The Catholicate
What is the Catholicate?
The word "Catholicos" means "the general head" or "general bishop." It can be considered as equivalent to "Universal Bishop." This title is more ancient than the title "Patriarch" in the history of the Christian Church.
The Catholicate of the East was relocated to India in 1912. The Catholicos of the East is the supreme head of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church.
"The Malankara Association in 1934 entrusted both spiritual and temporal powers to the Catholicos and Malankara Metropolitan, merging the authorities into one office."
Authority vested in the Archdeacons since the time of St. Thomas (Mid-4th Century)
The Era of Archdeacons as the heads of the community, reaching up to the 16th Century
Elevation of the Archdeacon to Mar Thoma Methrans (Bishop), evolving into Malankara Metropolitan
Consecration of the Catholicos as the head of the Church, consolidating spiritual authority
H.H. Baselios Marthoma Mathews III
The 9th Catholicos of the East & Malankara Metropolitan
BackgroundPersonal Life
Born to Mr. Cherian Anthrayos of the Mattathil family, Vazhoor, His Holiness has dedicated his entire life to the service of the Church and humanity. His journey from a young deacon to the Primate of the Church is a testament to his spiritual depth and administrative wisdom.
EducationAcademic Excellence
- BSc Chemistry — Kerala University
- GST & BD — Orthodox Seminary & Serampore University
- PhD in Theology — Oriental Institute, Rome
- Higher Studies — Leningrad, Russia
MinistryEcclesiastical Journey
His Holiness was ordained as a Deacon in 1976 and as a Priest in 1978. In 1991, he was consecrated as an Episcopa and later elevated to Metropolitan in 1993. On 15 October 2021, he was enthroned as the 92nd Primate upon the Holy Apostolic Throne of St. Thomas.
Reach OutContact Information
- Catholicate Aramana, Devalokam P.O., Kottayam, Kerala, India — 686 004
- +91 481-2578500 / 2578499
- catholicos@mosc.in
- Official Facebook Page