Prayers and memorial service held across Europe for MUB martyr İzla Neriman Özgun

Across several European cities, Teshmeshto prayers were held by Church clergy in honor of martyr of the Bethnahrin National Council (Mawtbo Umthoyo d’Bethnahrin, MUB) Hawro (Comrade) İzla Neriman Özgun. Clergy members and MUB representatives highlighted her significant contributions across various fields in Beth Nahrain (Mesopotamia) and Europe, emphasizing her unwavering dedication to the national struggle of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people.

Prayers Across Europe

Coinciding with the final memorial gathering for İzla in Medyad (Midyat) on Sunday, churches throughout Europe held Teshmeshto prayers for her soul. Since her martyrdom on 6 March, members and supporters of the MUB have continued to honor her memory in various cities.

In Västerås, Sweden, a prayer service was held at Syriac Orthodox Mor Elijah and Mor Hadhbshabo Church, led by Father Yaqub Tahan, who reflected on the meaning of martyrdom. European Syriac Union (ESU) representative Jacob Mirza delivered a speech recounting İzla’s life and contributions. He also shared updates on recent developments in Syria.

Similarly, in Mor Aho Church in Örebro, Father Melik Ulger spoke about the significance of martyrdom and İzla’s sacrifices.

In Wiesbaden, Germany, a Teshmeshto prayer was conducted at Mor Ishaya Church by Father Sabri Shahin. The service was led by Syriac Orthodox Bishop Mor Theophilos Kuriakose from India, assisted by Father Abrohom Kuryan and several deacons. The event was attended by officials from various Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) political and community organizations, including Isa Masoud and Sabri Alkan from the Assyrian Democratic Organization (ADO), Abrohom Ojak from the church council, and representatives of the Beth Nahrain Women’s Committee and the Beth Nahrain Ashurian Union in Wiesbaden. On behalf of the MUB in Wiesbaden, gratitude was extended to the bishop, priests, and organizational representatives for their participation in the memorial and prayers.

In Vienna, Father Ephrem Kourieh of Mor Ephrem Church and Father Touma Qass Ibrahim of the Virgin Mary Church spoke about İzla’s life and service during similar prayer services. Meanwhile, in Paris, Father Joseph Halabi of Mor Yaqub al-Srouji Church conducted a Teshmeshto prayer. Council members also served food to attendees in honor of İzla’s soul.

Memorial Gathering in Medyad

A memorial service for İzla Neriman Özgun was held at Mor Barsoumo Church in Medyad, Turkey. Following the Divine Liturgy, members of the MUB, İzla’s family, and other attendees gathered in the church hall to honor her memory.

Her funeral took place on Saturday at Mor Abrohom and Mor Hobel Monastery, where she was laid to rest in the monastery’s cemetery. After the burial, food was distributed in her memory.

On Sunday, during the Divine Liturgy, a Teshmeshto prayer was held for her soul, attended by representatives from the Beth Nahrain Patriotic Union (HBA), the Beth Nahrain Organization for Women (BNOW), the Universal Syriac Union Party (USUP), the European Syriac Union (ESU), the Federation of Syriac Associations in Turkey (Süryani Dernekler Federasyonu, SÜDEF), and the Beth Nahrain Women’s Union (HNB).

Following the service, members of Iraqi institutions boarded a bus to Beth Nahrin, symbolizing their continued dedication to the national struggle.

The Divine Liturgy and memorial service at Mor Barsoumo Church, which began at noon, were attended by numerous community members from Medyad, Ayordo, Kafro, Arkah, and other nearby villages. Attendees offered heartfelt condolences to İzla’s family and her fellow national activists.

At midday, food was distributed in her honor, and at precisely 2:00 PM, the memorial gathering was officially concluded.

İzla Neriman Özgun, a martyr of the Bethnahrin National Council, will continue to serve as a beacon of inspiration for her comrades in the national struggle.