Mar Osthathios laid to rest

ALAPPUZHA: In the presence of thousands of devotees and Church officials, the mortal remains of Geevarghese Mar Osthathios, who died on Thursday,  were interred in a special crypt at the St Paul’s Mission Training Centre, Mavelikkara, near here, on Saturday.The procession carrying the body of the bishop began from Parumala Mar Gregorios church after a Holy Mass led by Yakob Mar Iraneus. Hundreds of devotees arrayed on the roadside to have a glimpse of the mortal remains of the late metropolitan. The procession covered Mannar, Chennithala, Mavelikkara and Thattarambalam, and reached St John’s Orthodox church Pathichira, the home parish of the metropolitan, at 1 pm. Hundreds of devotees paid their last respects at the church. Later, the body was brought to the Mission Centre. Baselius Mar Thoma Didymos Valiya Bava and Catholicos Baselius Mar Thoma Paulose II led the rituals. Other bishops and priests of the Orthodox Church and other Churches participated in the entombment. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, Union Minister of State for Power K C Venugopal and other prominent leaders paid homage to Mar Osthathios.