CATHOLICOS BASELIOS DYDIMOS I LAID TO REST

 The funeral of Catholicos Baselios Marthoma Didymos I was held at the Pathanapuram Mount Tabor  on Wednesday,28^th May,2014, under the priestly supervision of Baselios Mar Thoma Paulose II.The spiritual head of Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church had passed away on Monday following prolonged illness at Parumala near here. He was 93.The mortal remains of Didymos I was brought to Devalokam Diocese by Tuesday noon. Thousands of faithful paid homage to Catholicos Baselios Marthoma Didymos I at the Devalokam Diocese and Old Seminary at Pathanapuram.

Though he had stepped down as the head of the Kerala-based Church in 2010 due to poor health, Didymos I continued to be the supreme spiritual head of the community.The Church will observe a seven-day mourning.Born to Ittyavira Thomas and Sosamma in Tiruvalla on October 29, 1921, he joined the Tabor Dayara in Pathanapuram in 1939 as the disciple of Thoma Mar Dionysius, Metropolitan of Niranam, where he completed his High School education.Didymos completed his training for priesthood under the guidance of Thoma Mar Dionysius and Baselios Augen, Catholicos of the East.Geevarghese II Catholicos of the East ordained him to the order of Korooyo on March 11, 1942, diaconate on May 22, 1947, and priesthood on January 25, 1950.

In addition to theological studies, he also took a Masters Degree in English literature. He had taught in schools and colleges before being raised as a Metropolitan of the church. He took over as the supreme head of the church in 2005 and was elevated as Catholicos of the East.

Prof. John Kurakar