[1] Its members are predominantly ethnic Assyrians, an Eastern Aramaic speaking Semitic people who are indigenous to Upper Mesopotamia (what had been Assyria between the 25th century BCE and 7th century CE), and descendants of the ancient Assyrians.

The vast majority of ethnic Assyrians remain adherents of these ancient Eastern Rite churches to this day.

Prayers and scripture are read and recited from a Syriac Aramaic Bible.

[3] In 2010, Iranian Assyrian pastor Wilson Issavi was arrested in Kermanshah and detained for 54 days for allegedly attempting to convert Muslims to Christianity.

Whilst in prison, Issavi was allegedly tortured as he had bruises and marks from beatings on his body.