BIOGRAPHY

Former Metropolitan of Kochi diocese (1975-'00)


 

 AD.1904-2000, entombed at Kyomtho Seminary, Kochi

 

H.G. Thomas Mor Osthatheos, the former Metropolitan of the Syrian Orthodox Archdiocese of Cochin, was born in the year 1904 as the son of Seetharkuzhi Puthenpurayil Mathai and Annamma of the Panthalumakkil family of Koothattukulam. He was baptized by name Thomas. The ancient Church at Vadakara was the home parish. His earlier studies was at the Kottayam M.D Seminary and Thiruvalla MGM High schools and completed the college education from the Kottayam CMS College, Changanacherry SB College, and Trivandrum Maharajas Training College. Ordained Korooyo at the age of 9 by late Malankara Metropolitan Mor Kurillos Paulose, Thomas underwent theological training at Pampakuda seminary. Late Patriarchal Delegate Mor Yulius Elias ordained him priest and appointed him to serve the St. Mathias Church at Madras. Later, Fr.Thomas served as headmaster of schools at Keerampara and Vadakara and helped in establishing the Marian school at Madras.  In 1952 when a new Metropolitan was to be selected as a successor to Valiya Thirumeni (late Malankara Metropolitan Mor Athanasius Paulose) for the Kandanad diocese, it was Fr.Thomas who was one among those considered, but he then declined the offer in favour of Mor Philexinos. 

Twenty two years later Fr. Thomas was once again chosen for the bishopric, but this time, following the special request made by the prelates and faithful, he agreed.  On 12th June 1975,  Fr.C.M.Thomas was consecrated bishop by late Patriarch Mor Ya`qub III at the St.George Cathedral Church in Damascus. As Metropolitan, he served the Kandanad and Kottayam dioceses assisting late Catholicos Mor Baselios Paulose II.  In 1982, the Holy Synod held at Cochin presided by Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I on his first apostolic visit to Malankara appointed Mor Osthatheos the bishop of Cochin. The Metropolitan was instrumental in the rejuvenation of the Cochin diocese and in the construction of the diocesan headquarters at Thiruvankulam. He was an avid reader and dedicated to learning, all through his life. In 1994, Mor Osthatheos announced his retirement from the active administration of the diocese following consecration of his assistant, H.G. Mor Gregorios Joseph.  Later he was more involved in the training of young Deacons, staying at the Kyomtho Seminary, till his last.

On 28th July 2000, at 1.15 pm, H.G. Dr.Thomas Mor Osthatheos Thirumeni passed away following a cardiac arrest. He was then 96. The body was entombed at the Kyomtho Chapel in the diocesan headquarters at Thiruvankulam on the next day in the presence of a huge gathering which included prelates from other churches.

 

Kyomtho Chapel at Thiruvankulam & the Tomb of Mor Osthatheos Thirumeni  in the Chapel