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.