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Jacobites' move a challenge to law: Orthodox Church

Staff Reporter

KOCHI: The Orthodox faction of the Malankara Church said on Friday that the decision by Catholicos Baselios Thomas I of the Jacobite group to defy the ban and pray at the tombs of the Fathers at Thrikkunnathu, near Aluva, was a challenge to the rule of law in the State.

In a statement issued here, Boby Varghese, Manager and Vicar, Angamaly West Diocese, said though prohibitory orders were in force at the tombs of the Fathers of the Church at the Thrikkunnathu seminary complex, the laity was allowed to visit the tombs and offer prayers.

The decision to allow the laity to offer prayers despite disputes over the seminary complex was taken at a meeting of both the groups in the presence of the Chief Minister, said Fr. Varghese, who described the announcement by the Catholicos as a deliberate attempt to create trouble.

He also warned that any attempt to encroach on churches or property belonging to the Orthodox group would be resisted and that if the Government did not act, the group would be forced to act on its own.

The Jacobite faction of the Malankara Church had announced early this month that a relay prayer meet would be held before the Thrikkunnathu seminary between January 22 and 26.

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