Changanassery: Mar Aprem Metropolitan, the long-serving head of the Assyrian Church of the East in India, leaves behind a legacy of profound commitment to ecumenical harmony, remarked Archbishop Mar Thomas Tharayil, Metropolitan of the Archdiocese of Changanassery.
Recognizing the deep roots both the Syro-Malabar Church and the Assyrian Church share in the Syriac tradition, Mar Aprem fostered a strong spiritual kinship with the Syro-Malabar community. He maintained a particularly warm relationship with the Archdiocese of Changanassery and the revered Mar Joseph Powvathil. His vision of unity was not merely ideological but actively lived out through decades of meaningful collaboration.
As a long-standing permanent member of the Colloquium of the Syrian Churches under the Pro Oriente Foundation, Mar Aprem played a vital role in advancing dialogue and fostering mutual understanding between ancient Eastern Christian traditions. His work transcended boundaries, with significant scholarly contributions to Syriac language studies, Church history, and the safeguarding of sacred traditions both within India and on global platforms.
He was a notable figure in ecumenical conversations with the Vatican, where his depth of knowledge and genuine desire for unity left a lasting impression. Alongside Mar Powvathil and Mar Perunthottam, he championed efforts that brought the Eastern Churches closer in both faith and friendship.
On the occasion of his passing, Archbishop Mar Thomas Tharayil conveyed the deep condolences and prayerful solidarity of the Changanassery Archdiocese. He affirmed that the Church gratefully remembers Mar Aprem as a shepherd who not only upheld the faith of his people but also built bridges across ecclesial divides with courage, intellect, and humility.