About Us
The Society of Scholars of Zoroastrianism (“SSZ”) is a tax-exempt public charity entity under the United States Internal Revenue Code, Section 501(c)(3). The SSZ has been formed to revive the tradition of learning and scholarship on Zoroastrianism.
Mission & Charter
The SSZ Mission is to promote interaction between and among academicians, theologians (priests), educationists, lay scholars, and practitioners of Zoroastrianism through roundtable discussions, conferences, and publications by:
Encouraging local Zarathushti organizations/associations to hold annual conferences.
Encouraging Behdins and Athornans to study and present at the conferences.
Providing a platform for academicians, theologians (priests), educationists, lay scholars, and practitioners to present their research and study at the conferences and receive feedback from the community.
Click here for a listing of our past and future Events
Enlightening the community and sparking their interest in learning, and developing a cadre of leaned individuals both Athornans and Behdins within our community worldwide.
Developing a scholarly Zoroastrian organization that is respected by other peer organizations in the scholarly/academic world.
Message From SSZ Directors
In Memorium:
The passing of Dr. Pallan Ichaporia was a loss deeply mourned by his family, friends and associates worldwide. It has left a void which cannot and will not be filled. His interest in Zoroastrian studies and scholarship cannot be matched. From a very early age he associated himself with the learned and those with like interests. In time he became one of a few Zoroastrian voices among many scholars and academicians, notable among them was Dr. Helmut Humbach with whom he co-authored “The Heritage of Zarathushtra – a New Translation of His Gathas.”
His love for Zoroastrian studies and his association with other scholars and academicians in Zoroastrian studies culminated in the formation of the Zoroastrian Education and Research Society (precursor of the SSZ) that orchestrated several Avesta Conferences in the late 1900s. We are indebted to Dr. Pallan Ichaporia for his guidance and giving us the lead for the formation of SSZ.
We honor Dr. Ichaporia as our co-founder and ask for his blessings for the future progress of the Society. A leading light, he has shown us the path of how self-study and discipline can lead to greater heights and achievements. May his soul advance to Garothman, the abode of Ahura Mazda.