Orthodox faction alleges denial of worship

Plans contempt proceedings against delay in implementing SC order

Registering its protest against the alleged denial of worship rights to the Orthodox faction at the Mudavur St. George Church at Angamaly, the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church here on Tuesday said it would soon initiate contempt of court proceedings against the delay in implementing the Supreme Court order on the ownership of Malankara churches.

In a statement, Yuhanon Mar Dioscoros, Episcopal Synod secretary of the Orthodox Church, said as against an assurance given by the State authorities to implement the Supreme Court order at the Mudavur church, the police blocked the entry of Metropolitan Yuhanon Mar Policarpos and parish members to the church without valid reasons.

“This has given rise to a peculiar situation wherein the church still remains under the control of those having no authority over it while the actual owners are being made to wait outside,” he said.

No action on SC order

He pointed out that the government was yet to implement the Supreme Court order in several churches, including St. Mary’s Church at Piravom, St. Peter’s and St. Paul’s Church at Chalissery, and St. Thomas Church at Cherukunnam. The Church is contemplating legal action against the delay in implementing the order.

The synod secretary denied allegations of violating the worship rights of the Jacobite faction at the Kattachira church. Arrangements were also in place for the faithful to join the parish as members.

He said the Jacobite faction was making attempts to foment trouble inside the Kattachira church so as to convey a message that the implementation of the Supreme Court order would lead to violence.

Source