Samuel Amritham, the fourth Bishop of the South Kerala diocese of the Church of South India (CSI), passed away here on Tuesday. He was 85.
Bishop Amritham, who retired on August 19, 1997, was keeping indifferent health for some time. He was the Bishop of the South Kerala diocese and led its flock as its head from 1990 to 1997.
Born on August 19, 1932, Bishop Amritham is the son of J. Amritham and Annal Amritham of Bethany, Cheruvarakonam, Parassala. After taking his B.Sc. (Hons) in Physics from Madras Christan College, he joined theological studies at the United Theological College, Bengaluru, and the Jerusalem University-Biblical Archaeology, University of Hanburg.
He joined the service of the Church in 1957.
He had worked as a lecturer in Physics, Scott Christian College, Nagercoil; Member of Faculty, UTC, Bengalaru; Member of Faculty, Garet Theological Seminary; Principal, Tamil Nadu Theological Institute; and Director, Programme on Theological Education, World Council of Churches in Geneva; from 1980 to 1990.
Funeral on Sept 29
He is survived by wife Lilly Amritham and two children. According to Church authorities, the mortal remains will be kept at TGM Hall, LMS compound, from 11 a.m. on September 29 and the funeral will be held after service at 3 p.m. at AMC Church, Parassala.