 While Mar Thoma VIII was on his death bed, he called Iype Kathanar, laid his hands on him, and consecrated him as his successor Mar Thoma IX.Mar Thoma VIII consecrated Mar Thoma IX, as his successor.Soon after the death of his predecessor, while Mar Thoma IX was at Puthencavu, he had received a letter from the British Resident in Travancore Coln.