Moran Mar Baselios Augen I succeeded Baselios Geevarghese II as the fourth Catholicos of Malankara Orthodox Church. Mar Augen was, earlier on May 17, 1962, elected as Malankara Metropolitan and Catholicate-designate in succession to Mar Geevarghese II who was the Third Catholicate at Malankara. Consequently, Mar Basalios Augen officially came into position as Malankara Metropolitan on January 3, 1964 following death of H.H. Mar Geevarghese II.

Childhood: Mar Augen was born on July 26, 1884 to Rev. Fr. Abraham of Turuthi Chettakullathumkara family of Vengola near Perumbavur and Annamma, daughter of Valiyal Mathai at Puthenkurish. His father Abraham Kasseessa was a Scholar of Syriac language and the entire family led a very pious and spiritual life with timely prayers of the day and night. His both parents had high longevity. The Child was baptized by Metropolitan Murimattom Mar Ivanios who was elevated as the first Catholicos of the Malankara Church and christened him with baptismal name of Mathai. During his early childhood, Mathai lived in his mother's house at Puthenkurrissu and did his preliminary education there. At a very young age itself Mathai joined for theological studies at Pampakkuda Seminary under the discipleship of Konattu Mathen Cor-Episcopa who was the Malankara Malpan at that time.

Ordinations: In 1900, Mathai received the first stage of the order of a deacon from Kadavil Mar Athanasios. After achieving proficiency in Malayalam and Syriac, and attaining sufficient skill in preaching, Deacon Mathai pursued English education at M.D. High School, Kottayam. During this period, he established contact with Deacon Sleeba of the Church of Syria, who was present in Malankara. Deacon Sleeba later became Metropolitan Sleeba Mar Osthathios. Deacon Mathai traveled with Deacon Sleeba to many Churches in Malankara and translated his sermons.

Due to his affinity to Syriac and Syrian Church, Dn. Mathai went to Syria with Deacon Sleeba in 1906 and started living at Kurkuma Dayara at Murdin in Syria. For three years the deacon lived in Syria visiting the holy land, various historical monasteries and studying theology. During that time, he got ordained as a full deacon at Mar Mathai Dayara in Assyria. While residing in the ancient and famous Dayara of Mar Augen at Thurabdin in Syria, the young deacon adopted the name of Augen in place of his baptismal name of Mathai. Also he had the fortune to live with and to acquaint personally with Patriarchs Moran Mar Abdullah at Mardin and Moran Mar Abdul Messiah at Thurabdin. Then he went to Kurkuma Dayara and met Patriarch Elias III and Mar Aprem. He lived in the Kurkuma Dayara for about nine months. He read many invaluable theological books in Syriac at this Dayara and it increased greatly his knowledge about Eastern Church Theology and got acquainted with traditions of the Syrian Orthodox Church.

In 1908, Patriarch Mar Abdullah ordained Deacon Augen as a monk in the order of Ramban at the monastery of St. Mark in Jerusalem. It was unusual for him to be elevated to the full monastic order of Ramban before being ordained as a priest, a practice not followed in Malankara. A Ramban, also known as a priest-monk, is considered a full monk.

After returning from Syria in 1908, Ramban Augen was ordained as a priest at Cheriapally, Kottayam by Metropolitan Sleeba Mar Osthathios. When Patriarch Abdullah and Ramban's friend and inseparable companion, Sleeba Mar Osthathios, visited Malankara in 1909, he traveled with them to all places as a translator to them. When Abded Messiah Patriarch visited Malankara and installed the Catholicate and consecrated Murimattom Mar Ivanios as the first Catholicos at Niranam Church, Ramban Augen also attended the celebrations.

Ecclesiastical Missions: Considering the spiritual needs of the Orthodox members at Madras, as per the request of Judge K.K. Lukose, Ramban Augen had celebrated Holy Qurbana at an Anglican Church in Madras which later paved the way for extending the horizon of Orthodox Church to Madras and eventually it became a full Diocese.

