Remembering Mar Eshai Shimun: A Legacy of Faith, Leadership, and Martyrdom

By: Onita Narso

Mar Eshai Shimun was born to Dawid d’Mar Shimun and Esther De Matran, sister of Mar Yosip Khnanisho, on February 26, 1908, in Qudchanis, in the Hakkari district of southeastern Turkey. Raised with great care, he received vital theological and liturgical training from Archdeacon Thoma of Ashita and his uncle, Mar Yosip Khnanisho, the Metropolitan of Shemsdin. His family had a long tradition of leadership: his great-uncle, Mar Rowil Shimun, served as Patriarch from 1861 to 1903, and his uncle, Mar Benyamin Shimun, tragically lost his life in an assassination in 1918.

 Following Mar Benyamin’s death, Mar Poulus Shimun XXII assumed the Patriarchal role but died of illness in 1920, when Mar Eshai Shimun only twelve years old, was unexpectedly called to lead. According to the tradition of the Assyrian Church of the East, the Patriarchal seat passed from uncle to nephew, making him the rightful heir despite his youth. His rise to leadership occurred during a time of great geopolitical turmoil, a period of profound instability for the Assyrian people.

 In 1920, Mar Eshai Shimun was ordained Patriarch, following the brief and tragic tenure of his uncle, Mar Poulus Shimun XXII. His ascension to the position came amid great political and religious upheaval, but he quickly proved his commitment to the Church and its future. To further his theological education, he traveled to England, attending Canterbury and Westcott House at the University of Cambridge. By the age of 18, he was already involved in key church events, including the Nicene Council Commemoration at Westminster Abbey in 1926. His dedication to fostering ecumenical dialogue was evident in his participation in the Church and State Conference in Oxford and the Faith and Order Conference in Edinburgh in 1937.

 Throughout his life, Mar Eshai Shimun earned recognition for his contributions, becoming an honorary member of the Athenaeum Club in London and joining the American Historical Society. He also represented the Assyrian Church at the World Council of Churches and was listed in Who's Who, reflecting his significant influence in both religious and academic spheres.

 As Patriarch, from 1920 until his assassination in 1975, Mar Eshai Shimun played a crucial role in the history of the Assyrian Church of the East. His tenure was marked by dedicated efforts to strengthen the Assyrian community and address the numerous challenges they faced, particularly in the context of political upheaval, forced displacement, and repeated persecution. He was renowned for his leadership during a tumultuous time, advocating for the rights and cultural preservation of the Assyrian people, leaving a lasting impact on both the church and the Assyrian diaspora.

 Mar Eshai Shimun was considered a visionary leader for several reasons:

 1. Advocacy for Rights: He actively campaigned for the rights of Assyrians, especially following the persecution and displacement that occurred after World War I, seeking international recognition for Assyrian issues.

 2. Cultural Preservation: Understanding the importance of cultural identity, he emphasized preserving the Assyrian language, traditions, and religious practices, encouraging educational initiatives and the establishment of schools within the diaspora.

 3. Community Organization: He played a key role in uniting Assyrians under the church's leadership, fostering a collective identity that helped mobilize resources and support for those in need.

 4. Modernization of the Church: He sought to modernize the Assyrian Church of the East, ensuring its relevance to contemporary issues while honoring its traditions. His outreach efforts were aimed at engaging younger generations.

 5. International Relations: He worked diligently to build relationships with other religious and ethnic communities, promoting dialogue and understanding to create beneficial alliances for the Assyrian community.

 On November 6, 1975, Mar Eshai Shimun's life was tragically cut short when he was shot and killed at his home in San Jose, California, by David Malek Ismail. This shocking event reverberated throughout the Assyrian community, especially given that the Malek Ismail family had historically protected the Shimun patriarchal line for generations.

 During the trial, Ismail claimed that personal grievances regarding the patriarch's marriage motivated his actions. However, evidence pointed to his connections with church dissidents, suggesting deeper conflicts within the church were at play. Deputy District Attorney Brian Madden indicated that the assassination may have been part of a broader plot involving these dissidents, possibly linked to disputes over land ownership in the Middle East. This tragic incident not only represented the loss of a vital leader but also highlighted the internal divisions and external pressures that the Assyrian community faced during that tumultuous time in modern Assyrian history.

 Mar Eshai Shimun had funerals in both San Francisco, CA, and Turlock, CA due to the large Assyrian communities in those areas, which allowed many to attend and pay their respects. The initial service in San Francisco was held shortly after he died in 1975.

 Turlock Memorial Park became a significant burial site, as the city is home to a vibrant Assyrian community, with a designated area serving as the final resting place for many. The decision to bury him there was likely influenced by the desire to honor his legacy within a community that deeply revered him. Turlock had established itself as a center for Assyrian culture and identity in the diaspora, making it a fitting location for his final resting place. The choice also allowed for ongoing commemorations and gatherings in his memory within a community that remained connected to their heritage.

Following his assassination, he was succeeded by Mar Dinkha IV, who was officially installed as Patriarch in 1976. Mar Dinkha IV served in this vital role until his passing in 2015, continuing the patriarchal legacy of leadership and commitment to the Assyrian community established by his predecessor. His tenure was marked by efforts to further unite the Assyrian Church and address the ongoing challenges faced by the Assyrian diaspora.

 As we remember Mar Eshai Shimun, we honor his enduring legacy of faith, leadership, and commitment to the Assyrian people, whose struggles continue to resonate today.