With profound sorrow and a heavy heart, we received the news of the passing of our beloved Corepiscopos Patrick Sookhdeo.
Corepiscopos Patrick was a man who completely surrendered his life to our Lord and to His people. His commitment to his divine calling, his unwavering dedication to ministry, his compassion for the poor and needy, and his vision for the Church were truly unparalleled. He consistently chose to stand alongside the less privileged, the poor, and the persecuted, becoming a voice of hope and comfort to countless lives.
He was a man of deep faith, truth, sincerity, kindness, courage, transparency, and accountability. Throughout his life, he extended his hands of love and service to churches around the world and to suffering humanity in areas of distress and persecution. Living with little for himself, he sacrificed his health, comfort, and personal interests so that millions might experience dignity, healing, hope, and a better future.
His voice was prophetic. He never compromised with injustice or corruption but stood firmly for truth until his last breath. He loved the Church more than anything else and remained faithful to his Lord and His mission until the very end.
The Syrian Orthodox Church in India, and especially our Seminary, can never forget this dedicated and faithful servant of God. Our beloved Corepiscopos Patrick will continue to live in our hearts and minds forever.
Personally, I deeply desired to be present for the funeral service. However, due to an important meeting in Chiang Mai that had been scheduled and arranged well in advance, I am unable to attend. It is with great sadness that I remain away physically. Nevertheless, my prayers, thoughts, and spiritual presence will be with you during these moments of farewell and remembrance.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to dear Rosemary and the children. I also convey my deepest sympathies to dear Caroline, Rev. Fr. Prasad, Rev. Fr. Daniel Thejus, and all those who have been associated with him through many decades of faithful service to our Lord in the great ministry of charity and compassion.
As I reflect upon my meetings with Corepiscopos Patrick, I vividly remember his love, care, support, encouragement, and kindness. Those memories make my heart ache and my eyes fill with tears. Great souls such as his are found only rarely perhaps one among millions. He was truly unique.
Yet, even in our grief, we take comfort in the promises of God:
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7) And we trust that our Lord has welcomed His faithful servant with the words:
“Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of your master.” (Matthew 25:23)
May the Lord reward His faithful servant abundantly and grant him eternal rest in the bosom of Abraham. May the God of all comfort console and strengthen his family, friends, and all who mourn his passing.
“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord… they will rest from their labor, for their deeds follow them.” (Revelation 14:13)
May his memory be eternal
Dr. Theophilose Kuriakose Metropolitan
President & Resident Metropolitan of M.S.O.T.S