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Each year, this month marks a mournful
period for it was on November 6th, 1975, that Mar Eshai Shimun, XXIII, Catholicos Patriarch was assassinated. As
a result, the Church, the Assyrian people and his family have sustained an irrevocable loss.
Mar Eshai Shimun, XXIII was a patriarch of true distinction. His exceptional education that culminated in his attendance
at Cambridge University set the stage for his leadership and presence in which he played a key historical role
at world renowned institutions such as the League of Nations and later the United Nations, as well as the World
Council of Churches. This represents only a small portion in which his sphere of influence was felt. 
His accomplishments simply did not end there: his historic travel at the invitation of numerous Western and Eastern
governments as well as his scholarly discourses in which he repeatedly demonstrated his sophisticated language
abilities were only marginally over shadowed by being a prolific writer and a charismatic speaker. An original
multi-tasker, Mar Shimun worked tirelessly not only for the Assyrians in the Middle East, but also focused building
the Assyrian community throughout the world. Under his guidance and stewardship, bishops, priest and deacons, were
educated and ordained so that the Church of East would flourish not only in the Middle East, but throughout other
parts of the world where Assyrians had immigrated. Likewise, Sunday school teachers were trained and various Church
Liturgical teachings were translated by the patriarch, furthering his vision of educating the faithful. This deliberate
action was done so that Assyrians would maintain their heritage, and not be subsumed into other denominations of
Christianity. Indeed, for under his direction churches were built by Assyrians throughout the US, England, Canada
and Australia. Ever an innovator, Mar Shimun established the first English speaking denomination of the Church
of the East in Seattle, Washington expanding the Church of the East teachings beyond the Assyrian community.
Over his 55 years of tenure, what were commonplace occurrences for this patriarch resulted in remarkable accomplishments
he achieved for the Church and Assyrians throughout the world. Because of his work, history will note that Mar
Eshai Shimun, XXIII, the most accomplished patriarch of the Church of the East and a leader of substance.
However, what truly sets him apart were his unimpeachable ethics. His unshakable moral core was the basis for his
courageousness, honesty and selflessness in which he daily executed the duties and responsibilities as a patriarch.
Today, as we recall the anniversary of his assassination 33 years later, we witness the deterioration of a variety
of conditions plaguing Assyrians. We sorrowfully note that Mar Shimun's leadership is needed, both secularly and
spiritually more than ever. It is these very hallmarks of Mar Eshai Shimun's character that we cry out for his
guidance and leadership, yet sadly note his loss most deeply and profoundly today.
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