Synopsis
Reverend Father James George, the Vicar of Kumbanad Shalom Mar Thoma Church, passed away after a miscommunication about his death left the Church community in disarray. The Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church expressed its condolences and clarified the situation.Key Takeaways
- Reverend Father James George has passed away.
- A communication error led to a premature death announcement.
- The Church has expressed condolences to the family.
- Calls for protocol changes regarding future announcements.
- Community unity and prayers requested during this difficult time.
Thiruvalla (Kerala), March 27 (NationPress) Reverend Father James George, the Vicar of the Kumbanad Shalom Mar Thoma Church located near Thiruvalla, has sadly passed away on Thursday.
The Secretary of the Sabha for the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church, Reverend Abey T. Mammen, officially shared this heartbreaking news through a statement.
“The Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church extends its heartfelt condolences to the grieving family on the unfortunate passing of Rev. James George, who transitioned to eternal rest on Thursday, 27 March 2025, at 12:15 AM. His mortal remains will be transferred to the Kumbanad Fellowship hospital mortuary today at 2 AM,” the official announcement read.
Previously, a misunderstanding due to a communication lapse left the Mar Thoma Syrian Church in a state of embarrassment, as Mammen had issued a condolence message on Tuesday evening, erroneously announcing the death of senior priest George.
He had been admitted to a private hospital after falling ill on Monday.
Immediately after the condolence announcement about Reverend George, the Church's social media group and its community began circulating the news in their usual manner.
However, close to midnight, another message from Mammen clarified the erroneous announcement regarding Reverend George.
In his statement, Mammen expressed, “We acknowledge the deep concern and emotional responses from our devoted community regarding the condition of our esteemed clergy, Rev. James George. Initially, based on the information we had at hand and the critical nature of his condition after the withdrawal of ventilator support, an announcement regarding the passing of Rev. James George was made.
“We have since been advised by the medical team that while James George remains in a critical state and continues to be under stringent observation, he has not yet been officially declared deceased.”
“We understand the seriousness and sensitivity of this matter and deeply regret any confusion or distress it may have caused. We ask for the continued prayers of all faithful members during this challenging time and will provide updates as we receive further medical information.
“Even now, he is in a precarious condition and is receiving oxygen support. Let us remain united in prayer and hope, trusting in God’s presence and peace throughout this difficult journey,” Mammen wrote.
A portion of the Church community expressed outrage over the miscommunication from Mammen and called for accountability, but now all eyes are on the Church as it is likely to establish a protocol for future death announcements.
