KOCHI:
Rejecting the mediation offered by other Christian denominations to settle the church dispute, the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church head Baselios Mar Thoma Paulose II, has categorically stated that the dispute was an internal matter of the church and mediation by other churches was not required. He was speaking at the hunger strike organized by the Orthodox Christian Youth Movement (OCYM) High Court Junction on Wednesday.
The Catholicose said offers of mediation were only a trick played by certain people ‘’No mediation above Supreme Court verdict is required” he said. He made it clear that cemeteries of Orthodox Church were not for public use.
Other churches had earlier offered mediation for an amicable settlement in the church dispute. Chief Minister also supported this move. The Chief Minister also said that non cooperation by a section would be a hindrance for a settlement. It is in this situation, the Orthodox Church made it clear that no mediation is required.
Meanwhile Fr Thomas Paul Ramban, vicar of St. Thomas Church, Kothamangalam( Cheriya Palli) said discussion would held with district Collector regarding the possession of church. It has been decided to demand the Collector to take over church and hand it over to Orthodox Church” he said.
Metropolitan Yuhanon Mar Meletius of Thvrissur Diocese, Yuhanon Mar Chrisostomos Metropolitan of Niranam Diocese who is also the president of the OCYM, Synod secretary Metropolitan Yuhanon Mar Diascoros priest trustee Fr M O John, Association secretary Advocate Biju Oommen, central executive member Minta Mariyam Varghese, Eljov C Chummar, Fr Thomas Paul Ramban, Fr C M Raju, Fr Ougen Ramban, Fr Varghese T Varghese, Fr Aji K Thomas, Dr Philp Tharakan, Jojy P Thomas, Roney Varghese, Fr Jessen, and Fr John Eapen were also present.
