Renowned lyrical evangelist Ezra Sastry, who served Christian congregations across the two Telugu States for over five decades, died of cardiac arrest at a private hospital in Secunderabad in the early hours of Saturday (October 10). He was 72.

Known for his contributions as a singer, songwriter, composer and musician, Sastry dedicated more than five decades of his life to spreading the Christian message through music.

He is survived by wife, daughter and son.

“In his death, we lost a melodious singer, songwriter, composer, musician and, above all, a music therapist and lyrical evangelist par excellence,” said Jetti A. Oliver, chairman of the Telugu Christava Sahithi Samithi, mourning his demise.

The funeral service will be held at Centenary Baptist Church in Secunderabad at 2 p.m. on Sunday (October 11), following which his mortal remains will be laid to rest at the Secunderabad Christian Cemetery.