Mar Thoma IX

Mar Thoma IX was the ninth Metropolitan of the Malankara Church in Kerala, India. In 1816, he was consecrated by Mar Thoma VIII. Soon after his ordination he was dethroned by Pulikkottil Joseph Mar Dionysious I (Mar Thoma X) who was appointed by the then British resident Col. Munroe.

Kadamattom is about 30 km from Ernakulam on the way Muvattupuzhe. It is believed that the church here was built in AD 864 by Mar Abo, a syriac bishop or priest from Persia. He taught Poulose a boy living nearby and ordained him as a deacon. For the next twelve years whereabouts of deacon Poulose was unknown. It is said that he mastered Magical powers during this period. When he returned, he was ordained as a Kathanar (priest) and is now known as Kadamattathu Kathanar.

Iype an uncle of Mar Thoma VIII was born at Kadamattathu. He was ordained as a Kathanar and was called Iype Kathanar. While Mar Thoma VIII was on his death bed, he called Iype Kathanar, laid his hands on him, and consecrated him as his successor Mar Thoma IX.

Mar Thoma VIII consecrated Mar Thoma IX, as his successor. Soon after the death of his predecessor, while Mar Thoma IX was at Puthencavu, he had received a letter from the British Resident in Travancore Coln. Munroe that he was not the approved Metropolitan and should handover all the charges to Pulikkottil Joseph Mar Dionysious I (Mar Thoma X) who was consecrated by Mar Philexinos of Thozhiyoor.

Mar Thoma IX was taken to Kottayam, by Pulikkottil Joseph Mar Dionysious and took possession of all insignia from Mar Thoma IX. With tears in his eyes Mar Thoma left the Seminary premises at Kottayam and retired to his home parish Kadamattom palli, spending the rest of his days in prayer and fasting.

He continued as a bishop till the end of his life. Died in 1817 and was laid to rest at Kadamattom.