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The Hindu
10-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Chaldean Syrian Church Archbishop Mar Aprem Metropolitan laid to rest in Thrissur with State honours
The final rites of Mar Aprem Metropolitan, the Archbishop of the Chaldean Syrian Church of the East, was held in Thrissur on Thursday with full State honours. The funeral proceedings began at 7 a.m. with a Holy Mass at Marth Mariam Cathedral. The first phase of the funeral service concluded by 11 a.m. A ceremonial public homage procession (Nagari kanikkal) started from the cathedral at 11 a.m. and passed through High Road and Swaraj Round, returning to the church. The solemn procession featured banners, ceremonial umbrellas and crosses. Over 400 students from the Chaldean school marched with black flags as a mark of respect. Clergy, lay leaders, laity, and members of the public joined the procession. Final burial rites The final burial rites were held at Kuruvilaachan Church by 2 p.m. with State honours. Archbishop Mar Awgin Kuriakose led the service. Mar Aprem was laid to rest near the tombs of his predecessors in a specially prepared tomb. In accordance with ecclesiastical tradition, he was entombed in a seated position on his symbolic throne, adorned with the insignia of his office. A public condolence meeting was held at the church in the afternoon. Multifaceted personality Mar Aprem Metropolitan passed away on Monday (July 7) at the age of 85. A multifaceted personality, Mar Aprem was not just a spiritual leader but also a cultural icon, author, and researcher who guided the Chaldean Syrian Church for more than five decades. Renowned for his sharp wit and infectious sense of humour, he authored 68 books, many of them delightfully rooted in the genre of humour—an unusual but endearing trait for a Church patriarch. His legacy blends spirituality with intellect, laughter, and cultural richness. Born as George Davis Mooken on June 13, 1940, in Thrissur, Mar Aprem was educated in India, England, and the United States. He specialised in church history, a field in which he made significant scholarly contributions. He was consecrated as a bishop on September 21, 1968, and just eight days later, elevated to the rank of Metropolitan. From that day onwards, he led the Chaldean Syrian Church of the East in India, with his headquarters in Thrissur. Condolence meeting held A public condolence meeting was held at 3 p.m. as the community mourned the loss of a beloved religious and cultural figure. Messages of grief poured in from across the globe, including from Catholicos-Patriarch Mar Gewargis III Yonan of the Ancient Church of the East in Iraq and Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Church in Syria. Major Archbishop Emeritus of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church Mar George Alencherry offered prayers and paid his last respects. Prominent ecclesiastical dignitaries and socio-political leaders also extended their condolences.
Shafaq News
27-02-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraq moves to reclaim Christian properties
Shafaq News/ Christian citizens in Iraq persist in reporting property seizures by influential groups, highlighting an ongoing crisis that the government has struggled to resolve for over two decades. Despite government initiatives, activists warn that property confiscations persist. Legal expert Bahaa Al-Tamimi told The New Arab that authorities failed to prosecute offenders. 'The law is clear on property rights, but the government has shown little willingness to confront those responsible,' he said. A senior Justice Ministry official, speaking on condition of anonymity, acknowledged the complexity of the issue and stated that efforts are ongoing to restore seized properties and prevent further violations. The ministry is coordinating with other state institutions and security agencies to ensure protection. To this end, the Iraqi Cabinet Affairs and Committees Department in the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers launched, on Feb. 27, an electronic form dedicated to receiving complaints from Christian citizens and other social groups regarding violations of their properties in the governorates of Baghdad and Nineveh. The General Secretariat confirmed that this step is based on the recommendations of the committee responsible for protecting the properties of these groups. Earlier, Iraqi Minister of Justice Khalid Shwani met with Catholicos-Patriarch Mar Gewargis III Younan of the Ancient Church of the East to discuss safeguarding Christian properties. The Ministry of Justice affirmed in a statement that specialized committees had been formed to oversee real estate transactions, particularly for Christians living abroad, and new directives have been issued to reinforce legal protections. Patriarch Younan welcomed these efforts, but concerns remain about their effectiveness given past failures to curb property seizures. There is no official record detailing the value of properties taken or transferred from citizens. However, experts estimate that the value of state-owned assets seized by various political factions since 2003 exceeds $20 billion, including numerous buildings and sites. At the time, the US Coalition Provisional Authority authorized these properties to be occupied by parties involved in the political process after the American invasion.
