Mor Baselios Shakralla

Mor Baselios Shakralla, whose memory is etched in the golden letters of Malankara Church history, was born in the city of Aleppo, Syria, to his father, Deacon Musa al-Qasabji. He became proficient in both Syriac and Arabic, completing extensive studies in religious sciences. Embracing the monastic life, he was ordained a priest and became known for his commendable character, extensive knowledge, and deep piety.

His wisdom and holiness led to his elevation to the esteemed office of Maphryono (also known as Catholicos of the East). In 1748, he was consecrated with the name Baselios by the Patriarch of Antioch, Moran Mor Ignatius Geevarghese III. He was specifically entrusted with a critical mission: to travel to the distant land of Malankara in India to guide the church through a period of acute turbulence.

The Church in Malankara was in a state of confusion. The local leader, Mor Thoma V, had been consecrated under irregular circumstances, leading to a division among the faithful. Recognizing the invalidity of his own consecration, Mor Thoma V repeatedly appealed to the Holy See of Antioch to send delegates to validly reconsecrate him and restore order. In response to these earnest prayers, Patriarch Geevarghese III sent the newly consecrated Maphryono, Mor Baselios Shakralla.

In 1751, after a long and difficult journey, Mor Baselios arrived in Cochin, accompanied by Mor Gregorios and other clergymen. He brought with him the Patriarchal authorization to consecrate Mor Thoma V with the title Mor Dionysius, along with holy vessels, sacred books, Holy Myron, and relics of the saints. His arrival was intended to be a moment of great joy and reconciliation for the troubled Malankara Church.

Upon their arrival, the Holy Fathers were met with an unexpected crisis. The Dutch colonial authorities, who had arranged their passage, demanded an exorbitant payment of 12,000 rupees. Mor Thoma V, who had agreed to pay the fare, failed to settle the amount, and the Dutch detained the Maphryono and his companions as 'hostages'. For a time, they were prevented from carrying out their mission freely.

Despite these immense hardships, Mor Baselios worked tirelessly once he was released. He established a new Syrian church in Mattancherry at his own expense and began a vigorous campaign to reaffirm the true apostolic faith. He corrected practices that had been influenced by the Portuguese, encouraged the marriage of parish priests according to Syriac tradition, and consecrated a new metropolitan, Mor Ivanios, to assist in the administration of the church.

After serving the Malankara Church for thirteen years, the holy Maphryono passed away on October 20, 1764, at Mattancherry. His mortal remains were brought to the Marth Mariam Church in Kandanad and entombed there on October 22. His tomb immediately became a place of veneration for the faithful, who recognized him as a holy confessor who suffered and died in their land for the sake of the true faith.

Centuries later, his sanctity was officially proclaimed. On October 21, 2008, the Patriarch of Antioch, His Holiness Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, formally canonized Mor Baselios Shakralla. His Holiness decreed that the name of this holy father be remembered in the 5th Tubden (Diptych) in all churches, cementing his legacy as a saint of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church.