New Athornan initiation in North America
The North American Mobeds Council (NAMC) is delighted to announce that, for the first time in North America, a Zoroastrian priest will be initiated as an Athravan on October 17th, 2026, at Bhandara Atashkadeh in Houston. Mobedyar Hormuzdiar Katki of ZAMWI will receive this historic initiation.
We would be honored to have you join us for this very special occasion.
Adding further significance to the ceremony, the Navar ceremony will be held in memory of our respected late Ervad Dr. Soli P. Dastur, whose lifelong dedication to Zoroastrianism continues to inspire us all.
We have attached a copy of the announcement with further details for your reference. We sincerely hope you can join us online as we mark this historic occasion together. For online attendance, the flyer includes the livestream link. We have also reproduced it here for your convenience:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/
Meeting ID: 419 219 1997
Passcode: prayer
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A HISTORIC MILESTONE FOR ZOROASTRIANISM IN NORTH AMERICA
Dr. Hormuzdiar Katki Initiated as an Athravan in Houston, Texas, Houston, Texas | October 17, 2026
In a historic milestone for the Zoroastrian community, Dr. Hormuzdiar Katki was initiated as an Athravan on October 17, 2026, at Bhandara Atashkadeh, hosted by the Zoroastrian Association of Houston (ZAH). This ceremony marks a significant step in strengthening the Zoroastrian priesthood and preserving religious traditions in North America.
Dr. Hormuzdiar Katki hails from an Athornan family and has served as a Mobedyar for the Zoroastrian Association of Metropolitan Washington Inc. (ZAMWI) for 9 years. He completed his Athravan training under Brigadier Ervad
Behram Panthaki, following a curriculum developed by the North American Mobeds Council (NAMC). The comprehensive curriculum covers prayers and their meanings, religious rituals and ceremonies, and Zoroastrian history. An
independent senior Mobed examined him and found him fit for initiation as an Athravan.
Brigadier Ervad Behram Panthaki, Ervad Ruston Vazifdar, Ervad Khushrav Nariman and Ervad Tehemton Mirza conducted the initiation in compliance with traditional Zoroastrian priestly practices. As part of the rigorous preparatory requirements, Dr. Katki underwent 2 Bareshnums, each consisting of nine nights of seclusion, and performed four Yasna ceremonies. Over 200 people witnessed this historic occasion, attending in person or participating via livestream.
The North American Mobeds Council (NAMC) has championed this initiative in response to the shortage of qualified Mobeds in North America and the practical challenges and restrictions that candidates face for this initiation in
India and Iran. Through structured training, mentorship, and community support, NAMC seeks to create opportunities for aspiring priests while ensuring the continuity of traditional Zoroastrian religious practices.
This initiation, believed to be the first of its kind outside India and Iran in recorded history, marks a landmark development for the Zoroastrian priesthood in North America and demonstrates that traditional priestly training and initiation can continue beyond the community’s historic centres.
NAMC extends its heartfelt congratulations to Athravan Dr. Hormuzdiar Katki and thanks the o iciating Mobeds, Bhandara Atashkadeh, ZAH, ZAMWI, and all donors and supporters who contributed to this landmark occasion.
This historic initiation rea irms a shared commitment to sustaining Zoroastrian religious traditions and nurturing the next generation of Athravans in North America.
About the North American Mobeds Council (NAMC)
NAMC is an independent religious organization committed to serving, guiding, and educating Zoroastrians across North America. Through its religious and educational initiatives, NAMC supports Mobeds, strengthens the community’s religious understanding and spiritual life, and preserves and perpetuates Zoroastrian knowledge and traditions for future generations.
North American Mobeds Council (NAMC)
Website: https://www.namcmobeds.org