Baselios Thomas I

Mor Baselios Thomas I (Syr: ܡܳܪܝ̱ ܒܰܣܺܝܠܺܝܳܘܣ ܬܐܳܘܡܰܐ ܩܰܕ݂ܡܳܝܳܐ; Mal: മോർ ബസേലിയോസ് തോമസ് പ്രഥമൻ; Born Cheruvillil Mathai Thomas (22 July 1929 – 31 October 2024) was the 80th Maphrian of the Syriac Orthodox Church, 3rd Catholicos of East and 25th Malankara Metropolitan of the Jacobite Syrian Christian Church. He also served as the Metropolitan of the Angamali Diocese. He was the first head of the Jacobite Syrian Christian Church to use the title "Catholicos of India".

Enthroned on 26 July 2002 by Patriarch Ignatius Zakka I Iwas at St. Ephrem's Monastery in Damascus, Syria, he led the church through periods of ecclesiastical and social challenge until his death in 2024.

Early life Cheruvillil Mathai Thomas, affectionately known as "Kunjunju," was born on 22 July 1929 to Cheruvillil Mathai and Kunjamma. Though he came from an aristocratic family, financial hardship marked his childhood. He also established the churches headquarters, the Patriarchal Centre in Puthencruz, Kochi, in 2004.

A prominent figure in ecumenical dialogue, Mor Baselios Thomas I held discussions with the Roman Catholic Church and the Mar Thoma Syrian Church, maintaining friendships with figures like Joseph Mar Thoma, Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, and Cardinal George Alenchery. He was entombed at St. Athanasius Cathedral at the Patriarchal Centre, Puthencruz, Ernakulam on 2 November 2024.