Malankara Syrian Church divides, Jacobite and Orthodox groups go separate ways

Kochi – In a significant decision that coincided with the recent visit of Patriarch of Antioch Mar Ignatius Zakka I, the Mulanthuruthy Synod officially declared the total severing of ties with the Orthodox Church, thus completing the division of the Malankara Syrian Church.

The Jacobite Syrian Christian Association meeting held at Mulanthuruthy also decided to recover all properties and churches from the Metropolitans who had left the Patriarch faction to join the Orthodox Church.

The meeting declared that those who had raised allegations against the visit of the Patriarch of Antioch would be treated as having left the Malankara Church.

The Synod urged the Government to convene a meeting of the diocese members of the disputed churches and to hold a plebiscite after which these churches should be handed over to the majority faction. Or else, the Government should make alternative arrangements for the devotees to conduct religious rites, it said.

The meeting also declared that the Metropolitans or Catholicos did not have any claim over the properties of these churches and that they belonged to the members of those churches. The administration of these churches should be conducted according to the Constitution of the Jacobite Church, prepared in 2002.

It also said the Government should take the initiative to remove the priests from some of the churches, which are still loyal to the Metropolitans who left the Syrian Churches. The Aluva Thrikunnathu Church, where Paulose Mor Athanasious was buried, should be opened to the devotees.

Patriarch of Antioch Mar Iganathios Zakka I, who delivered the presidential address, said that the Mulanthuruthy church should be called as the Jerusalem of India in view of the church becoming a holy place with the second synod also being held at that place. The Malankara Syrian Church had proved that it could continue its democracy and tradition.

The Patriarch urged the devotees to continue the tradition of the church and become a role model for other churches. All the Metropolitans and clergy should abide by the Constitution on all church matters, he said.

The resolution of faith and allegiance was delivered by Paulose Corepiscopa Parathuvayalil; Jacobite Syrian Christian Church – 1876 to 2004 – a Review by Joseph Mor Gregoriose Metropolitan, submission of letter of tribute by Youhanon Mor Milithiose Metropolitan and key note address by Baseliose Thomas I Catholicose. Thampu George Thuakalan was conferred the ‘Baretho Maheero’ title for his service to the Malankara Church.