Geevarghese Mar Ivanios, Metropolitan of the Kottayam diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, has passed away at the age of 72 after a prolonged illness. The mortal remains of Mar Ivanios will be interred in a specially erected crypt at the Mar Baselius Dayara on Saturday (20th January, 2018) afternoon. His body was first taken to the Mar Kuriakose Dayara, Pothenpuram, and then to the Mar Baselius Dayara, Njaliakuzhy, in the afternoon.
Mar Ivanios was made deacon in 1963 and ordained priest in 1971. He was elected as bishop in 1985 by the Malankara Syrian Christian Association and consecrated metropolitan of the Kottayam diocese the same year. In order to spread the radiance of Orthodox spirituality and monasticism, Mar Ivanios founded the monastery Mar Baselius Dayara at Njaliakuzhy, Kottayam, where he used to live.
Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan Baselius Mar Thoma Paulose II and Catholicos Emeritus Baselius Mar Thoma Didymos I will lead the prayers at his funeral services. Orthodox Church authorities said Saturday will be a holiday for all institutions run by the Church.
