Mar Thoma II

Mar Thoma II was the second Metropolitan of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church from 1670 to 1686.

Introduction

On the South Western coast of India lies a small state known as Kerala It was here in the first century, Thomas the Apostle arrived to preach the gospel to the Jewish community. Some of the Jews and locals became followers of Jesus of Nazareth. They were known as Malabar Nasrani people and their church as Malankara Church. They followed a unique Hebrew-Syriac Christian tradition which included several Jewish elements and Indian customs.

In Malankara (Kerala) St. Thomas did not appoint any bishops, but an elder (Mooppen in Malayalam) was selected to lead the people. The parish leader was called Edavaka Mooppen and the church as a whole had a Malankara Mooppen. This was the tradition till 1653.

The Malayalam versions of the Canons of the Synod of Diamper^[1] use these titles throughout the report except in three places where they use the Latin word archidiaconus.^[2][3] There is no chance for the Malankara Church to use this Latin word. Portuguese were not familiar with the Malayalam wording Malankara Mooppen and so they might have used archidiaconus. The Malaylam name Jathikku Karthavian, given by some historians was not used in the Malayalam version of the canons.

Malankara Throne

After the great swearing in 1653 it became necessary to appoint a bishop. For this purpose a special chair was made and the first bishop of Malankara church was enthroned. This throne used for this consecration of Mar Thoma I, is in the possession of the Mar Thoma Church and is kept 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.This was the throne used for the consecration of Mar Thoma II.

Early life

Kuravilangad is a town located in the Kottayam district of Kerala, South India. The town is situated in the Meenachil Taluk, about 22 km (14 mi) north of Kottayam. Pakalomattom family was one of the oldest families at Kuravilangad. The second Mar Thoma was born at Parampil house of this family.

Consecration

The leaders of the Malankara Church selected a nephew (brother's son) of Mar Thoma I as his successor. He was consecrated by Mar Thoma I and the Antiochean patriarchal delegate Mar Gregorios Abdul Jaleel who was the archbishop of Jerusalem. He was the second Mar Thoma who ascended the throne of Malankara church. When Mar Thoma I died on 25 April 1670 Mar Thoma II, took charge of the Malankara Church.

Visits by foreign bishops

Four foreign bishops from Syria arrived in Kerala during his lifetime. Journey from one country to another was not that easy on those days. So none of them were able to return. to their home land. While they were there in Kerala, they were not able to do much except teaching Syriac and consecrating bishops if they were invited. People called them Muthappen (elder father).

Mar Gregorios Abdul Jaleel, of Antioch who arrived in Kerala in 1665, was the Syriac Orthodox Metropolitan of Jerusalem. He was the one who consecrated Mar Thoma I. After the consecration of Mar Thoma II, he spent a retired life. He died on 27 April 1671 or 1681 and was laid to rest at St.Thomas church, North Paravur.

Mar Anthraos and three of his brothers from middle east arrived at Mulanthuruthy church in 1678. Later on they moved to various churches and arrived at St. Mary's Orthodox Cathedral, Puthencavu (near Chengannur). On 29 February 1692 while visiting Kallada, he went to the nearby river and was drowned. Two of his brothers went back to Mulanthuruthy and raised families there. Descendants of one of them later established the Malabar Independent Syrian Church.^[4]

Eldho Mor Baselios and Mar Ivanios Episcopa arrived at Kothamangalam on 14 September 1685. Soon after the arrival Mar Baselious raised Mar Ivanios as Metropolitan (archbishop) with the title Mar Ivanios Hidayulla. After a few days on 29 September 1685 Mar Baselious died and was buried at Kothamangalam cheria palli. He is venerated as a great saint and celebrations are held annually in many churches in Malankara.

Mar Ivanios Hidayuttulla who came with Mar Baselious Yeldho Maphriyano, was consecrated as metropolitan in September 1685. He was able to consecrate Mar Thoma III and Mar Thoma IV. Died on 13 August 1693 and was buried at Mulanthuruthy palli.

Church administration

Synod of Diamper was held in 1599. By the time of Mar Thoma II, became the Metropolitan of malankara in 1670, many of the Syriac practices were already reintroduced into Malankara Church. The use of western calendar, baptismal fonts and having pulpits are some of them. During his time priests were encouraged to marry.

Last days

The Metropolitans visiting a parish stayed in the balcony room of the church. On 14 April 1686 while Mar Thoma II was at Niranam church, there was thunderstorm. Mar Thoma was struck by lightning and died. He was laid to rest inside Niranam church (Niranam St. Mary's Orthodox Church).

See also

• Indian Orthodox Church
• Mar Thoma Church

References

Further reading

• 1. Mathew, N. M. Malankara Marthoma Sabha Charitram (History of the Marthoma Church), Volume 1 (2006), Volume II (2007), Volume III (2008). Pub. E.J.Institute, Thiruvalla.