Ramban Augen's missionary zeal was immense, and after returning from Madras, he focused his evangelical, charitable, and educational efforts in Vadakara and nearby areas. He chose this area as his first mission field after seeing the poverty of the local Pulaya caste community, whom he helped by providing for their needs, such as giving them clothes from the Church. This work led over 200 families to believe in Christ and be baptized; he also built and blessed houses for them and officiated at their marriages and housewarmings. Ramban Augen opposed building a separate church for the new converts, and his work was continued and expanded by Deacon Pathrose, leading to the formation of the Society of Servants of Cross. Basalios Augen was known as the society's "Anchor," and he presided over its annual general meetings in the early years.

Educational Missions: Ramban Augen strongly believed that newly converted Christians needed a good education to improve their social standing from a disadvantaged state . To achieve this, he wanted to establish an English school in Vadakara, as there were no schools in the area. He faced financial setbacks, as a previously granted school had closed and another girls' school effort had also failed due to lack of funds. However, Ramban was confident in his mission and had unwavering faith in God to provide the means for success. He proposed that the Vadakara Church provide land, and in return, he would spearhead the school's establishment. The church agreed, granting him the Kurisin Thotti Maidan, and he began his work by going door-to-door to collect donations for the school building. He accepted all forms of contributions, including materials like wood and coconut leaves, as well as cash, coconuts, paddy, hens, and eggs, and kept meticulous records by providing handwritten receipts for every donation, even those as small as four Annas (a quarter of a rupee).

As his fund raising programs were during lent period, he was fasting till 3 O' Clock in the evening. He used to take his breakfast snacks at 3 O’clock. The Roads in that village were in very pathetic condition. While the Donation collecting group carried the wood and other donated materials, it was quite common that the wheel of the Bullock Cart fall into pits on the road. Ramban who accompanied the collection group was the first to put his hands to raise the wheel of the bullock cart from the muddy pits on the road. Ramban was initiating himself for the excavation work for the school building. His answer to those who discouraged him from the manual work was that the Manual labor is not prohibited for Rambans. With the money and materials, he collected from the people, he could make a two storied building at Vadakara on the Koothattukulam-Ernakulam Road for starting a full-fledged High School. He could accomplish his dream in six years time. While doing his mission, he did not have any intention of any reputation for himself. In 1928 the High School was completed.

Next, his attention turned for building of the Sion Ashram at Kodanad Chettivilla near Malayattoor. To this intention, Augen Ramban started living there at the site. The Church he constructed near the site of the Ashram became the worshipping place for the migrated people to the nearby villages from eastern places. Later, after he became Catholicos, the Ashram and Church were rebuilt and a High School named after him was also established. Also he had participation for the building of Piravam Seminary Middle School and Kolencherry High school and held office of the Manager of these schools.

Metropolitan Augen Mar Timotheos: As per united desire of the Kandanadu Diocese, Ramban Augen was consecrated as a Metropolitan on May 15, 1927 by Patriarch Elias III at St. Mark Dayara Church in Jerusalem with Title Augen Mar Timotheos. After returning from Jerusalem as a Metropolitan, he was assigned the charge of the Diocese of Kandanad. His head quarter was at Moovatupuzha. Later he became the Principal of Theological Seminary Kottayam and started living there. When Geevarghese Mar Philaxenose of Thumpamon Diocese expired, Timotheos was given charge of that diocese and started living at Basil Aramana at Pathanamthitta. Five more new Metropolitans viz. Ivanios, Daniel Mar Philaxenose, Mathews Mar Coorilos and Pathrose Mar Osthathios were consecrated in the Church. Metropolitan Augen Mar Timotheos attended the ordination ceremony. When Daniel Mar Philaxenos took over charge of the Thumpamon Diocese, Timotheos left Pathanamthitta and returned to Moovattupuzha. After that, the Metropolitan had undergone a surgery at Vellore Hospital. He returned back to Moovattupuzha and was nominated as the Catholicos designate.

