarming communal feasts, Sadeh embodies our shared values of resilience, hope, and the triumphant return of spring.

    To learn more about this significant achievement and delve deeper into the rich history and customs of Sadeh, we invite you to explore the following resources:

    UNESCO Inscription Page: https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/sadeh-sada-celebration-01713

    As we rejoice in this collective victory, we encourage you to share your own Sadeh celebrations with the world! Tag @FEZANA on your social media posts featuring photos and videos. We will be actively reposting and amplifying your voices, showcasing the diverse and vibrant ways our global community honors this ancient tradition.

    Additionally, feel free to directly message our social media accounts with your contributions – we'd love to feature them prominently!

    With warmest regards and Happy Sadeh,

    Cody K. Partovi

    FEZANA Secretary

  • Tuesday, January 23, 2024 3:44 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    FEZANA is happy to announce that applications are open for the 2nd edition of the World Zoroastrian Youth Leaders Forum.

    Below is an announcement received from Sanaya Master who is the WZYLF 2.0 Coordinator. She also serves as Co-Chair on the Welfare and Unity Committee of FEZANA.

    World Zoroastrian Youth Leaders Forum 2.0: Empowering Future Leaders

    We are thrilled to announce the much-anticipated launch of the second edition of the World Zoroastrian Youth Leaders Forum (WZYLF 2.0). Set to take place from May 24th to June 2nd, 2024, this exclusive event will bring together 25 dynamic young Zoroastrian leaders at the renowned ASHA Centre in the heart of the picturesque Gloucestershire, England.

    Nestled amidst the serene landscapes of Gloucestershire, the ASHA Centre stands as a sanctuary for personal growth and innovative thinking. What sets ASHA apart is its unique approach to education, emphasizing a holistic model that engages the head, heart, and hands in creative problem-solving. This distinctive methodology fosters a deeper understanding of complex issues and encourages participants to explore solutions through various perspectives.

    Building on the success of our inaugural forum, WZYLF 2.0 aims to continue nurturing the leadership potential of young Zoroastrians who have demonstrated a strong commitment to community engagement and a passion for shaping the future of Zoroastrianism.

    This carefully curated event is an invitation-only platform that offers a unique opportunity for emerging leaders to collaborate, exchange ideas, and envision innovative projects in a supportive environment.

    The impact of previous WZYLF participants on the global Zoroastrian community has been nothing short of extraordinary. These young leaders, after their participation in the forum, have embarked on remarkable endeavors, holding leadership positions in prestigious organizations, initiating impactful projects, hosting global conferences, and actively participating in crucial global events. Their remarkable journey post-forum is a testament to the transformative power of this gathering and the potential it ignites within its participants.

    At WZYLF 2.0, participants can anticipate an immersive and dynamic experience comprising engaging workshops, mentorship opportunities, and interesting field trips to historically significant sites such as Oxford University, Ruskin Mill, and Stratford-upon-Avon. Embracing ASHA's distinctive holistic approach to learning, the program aims to nurture leadership qualities, ignite innovative thinking, and cultivate a shared vision for a more promising future within the Zoroastrian community.

    If you are interested in this transformative opportunity or wish to learn more about the event, application process and cost of attending, please visit https://wzylf.com or contact us at contact@wzylf.com.

    WZYLF 2.0 is not just a forum; it's a stepping stone for young Zoroastrian leaders to envision, collaborate, and lead the way towards a vibrant future for our community. Join us in this exciting journey of leadership, collaboration, and positive change.

    Apply Now

  • Monday, January 15, 2024 7:00 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    FEZANA is pleased to announce to announce the release of ‘Iranshah A Legacy Restored’, a book about the heritage restoration of the Iranshah Ātash Behram.

    Published by Shapoorji Pallonji, the book is sold exclusively by FEZANA in North America, for anyone interested in exploring a volume of visuals, scripted with a narrative on Zoroastrian heritage.

    Through an exclusive collaboration with the Shapoorji Pallonji Group, FEZANA has procured a limited quantity of these books to be shipped out of our headquarters in Chicago to addresses in the United States and Canada only.

    Iranshah: A Legacy Restored

    The book captures the extensive structural restoration by Shapoorji Pallonji, of the Fire Temple and buildings in its campus, recording work as it unfolded, revealing discoveries of interventions to the structures and the process for conservation of the art and antiquity. Along with technical details, the book also gives a glimpse of life in the sleepy coastal town of Udwada, the significance of a consecrated fire, a brief introduction of the Zoroastrian religion and glances at the cultural practices of a community that has made India their home for the last 1,300 years,

    “The restoration of the Ātash Behram is in gratitude to the legacies our priests have preserved, and the book is a tribute to everyone who has toiled on this restoration project,” says Shapoor Mistry, Chairman, Shapoorji Pallonji And Company Pvt Ltd.

    This Fire Temple is the house of the most revered, oldest and continuously burning fire, consecrated 1,300 years ago, and is the principal place of worship of the Parsi, Irani Zoroastrian faith and community. The Iranshah Ātash Behram building was constructed 130 years ago and consecrated on 31st October 1894, in Udwada, a town within the state of Gujarat, in India.

