His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II sends his condolences to their Eminences the Metropolitans, clergy and faithful

of the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Christian Church in India, upon the passing away of His Beatitude Mor Baselios Thomas I

This news is shared from the Facebook Page of His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II.

We publish below the message of condolences of His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, to their Eminences the Metropolitans, clergy and faithful of the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Christian Church in India, upon the passing away of His Beatitude Mor Baselios Thomas I, Catholicos of Indian Syrian Orthodox Church.

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Apostolic Benedictions to our beloved brother in Christ: His Eminence Mor Gregorios Joseph - the Malankara Metropolitan and Assistant to the Catholicos, Their Eminences the Metropolitans, Very Reverend Cor-Episcopos and Monks, Reverend Priests and Deacons, Respected Nuns, WorkingCommittee, Managing Committee and Association Members and the entire faithful of our Malankara Jacobite Syrian Christian Church in India.

‏With hearts filled with hope in the Risen Lord, we offer our deepest condolences on the passing away of our beloved Catholicos of India: His Beatitude Mor Baselios Thomas I. His life was a shining testament to unwavering faith, tireless devotion, and an enduring love for the Holy Church. The loss of such a holy leader is profound. We join with all of you in Malankara in celebrating his life and mourning his departure from this earthly life.

His Beatitude was a man of deep prayer and unbreakable resolve, dedicated to the holy service of God and His people; He upheld the holy throne of Antioch with a spirit of grace and fortitude. Hence, he was called the “Mor Yacoub Burd’ono of Malankara” by our predecessor of blessed memory Mor Ignatius Zakka Iwas I. His life was a beacon of faith, grounded in prayer, fasting, and a constant, selfless ministry to the faithful. He was always with his flock at times of uncertainties and during the most difficult challenges. He served the Church with both humility and strength, always seeking the Lord’s will and offering guidance to those who were blessed to know him.

The late Catholicos Mor Baselios Thomas I "was beloved by God and people" (Sirach 45: 1). He served with great dedication for over 50 years since his episcopal consecration, touching the lives of innumerable faithful and drawing them closer to Christ through his strong commitment. He was a shepherd who truly loved his flock and guided them with compassion and wisdom. His prayers and blessings will continue to echo within the hearts of those who knew and cherished him, as his memory becomes a source of strength for the faithful in the days to come.

‏In these sad moments of farewell and burial of the man of God, Mor Baselios Thomas I, may the Holy Spirit pour the grace of consolation in our hearts. The promise of Christ the Good Shepherd to His disciples, and today to our Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church in India: “I will not leave you orphans, but will come to you” (John 14: 18), assures us that He will care for His Church, protect Her from evil, give wisdom to Her shepherds and strength to Her children, and choose good shepherds according to His heart to care for His children.

As we bid farewell to His Beatitude, we unwaveringly trust in God's faithful promise that: "Where I am, there my servant shall be also. If anyone serves me, he will be honored by My Father" (John 12: 26).

As we honor the late Catholicos Mor Baselios Thomas I for his exemplary services to the Church and his unwavering devotion to the Holy See of Antioch, we have firm faith and confidence that the Church he nurtured will triumph over all the challenges and difficulties that surround it withsteadfastness in “faith, hope and love” (1 Corinthians 13:13).

We pray that His Beatitude will hear the Lord God’s tender voice saying: "Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord" (Matthew 25: 23). May our Lord grant peace and consolation to all who mourn him, and may his memory be eternal.

May Lord God stretch His Holy Hand and bless you all through the intercession of The Virgin Mary – The Mother of God, Saints Peter and Paul – the Chiefs of the Apostles, the martyrs and all the other saints and especially of St. Thomas – the Patron Saint of India. We extend our Apostolic blessings to you all. May the grace of God be with you. ܘܐܒܘܢ ܕܒܫܡܝܐ ܘܫܪܟܐ

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This condolences was originally published on the Facebook Page of His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II.