His Holiness Moran Mar Baselios Paulos I holds a singular and sacred place in the history of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church as the first Catholicos of the East in Malankara. Elevated to the Apostolic Throne of Saint Thomas in 1912, his brief but historic tenure marked the restoration of the Catholicate and the beginning of a new era of ecclesiastical independence for the Malankara Church.

Born on January 19, 1836, to Murimattom Kurian and Mariamma in Kolencherry, His Holiness was called to a life of sacred service from an early age. He received the order of deaconship from Cheppad Mar Dionysius in 1843, and in 1852 was ordained as a priest by Metropolitan Yuyakim Mar Kurilos. He served faithfully for many years as Vicar of Kolencherry Church, shepherding his flock with devotion and pastoral care.

His Consecration as Metropolitan

On May 17, 1877, His Holiness Patriarch Pathrose consecrated him as Paulose Mar Ivanios at Cherallayam Palli, Kunnamkulam, appointing him as Metropolitan of the Kandanad Diocese. In this capacity he served the Church with faithfulness and distinction, guiding the faithful of Kandanad through a formative period in the life of the Malankara Church.

• 1836Born on January 19 in Kolencherry to Murimattom Kurian and Mariamma
• 1843Received the order of deaconship from Cheppad Mar Dionysius
• 1852Ordained as Priest by Metropolitan Yuyakim Mar Kurilos
• 1877Consecrated as Paulose Mar Ivanios and appointed Metropolitan of Kandanad Diocese
• 1912Elevated to the Apostolic Throne of Saint Thomas as the First Catholicos of Malankara
• 1913Reposed in the Lord on May 2 and was laid to rest at Pampakuda Cheriya Palli

Elevation to the Catholicate

On September 15, 1912, His Holiness Patriarch Abdhedh Messiah, with the cooperation of Vattasseril Geevarghese Mar Dionysios Metropolitan and Geevarghese Mar Gregorios Metropolitan, elevated Paulose Mar Ivanios to the Apostolic Throne of Saint Thomas as Catholicos of the Malankara Church. He thus became the first Catholicos of the East in Malankara, a restoration of an ancient office that would carry profound significance for generations to come.

His Repose

His Holiness passed away on May 2, 1913, and was laid to rest at Pampakuda Cheriya Palli. His memory is honored each year on May 3, as the faithful of the Church remember with gratitude the life and legacy of the first Catholicos of the East in Malankara.