Renowned preacher and televangelist, Dr Morris Cerullo, has died on Saturday in San Diego, California, United States at 88.
His death was confirmed in an update on his official Facebook page on 11 July, 2020.
Dr. Morris Cerullo’s ministry team had earlier this week made a call to prayer, saying that the televangelist was being treated for Pneumonia at a hospital in San Diego.
The clergyman was born on October 2, 1931 in New Jersey to a Russo-Jewish/Italian family.
He impacted many with his inspirational words and Christian teachings that spanned decades.
Cerullo hosted Victory Today, a daily television program, and published more than 80 books.
Founder and Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission, Bishop Mike Okonkwo, who has invited Cerullo several times for preaching engagement in Nigeria expressed shock over his death.
He wrote;
My father – Dr. Morris Cerullo! Like a good soldier of Christ, you fought a good fight, finished your course and kept the faith (2 Tim 4:7). Our consolation is that you lived an impactful life, raising men across the globe for Jesus. Adieu Papa Cerullo! We will miss you dearly.
Born to a Russo-Jewish/Italian family, Cerullo attended and graduated from divinity school in New York state in 1953.
His parents died in an automobile accident when he was very young and was raised in various orphanages.
He later converted to Christianity at age 14 with the guidance of a nurse in the orphanage.
Jewish orphanage directors however restricted him from practicing certain matters of his new faith, so he ran away from the orphanage and started evangelising at the age of 16, with the help of his wife Theresa.
He was later ordained as a minister in the Assemblies of God.
Cerullo ministered in several countries of the world including Nigeria, Mexico, Brazil, The Philippines, Korea, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Kenya, Indonesia, Netherlands and many others.
He is survived by his wife, Theresa and their three children.
May his soul rest in peace.
