His Holiness Moran Mar Baselios Paulos I was born on January 19, 1836 to Murimattom Kurian and Mariamma in Kolencherry. He ordained to the Holy Diaconate by Metropolitan Mar Dionysius of Cheppad in 1843, and was ordained to the Holy Priesthood in 1852 by Metropolitan Yuyakim Mar Coorilos. He served for a long period as the Vicar of Saints Peter & Paul Orthodox Church of Kolenchery.
On May 17, 1877, His Holiness Patriarch Peter III, consecrated him as Metropolitan at Cherallayam Church, Kunnumkulam, with the name Paulose Mar Ivanios. He was immediately given the responsibility of Kandanad Diocese. As the Metropolitan of this Diocese, he built 17 churches and started many educational institutions. As a teacher, and he trained many priests at the parish he served as Vicar, Saints. Peter & Paul Church of Kolenchery. With his vision for the growing Diocese, he also bought land at Muvattupuzha to build a Chancery (Aramana) which became the headquarters of the Diocese, and also built a small chapel there.
Under his brief tenure as the Primate of the Malankara Church, he further developed the liturgical prayers of the church, especially the Divine Liturgy. His Holiness also established the Sunday School ministry, citing the importance of nurturing the beauty of the Orthodox faith to our young children.
His Holiness Moran Mar Baselios Paulos I, fell asleep in the Lord on May 2, 1913, and was entombed at Saint Thomas Orthodox Church of Pampukuda.