Syro-Malankara Catholic Church Witnesses the Installation of Aboon Mor Baselios Joseph I as Catholicos of the Jacobite Syrian Church

Puthencruz, Kerala – 30 March 2025
In a moment of sacred continuity and historic significance for the Syriac Christian tradition in India, Aboon Mor Baselios Joseph I was installed as the Catholicos of the Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church during a deeply reverent ceremony held at the St. Athanasius Cathedral, Puthencruz Patriarchal Centre.

Thousands of clergy, religious, and faithful gathered to witness the Sunthroniso rite, the traditional proclamation of ecclesial leadership. As the faithful and clergy intoned the ancient acclamation Axios (“He is worthy”), the Church embraced its new shepherd, renewing its fidelity to the apostolic inheritance.

TThe official charter of appointment from His Holiness Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, was solemnly read, affirming the communion between the See of Antioch and the Church in India.

Representing the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, His Eminent Beatitude Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, participated in the ceremonies and the public felicitation, offering the prayers and fraternal good wishes of the Malankara Catholic community. His Beatitude’s presence reflected the spiritual bonds and mutual reverence that unite the Syriac traditions across ecclesiastical lines.

Earlier, Aboon Mor Baselios Joseph I had been consecrated Catholicos on 25 March 2025 at the St. Mary’s Syrian Orthodox Cathedral, adjacent to the Patriarchal Palace in Atchaneh, Lebanon. His Holiness Mor Ignatius Aphrem II personally presided over the consecration, underscoring the ancient apostolic ties between Antioch and the Syriac Churches of India.

Upon his arrival at Cochin International Airport, His Beatitude was welcomed by clergy, faithful, and civic dignitaries. Proceeding to the Patriarchal Centre at Puthencruz, he offered prayers at the tomb of the late Catholicos Mor Baselios Thomas I, entrusting his new ministry to the mercy and guidance of God.

The public meeting following the installation was inaugurated by Union Minister of State George Kurien, with felicitations offered by Kerala Industries Minister P. Rajeev, Member of Parliament Benny Behanan, MLA P. V. Sreenijan, and ecclesiastical leaders, including Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil of the Syro-Malabar Church, and Bishop Selvister Ponnumuthan.

Pilgrimage of Faith and Stewardship

Born on 10 November 1960 in Mulanthuruthy, Aboon Mor Baselios Joseph I has served the Church with unwavering dedication:

• Ordained as a deacon on 25 March 1974 and as a priest on 25 March 1984,
• Completed theological studies at St Patrick’s Pontifical University, Ireland (1988),
• Consecrated as Metropolitan on 16 January 1994 under the name Joseph Mar Gregorios,
• Shepherded the Kochi Diocese and undertaken responsibilities for the UK, Gulf-Europe, Kollam-Thumpamon-Niranam, Thrissur, Malabar, and Angamaly dioceses,
• Elected Metropolitan Trustee of the Jacobite Syrian Church in 2019,
• Declared Malankara Metropolitan in February 2024, and later elevated to Catholicos Assistant.

Now entrusted as the President of the Episcopal Synod, His Beatitude leads a Church that draws from the springs of apostolic tradition while responding to the call of faithful discipleship in a changing world.

The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church lifts heartfelt prayers that the ministry of His Beatitude may be marked by wisdom, courage, and a deepening communion in Christ.

“The Lord has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His dwelling place.” (Psalm 132:13)