Athanasius Yohan I, the Supreme Head of the Believers Eastern Church, has tragically passed away in a hospital in Dallas, Texas, where he was receiving treatment for serious injuries sustained in an accident on May 7. He succumbed to sudden cardiac arrest at the age of 74.
Born as KP Yohannan in 1950 in the village of Niranam near Thiruvalla, Athanasius Yohan I dedicated his life to serving God after completing his high school education. He spent eight years proclaiming the gospel and engaging in charitable works in South Asia, following the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.
After receiving theological training in the United States in the 1970s, Yohannan founded a missionary organization, which grew into one of the largest missionary and church-planting movements across various Asian nations.
On February 6, 2003, he was consecrated and elevated as the Metropolitan of the Believers Eastern Church. In line with Orthodox Christian tradition, he adopted the name Athanasius Yohan in honor of his patron saints, St. Athanasius and St. John (Yohan) the Apostle and Evangelist.
During his tenure, the Believers Eastern Church experienced significant growth, with more than 12,000 parishes established in Asia and Africa. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in founding institutions such as the St. Ignatius Theological Seminary, the Believers Church Residential School, and the Believers Church Medical College & Hospital in Thiruvalla.
Athanasius Yohan I leaves behind a legacy of dedicated service to the church and a profound impact on countless lives through his missionary and humanitarian work. His contributions will be remembered and cherished by the Believers Eastern Church community and beyond.
