Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi Mourn the Passing of Mor Baselios Thomas, Head of the Jacobite Syrian Christian Church
New Delhi – Leaders of the Congress Party, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, expressed their profound sorrow over the death of Mor Baselios Thomas, the supreme head of the Jacobite Syrian Christian Church, who passed away on Thursday evening at the age of 95.
In a heartfelt message on Facebook, Rahul Gandhi described Baselios Thomas as a “revered spiritual leader” whose life was dedicated to service and upliftment. He emphasized the impact of Thomas’s wisdom and compassion, stating, “His legacy of faith and unity inspired countless lives. My condolences to his family, friends, and followers.”
Priyanka Gandhi, Congress’s candidate for the Wayanad bypoll, also shared her condolences via a post on X, expressing her deep sadness at the loss. She highlighted the late leader’s unwavering faith and commitment to service, noting that his compassion touched many lives. “My heartfelt condolences to the Syrian Christian Community. May his soul rest in peace,” she wrote.
Mor Baselios Thomas, affectionately known as C.M. Thomas, was recognized as the longest-serving supreme head of a church in Kerala. Born in 1929 in Puthencruz, his early life was marked by illness, which interrupted his formal education, leaving him with just a Class 4 education. However, his strong faith propelled him into a life of service, and he was ordained as a priest in 1958.
Despite his limited formal schooling, he mastered the Syriac language while preparing for priesthood. In 1974, he became the Metropolitan of the Angamali diocese, the largest Syrian Orthodox diocese. Known for his forthrightness, he often engaged in vocal discussions with the Kerala government and navigated complex relationships within the Syrian Orthodox Church.
In 2019, Baselios Thomas decided to step down due to age-related issues, but was encouraged by the Patriarch of Antioch, Ignatius Aphrem II, to remain in his position. He had been unwell in recent weeks and passed away peacefully on Thursday evening, leaving behind a significant legacy within the spiritual community.
