Echoes of Devotion: Rev. Fr. Jees George’s Ascension to Priesthood

C. S. Paul

On a tranquil Sunday in the year 2010, our esteemed Poulose Achen announced after the service, that Jees had arrived with his family to assume the role of Shusrooshakan in our church. 

I recall the curiosity that name sparked in me because it reminded me of a character "Jeeves" from the Wodehouse’s novels. Yet, as I came to know him, the name ‘Jees’ became synonymous with selfless service and unwavering commitment to our congregation.

Many of us recall, despite the Holy Qurbana being conducted on the first floor of our church building post-relocation from Blossom school, the construction was incomplete. When Jees arrived with his expectant wife Sandhya and daughter Sheba, the basic amenities for a family’s residence were sorely lacking.

The living quarters they were provided with were deplorably inadequate, situated amidst a community speaking an unfamiliar tongue and practicing customs that were foreign to them. It wouldn’t be surprising if the thought of fleeing ever entered their mind. 

Fortunately for us, against all odds, he decided to stay. To our amazement, within weeks, he made himself familiar with the geography of Hosur and somehow learned to communicate with the locals. 

Jees was more than a gifted Shusrooshakan; he was, so to speak, a sarva kala vallaban, adeptly collaborating with masons, carpenters, painters, plumbers, electricians, and many others. I often marveled at how our Poulose Achen discovered such a gem.

Jees's presence sped up the building construction, and the consecration of our church by our Themotheos Thirumeni was a milestone achieved in less than a year—it stands as a testament to his exceptional coordination abilities.

Over the past fourteen years, Jees and his wife Sandhya have served this congregation with unwavering dedication. Beyond meticulously maintaining the church premises, they’ve warmly welcomed clergy for Sunday’s Holy Qurbana and skillfully coordinated the celebrations of saints’ and other special days. 

They also oversaw the Hosur Mission Centre’s various initiatives, including the Day Care Centre for young children and the upkeep of the building, all while guided by the wise hands of Poulose Achen and Febin Achen. 

In one of my many conversations, I  playfully inquired why he hadn’t considered becoming an Achen, recognizing his vast understanding of the Syriac Orthodox liturgy and his melodious voice. Little did I anticipate that our light-hearted conversation would foreshadow his ordination as a priest. 

Jees’s path to priesthood, akin to our Syriac chants, has been a symphony of devotion and hard work. His voice, once resonating as a Shusrooshakan, and later as a Shemachan will now lead us in prayer and worship.  

For us, the church members, his presence and steadfast support have been a pillar of strength. With Jees Shemachan embracing his new role as an Achen, I am confident that the Hosur congregation will thrive even more.