On November 2, and 3rd 2024, at the assignment of His Holiness Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, His Eminence Mor Dionysius John Kawak and Mor Athanasius Thomas Dakkama, the Patriarchal Vicar in the United Kingdom, represented our Patriarchate at the funeral service of the late Mor Baselios Thomas I, the Catholicos of India.
During the funeral service, Archbishop Kawak delivered a eulogy, in which he stated by first addressing His Eminence Mor Gregorios The Malankara Metropolitan, His Eminence Thomas Mor Themotheos, Secretary of the Regional Episcopal Synod in India, dear brothers in Christ the members of the regional Holy Synod and Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ,
We gather today with heavy hearts, yet filled with gratitude, as we remember and honor the life of His Beatitude Mor Basilius Thomas I, a true servant of God and a tireless defender of our beloved Syriac Orthodox Church in India. His life was a beacon of faith, courage, and dedication, shining brightly for all to see. His Beatitude was not only a leader but a shepherd, a man whose every action reflected his love for Christ, his loyalty to the Holy Church, and his unbreakable commitment to the Throne of Antioch.
Mor Basilius Thomas I showed us all what it means to live a life dedicated to God. He was humble, yet strong; gentle, yet courageous. Like the Apostle Paul, he could say with conviction, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). His life was truly about living for Christ, serving with every breath he took, and leading his flock with the heart of a shepherd. He cared deeply for each member of his community, always putting their needs above his own, and walking the difficult path of leadership with grace and love.
In the face of challenges, His Beatitude stood firm, knowing that God had called him to defend the faith. He reminded us of the words in Jude 1:3, which says, “Contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people.” Mor Basilius took this calling seriously, never wavering, even in the hardest times. His heart burned with a passion to protect the Church, to keep it grounded in the teachings of Christ, and to ensure that the faith handed down from the Apostles would continue to thrive in India. He was like a strong tower, giving his life to protect and preserve our holy traditions, leading us closer to God with every decision he made.
One of the most powerful qualities of His Beatitude was his deep loyalty to the Holy Throne of Antioch. He recognized that the unity with the Throne of Antioch is not simply a historical connection; it is a spiritual bond that unites us all as one family in Christ. His Beatitude’s loyalty was unwavering, and he knew that our strength as a Church lies in this unity. In his heart, he understood the call of 1 Corinthians 1:10, “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” Mor Basilius encouraged unity and loyalty, teaching us through his own life that we are strongest when we stand together, connected to our spiritual roots.
Throughout his ministry, His Beatitude was a man who fought for the Church in India with a heart full of love. He was like the Apostle Paul, who said in Romans 9:2-3, “I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart…for the sake of my own people.” Mor Basilius’s heart was heavy with the needs of his flock. His love for his people and his desire to serve them was at the core of everything he did. He saw the Church as more than just a community; it was his family, his responsibility, and his calling. He served with a father’s love, always seeking what was best for his children in the faith.
His Beatitude also knew that our faith is not just a set of beliefs; it is a way of life, a commitment that requires us to walk in the footsteps of Christ. Mor Basilius’s life was a living sermon, teaching us what it means to be faithful, to be humble, and to be devoted. He showed us the importance of living in the light of Christ, of standing firm even when the path is difficult, and of always holding on to the hope we have in Jesus. He reminded us, through his actions, that “we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37). His life was a victory for Christ, a testament to the power of faith and love.
As we remember Mor Basilius Thomas I, we are reminded of our own calling to be strong in faith, to love one another deeply, and to hold fast to the unity of our Church. His Beatitude’s legacy is a challenge to each of us: to follow his example, to defend the faith with courage, to serve with humility, and to stay united under the Holy Throne of Antioch. His life was a gift to the Church, and his memory will continue to inspire us for generations to come.
Today, we offer our deepest condolences and prayers to His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, to the Malankara Metropolitan, to the regional Holy Synod, and to all the faithful of our holy Church in India, whom he loved so dearly. His Beatitude was a true son of the Church, a servant of Christ, and a warrior for our faith. We give thanks for his life, for his love, and for his legacy.
May his soul rest in the eternal peace of our Lord, and may we carry forward his vision of a united, faithful, and loving Church. Amen.