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CHRISTIAN BREAKING NEWS: Mar Aprem Metropolitan (George Davis Mooken), Head of Chaldean Syrian Church (Assyrian Church of the East) (June 13, 1940 – July 7, 2025) [#MarApremMetropolitan #GeorgeDavisMooken]

Hi everyone,

Mar Aprem Metropolitan (born George Davis Mooken), the longtime head of the Chaldean Syrian Church of the East in India, passed away on July 7, 2025, at the age of 85.

A towering figure in church leadership and Syriac scholarship, Mar Aprem faithfully served as Metropolitan from 1968 to 2022, guiding the Indian branch of the Assyrian Church of the East through decades of spiritual growth, ecumenical dialogue, and cultural preservation. He was known not only for his theological brilliance—with over 65 books to his name—but also for his wit, humility, and unwavering devotion to the faith.

Born in Thrissur, Kerala, and educated in India and abroad, he brought global insight to a deeply rooted Eastern tradition. His efforts helped reconcile divisions within the Church of the East and laid the groundwork for unity and education across generations.

This tribute honors a life lived in service, scholarship, and sanctity.

🕊️ “Behold the Cross of Calvary” — one of his beloved hymns — remains a lasting echo of his voice.

Mar Aprem Metropolitan—born George Davis Mooken—who led the Chaldean Syrian (Assyrian Church of the East) Church in India for over 50 years, has passed away today at age 85 in Thrissur, Kerala

🕊️ Lifelong Ministry & Scholarship
Born 13 June 1940 in Thrissur, he earned advanced theological degrees from Leonard Theological College (Jabalpur), United Theological College (Bangalore), and Union Theological Seminary (New York)

Ordained as a priest in 1965 and consecrated bishop in Baghdad in September 1968—becoming one of India’s youngest metropolitans at age 28—he returned to India in October that year

📚 Leadership & Cultural Legacy
Served as Metropolitan from 1968 until stepping aside in 2022. He briefly led the global church in 2015 after the Patriarch’s death

Authored over 65 books in English and Malayalam—ranging from theological works and church history to satire and travelogues—and composed devotional hymns. His notable translation of Sree Narayana Guru’s Daiva Daśakam into Syriac was performed in Sharjah

Played a key role in bridging schisms within the Church of the East and set up institutions like Marthoma Higher Secondary School (Madras) and Chaldean College (Thrissur)

⚕️ Final Days & Passing
Mar Aprem was receiving medical care—including intermittent hemodialysis—in ICU at Sun Medical and Research Centre, Thrissur, when his condition deteriorated and he passed away today

🙏 Funeral Arrangements
The Church has yet to announce funeral and final rites, pending coordination with ecclesiastical heads in Iraq and the newly appointed Metropolitan, Mar Awgin Kuriakose

🕯️ Reflection
Mar Aprem was a beloved spiritual guide, scholar, and cultural bridge. His leadership, scholarship, and commitment to church unity have left a profound legacy in Kerala’s Christian heritage and beyond.

MAR APREM METROPOLITAN, HEAD OF CHALDEAN SYRIAN CHURCH (ASSYRIAN CHURCH OF THE EAST) (1940 – 2025) | Christian News and Views!

MAR APREM METROPOLITAN, HEAD OF CHALDEAN SYRIAN CHURCH (ASSYRIAN CHURCH OF THE EAST) (1940 – 2025) | Christian News and Views!