On the evening of March 25, 2025, the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch held a solemn and historic ceremony where His Beatitude Mor Baselios Joseph was consecrated as the new Maphriono (Catholicos) of India through the laying on of hands by His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II. The consecration took place at St. Mary Church in Atchaneh, Bikfaya, Lebanon, with the Patriarch being assisted by several Archbishops, members of the Holy Synod.
During the ritual, the Patriarch sat on his throne in front of the altar while the elected Maphriono, Mor Gregorius Joseph, was brought forward, surrounded by archbishops on both sides. Metropolitan Joseph read the “Shalmoutho,” proclaiming the Orthodox faith and pledging to uphold, teach, and safeguard it, as well as to preserve the dignity of the Maphrionoutho. After presenting the “Shalmoutho” to the Patriarch, His Holiness silently prayed for the presence of the Holy Spirit and placed his right hand on Metropolitan Joseph’s head, consecrating him as the Maphriono of the Holy Church in India under the name Mor Baselios Joseph, sealing him with the sign of the cross.
The new Maphriono was then seated on the throne, lifted three times as the congregation proclaimed, “Worthy (Axios), our Father Mor Baselios!” He then read the text of the Good Shepherd from the Gospel of John. The Patriarch presented the pastoral staff to the newly consecrated Maphriono, assisted by the archbishops, and finally, the new Maphriono received the kiss of peace before blessing the congregation.
In his speech, the Patriarch emphasized the historical ties between the Syriac Orthodox Church in India and the Apostolic Throne of Antioch, dating back to the mission of Apostle Thomas and the establishment of Syriac Christianity in India in the 4th century. He highlighted the sacred role of the Maphriono and affirmed that this high ecclesiastical rank can only be attained through the laying on of hands by the Patriarch. He urged Mor Baselios Joseph to lead with humility and wisdom and to strengthen the Indian faithful.
His Beatitude Mor Baselios Joseph, in his address, acknowledged the guidance he received from the Patriarch and pledged to serve the Church and his people faithfully. He expressed gratitude to the dignitaries present, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the President of Lebanon, and leaders from sister churches worldwide.
Among the distinguished attendees were representatives from various ecclesiastical and political institutions, including Armenian Catholicos Aram I, Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros al-Rai, Greek Orthodox Patriarch John X, and the Apostolic Nuncio to Lebanon, Archbishop Paolo Borgia. A delegation from India, led by the Indian Ambassador to Lebanon, was also in attendance.
The Catholicos and the Maphrianate represent one of the most significant leadership roles within the Syriac Orthodox Church.
The Catholicos and the Maphrianate represent one of the most significant leadership roles within the Syriac Orthodox Church. It is a semi-autonomous position, ranking second only to the Patriarch. Throughout history, this role has been central in strengthening and expanding the Church’s influence, particularly in eastern regions such as Mesopotamia and Persia.
Today, the Church stands at a historic milestone: the consecration of the 81st Maphrian in its history.
The word “Maphryono” comes from Syriac and literally means “one who bears fruit.” In an ecclesiastical context, it refers to a “consecrator,” a person who ordains others for service. The title is equivalent to “Catholicos” and represents the second-highest clerical rank in the Syriac Orthodox Church, directly after the Patriarch.
The Maphrian also holds the privilege of leading the consecration of new Patriarchs, highlighting the significance of the position. However, despite his high rank, the Maphrian does not have the authority to consecrate Holy Chrism without the Patriarch’s permission.
The Maphrianate of the East was established in the 7th century when the Church sought to strengthen its leadership within the Persian Empire. Marutha of Tagrit became the first Maphrian in 628, consecrated by Patriarch Athanasios Gamolo. Before this, the title “Great Metropolitan of the East” was used, first held by Mor Ahudemmeh (559–575). The Maphrianate was abolished in 1860 by the Holy Synod under the leadership of Patriarch Ignatius Jacob II but was reestablished in India in the 1950s under Patriarch Ignatius Ya’qub III.
The Catholicate’s headquarters is in Kerala, India. Although his jurisdiction formally extends only to India, he is often invited to lead ecclesiastical ceremonies abroad, reflecting his global recognition within the Church.