Kochi: In the twilight of his earthly journey, what the world has lost is not just a cleric, but a multifaceted humanitarian genius whose very life was a testament to service, scholarship, and spiritual stewardship. The passing of this towering figure leaves behind a void that transcends religious boundaries echoing through the hearts of the faithful, the needy, the intellectual, and the global ecclesial community.
From a young age, he stood apart not only for his theological brilliance but for his deep concern for the poor, the marginalized, and the suffering. Rooted in the ancient tradition of the East Syriac Church, he embodied the wisdom of the Fathers while embracing the modern pulse of a changing world. Fluent in multiple languages and immersed in global ecumenical dialogues, he remained grounded in the Gospel’s call to love and serve.
At a time when the Chaldean Syrian Church in India struggled with identity, division, and dwindling spiritual fervor, he rose like a beacon of hope. With clarity of vision and relentless commitment, he initiated a spiritual renaissance. Under his leadership, the Church was not merely administered it was shepherded with care, re-rooted in its apostolic foundations, and elevated to spiritual vibrancy.
Seminaries were strengthened, parishes were spiritually reawakened, liturgical traditions were revived with reverence, and the laity were empowered through catechesis and pastoral outreach. He understood that renewal had to be holistic balancing fidelity to tradition with openness to the needs of the present.
Not content with insular vision, he served as a bridge between East and West, tradition and modernity. His presence was sought in international theological forums, his voice carried weight in ecumenical dialogue, and his writings reflected a unique blend of depth and accessibility. He often reminded the faithful that being rooted in the Apostolic Church does not mean remaining stagnant, but growing in faith, relevance, and missionary zeal.
Beyond the confines of Church corridors, he stood with the poor, the oppressed, and those forgotten by systems of power. His humanitarian vision was not abstract it was incarnate in action. Orphanages, educational institutions, charitable programs, and empowerment initiatives bore his imprint, quietly transforming lives across religious and social divides. His leadership during crises be it communal tensions, floods, or pandemics was marked by calm decisiveness, pastoral courage, and unwavering faith. He preached Christ not only from the pulpit but through his every act of mercy.
Despite global recognition and ecclesiastical stature, he remained disarmingly humble. Clad in simple cassocks, often seen among the people rather than above them, he preferred the company of children, the elderly, and the poor to any palace of prestige. Prayer was his anchor, and silence his sanctuary.
He once said, “True greatness is not in how many follow you, but in how deeply you follow Christ.” These were not mere words they were the rhythm of his life. In his final years, though his physical strength waned, his spiritual fire never dimmed. He returned not to retire, but to reignite the Church he loved. He visited the remote, the forgotten, and the overlooked, offering counsel, confession, and Christ. His was a farewell not of retreat, but of completion having poured himself out like a libation.
What is lost is truly irreplaceable. Yet what remains is a luminous legacy a Church reinvigorated, generations inspired, and a spiritual path carved in love, learning, and unshakable faith. He was not just a Bishop. Not merely an intellectual. Not only a humanitarian. He was a rare confluence of all three knitted together by the Spirit, lived out in integrity, and offered entirely to God and His people.
As bells toll in mourning and prayers rise in gratitude, the Church he revived now walks in the light he lit. In the story of the Chaldean Syrian Church, his name will remain etched not in stone alone, but in the living hearts of all he touched. May the soul of this saintly servant rest in the eternal embrace of Christ whom he so faithfully served.