New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday mourned the demise of Supreme head of Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, Moran Mor Baselios Marthoma Paulose II.

Taking to Twitter, Prime Minister noted."Saddened by the passing away of His Holiness Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Paulos II, the Supreme Head of Indian Orthodox Church. He leaves behind a rich legacy of service and compassion. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the members of the Orthodox Church. RIP," the PM said.

Saddened by the passing away of His Holiness Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Paulos II, the Supreme Head of Indian Orthodox Church. He leaves behind a rich legacy of service and compassion. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the members of the Orthodox Church. RIP.

? Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 12, 2021

Baselios Marthoma (75) was on treatment for cancer for one-and- a-half years and was on ventilator support for the past few days.  He was the 91st reigning Catholicos of the East. The body of His Highness has been placed for the faithful to pay their last respects at the famed Parumala Church, near Thiruvalla, and will be taken to the Church headquarters on Monday night

The veteran Metropolitan's closeness with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan surfaced out in the open when he made the statement soon after meeting him in 2016 and said that the 'Church which was like an orphan, has now someone to look forward to'.

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