Fourth Catholicos: The Episcopal Synod convened on Sunday, January 5, 1964, to deliberate on the enthronement of the Catholicos and resolved to invite His Holiness Mar Ignatius Yakoub III, the Patriarch, to formally install Mar Augen as the Catholicos of the East. The Patriarch accepted the invitation and traveled to Delhi. On May 20, 1964, the Patriarch and his delegation arrived in Kottayam. Subsequently, on Friday, May 22, 1964, during a solemn and austere ceremony at the Mar Elia Chapel at M.D. Seminary in Kottayam, the Patriarch—cooperating with the Metropolitans of the Synod and in the presence of a large multitude of the laity—consecrated Metropolitan Augen Mar Timotheos as the fourth Catholicos of the united Malankara Church, conferring upon him the title Basilios Augen I. Ecclesiastical dignitaries present in the sanctuary for the ceremony included Archbishops of Armenia, Abuna Mar Theophilus of the Ethiopian Church, Mar Thomma Dharmo of the Chaldean Church, Mar Coorilos of Thozhiyoor, three Metropolitans of the Syrian Church who accompanied the Patriarch, and most of the Metropolitans of the united Orthodox Church. Catholicos Mar Basilios Augen I led the Church for eleven years, from 1964 to 1975.

Prayer Schedules: Mar Augen endured many persecutions throughout his life, which he bore with great Christian endurance. He lived an exceptionally ascetic and prayerful existence, adhering to a demanding daily prayer schedule. He rigorously observed timely, traditional Tri-hour prayers, fasting, and Lent. His daily routine was as follows:

Ecumenical Relations: During the time of Mar Timotheos, two instances specifically highlight the cordial relationship between the Malankara Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church.

1. On December 25, 1963, Metropolitan Mar Augen celebrated the Holy Qurbana (Eucharist) in the Roman Catholic Cathedral in Mylapore, Madras (now Chennai).

2. The meeting with H.H. Mar Pope Paul VI in Bombay was an unforgettable and invaluable moments in the life of the forth Catholicos Mar Augen. When H.H. Mar Pope visited Bombay to attend the 38th International Eucharistic Congress, Pope expressed his desire to meet Catholicos of the East from Malankara. With the co-ordination work of Fr. K. Philipose [Later Metropolitan Philipose Mar Theophilus] and First Cardinal of India, Arch Bishop Valerian Cardinal Gracias of Bombay, the neeting was scheduled. Disregarding his old age and ailments Catholicos traveled to Bombay and met Mar Pope on December 3, 1964. Those were the magnificent moments when the East and West embraced each other. These both spiritual excellences were very humble in nature and this was the first meeting between a Roman Pope and the Catholicos of the East. Mar Pope exemplified the meeting as Union of two Apostleship of St. Peter and St. Thomas.

His Holiness presided over the Malankara delegation at the Conference of the Heads of the Oriental Orthodox Churches held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on January 15, 1965. This gathering marked the first meeting of the heads of these churches in several centuries and was convened at the initiative of Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia. This association of Oriental Orthodox Churches is regarded as a path for fostering cooperation and strengthening relationships among the sister churches, particularly in the areas of theological studies and missionary work. In addition to the leader, His Holiness Moran Mar Augen Catholicos, the other Heads of Churches who participated in the Conference were Curiloos, Patriarch of Alexandria, and Vasken I, Supreme Patriarch of the Orthodox Church of Syria. The complete Malankara delegation included Metropolitans Paulose Mar Philaxenos and Daniel Mar Philoxenos, as well as Rev. Dr. V.C. Samuel, Rev. Dr. K.C. Joseph, and Rev. Fr. C. Jacob.

En route to Malankara from Ethiopia the Catholicos paid a visit to Mar Yokoub III, the Patriarch at Damascus on February 2, 1965 and also on Mar Severios Zacca, Metropolitan of Mosul. From the latter, the Catholicos received a portion of the relics of St. Thomas.

Renovation of Theological Seminary: During this historical period, the Theological Seminary implemented significant improvements to its image while under the leadership of the fourth Catholicos. In order to advance its academic standing and ensure the training of qualified priests, the Seminary formally affiliated with Serampore University in Calcutta on February 1, 1965. This affiliation enabled the Seminary to begin awarding Bachelor of Divinity (B.D.) and post-graduate degrees.

