Mor Osthatheos Benyamin Joseph +2004

Mor Osthatheos Benyamin Joseph +2004

June 17th is the anniversary of the demise of HG Mor Osthatheos Benyamin Joseph +2004. Mor Osthatheos was the former Metropolitan of the Simhasana-Patriarchal Churches & Institutions in India. Benyamin was born in the Panakkal family of Kunnamkulam on 24th June 1949 to Ukuru(Joseph) & Thandamma. After completing higher studies he entered Manjinikkara Dayro. He became the secretary to the Patriarchal delegate Rev. Raban Aprem Aboodi (later Mor Themotheos Aphrem Aboodi) in 1972. In 1974, he joined the St.Ephrem Syrian Orthodox Theological Seminary in Lebanon for higher studies, later serving as professor & Vice-Principal. He was ordained Qashisho on 15th July 1979 & was appointed as secretary of Indian Church affairs by the thrice blessed late Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Yac'ub III of blessed memory. Additionally, he served the parish in Jordan & in Dubai. Soon after the enthronement of Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas of blessed memory, Fr. Benyamin became his Patriarchal Secretary for Indian affairs. On 7th October 1984, he was consecrated with the title Osthatheos & given the charge of Assistant Metropolitan for Simhasana (Patriarchal) Churches & other Institutions of the Holy Apostolic See of Antioch in India. Following the demise of Mor Julius Yac'ub Madappatt in 1992, Mor Osthatheos Benyamin Joseph was given the charge of all the Simhasana-Patriarchal churches and institutions across Malankara. The ‘Sunthroniso’ service was led by the delegate of the Holy Apostolic See Mor Themotheos Aphrem Aboodi on 13 February 1993 at Manjanikkara Dayro. He contributed immensely to the development of the Simhasana Churches across Malankara. Under his efficient management, the following parishes grew: Pilgrim centre at Manjinikkara Dayro, Chapel at Pelakkattupayyur near Kunnamkulam, St. Elias Simhasana Church Uunnukallu, St. George Simhasana Church Akathiyur, St. Peter’s Simhasana Chapel Thrissur, Nedumkandam St. Mary’s Simhasana & many more. Mor Osthatheos stood steadfastly in the Syriac Orthodox True Faith & was fiercely loyal to the Holy Apostolic See of Antioch. He was the president of Sathya Viswasa Samrakshakana Samithy. Mor Osthatheos had been the pillar of strength for the Church in India at the time of crisis. He traversed the whole stretch of Kerala in an endeavour to resist the actions of the schismatics who were attempting to usurp the Syriac Orthodox parishes. He rushed to areas like Kattachira, Mangalam Dam, Erukkumchira, Kannyattunirappu, Kadamattam, Kolencherry, Ooramana, Chalissery, Cheruthony etc & stayed there for many days giving support to the faithful, encouraging them to remain ardently attached to the Holy See even in the midst of persecution & tribulations. All his efforts to protect the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Church were not hindered by his severe illness & advancing age. His simplicity & accessibility made him popular among the common man. He was always very particular in extending help to all those who approached him regardless of caste or creed. On June 17th 2004 he succumbed to the complications of a stroke he had earlier & departed for the heavenly abode while in the ICU. Thousands of faithful across Malankara thronged to pay their respects during his last rites. The mortal remains of Mor Osthatheos Benyamin Joseph were interred in Dayro d-Mor Ignatius Manjinikkara where he served for over 20 years. Biography courtesy of, 'Martyrs, Saints and Prelates of the Syriac Orthodox Church' and Syriac Christianity website Oh Mor Osthatheos Benyamin Joseph! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen.