Late Catholicos was a person of faith, ‘man after God’s own heart who walked with God’: Mar Seraphim
BENGALURU: Metropolitan HG Dr Abraham Mar Seraphim of Bangalore Diocese, Indian Orthodox Church, has paid glowing tributes to Late Lamented His Holiness Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Paulose II (1946-2021).
The Metropolitan released ‘Eyes on High,’ a special edition published by Bangalore Diocese at the Diocese headquarters on August 21 to commemorate the life and contributions of late Catholicos.
Mar Seraphim in his single-page tribute states “His Holiness was an embodiment of selflessness who never desired any status, or power, but was like a child humbled himself before God and offered himself as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.”
Reminiscing about the life of His Holiness, Mar Seraphim shared his thoughts about the ‘Tree’ which the Psalmist had described in his Psalms.
“He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither.”
Comparing late Catholicos to a ‘divine tree’ whose leaves never withers away, Mar Seraphim says, “His Holiness’ life and contributions towards the Church will never wither, and he will always be remembered, and remain engraved in the golden annals of the history of our Church.”
His Grace further compares the late Shepherd as a beautiful image of a person of faith who lived a life according to the precepts of God. “Bava Thirumeni was one “who walked with God” and he was a “man after God’s own heart,” he mentions.
Mar Seraphim recalled that though His Holiness was subjected to criticisms and disapproval and faced severe storms throughout, it was his deep-rooted relationship with his Almighty that helped him weather them all. “As he stood firm throughout his life, the Church can never forget the protection and shelter it received during his tenure as the Supreme Head of the Church. As his roots were strong, the Church was properly positioned, and under him the Church continuously progressed as he bore good fruits in His relationship with God, the Church tasted these fruits which proved to be productive.”
“As we lament the loss of our beloved,” Mar Seraphim assures that the Catholicos is still firmly planted near the Divine fountain, and the Church continues to be nourished under this Divine tree. “Though we have lost our spiritual father, we now have a great intercessor planted in heaven across the Divine stream, interceding for us, stronger than ever,” His Grace adds.
Mar Seraphim headed the editorial board of the special edition brought out in association with the Diocesan Council. Rev Fr Santhosh Samuel K, Diocesan Secretary, was the Managing Editor and Publisher. Others who were involved include Fr Skariah Mathew, General Convener, Fr K M Jacob, P K Kurian as Editor, Zacharia Mathew, Mathew Jacob, Rajesh Philip Thomas.
The editorial board consisted of Fr Aby K Raju, Thomas John, Abraham Paul Arieckal, Alex Joseph, Varghese P Abraham, Tinu V Kunjumon.
