Senior Metropolitan Philipose Mar Chrysostom of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church is a torchbearer of compassion and humanity, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said.
Mr. Vijayan’s message was read out in his absence at a public meeting organised here on Sunday to celebrate the birth centenary of Mar Chrysostom that falls on April 27.
Mr. Vijayan said he steered clear of narrow ideas and refused to differentiate people on the basis of their religion or community.
Rajya Sabha deputy chairman P.J. Kurien said Mar Chrysostom could be regarded a true secularist. “He lives by the gospel and the spirituality he practises transcends religions and societal boundaries,” he said.
Former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy called the Senior Metropolitan a phenomenon and a corrective force. He has never shied away from voicing criticism, which is viewed in a constructive manner by all, Mr. Chandy added.
Mar Thoma Church Metropolitan Joseph Mar Thoma said the birth centenary would be celebrated at Thiruvalla on April 27. Veteran BJP leader L.K. Advani will participate in the event.
Replying to the felicitations, Mar Chrysostom stressed the importance of realising the potential of others and assisting them in achieving their goals.
35-hour documentary
A six-minute teaser of ‘100 Years of Chrysostom,’ a documentary running into 35 hours, was screened on the occasion.
The film is being directed by Blessy.
