New Delhi, Jul 12: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday mourned the demise of the Supreme head of Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, Moran Mor Baselios Marthoma Paulose II.

Baselios Marthoma Paulose died at Parumala St Gregorios Hospital early this morning.

In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, “Saddened by the passing away of His Holiness Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Paulos II, the Supreme Head of Indian Orthodox Church. He leaves behind a rich legacy of service and compassion. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the members of the Orthodox Church. RIP.”

Baselios Marthoma (75) was on treatment for cancer for one-and-a-half years and was on ventilator support for the past few days.

He was the 91st reigning Catholicos of the East.

The funeral services will be held on Tuesday afternoon at the Catholicate Palace chapel in Devalokam in Kerala’s Kottayam district. (UNI)