The official press release is available below or can be downloaded as a PDF Document
XVI NORTH AMERICAN ZARATHUSHTI CONGRESS
From Thursday, August 2 to Sunday, August 5, 2012, the XVIth North American Zarathushti Congress will bring together over 600 Zarathushtis (known more commonly as “Zoroastrians”) from across North America. The Congress will be held at the Rye Town Hilton in Rye Brook, New York.
Since the first Zarathushtis came to North America from India and Iran in the last century, the community has sought to maintain its Zarathushti identity. Zoroastrianism was founded between 1500 and 1000 BCE in what is now Iran. The prophet Zarathushtra preached monotheism and was initially persecuted for his teachings. Zarathushtra won the support of the emperor, and Zoroastrianism eventually became the religion of the Persian Empire. The Prophet Zarathushtra preached the importance of “Good Thoughts”, “Good Words”, and “Good Deeds” in the service of one God, over 3,000 years ago. Many religious scholars believe that Zoroastrianism, through the extensive reach of the Persian Empire, influenced the development of Jewish, Christian and Islamic theological beliefs as they relate to the concepts of the soul, heaven and hell, and the duality of good and evil.
The theme for the Congress is “Zarathushti Existence in the Contemporary World.” Discussions will be held on Zarathushti core beliefs, rituals and practices and issues affecting the next generation, thereby linking the values of an ancient religion to issues of contemporaneous relevance. Dr. Trita Parsi, founder and president of the National Iranian American Council, will deliver the keynote address, “Building A New World Order – The Role of Zarathushti Values”. An exhibit, “The Zarathushti Religion for All Time”, will allow Congress delegates to experience the evolution of the Zarathushti community from the age of ancient Iran to that of modern day New York.
For more information and any questions regarding the event, please contact Homi Gandhi, Chair, Congress Public Relations Committee at homi@zagny.org or 201-410-8963
