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South Korean Christian minister, Pastor David Paul Yonggi Cho, has passed away at the age of 85, after a battle with brain hemorrhage.
Yonggi Cho was the co-founder of Yoido Full Gospel Church, the world’s largest congregation, with a claimed membership of 830,000.
He was pronounced dead on Tuesday morning after reportedly battling with the condition since July 2020.
Yonggi Cho was born on February 14, 1936, in Ulsan, South Korea, and was an alumnus of both Hansei and Kookmin Universities.
His death was announced in a statement by his wife, Kim Sung Hae; and children, Cho Hee-jun, a South Korean journalist; Cho Min-je; and Cho Seung-je.
“It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Rev. Dr. Yonggi Cho. He passed on September 14, 7:13 am. He was 85 years old.
“Dr. Cho’s funeral will be held on September 18, 8am Korean Standard Time, and led by Rev. Billy Kim of the Far East Broadcasting Company. His body will be buried in the Osanri Jasil Choi Fasting Prayer Mountain.
Dr. Cho had suffered a brain hemorrhage on July 16, 2020 and had been hospitalized ever since.
“Please keep Dr. Cho’s family in your prayers as they go through this difficult time,” the statement read.