Theological Seminary which was established in 1815 by Pulikottil Joseph Mar Dionysius, celebrated its 150th year jubilee on December 26-30 of 1965. Rev. Dr. K. Philiph who was later ordained as Philipose Mar Theophilus Metropolitan, was the Principal of the Seminary during 1965-66. Later, Fr. Paul Varghese who was later ordained as Paulose Mar Gregorios took over the Charge of Principal of the Seminary in 1967. The jubilee celebrations were arranged under the leadership of the Catholicose Mar Augen. Fr. Long as representative of Mar Pope from Rome, Fr. Vikre Mariam as representative of Patriarch of Ethiopia, Archbishop Alexi of Esthonia from Russia as representative of Patriarch of Russia, Bishop Conitas of Georgia, Archbishop Abrahamian of Calcutta, Catholicos of Armenia, representative of Lutheran Church and many other Church and political dignitaries attended this auspicious celebrations.

In a subsequent event in 1969, a new building block at the Seminary was finished and formally opened on January 7, 1969, by Patriarch Justinian of the Romanian Orthodox Church, who attended the ceremony following a specific invitation.

On December 21, 1967, the Catholicose consecrated Holy Mooron at the Old Seminary in Kottayam. This was the first time this consecration had occurred since 1951, when it was performed by his predecessor, Mar Baselios Geevarghese II.

Relaxation of Lent observance rules: A very significant decision by the Orthodox Church's fourth Catholicos, Catholicos Augen I, was the 1966 relaxation of Lent observance rules. While the fasting periods remained unchanged, the Church's Holy Synod removed mandatory abstinence from milk, milk products, and fish during all Lents, except for the Nineveh Lent, Wednesdays and Fridays during the first 40 days of the Great Lent, and the Passion Week. This lifted restrictions that had been in place for centuries.

Delegations to International Councils and Conferences: In 1969, Catholicos Mar Basalios Augen delegated Metropolitan Mathews Mar Coorilos (who is the current Catholicos Basalios Marthoma Mathews) and Fr. P.V. Joseph (who was later ordained as Joseph Mar Pachomios) to the East Asian Christian Conference held in Bangkok. This conference is a representative body comprised of various Churches in the Eastern part of Asia, ranging geographically from Pakistan to Japan. The Council had previously convened in Prapat, Sumatra (1957); Kuala Lumpur (1959); and again in Bangkok. The session that the Malankara Church delegates attended convened during August 1965 in Bangkok, marking the first time that the Malankara Church had sent representatives to this specific Council.

As a member of the World Council of Churches, the Catholicos sent delegations to its seven-yearly General Assembly Sessions in July 1968 at Upsala, Sweden and to its General Assembly meeting in December 1978 at Nairobi.

Consecration of new Bishops: The fourth Catholicos Mar Basalios Augen consecrated 8 Bishops in two ordination ceremonies in 1966 and 1975 at St.Peter's and St.Pauls's Church, Kolenchery and St. Mary's Church Niranam respectively.

Ordination Ceremony on August 24, 1966 at St.Peter's and St.Pauls's Church, Kolenchery:

1. Ramban C.T. Thomas - Thomas Mar Timotheos - Malabar Diocese (Later Seventh Catholicos)

2. Fr. N. A. Youhanon Malpan - Yuhanon Mar Severios - Cochin Diocese

3. Fr. K. Philipose - Philipose Mar Theophilus - Principal, Theological Seminary

Ordination Ceremony on February 16, 1974 at St. Mary's Church, Niranam:

