Mor Julius Yeshu Çiçek, First Archbishop of Europe, Mor Ephrem Monastery, Netherlands (+2005)

Mor Julius Yeshu Çiçek, First Archbishop of Europe, Mor Ephrem Monastery, Netherlands (+2005)

October 29th is the anniversary of the demise of HE Mor Julius Yeshu Isa Çiçek +2005, the former Syriac Orthodox Archbishop of Central Europe. Mor Julius was born Kafro village of Tur Abdin region Turkey to priest Qashisho Barsawmo & Bath-Qyomo Sayde. At 9 years he joined Kurkmo Dayro where he learnt Syriac, Arabic, Turkish & Church theology. In 1958 he was ordained deacon & became the personal secretary of late HE Mor Philoxenus Yuhannon Dolbani of Mardin. He later served in Dayro d-Mor Quryaqos, helping the displaced Syriac & Armenians Christians who survived Sayfo. In 1960 Yeshu then joined Dayro d-Mor Gabriel as a monk, becoming administrator 2 years later. He was ordained priest by late HE Mor Iwannis Ephrem Bilgic of Tur Abdin in 1969. He would later serve in Damascus, Lebanon, the Holy Land & Germany(where he learnt German). In 1975, Late HE Mor Athanasius Yeshu Samuel of North America invited him to USA. There, Raban Yeshu learnt English, pursued higher studies at Michigan University & administered to the Syriac faithful. Raban Yeshu returned to Europe, settling in Hengelo Netherlands. On June 24th 1979 the thrice blessed late Patriarch HH Moran Mor Ignatius Yac'ub III of blessed memory consecrated Raban Yeshu as Mor Julius for the newly created Archdiocese of Central Europe which was comprised of Germany, Holland, Belgium, France, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden. The majority of Syriac Christians in Central Europe were people who sought asylum due to the persecution in Turkey. A thirty acre plot of land worth millions was bought in Losser, Holland & Dayro d-Mor Ephrem was established there for the administration of hundreds of churches & organisations scattered over various places. In Germany alone in the Central European diocese there were 54 churches. Under the able administration of Mor Julius Yeshu, the diocese of Central Europe flourished, becoming a beacon of the Syriac Orthodox Church in the diaspora. There are now 3 Syriac Orthodox monasteries spread across Europe. Mor Julius Yeshu Cicek was particularly keen on the necessity of having publications & was also anxious about the future of the Syriac Church. Even before becoming bishop, he started Kolo Suryoyo magazine in 1978. He started a printing press & Bar Hebraeus Publishing house that during his tenure published well over 100 books related to Syriac Orthodox Liturgy, history, theology & Biblical studies. Mor Julius Yeshu spearheaded the production & release of the magnum opus, 'The Hidden Pearl: The Syrian Orthodox Church and its Ancient Aramaic Heritage' a 3 part documentary with accompanying print volumes on the history of the Syriac Orthodox Church, the Syriac people, the Church in Malankara & the contributions to the world. Mor Julius Yeshu was also an eminent ambassador for the Syriac Church. He met late Pope John Paul 1. He accompanied late HH Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I of blessed memory at the Pro Oriente dialogue with late Roman Catholic Pope John Paul II. He also worked tirelessly to represent the Church to the various government authorities in Europe especially for the benefit of our youth. Mor Julius Yeshu held the Malankara Church (Syriac Church in India) with a special place in his heart. He was happy that the Kerala Christians led a life similar to that of the people in his homeland of Tur Abdin. He expressed a desire to spend the rest of his life in India after two or three years. He visited Malankara many times. During the hardships faced by the Malankara Church, Mor Julius Yeshu was a comforter who strengthened the resolve of the Jacobite faithful. He maintained cordial relations with the regional synod, late HB Mor Baselius Paulose II Catholicos, along with current Catholicos HB Mor Baselius Thomas I. Mor Julius Yeshu Cicek was one of the founding fathers of Malankara Syrian Orthodox Theological Seminary (MSOT) & donated 4 million rupees (40 lakhs), the single largest contribution, so that it may be opened. He also financially helped organizations included MJSSA & St. Mary's Women's League. On October 29th 2005, Mor Julius Yeshu Cicek entered the heavenly abode at only 63 years of age in Germany. His funeral service was held on November 5th, led by late Patriarch HH Mor Ignatius Zakka I which was attended by tens of thousands of faithful. His mortal remains were entombed in the mausoleum below the sanctuary of St. Mary’s Cathedral in Glane, Netherlands where late Mor Athanasius Yeshu Samuel & late Mor Philoxinos Ilyas Cankaya are also entombed. Mor Julius Yeshu Cicek was one of the greatest bishops of our time & his love for the Syriac Orthodox Church will remain a guiding light for future generations. Biography courtesy of, 'Martyrs, Saints and Prelates of the Syriac Orthodox Church' & Syriac Christianity http://www.syriacchristianity.info/bio/SyriacOrthodox/bio_JuliusCecek.htm