Mar Thoma VIII | Jan 26 I Man of Vision

Mar Thoma VIII was the 8th Metropolitan of the Malankara Church, from 1809 to 1816 and 103^rd Successor to the Holy Apostolic Throne of St. Thomas.

When Mar Thoma VII was bed- ridden and seriously ill at Kandanad, he called one of his relative Pakalomattom Thoma Kathanar to his bed side. Thoma Kathanar was given the attire, the insignia and sceptre, that go with the high office. Mar Thoma VII, laid his hands on him, prayed and consecrated him as Mar Thoma VIII on 2 July 1809. Two days later Mar Thoma VII passed away and Mar Thoma VIII took charge.

However, Mar Thoma VIII, convened a meeting of the representatives of the parishes at Kandanad, on 14 September 1809, as it was necessary for him to get the approval of the people to be a Malankara Metropolitan. In that meeting they, unanimously accepted Mar Thoma VIII as Malankara Metropolitan and presented him with the insignia, a ring. selected Kayamkulam Philipose Ramban and Pulikottil Ittoop Ramban from as advisers to the Metropolitan. He agreed to use the interest received from Vattipanam, for opening of a Seminary. For Malankara Church, Mar Thoma VII, on 1 December 1808 deposited as loan in perpetuity a sum of 3000 Poovarahan with the government of Travancore through Col. Macaulay the British resident. The first instalment of interest was due on 1 December 1809 and this was paid to Mar Thoma VIII.

He was a man of vision. It was during his time Malankara Church opened the first formal educational institution, in Kerala and the foundation stone was laid in February 1813, with the strenuous efforts of Pulikottil Ittoop Ramban. With the opening of Kottayam Suryani Seminary, now Orthodox Pazhaya Seminary, modern education dawned in Kerala and this became a precedent for Kerala to be become the most Literate state in India. Qualified teachers were also appointed. This included Maramon Palakunnathu Abraham Malpan, Konattu Varghese Malpan, Kozhikode Kunjan Assan, Poet Laureate Chekottu Kuruvilla Assan and from Kochi Mose Esarphathi.   

Knowing that his end was nearing, he called his uncle Kadamattathu, Iype Kathanar to his bedside, laid his hands on him, and consecrated him as his successor, Mar Thoma IX. Mar Thoma VIII passed on 26 January 1816 and his mortal remains was interred at St. Mary’s Orthodox Cathedral, Puthencavu, Chengannur. The funeral service was conducted by his successor Mar Thoma IX.