    The publishers are grateful for the valuable support we received from scholars of Zoroastrianism to make this book an insightful volume for posterity. And many skills and much enthusiasm was found within our teams at Shapoorji Pallonji, to take this book from conceptualization, to writing and designing, to production and publishing.

    The book is priced at US $50 for shipping to United States and US $70 for shipping to Canada.

    Please allow 10-15 days for shipping.

    LIMITED QUANTITIES AVAILABLE

    BUY NOW

  • Friday, December 15, 2023 12:00 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Join us for ZYNA’s annual retreat in beautiful Vancouver during the February Long Weekend of 2024! From 6 pm PST on Friday, February 16th to 11 am Monday, February 19th, 2024, Zoroastrian Youth of North America aged 15-35* are invited for a weekend full of community building, connection, and cultural engagement! The focus of this long weekend event is to empower and engage the youth of today to become the leaders of tomorrow.

    There are limited slots available and once we reach capacity, we will open up a wait-list.

    REGISTRATION START AT USD 150
    Inclusive of 3-night hotel accommodation, transportation during the events, and most meals throughout the weekend.

    • USD 150 for a Quad occupancy room 
    • USD 250 for a Double occupancy room 
    • USD 450 for Single occupancy room 

    Registrants will be required to provide their transportation to the hotel located in Burnaby, British Columbia. Registrants are recommended to fly into YVR by the afternoon of Friday, February 16th, as events will begin by 6 pm PST. 

    Register by January 15th, 2024

    No Partial Registrations – No Cancellations 

    *Parental consent would be required for those under the age of 18.

    More details about the schedule and activities coming soon. 

    Excited to see you all in Vancouver!


    Farzin Avari, Kimiya Shahzadi & Anaheez Karbhari

    ZYNA Co-Chairs 

    For any questions or concerns reach out to us at youth@fezana.org


    Register Now

  • Saturday, December 09, 2023 12:00 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    On the fourth episode Prof. Vevaina welcomes Dr. Mariano Errichiello, the Shapoorji Pallonji Lecturer of Zoroastrianism, Co-Chair and Executive Director of the Shapoorji Pallonji Institute of Zoroastrian Studies at SOAS.

    Dr. Mariano Errichiello is a scholar of Zoroastrianism with an interest in history, texts, and communities of the modern period. He did his PhD at SOAS, University of London on the social history of Zoroastrianism in modern India. He has presented his research in international conferences in Asia, Europe, and the US earning two Honourable mentions by the Ancient India & Iran Trust (AIIT) and the Early Career Prize by the Association for the Study of Persianate Societies and the Journal of Persianate Studies.

    Mariano has been a Resident Fellow of the Centre for Comparative Studies of Civilisations and Spiritualities at Fondazione Giorgio Cini in Venice, and a Research Fellow of the Nordic Institute of Asian Studies at the University of Copenhagen. In 2022, he joined the Centre for Advanced Studies in the Humanities and Social Sciences of the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg in Germany as a Postdoctoral Fellow. His recent work focused on Parsi studies, esotericism, and ritual performance.

    In September 2023, he was appointed as the Shapoorji Pallonji Lecturer of Zoroastrianism, Co-Chair and Executive Director of the Shapoorji Pallonji Institute of Zoroastrian Studies at SOAS.

    Recordings of past Conversations are available here:
    https://fezana.org/conversations/

    "Zoroastrian Conversations" is envisioned to be a Charlie Rose-style interview show that would feature Yuhan Sohrab-Dinshaw Vevaina (Bahari Associate Professor of Sasanian Studies and Fellow of Wolfson College at the University of Oxford) interviewing academics from around the world working on Zoroastrian and Parsi Studies, the history, languages, and cultures of early Iran and cognate disciplines.

    The interviews would be conducted on Zoom and moderated by FEZANA and would serve the function of introducing the global Zoroastrian communities to the most respected and up-and-coming scholars working in these fields.

    These ‘Zoroastrian Conversations’ would also serve as a forum for community members to learn about the research and teaching being undertaken by professional academics and would serve the purpose of both public engagement and education.

    The central premise would be an informal chat, perhaps every two months, where the scholar chatting with Prof. Vevaina could tell us a bit about their background, entrance into the field, their research interests, things they find fascinating about Zoroastrianism and Zoroastrian communities and their wish lists for what projects they would like to undertake in the future.

    The two new hires in North America at the University of Toronto and UC Irvine have agreed to participate and such a forum would allow Zoroastrians the world over to listen to and learn from our newest professors and many other speakers from all over the world in the months to come.

    Join on Zoom


    FEZANA is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

    Topic: Zoroastrian Conversations: Mariano 
    Time: Dec 9, 2023 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)


    Join Zoom Meeting
    https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88592453913?pwd=A1izWLZMmSo1i99JnVPWtTfAX3vqqw.1

    Meeting ID: 885 9245 3913
    Passcode: FEZANA

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