Thoma I

His Grace Mar Thoma I Metropolitan (fl. 1653-1670) was the first metropolitan bishop of the Indian Mar Thoma Church.

He and 1,000 followers opposed the Portuguese attempts to bring the Indian Christian church into the Roman Catholic Church. In 1653, Thomas and his followers swore the Coonen Cross Oath, declaring an independent church, and stating "We and our children shall never be under Rome." Twelve priests put their hands on the head of Arch Deacon Thomas, elevating him as Mar Thoma I. In 1665, he was consecrated Metropolitan by Mar Gregorios Abdul Jaleel, delegate of the Syriac Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch.

References

• 1. Juhanon Marthoma Metropolitan, The Most Rev. Dr. (1952). Christianity in India and a Brief History of the Marthoma Syrian Church.. Pub: K.M. Cherian.
  2. Mathew N.M. (2003). St. Thomas Christians of Malabar Through Ages’’, C.S.S. Tiruvalla. ISBN 81-4821-008-8 and CN 80303
  3. Zac Varghese Dr. & Mathew A. Kallumpram. (2003). ‘’Glimpses of Mar Thoma Church History’’. London, England. ISBN 81/900854/4/1
  4. Chacko, T.C. (1936) Malankara Marthoma Sabha Charithra Samgraham’’. (Concise History of Marthoma Church), Pub: E.J. Institute, Kompady, Tiruvalla.
  5. Eapen, Prof. Dr. K.V. (2001). ‘’Malankara Marthoma Suryani Sabha Charitram’’. (History of Malankara Marthoma Syrian Church). Pub: Kallettu, Muttambalam, Kottayam.
  6. Ittoop Writer, (1906). ‘’Malayalathulla Suryani Chistianikauleday Charitram’’. (History of Syrain Christians in the land of Malayalam)
  7. Mathew, N.M. ‘’Malankara Marthoma Sabha Charitram’’, (History of the Marthoma Church), Volume 1.(2006), Volume II (2007). Volume III (to be released in 2008) Pub. E.J.Institute, Thiruvalla

See Also

• Mar Thoma Church