Mar Thoma I

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Mar Thoma I Metropolitan
Metropolitan of the Malankara Church
Enthroned	1653
Ended	1670
Predecessor	Archdeacons
Successor	Mar Thoma II

Died	1670

Christianity Portal

Mar Thoma I Metropolitan was the first metropolitan bishop of the Malankara Church of India.

Malankara Mooppen Thomas (Archdeacon Thoma) of Pakalomatom family and 1,000 followers opposed the Portuguese attempts to bring the Indian Christian church into the Roman Catholic Church. In 1653, Thomas and his followers swore the Coonen Cross Oath, declaring an independent church, and stating "We and our children shall never be under Rome." Twelve priests put their hands on the head of Arch Deacon Thomas, elevating him as Mar Thoma I. In 1665, he was consecrated Metropolitan by Mar Gregorios Abdul Jaleel, delegate of the Syriac Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch.

Malankara Throne

The throne used for this consecration in 1653 is still in the possession of the Mar Thoma Church and kept in the Poolatheen, the residence of the Malankara Metropolitan at Tiruvalla. It has been used in the installation of every Mar Thoma Metropolitan, to this day, so that the continuity of the throne of Mar Thoma is ensured. Mar Thoma survived a number of assassination attempts. He died on April 25, 1670 and was laid to rest in Ankamali Marthommen Palli (church).

Preceded by Archdeacons	Metropolitan of the Malankara Church 1663 – 1670	Succeeded by Mar Thoma II

[edit] See Also

[edit] References

1. Juhanon Marthoma Metropolitan, The Most Rev. Dr. (1952). Christianity in India and a Brief History of the Marthoma Syrian Church.. Pub: K.M. Cherian.
2. Mathew N.M. (2003). St. Thomas Christians of Malabar Through Ages’’, C.S.S. Tiruvalla. ISBN 81-4821-008-8 and CN 80303
3. Zac Varghese Dr. & Mathew A. Kallumpram. (2003). ‘’Glimpses of Mar Thoma Church History’’. London, England. ISBN 81/900854/4/1
4. Chacko, T.C. (1936) Malankara Marthoma Sabha Charithra Samgraham’’. (Concise History of Marthoma Church), Pub: E.J. Institute, Kompady, Tiruvalla.
5. Eapen, Prof. Dr. K.V. (2001). ‘’Malankara Marthoma Suryani Sabha Charitram’’. (History of Malankara Marthoma Syrian Church). Pub: Kallettu, Muttambalam, Kottayam.
6. Ittoop Writer, (1906). ‘’Malayalathulla Suryani Chistianikauleday Charitram’’. (History of Syrain Christians in the land of Malayalam)
7. Mathew, N.M. ‘’Malankara Marthoma Sabha Charitram’’, (History of the Marthoma Church), Volume 1.(2006), Volume II (2007). Volume III (to be released in 2008) Pub. E.J.Institute, Thiruvalla