The Feast of Mor Baselios Shakrallah III

Mar Baselios Shakralla (Shukr Allah) is an illustrious father of the Syrian Church, who came down to guide the Church in Malankara during an acutely turbulent time and passed away here, in India. His memory is etched in golden letters in the history of Malankara Church.

He was born in the city of Aleppo in Syria as the son of Deacon Musa al-Qasabji. He studied Syriac under the Malfono of the local Church, becoming proficient in it and in Arabic. After completing the studies in religious sciences, he become a monk and later was ordained a priest. He was of commendable deeds and character. His knowledge was extensive. A book on the catechism written by him in Arabic is kept in the Church at Aleppo.

Shakr Allah Qasabgi, was consecrated Maphrian August 1748 by the Mar Ignatius George III, Patriarch of Antioch and was sent to Malankara. He was sent on the request of Mar Thoma V. Mar Shakralla was accompanied by Metropolitan Mar Yuhanon Gregorios, Very Rev. Corepiscopa Geevarghese, Ramban Yuhanon and Deacons Anthon, Moosa, Hadaya Shakrallah and a servant Abdulla. They started their journey from Amid, in Turkey, the then patriarchal headquarters amidst limited conveyances and dangerous travel routes. He carried with him sixty-four manuscripts, including Serṭo script (Aramaic used to write West Syriac), the Syrian Orthodox liturgy, holy books, Holy Mooron, holy oils, three crosses from Jerusalem and relics of saints for the Malankara Church. From Amid they went to Aleppo, Syria; then to Baruva, Bagdad and Basrah in Iraq and they reached Bander-e Abbas in Iran, where they had to stay for seven months for fear of pirates and also the ongoing battle between Persian kings.

Mar Shakralla and his company reached Surat in 1751 and finally arrived at Cochin the same year1751, on the day of the feast of St. George. He stayed at the Governor’s guest at the Cochin fort. Later Metropolitan Mar Ivanios Yuhanon visited the prelate at the Cochin Fort. He then reached St. Martha Mariam Church, Kandanad and further travelled to Kothamangalam on foot via Mulamthuruthy, Kolanchery and Kunnukurudy. Mar Shakr Allah stayed at Kothamangalam Valiyapally.

Mattancherry Church was built by this Holy Father by purchasing the land for Rs.475. He had spent a long period at Kayamkulam Kadeesa Church. He has written a book in Arabic ‘Quelat Al Imrah’ regarding the Christian belief. Mar Baselios Shakrallah, who had lived and served the Malankara Church for thirteen years attained his eternal rest while staying at Mattanchery Church on 20th October 1764. His Beatitude was entombed at St. Martha Mariam Church, Kandanad. The Orthodox Syrian Church celebrates his feast on 22 October.