Government Denying Justice to Orthodox Church

KOCHI:
Metropolitan HG Dr. Yuhanon Mar Diascoros, Synod Secretary of the Malankara Orthodox Church alleged that the injustice towards the Orthodox Church by the State Government is continuing. He pointed out that there is conspiracy in the transfer of Alappuzha district collector.

Police have not done anything at Kothamangalam Church to implement the court order. Though police protection was sought to the DGP, a heavy contingent of police was deployed at the area and they have done nothing.

Though prohibitory orders were issued, the authorities were not able to block people from assembling in the area. Problems arises when the mass is assembled and later they are dispersed.

The police could have blocked the people from assembling in the area and implement the court order at Kothamangalam church. Four priests who were returning from Kothamangalam Church was attacked. Fr Viju Elias, who went with the Advocate Commission to the Onakoor Church was attacked in front of the police and Commission. Police had not taken any action against the attack.

The government is encouraging the efforts of Patriarchies to attack the Orthodox Church. Metropolitan HG Dr. Yuhanon Mar Diascoros, Synod Secretary of the Malankara Orthodox Church registered strong protest of the Church in this regard.

The MLA’s from the Left and Right front, was supporting the Patriarchies who do not want to implement the court order. Kothamangalam MLA Antony John, Perumbavoor MLA Eldos Kunnappally, Kothamangalam municipal councillor Shameer Panakkal and opposition leader Noushad have openly declared their stand not to implement the court order.

UDF convenor Benny Behanan, MP has declared that he and his party also support to Patriarchies. Orthodox Church is denied justice when those holding higher posts in political parties are acting against the court order. Orthodox Church asked how the Constitution could be protected by those who are not able to implement the court order. Orthodox Church will follow the Supreme Court directive in connection with the funeral.

Church cemeteries are to be used for the members of the Church and it will be continued. But the funeral should be conducted with the consent of the priest and in his presence. The Church said that Several funerals of people from Patriarch’s faction were conducted in different churches including one which was held at Chathamattom shalom Church and the funeral rites was conducted by the priest of Orthodox Church.

Orthodox Church alleged there was wide spread theft reported from various churches and police had not registered any cases. Theft from Vadavukadu Church, Pannoor Church and Thiruvarppu Chuch was reported. Orthodox Church said that police should take stern action to check the theft from the Churches and the accused should be booked.