Assyrian Church of the East Bishop Mar Daniel Jacobs Dies in California

Bishop Mar Daniel Jacobs of the Assyrian Church of the East passed away on October 21, 2020, in Roseville, California. He was consecrated as a bishop in March 1973 by His Beatitude the late Mar Yosip Khnanisho at Mar Zaia Cathedral in Baghdad, Iraq. At the time, the late Syriac Assyrian Patriarch His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV, who was serving as Bishop of Tehran, Iran, was present for the consecration.

Bishop Jacobs served his diocese, the Diocese of Kerkeshlokh (Kirkuk), Iraq, before relocating to the United States with his spiritual children, who formed part of the Suraye diaspora. The Suraye community, which includes Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian Christians, has established significant presence in California. Major communities and churches of various denominations, including the Assyrian Church of the East, Chaldean Catholic Church, Syriac Orthodox Church, and Syriac Catholic Church, are found in areas such as San Diego, the Central Valley, the San Francisco Bay area, and Los Angeles.

According to the 2000 United States Census, approximately 23,000 Suraye individuals resided in California. This number is believed to have grown substantially following the fall of the Saddam Hussein Baath regime in 2003, which led to increased migration from Iraq and Syria. The diaspora has played a crucial role in maintaining the cultural and religious identity of the community in the United States.

The Suraye community continues to thrive in California, with active parishes and churches across multiple regions. These communities serve as centers for worship, education, and social support, reflecting the resilience and dedication of the Assyrian Church of the East and its affiliated congregations. The legacy of Bishop Mar Daniel Jacobs endures through the continued efforts of his spiritual children in preserving and promoting their faith and heritage.

The broader context of the Suraye diaspora highlights the importance of community and faith in sustaining cultural identity. As the community grows, so too does its commitment to preserving traditions and supporting one another, echoing the call to care for the vulnerable and uphold justice. Micah 6:8 reminds us that God desires mercy, justice, and humility, values that resonate deeply within the lives and actions of the Suraye people.

Source: Read the original report