Philipose Mar Chrysostom, iconic bishop of Mar Thoma Church, dies at 103; PM Modi condoles his demise

 Philipose Mar Chrysostom Mar Thoma Valiya Metropolitan, emeritus Metropolitan of Mar Thoma Syrian Church handed away at age of 103. He was present process therapy for previous age-related illnesses in Thiruvalla.

He was the longest-serving bishop in India & a Padma Bhushan awardee.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan additionally expressed grief at his demise and tweeted: “Padma Bhushan Dr. Philipose Mar Chrysostom Valiya Metropolitan brought people together transcending the boundaries of religion and politics, cared for them and made them laugh. Beloved thirumeni’s passing is a loss to humanity, a void that cannot be filled. Respectful homage.”

Born on April 27, 1917, he was awarded India’s third highest civilian award, the Padma Bhushan, in 2018.

After his commencement from Union Christian (UC) College, Aluva, he was interested in missionary work and was ordained as a Deacon of the Church in 1944. In 1953, he was consecrated as Bishop.

In 1999, he turned the Metropolitan of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church. On August 28 2007, he introduced his resignation as supreme head of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church on grounds of previous age and ill-health

Prime Minister Modi had visited Philipose Mar Chrysostom in 2016 and wished him for his one centesimal birthday the next yr.