Baselios Mar Thoma Mathews II

Who was Baselios Mar Thoma Mathews II?

Maran Mar Baselios Marthoma Mathews II was the Supreme head of Indian Orthodox Church, also known as Malankara Orthodox Church. He was the 89th successor to the Holy Apostolic Throne of St. Thomas and Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan.

He was born at Perinad in Kollam district of Kerala, and had his religious training at Old Seminary Kottayam and also at Basil Dayara, Pathanamthitta. Later he joined Bishop's College, Calcutta for his B. D. Degree, and studied Theology at the General Theological Seminary, New York.

He was ordained as deacon in 1938 then as priest in 1941. Baselios Geevarghese II took special interest in the activities of Father Mathews.

On May 15, 1953 he was ordained as a bishop of the Indian Orthodox church at the age of 38. While he was Metropolitan of the Diocese of Kollam the number of parishes almost doubled within a short period. Several monasteries and convents were started. A large number of educational institutions and hospitals were established. Several Colleges, Schools, Hospitals and other service institutions were established and administered under his direct control and leadership. He travelled in various countries including the United States, Canada, Europe, Malaya, Singapore and Gulf countries, and attended various international meetings and conferences.