Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on Thursday for the passing of Metropolitan Moran Mor Athanasius Yohan of the Believers Eastern Church. PM Modi praised Moran Mor Athanasius Yohan for his dedication to society and his efforts to improve the quality of life for the underprivileged.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “I am pained by the passing away of the Metropolitan of Believers Eastern Church, Moran Mor Athanasius Yohan. He will be remembered for his service to society and his emphasis on improving the quality of life of the downtrodden. My thoughts are with his family and all devotees of the Believers Church. May his soul rest in peace.”
Moran Mor Athanasius Yohan passed away due to cardiac arrest in a hospital in Dallas, Texas, where he was being treated after being injured in an accident during his morning walk in the US, according to a statement from the Believers Eastern Church.
The Believers Eastern Church stated, “He passed away due to sudden cardiac arrest in a hospital in Dallas, Texas where he had been receiving treatment since his accident. Additional information will be provided by the Holy Synod in due course. May his memory be eternal!”
Moran Mor Athanasius Yohan was born in an ordinary farming family in Niranat, Upper Kuttanad. He began preaching the Bible as a teenager and joined Operation Mobilization at 16. He pursued theological studies in Dallas, America, starting in 1974.
He became known for spreading the word of God as a pastor and then as a priest. In 1978, he and his wife, Gisella, who was also active in the same field, were instrumental in founding the organization called Gospel for Asia. As the organization expanded, Yohannan decided to work from its headquarters in Thiruvalla after an extended period abroad.
In 2003, the Believers’ Conference was established to bring together the global faith community, further establishing the Church’s presence. The Church also started a medical college in Thiruvalla to provide affordable treatment for the common man.
In 2017, when the name was changed to Believers’ Eastern Conference, KP Yohannan was appointed as the first metropolitan of the Church, which has a global presence.