Obituary of Andrew (Leeson) Daniel

Rev. Fr. Andrew Daniel, lovingly known to all as Leeson Achen, was born on December 8, 1979, in Abu Dhabi, UAE, to Idicula Daniel (Kunjumon) and Elcy Daniel (Kuttickattu Bethel, Venmoney, Kerala, India). He was the eldest of three siblings and played a major role in their lives. Leeson Achen started his primary education at Abu Dhabi Indian School, prior to migrating to the United States in 1991. He graduated from St. Rita’s Elementary School and Monsignor Farrell High School, class of ’97, and pursued higher education at the College of Staten Island, earning Bachelor’s degrees in Computer Science and Accounting. During college, Achen deepened and strengthened his relationship with Christ. Achen was an active member at his home parish, St. George Malankara Orthodox Church, Staten Island, where he fulfilled his responsibilities as an altar server and participated in all church activities including MGOCSM. Achen was greatly influenced by the lives of his then diocesan metropolitan, the late His Grace Mathews Mar Barnabas and his uncle, the late His Grace Geevarghese Mar Ivanios. His time living with Barnabas Thirumeni, at the Diocesan Aramana, and with Ivanios Thirumeni, at Mar Baselios Dayara, were two formative experiences which shaped his path forward. These two mentors taught Achen the value in a life of servitude and simplicity which later inspired his decision to give up a job offer as a State Auditor and dedicate his life to serve God. Achen received his Master of Divinity from St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in Yonkers in 2007. Afterwards, he was ordained as a sub-deacon on March 10, 2007, and went to India to study at the Orthodox Theological Seminary (Old Seminary) in Kottayam as a member of the Class of 2008. During this time, Achen made the choice to lead a monastic life and was ordained as a full deacon on June 3, 2008 at St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, Venmoney, Kerala. After returning to New York, Leeson Achen was ordained to the priesthood on March 22, 2009. Achen is the first ordained dayara pattakaran in the Northeast American Diocese. As a priest, Leeson Achen had the immense pleasure of serving as an assistant vicar at St. Gregorios Orthodox Church, Cherry Lane and as Vicar at St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Church of Greater Washington; St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Church of Hartford, Connecticut; and Mar Gregorios Orthodox Syrian Church of India, Staten Island. Achen pursued his. master’s in accounting and was part of the 2023 Cohort of the Doctor of Ministry program at St. Vladimir’s Seminary. Achen was diagnosed with cancer on December 9, 2018. With the prayers and support of his family and all those who loved him, Achen fought valiantly through his pain and always welcomed everyone with an unfading smile. After multiple surgeries and years of therapy, Achen was called to eternal rest on August 18, 2023. He is survived by his parents, Kunjumon and Elcy. He is also survived by his siblings – his brother Lyeson Daniel with wife Simi and his sister Lisa Daniel with husband Thomas Mathew Philip. In addition, Achen is survived by his nephew Liam and niece Lianna who were the light of his life, especially during these difficult times. Leeson Achen touched the lives of anyone who came into his presence. With a smile, he would genuinely inquire about one’s life, always remembering the intricate details discussed in the past. Achen was a leader that educated and uplifted those around him. In his ministry, he particularly appreciated the countless hours he spent with the youth and Sunday School children, praying for their spiritual protection and His everlasting grace to shine on them all. Leeson Achen will be missed, but remain forever in our hearts.