It is with profound sorrow and deep gratitude to God that the Church of South India - Madras Diocese mourns the passing of Rev. Dr. P. Mohan Larbeer, an esteemed theologian, educator, ecumenical leader, and faithful servant of Christ. His departure leaves a great void in the Church and the wider theological community, yet his life remains a shining testimony to the transforming power of the Gospel.
Rev. Dr. Larbeer belonged to that rare generation of Christian leaders who combined academic excellence with pastoral sensitivity and social commitment. Throughout his ministry, he understood theology not merely as a discipline to be studied but as a vocation to be lived.
As Principal of Tamil Nadu Theological Seminary, he exercised visionary leadership that shaped generations of pastors, theologians, and Christian workers. He inspired students to integrate faith with social responsibility and equipped them to engage critically and compassionately with the challenges facing Church and society. Under his guidance, theological education became a transformative journey that nurtured both intellectual rigor and committed discipleship.
Rev. Dr. Larbeer's influence extended far beyond the seminary campus. Through his service as Secretary of the Board of Theological Education of the Senate of Serampore College (BTESSC), he contributed significantly to the development and strengthening of theological education across India. He championed the cause of Dalits, women, children, and vulnerable communities, believing that Christian faith must find expression in acts of justice, compassion, and solidarity. Whether through educational initiatives, community development programmes, advocacy for human dignity, or pastoral accompaniment, he demonstrated that theology becomes meaningful when it serves life.
Those of us who had the privilege of knowing him remember not only his intellectual gifts but also his humility, warmth, generosity, and unwavering commitment to the Church. He was a mentor to many, a colleague who encouraged others, and a friend whose warm wisdom and counsel were deeply valued. His life reflected the servant leadership exemplified by our Lord Jesus Christ.
On a personal note, I recall with gratitude and encouragement extended to me by Dr. Larbeer during his tenure as Principal of TTS from 2003 to 2009. At that time, when I was serving as a pastor, he graciously invited me for several consecutive years to offer orientation sessions for the first-year theological students on theological, spiritual, and mini formation. My memory is fresh, as I met him last week when I visited TTS for the opening retreat, in which we shared the moments of friendship.
As we commend Rev. P. Mohan Larbeer into the eternal care of God, we celebrate a life faithfully lived in the service of the Gospel. We give thanks for his remarkable contributions to theological education, ecumenical engagement, and social transformation. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations to pursue a faith that is intellectually vibrant, spiritually grounded, and passionately committed to justice and peace.
On behalf of the officers-MDC, Bishop Chaplain, clergy and people of God of CSI Madras Diocese, I extend our heartfelt condolences to Rev. P. Margret Kalielvi and Ms. Manju and the members of the bereaved family, colleagues, former students, and all who mourn his passing. May the God of all comfort strengthen and sustain them in this time of grief.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
May the soul of Rev. Dr. P. Mohan Larbeer rest in the eternal peace of God, and may his memory continue to be a blessing to the Church and the world.
Rt. Rev. A. Paul Francis Ravichandran
Bishop in Madras, Church of South India