KOTTAYAM: The peacemaking efforts by the Jacobite and Orthodox factions of  the Syrian Orthodox Church took a U-turn with the Orthodox Church coming out in the open against Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem-II’s visit to the Piravom Church during his visit.

Being the Supreme head of the Syrian Orthodox Church, the Patriarch mooted a panel to hold mediation talks between the two factions during his first ecclesiastical visit to India last week.

The decision was welcomed by the Orthodox Church also. However, Baselios Marthoma Paulose II, Catholicos of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, had said on Sunday that certain actions by the Patriarch had disturbed the mediation attempts.

The Orthodox Church alleged that there are certain people within the other Church with vested interests, though the Patriarch yearned for peace between both. The Patriarch was led to the feuded Churches, despite the Court order banning the entry of Bishops.

‘Patriarch Ridiculed Judiciary’

The Orthodox Church alleged that the Patriarch has ridiculed the Judiciary by doing so. “He could have been misguided by the followers. Yet, he, being a foreign spiritual leader, challenged the law of the land. This has put out the enthusiasm for reconciliation,” the Catholicos said.

A similar opinion was aired by Metropolitan of the Kandanadu East diocese Thomas Mar Athanasius two days ago.

He said the Patriarch’s visit to Piravom Church was not in the programme schedule approved by the state government. By arranging such a programme later, the state has also shown partiality.

The Orthodox Church will deliver an official response on the matter at a Holy Synod to be convened on February 23.

Indian Express News. Source