Dubai: Dr Philipose Mar Chrysostom, Metropolitan Emeritus of the Mar Thoma Syrian Church and the longest-serving bishop in India, passed away at a private hospital in Kerala early Wednesday due to age-related illnesses, church officials said. He was 104.
An outstanding bishop with a genuine humanitarian outlook and global vision, Mar Chrysostom was awarded the Padma Bhushan by President Ram Nath Kovind in 2018.
He is credited with implementing and formulating many projects to improve the social, economic and cultural condition of the poor and deprived. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, received Most Rev Dr. Philipose Mar Chrysostom Marthoma Metropolitan, during a visit to Dubai in December 2001.