Mar Thoma II - Visits By Foreign Bishops

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 1653, 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 April 27, 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 February 29, 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.

Eldho Mor Baselios and Mar Ivanios Episcopa arrived at Kothamangalam on September 14, 1685. Soon after the arrival Mar Baselious raised Mar Ivanios as Metropolitan (archbishop) with the title Mar Ivanios Hidayulla. After a few days on September 29, 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 1985. He was able to consecrate Mar Thoma III and Mar Thoma IV. Died on August 13, 1693 and was buried at Mulanthuruthy palli.