Church factions tone down stir for government

KOCHI: It seems that the fight between Orthodox and Jacobite factions over the ownership of St Paul’s and St Peter’s Church in Kolenchery is coming to an end. Both Jacobite and Orthodox churches have toned down the agitation following the request from the state government. Governing body meetings were held by both parties on Monday, the objective of which was to finalise the future course of action. Showing signs of conciliation, the Jacobite Church has decided to keep off from organising rallies and protest meets. “The  Catholicos has asked the faithful to remain calm and patient till an amicable settlement is reached on the issue. We have limited our agitation to prayer sessions at the chapel,” said Fr Varghese Kallappara, spokesperson of Jacobite Syrian Church. Baselios Thomas I, the Catholicos of the Jacobite Church, has returned to the Patriarch Centre at Puthencruz. Fr Kallappara said that the Jacobite Church does not think the issue could be solved through litigation. “The proposal by the state government is that the issue would be solved in two weeks time or the verdict in an appeal pending before the court would be executed,” he said.Thampu George Thukalan, secretary, Jacobite Syrian church said that “The fast and prayers will be observed in each parishes in the coming days. The prayer at St Peter’s and St Paul’s chapel will be led by Bishops. Catholicos Baselios Thomas I will also attend the prayer on some days.”A final decision in this regard would be taken at the meeting of Jacobite Church working committee meeting on Monday night.The Orthodox faction has also backed out from the agitation.  “We backed out from open protest considering the request of the District Collector. He has given us a written assurance that the issue would be solved in two weeks, if not the court order would be executed,” said Fr Johns Abraham Konat, priest trustee of Orthodox Church.Following this, Baselios Marthoma Paulose II , the head of Orthodox Syrian Church, concluded his fasting late on Sunday. “The Synod Council and Managing Committee of the church will meet on Wednesday and Thursday respectively. The meeting of these high level committees will take a decision on the future course of action,” said E C Elias, secretary,   Orthodox Syrian church.