 So he invited one of his relatives Thoma Kathanar, to his bed side, laid his hands on him prayed and declared him as Mar Thoma VIII.Two days after this, on 4 July 1809 Mar Thoma VII died and was laid to rest at Kolenchery palli (now known as St. Peter's & St. Paul's Orthodox Church, Kolenchery).The funeral service was conducted by Mar Thoma VIII.