Regardless, Abraham Malpan produced a reformed revision of the West Syriac Rite and used it in the seminary and his parishes. Consequently, Abraham Malpan was excommunicated. Malankara metropolitan Dionysius IV refused to ordain anyone trained by reformist malpans. Abraham Malpan Though Maramon Palakunnathu Abraham Malpan was bounteous in his temperament, he never hesitated to introduce reforms in both teaching and practice. He also insisted on a high moral standard of conduct for laity and clergy alike. All this created a ferment in the Malankara Church and its effects are still discernible in the Church as a whole. Principal reforms Changes carried out during reformation: Icons, pictures, statues, and drawings of saints were removed from churches, and places of worship. Considered the practice of praying for the dead and of doing obeisance at their graves with lighted candles as abhorrent. Intercession of saints and prayers for the dead were discarded. All prayers, worship and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the saints were omitted. All prayer requests to dead and prayers to uplift the dead from sin and suffering were omitted. Insisted that Sunday services are to be held in a reverent and spiritual way. During that time reading and expounding scriptures is to be done. Conducted worship services, including Holy Communion in the mother tongue, Malayalam along with Syriac. Liturgy amended to eliminate all Monophysite influences. Holy Communion was not celebrated when there were none to receive. Mandated that communion under both kinds should be distributed separately. Auricular confession was discontinued. Believed that those who come for confession should ask for forgiveness with fasting and prayer, instead of offering oil, incense and candles. Insisted that bishops should ordain only candidates who have been examined by them and the malpans (Meaning:- Syriac scholars). Repudiated the custom of smearing charcoal on the forehead on Ash Wednesday. Doctrinal positions The Church accepts the Bible and the Nicene creed as the basis for all matters of faith and doctrine. The Church accepts the principle of justification by faith alone. The Church accepts the principle of salvation by grace alone. The Church adheres to the doctrine of sole mediation of Christ The Church emphasizes the Priesthood of All Believers Only the councils of Nicea, Constantinople and Ephesus are commemorated in the Eucharist. The Church is neither Nestorian nor Monophysite, but a Reformed Oriental Church. The Church does not subscribe to the concept of Eucharistic