Source: Photograph, 1986

Mor Ostatheos Thomas was born to Seetharkuzhi Puthenpurayil Mathai and Annamma of the Panthalumakkil family of Koothattukulam and was named C.M. Thomas. He was schooled at Kottayam M.D. Seminary and Tiruvalla MGM school and completed his college education at the Kottayam CMS College, Changanacherry SB College, and Trivandrum Maharajas Training College. Ordained korooyo at age 9 by late Malankara Metropolitan Mor Koorilos Paulos, Thomas underwent theological training at Pampakuda seminary. Late Patriarchal Delegate Mor Yulius Elias Qoro ordained him priest and appointed him to serve the St. Mathias Church at Madras. Later, Fr. Thomas served as headmaster of schools at Keerampara and Vadakara and helped in establishing the Marian school at Madras. Fr. Thomas was consecrated bishop by late Patriarch Mor Ya`qub III in 1975 and served the Kandanad and Kottayam dioceses assisting late Catholicose Mor Baselius Paulos II until 1982. In 1982, the Holy Synod held at Cochin presided by Patriarch Mor Zakka I on his first apostolic visit to Malankara appointed Mor Ostatheos the bishop of Cochin. The bishop was instrumental in the rejuvenation of the Cochin diocese and in the construction of the diocesan headquarters at Thiruvankulam. He was an avid reader and dedicated to learning, all through his life. In 1994, Mor Ostatheos retired from active administration of the diocese following the consecration of his assistant, H.G. Mor Gregorius Joseph. The metropolitan passed away on July 28th, 2000.