New Delhi, November 1 (IANS). Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi on Friday expressed grief over the demise of Mor Basilios Thomas, the supreme head of the Jacobite Syrian Christian Church. He breathed his last on Thursday evening.
On his Facebook page on Friday, opposition leader Rahul Gandhi wrote, “Saddened by the demise of Catholicos Basilios Thomas, head of the Jacobite Syrian Church. He was a respected spiritual leader, his life dedicated to the service and upliftment of all. His wisdom And Karuna inspired countless people and left a legacy of faith and unity. My condolences to his family, friends and followers.
Congress candidate for Wayanad by-election Priyanka Gandhi also expressed grief over the demise of the spiritual leader.
Priyanka Gandhi, in a post on Twitter on Friday, said, “Deeply saddened to hear the news of the demise of Catholicos Basilios Thomas I, head of the Jacobite Syrian Church. His unwavering faith was a source of light for all. He lived a life of service and charity for the needy.” His deep condolences touched the lives of countless people. May his soul rest in peace.
Basilios Thomas was 95 years old and held the position of highest church head for the longest time in Kerala. C.M. Known as Thomas, he was born in Puthencruz in 1929.
His childhood was mostly troubled by illness, which affected his studies and he ended his formal education when he was in the fourth grade.
However, his lack of formal education never came in his way as he mastered the Syriac language while studying to become a priest.
In 1974, Father Thomas was appointed Metropolitan of the Diocese of Angamaly, the largest Syrian Orthodox diocese.
Basilios Thomas was known for his free and forthright expression of his views and at times even argued with the Kerala government.
As he advanced in age he decided to step down from his position in 2019, but Patriarch of Antioch Ignatius Ephrem II asked him to continue as Catholicos.
He was ill for the last few weeks and breathed his last on Thursday evening.
–IANS
DKM/CBT