H.H. Baselios Paulos I

Biography

His Holiness was born on 19 January 1836 to Murimattom Kurian and Mariamma in Kolencherry. He received deaconship from Cheppad Mar Dionysius in 1843 and in 1852 he was ordained as Priest by Metropolitan Yuyakim Mar Kurilos. He served for a long period as Vicar of Kolencherry Church.

On 17th May 1877, His Holiness Patriarch Pathrose consecrated him as Paulose Mar Ivanios at Cherallayam Palli, Kunnam kulam and appointed him as Metropolitan of Kandanad diocese.

On 15th September 1912, His Holiness Patriarch Abdhedh Messiah with the co-operation of Vattasseril Geevarghese Mar Dionysios Metropolitan and Geevarghese Mar Gregorios Metropolitan elevated him to the Apostolic throne of St. Thomas as Catholicos of Malankara church.

He passed away on 2 May 1913. He was laid to rest in Pampakuda Cheriya Palli. His death Anniversary is on 3rd May.

Historical Significance

His Holiness Baselios Paulos I holds a unique place in the history of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church as the first Catholicos of the East in Malankara. His consecration marked a pivotal moment in the church's journey toward ecclesiastical independence and self-governance.

The establishment of the Catholicate in 1912 was a response to the challenges faced by the Malankara Church and represented the culmination of centuries of spiritual and administrative development within the Indian Orthodox tradition.

Legacy

Though his tenure as Catholicos was brief, His Holiness Baselios Paulos I laid the foundation for the Catholicate tradition that continues to guide the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church today. His consecration established the apostolic succession and ecclesiastical authority that has been carried forward by subsequent Catholicos throughout the church's history.