Former head of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church and the longest-serving bishop in India Dr Philipose Mar Chrysostom died on account of age-related illnesses on Wednesday, a church spokesman mentioned.
He was 103.
Mar Chrysostom was discharged from a hospital in Thiruvalla on Tuesday. He breathed his final at a non-public hospital in Kumbanad close to right here round 1.15 am, the spokesman mentioned.
A spiritual dignitary with a real humanitarian outlook and world imaginative and prescient, Mar Chrysostom was awarded Padma Bhushan by President Ram Nath Kovind in 2018.
He is credited with implementing and formulating many initiatives to enhance the social, financial and cultural situation of the poor and disadvantaged.
Born on April 27, 1918 in Karthikappally, he had inherited the missionary zeal from his father.
After acquiring commencement from Union Christian (UC) College, Alwaye, he was interested in missionary work and ordained as Deacon of the Church in 1944. Nine years later, in 1953, he was consecrated as Bishop.
Mar Chrysostom grew to become the Metropolitan of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church in 1999.
He was a bishop for 68 years.
Known for his nice perspective, the bishop was unparalleled along with his touching fashion of speech stuffed with humorous statements.
Many books and documentaries have been revealed containing his humorous speeches and talks.