Metropolitan Consecration of HB Baselios Thomas I

Metropolitan Consecration of HB Baselios Thomas I

February 24th is the anniversary of the Metropolitan Consecration of HB Mor Baselius Thomas I Catholicos (Maphriyano) of India and Metropolitan of Malankara. In January 1974, then Fr. CM Thomas was elected to the episcopate by the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Christian Association & was consecrated Metropolitan with the title 'Mor Dionysius' by the thrice blessed late Patriarch HH Moran Mor Ignatius Yac'ub III of blessed memory on 24th February 1974 at the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate in Damascus, Syria. Along with him, late HG Mor Gregorios Geevarghese (Perumpilly Thirumeni) was also consecrated. Bishop Mor Dionysius was entrusted with the charge of Angamali diocese, the largest Syriac Orthodox diocese which has more than half a million Syriac faithful. As the Metropolitan of Angamali, he successfully initiated many welfare programs & also reorganized the diocesan administration. In 1978 Mor Baselios Medical Mission Hospital at Kothamangalam was started under his able leadership. HB is affectionately called the 'Yac'ub Burd’ono of Malankara' by the spiritual children due to his untiring efforts to strengthen & safeguard the Syriac Orthodox (Malankara Jacobite) Church in India during turbulent times. Despite being 89, Mor Baselius is considered one of the most energetic leaders of the Holy Church & continues to grace the children of Malankara with his fatherly presence. Barekmor Maphrian! Congratulations on this blessed day. May Moriyo Aloho grant you many more years to shepherd the Syriac Orthodox faithful of Malankara. Remember us all in your prayers and Holy Qurbono. For full biography: http://syriacchristianity.info/StGG/Catholicos_ThomasI.htm