His Holiness Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Paulose II was enthroned as the Catholicos of the East & Malankara Metropolitan, the 91st Successor to the Apostolic Throne of Saint Thomas, on the Feast of All Saints - Monday, November 1, 2010.
The chief shepherd of the Malankara Church was born on August 30, 1946 to the ancient Syrian Christian family of Kollannur, to K. I. Ipe and Kunjeetty. Paul was baptized at his home parish, Saint Mary 's Orthodox Church of Pazhanji, Kerala, India. The influence of his parents especially that of his mother who hails from the famous Pulikkottil family, played a great role in the molding of his spiritual life. The importance of the Orthodox Christian faith was firmly instilled in young Paul, as his parents maintained a spiritual atmosphere in their home, which included daily prayer, and participating in the divine services at their home parish. From his childhood, Paul took great interest in liturgical music, and the rich prayers of the Holy Church.
His home parish, played an important role in his spiritual growth. At the age of 13, he was selected by his parish priest to be one among the twelve in the ‘Service of Washing of Feet' by His Grace, Metropolitan Paulose Mar Severios. This marked a huge turning point in the life of young Paul, as Metropolitan Mar Severios saw the making of a priest in Paul’s character.
After successfully graduating from Saint Thomas College in Trichur, Paul followed his love for the Orthodox Faith, and joined the Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kottayam where he obtained a Graduate in Sacred Theology (GST) and his Bachelor in Divinity which were awarded by Serampore University. After taking the holy orders, he joined C.M.S College, Kottayam and took his Masters in Arts in Sociology.
On April 8, 1972, His Grace Metropolitan Yuhanon Mar Severios of Blessed Memory ordained him to the Subdiaconate at Saints Peter & Paul Orthodox Church in Parumala, the same sacred site where the holy relics of Malankara’s first saint - Mor Gregorios of Parumala - rests. A little over a year later, he was ordained to the full Diaconate on May 31, 1973 and then to the holy priesthood on June 2, 1973, both which took place at at Sion Seminary, Koratty.
Father Paul served as a model shepherd of Saint Mary’s Orthodox Church in Ernakulam, Moolepat Orthodox Church in Pazhanji, Saint Mary Magdalene Convent in Adappotty, and as a chaplain for the Medical College Chapel in Kottayam.
On December 28, 1982, the Malankara Syrian Christian Association held at MGM in Thiruvalla elected Father Paul as a Bishop for the Church, at the ripe age of 36 years. His Grace Mathews Mar Coorilos, (later His Holiness Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Mathews II) of Blessed Memory, tonsured Father Paul to Monastic Orders (Ramban) on May 14, 1983, and was later consecrated as Bishop Paulose Mar Milithios by His Holiness Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Mathews I, of Blessed Memory.
The Church entrusted His Grace Bishop Paulose Mar Milithios with the care of the newly formed Diocese of Kunnumkulam on August 1, 1985.
On October 12, 2006, the Malankara Syrian Christian Association held at the Church’s Pilgrimage Center in Parumala, Kerala, India unanimously elected His Grace, Metropolitan Paulose Mar Milithios, as the Catholicos Designate and the successor to the Apostolic Throne of Saint Thomas. Four years later, on November 1, 2010, following the abdication of his predecessor, His Holiness Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Didymus I, Metropolitan Paulose Mar Milithios was enthroned as the Catholicos of the East & Malankara Metropolitan with the new name His Holiness Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Paulose II.
Incidentally, Kunnamkulam which is a stronghold of the Orthodox Community in Kerala has given birth to three Malankara Metropolitans including the reigning Catholicos. His Holiness' illustrious predecessors Pulikottil Joseph Mar Dionysius II and Pulikottil Joseph Mar Dionysius V were towering champions of faith who contributed much to growth of the Malankara Church.
His Holiness continues leading the Holy Church, emulating the sacrifice and love of the supreme head of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church - Jesus Christ. His Holiness continues to ensure the Malankara Church strengthens in presence in the ecumenical work by having effective and meaningful dialogue with other Churches, especially the Oriental Orthodox Churches. It is with this vision that His Holiness has already offered fraternal visits to to all the Oriental Orthodox Churches, which included fruitful meetings with all the present heads of the Oriental Orthodox Churches.
The fraternal relations with other Christian Churches have also been given prime importance, as seen in His Holiness’ meeting with Pope Francis of the Roman Catholic Church, which has enhanced the bilateral relations between the two Churches.
His Holiness' unassuming character and his philanthropic interests, have given new dimensions to the life of the Holy Church. On July 12, 2021 due to complications to his health, His Holiness asleep in the Lord, and was laid to rest in the Chapel of the Catholicate Palace, in Devalokam, Kerala, India.