ar Aprem MetropolitanPhoto | Special arrangement
Ishtartv.com – newindianexpress.com
07 Jul 2025
THRISSUR: THRISSUR : Mar Aprem
Mooken, Metropolitan of the Chaldean Syrian Church -- also known as the
Assyrian Church of the East in India -- passed away on Monday due to
age-related ailments at a private hospital in Thrissur. He was 85. Born George
Mooken on June 13, 1940, Mar Aprem completed his education in church history
from the New York Union Theological Seminary in United States.
He was anointed as a deacon on
June 25, 1961, before being ordained a priest four years later. He was
consecrated a bishop in 1968 by Mar Thoma Darmo, Catholicos-Patriarch of
Ancient Church of the East. Eight days later, he was conferred the title of metropolitan.
In 1999, he returned to the Chaldean Syrian Church.
A prominent personality in the
cultural field of Kerala, Mar Aprem always stood for religious harmony. His
speeches were filled with wit and wisdom, making them an unforgettable
experience for listeners. During his 56-year stint as metropolitan of the Chaldean
Church, Mar Aprem played important role in spreading brotherhood and harmony
among people of all walks of life.
An avid writer, Mar Aprem was an
expert in various languages including Syriac, Hebrew, Greek and Latin. He
authored close to 70 books, of which nearly half are travelogues. His
translation of Sree Narayana Guru’s ‘Daiva Dasakam’ is an important work that
reaffirms the values he held as a priest. He also served as president of the
Church History Association of India from 1976-82. Mar Aprem was a member of the
national board of the Church’s Auxiliary for Social Action (CASA) from its
founding.
On Tuesday, the mortal remains
will be placed at the Thrissur Marth Mariam Cathedral -- the church’s
headquarters -- for the public to pay homage . The funeral rites will be held
on Wednesday at 1 pm after the ceremonial public procession. It will be followed
by a condolence meeting.
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