1. Fr. M.V. George - Geevargese Mar Osthathios - Niranam Diocese

2. Fr. Paul Varghese - Paulose Mar Gregorios - Delhi and North Diocese

3. Fr. K.C. Thomas - Thomas Mar Makarios - American Diocese

4. Fr. K.K. Punnoose - Punnose Mar Theodosius - Calcutta Diocese

5. P.V. Joseph - Joseph Mar Pachomios - Kandanadu Diocese

Hosting of Church Leaders: In addition to the dignitaries attended during the Jubilee Celebrations of the Seminary, the fourth Catholicos hosted many dignitaries from sister Churches during his tenure. Most Rev. Dr. Donald Cogen, Archbishop of York, England paid a visit to the Church in February 1967. Archbishop Antoni of Minsk, Fr. Serapion and Fr. George Telpis visited the Catholicose as representative of His Beatitude Justinian, Patriarch of Romanian Orthodox Church. A delegation from the Russian Orthodox Church visited him in 1970.

On December 31, 1970 Mar Athanasios who was the Metropolitan of outside Kerala Diocese was nominated as the successor of Mar Basalios Augen I.

Centenary of the martyrdom of St. Thomas: The 19th centenary of the martyrdom of St. Thomas was celebrated in 1972. St. Thomas, an Apostle of Jesus Christ, is traditionally believed to have arrived in Kerala, India, in A.D. 52, where he evangelized and spread the Word of God. According to tradition, St. Thomas was martyred on Indian soil at Mylapore, near Madras (now Chennai), on December 21, A.D. 72. Mar Augen maintained a strong conviction that the foundations of the Church in India were established through the evangelization efforts of Apostle Thomas. The 19th centenary celebrations marking the martyrdom of the founding Apostle of Christianity in India were observed on a grand scale, concluding with a splendid public function held at the M.D. Seminary in Kottayam on December 31, 1972. Guests of honour present at the occasion included delegates from the Armenian Church: Patriarch His Holiness Derdarian of Jerusalem, Archbishop Aslanian, Bishop Alerian, and Archpriest Tattorian. To recognize the stature and historical significance of St. Thomas during these celebrations, the Government of India issued a special 20 Paisa stamp. The stamp featured a depiction of the Persian Cross located in the church on St. Thomas Mount, Madras.

Charitable Missions: Many charitable institutions were initiated and developed during the period of the fourth Catholicos. A Medical Mission Hospital was established in 50 Acre plot at Kolencherry of which the foundation stone was laid by Patriarch Mar Ignatius Yakoub III on June 7, 1964. Foundation stone of the Mar Theodosius Memorial Hospital was laid at Sasthamkotta near Quilon. Foundation stone of the St. Gregorios Hospital was laid on Feb. 11, 1968 on the memorial day of St. Gregorios at a plot very near to the Parumala Church.

Last Days and Sickness: In 1974, Catholicos Mar Augen became seriously ill, a situation that caused widespread anxiety regarding his health among all who were concerned. As a result of this illness, the Catholicos was relieved of his duties as the prelate of the Church effective September 24, 1975. In 1975, Mathews Mar Athanasios assumed charge as both the Catholicos and Malankara Metropolitan. This specific event marked the first occasion in the history of the Church where the elected designate took over the Catholicate while the predecessor was still alive.

Mar Augen completed 91 years on July 26, 1975, and four months thereafter, he breathed his last on December 8, 1975. Mar Augen was buried in a grave in solemn ritual of prayers befitting the head of the Church adjacent to that of late Catholicos Mar Geevarghese II. The fourth Catholicos led the Church for eleven years and five months from May 22, 1964 to Oct. 27, 1975. By his characteristic humility and calm and serene disposition, the Catholicos had endeared himself to the flock of sheep.

H. H. Mar Augen was a scholar of Syriac and a litterateur (man of letters), known for both his original works and his translations. His Holiness translated several items from original Syriac books into Malayalam, including "Passion Week Hymns," hymns dedicated to the festivals of St. Thomas and St. George, "Promion," and various other prayers. These translations demonstrated Mar Augen's profound knowledge of theology and his resourcefulness in conveying these complex ideas. His other notable books authored in Malayalam include "Life after Death," "The Supreme Sacrifice" (Paramayagam), "Mathopadesha Sarangal" (Truths of Religion), and "Holy Synods."

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