THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, DELHI
Their Graces’ and other dignitaries
We gather here today to honour and celebrate the life of a truly remarkable individual, मोरान मोर अथेनसिअस योहान-1, Metropolitan of Believers Eastern Church. His journey was one of, profound faith, unwavering dedication, and boundless love for humanity. I also take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those from India and especially Kerala, who lost their lives in the tragic fire in Kuwait recently.
02. I had met the Metropolitan on 24th April 2024 and taken part in a programme organized by the Believers Church Medical College Hospital on the same day. It indeed came as a shock to me to learn about his passing just a few days after that. I must say, that the Metropolitan impressed me immensely with his national perspective and commitment to the cause of goodness in life.
03. This was my first and only meeting with the Metropolitan. The warmth with which he welcomed me touched my heart. His openness and boldness, stood out with me. He earnestly believed that all of us - the Church, the Christian community and the Government could work together in service of India. He had asked me to serve as a bridge with the Government.
04. I had then, assured the Metropolitan, as indeed many of the leaders whom I met during my visit, that I would, with all earnestness, serve as a link and the bridge between the Church, the Christian community and the Government at any level, required. Today, as we gather here to remember him, I once again reiterate my commitment to serve the cause of bridging any gaps and smoothening out, any perceived differences.
05. Born on March 8, 1950, in the humble village of Niranam in Kerala, He was the youngest of six children. His early life was marked by simplicity and devotion, growing up in the same village where St. Thomas established a church in the 1st century AD. It was in this sacred place that he began his spiritual journey, responding to God's call at the tender age of sixteen.
06. He spent eight years traversing the northern states of India, spreading God's love through his words and actions. These formative years instilled in him a deep appreciation for India's rich cultural and historical heritage, particularly the rural life and its people. He often fondly recalled the simple meals of dal, roti, and pyaaj he shared at roadside dhabas in Punjab and the warm encounters he had with the people of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan.
07. His quest for knowledge led him to the United States, where he studied theology and served as a parish priest. Despite the allure of the 'American dream,' he chose to return to India, responding once again, to serve his people. This selfless decision, marked the beginning of a life dedicated to the divine cause.
08. He soon became a familiar voice to millions through the popular radio broadcast ‘आत्मीय यात्रा’ (Spiritual Journey). His ability to connect with people from all walks of life, addressing socially relevant issues such as marriage, raising children, and combating alcoholism, made him a household name in Kerala. His message transcended social barriers, reaching hearts and minds across the nation.
09. As a prolific author, he wrote over 300 books, offering practical and spiritual guidance on hundreds of subjects. His writings, translated into dozens of languages, touched countless lives, transcending caste, colour, creed, and religion. On February 6, 2003, he was consecrated as the Bishop and installed as the Metropolitan of Believers Eastern Church. Under his visionary leadership, the church grew into a global entity, with 12,000 parishes and millions of faithful across four continents.
10. Despite his numerous responsibilities, he never forgot the suffering of the millions in Asia. Driven by the love of Jesus, he comforted the broken-hearted, cared for lepers, embraced children, and ventured into places where many feared to go. His charitable projects included providing access to clean drinking water, empowering women, and bringing relief to victims of natural disasters.
11. I am informed that, through the Bridge of Hope project, over 1,50,000 children were lifted from poverty and given hope for a brighter future. His clean water initiatives installed more than 30,000 bore wells and distributed over 58,000 bio-sand filters. He empowered 35,000 women with vocational skills and cared for 60,000 leprosy patients.
12. His vision extended beyond India. In 2019, he led the church to spread its influence in Africa, starting projects in Rwanda to help children and mothers in need. He envisioned the Believers International Hospital and Research Centre, a multi-specialty hospital in Kigali, Rwanda and brought hope to millions.
13. On May 8, 2024, the Metropolitan departed from this world, leaving behind a legacy of love and service. His passing was mourned by leaders and faithful alike, including the Prime Minister of India and the President of Sri Lanka. His funeral, attended by an estimated 75,000 mourners and leaders from various faiths, was held with full state honors.
14. मोरान मोर अथेनसिअस योहान-1 Metropolitan's life is a testament to how God can transform a simple village boy into a beacon of hope and healing for millions. He believed in a God who loved everyone beyond caste, colour, creed, and religion, and he truly lived by these words.
15. More than anything else, the departed Metropolitan’s life should stand out to us as an example of mainstreaming of compassion and service over barriers of religion, caste, community, region or race. He exemplified Indianness. He lived and practiced our ancient and eternal civilizational values of “वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम” and “सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः सर्वे सन्तु निरामया”. For him, his identity was first that of an Indian and everything followed thereafter. He could dovetail everything that was good in every religion, especially the philosophical moorings of Christianity, Hinduism and Buddhism. He celebrated the diversity and the cultural richness of India not in any bracket of religion, but in all its openness.
16. As we remember him today, let us carry forward his vision of love, service, and unity. May his memory be eternal.
Thank you.
Jai Hind.