Mor Julius Yac'ub +1992

Mor Julius Yac'ub +1992

January 24th is the anniversary of the demise of HG Mor Julius Yac'ub +1992 the former Metropolitan of the Simhasana-Patriarchal Churches & Institutions in India. Yac'ub (Kunjappan) was born on 27th December 1912 at Pampady, Kottayam. He was the son of Madappatt Chacko & Annamma. Sadly, his parents died when he was a young child, so he was raised by his elder brother. After completing his primary education, he went to high school but had to discontinue studies due to ill health. He joined Dayro d-Mor Sharbil Thrikkothamangalam for theological studies under the tutelage of Raban Geevarghese Kochuparambil & Raban Kuriakose Vanchithattil. At the time, Mor Dionysius Mikhayel kept the Dayro as his headquarters. It is also here that late HG Mor Timotheos Yac'ub studied. Mor Dionysius Mikhayel would ordain Yac'ub as deacon at St. Mary's Jacobite Syrian Cathedral Manarcad on 24th May 1942. Deacon Yac'ub would then be ordained Qashisho on August 19th 1945 at St. Thomas Church Chengalam Kottayam by Mor Dionysius Mikhayel. After ordination he entered Dayro d-Mor Ignatius Manjinikkara where he would later be elevated to the rank of Raban by Mor Yulios Elias Qoro the delegate of the Apostolic See of Antioch, on 19th June 1955. Raban Yac'ub taught Syriac & liturgy during his tenure at Manjinikkara Dayro & at Malekurishu Dayro. He also served as personal secretary & interpreter for Mor Yulios Elias. He was the President of the Evangelical Association of the East during 1963-64. On June 12th 1975, Raban MC Yac'ub was consecrated bishop by the thrice blessed late Patriarch HH Moran Mor Ignatius Yac'ub III of blessed memory at St. George Cathedral Damascus. He was given the title Julius & appointed as the Metropolitan of Simhasana churches & institutions which were under the direct authority of the Patriarch. On the same day, late HG Mor Osthatheos Thomas bishop of Kochi Diocese was consecrated. Mor Julius translated a few books from Syriac including The Book of the Dove (a guide to Orthodox ascetism) written by Mor Gregorios Yuhannon bar'Ebroyo, The Biography of Mor Yuhanon M’rahmono, The history of Mor Augin, the text of the sacrament of Holy matrimony which is in use in Syria, a few prayers & promeon-sedro. Mor Julius was very particular about prayer & fasting. His life, diet & dress were all very simple. Mor Julius used to correct the mistakes of the clergy of all ranks; for his own training was by Mor Yulios Elias & Mor Dionysius Mikhayel who never compromised with the respect for the traditions & practices of the Holy Church. Mor Julius Yac'ub was getting ready for his departure to the heavenly abode & he prepared a place of rest for himself well in advance. He converted his ancestral property into a trust & a church was constructed on that land. On 21st January 1992 he was admitted to the hospital & on 24th January 1992 Mor Julius Yac'ub breathed his last. His mortal remains were interred at Dayro d-Mor Ignatius Manjinikkara. Biography courtesy of, 'Martyrs, Saints and Prelates of the Syriac Orthodox Church' http://www.syriacchristianity.info/bio/MalankaraPrelates/bio_JuliusYacoub.htm