His Holiness the Catholicos

The Catholicos of the East serves as the Supreme Head of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, guiding the faithful from the Apostolic Throne of St. Thomas. Through an unbroken spiritual lineage, the Catholicoi uphold the Church’s doctrine, lead its mission, and preserve its rich Orthodox heritage for generations.

H.H. Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, The Ninth Catholicos of the East in Malankara (2021-Present)

catholicos@mosc.in
0481-2578499, 0481-2578500

His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathews III was enthroned as the Catholicos of the East & Malankara Metropolitan (the Supreme Head of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church of India) on Friday, 15th October 2021. His Holiness is the 92nd Primate on the Apostolic Throne of St. Thomas.

His Holiness was born on 12 February 1949 to Mr. Cherian Anthrayos of the Mattathil family, and is a member of St. Peter’s Church, Vazhoor. After his school education, he joined Kerala University and obtained his BSc inChemistry. Following his BSc, he joined the Orthodox Seminary, Kottayam, and completed his GST degree. His Holiness earned his BD degree from the Serampore University and pursued his higher studies in Theology at theTheological Academy, Leningrad, Russia. Thereupon,he joined the Oriental Institute, Rome, and obtained his MTh and PhD from there.

His Holiness was ordained a deacon in 1976 and a priest in 1978 by H.H. Baselios Mathews I. His Holiness was elevated to the post of Episcopa on 30 April 1991 at a ceremony at Parumala, and to Metropolitan in 1993. He is a well-known teacher and a faculty member of the Orthodox Seminary, Kottayam. A philanthropist, he works relentlessly for the upliftment of the poor, especially women. He has initiated many ventures to provide employment opportunities to women from economically backward classes. His Holiness also served the Holy Episcopal Synod as its secretary.

His Holiness has authored a few devotional and contemplative books in Malayalam.