Lyric evangelist Ezra Sastry has died

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

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

He is survived by his wife, daughter and son.

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

The funeral service will be held at the Secunderabad Centenary Baptist Church at 2pm on Sunday (October 11) after which his remains will be laid to rest at the Secunderabad Christian Cemetery.

Published – 10 Oct 2026 21:11 IST