Syriac Orthodox Archbishop Yusuf Çetin honored in the Netherlands on 150th Anniversary of Şemun Hanna Haydo’s birthday

THE HAGUE — In a heartfelt gesture, the family of Şemun Hanne Haydo commemorated the 150th anniversary of their great-grandfather’s birthday by honoring Syriac Orthodox Archbishop Mor Philoxenus Yusuf Çetin, Patriarchal Vicar of Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir.

Şemun and his brother Melke Hanne Haydo were well known for defending Christian communities in Tur Abdin during the 1915 Sayfo Genocide.

Special Visit of Gratitude

During their visit with Archbishop Çetin at the Syriac Orthodox Archdiocese in the Netherlands, the Haydo family expressed deep appreciation for his dedicated service to the Church and broader community.

The family highlighted the Archbishop’s pivotal role in fostering interfaith dialogue, establishing a new church and preschool in Istanbul, and steadfastly advocating for the rights of Syriacs (Arameans–Assyrians–Chaldeans) and Christians in Turkey.

The family praised Archbishop Çetin’s efforts, particularly following the inauguration of St. Ephrem Church in Istanbul. This church, which includes a preschool, has become a cornerstone for promoting Christian values and strengthening the Church’s societal role.

Tribute Through Generosity

To commemorate Simon Hanna Haydo’s sacrifice, the family donated €8,000 to support Archbishop Çetin’s initiatives and the ongoing activities of St. Ephrem Church. The contribution reflects their commitment to preserving Haydo’s legacy while supporting the Church’s mission.

The meeting concluded with the Haydo family reaffirming their enduring support for Archbishop Yusuf Çetin’s mission to advance love, peace, and the timeless values of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

Şemun Hanne Haydo

Şemun was born in the Syriac village of Beth Sbirino and was its village chief for decades.

During the Sayfo genocide, the authorities jailed Şemun in Harput prison, after which his brother Melke took charge of the organization and defense of Beth Bsorino and its sister village Sare. Under the leadersip of the Haydo’s, the Syriacs were able to keep out the Kurdish tribes and the Ottoman army during Sayfo.

The village hosted thousands of Syriac refugees from other villages in Tur Abdin.

In 2020, the Turkish writer Kemal Yalcin published the book “Süryani Halk Kahramani: Semun Hanne Haydo” (“The Syriac Hero; Semun Hanne Haydo”) on the life of Şemun Hanne Haydo. Şemun Hanne Haydo passed away in 1964 in his home village.