Orthodox, Jacobite Churches face internal unrest over controversial remarks and leadership decisions
Internal strife is mounting within both the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church and the Jacobite Syrian Christian Church, as controversial statements and recent leadership moves stir dissent among clergy and laity alike.
Tensions escalated in the Orthodox Church after Zacharias Mar Aprem, the Metropolitan of the Adoor-Kadampanad diocese, publicly described the Church leadership as 'captors of parishes.' The remarks have sparked outrage within the hierarchy and prompted the Church to convene an emergency synod on May 23 to address the issue.
'Breach of discipline'
Confirming the move, Church sources said the leadership is treating the Metropolitan's comments as a serious breach of discipline and the synod will determine what disciplinary action should be taken against him. Adding to the tension, a group of Orthodox faithful staged a protest march on Sunday to the Church headquarters at Devalokam, Kottayam, demanding the immediate removal of Mar Aprem.
'Having served as secretary to two successive Catholicos and held various key positions, the Metropolitan should have known the weight of his words. It appears he made the statements with calculated intent,' a senior Church source said.
They also pointed out that Mar Aprem repeated his criticisms in at least two public addresses — at Chungathara and Chennithala. His repeated remarks have also fuelled speculation that he may be preparing to align with another Malankara Church, which holds significant influence in the Central Travancore region.
The controversy stems from Mar Aprem's claim that Orthodox Church leaders asked him to take control of certain Jacobite churches under his jurisdiction. Addressing the parishioners at Chungathara, he said he rejected the request outright. The statements prompted the Catholicos to seek a formal explanation, which will be reviewed at the upcoming synod.
Meanwhile, the Jacobite Syrian Christian Church too appears grappling with its own internal friction following the reappointment of Geevarghese Mar Coorilos as the Metropolitan of the Niranam diocese by Baselious Catholicos Joseph. The announcement was quickly followed by the resignation of Geevarghese Mar Barnabas, who had served as Assistant Metropolitan of the diocese for the past 15 years.
The decision has provoked sharp criticism from a section of the Jacobite laity, who allege the reappointment is politically influenced and ill-timed.
'For an ascetic life'
'Coorilos Metropolitan had voluntarily stepped down two years ago, citing a desire to pursue an ascetic life. Yet during this period, he appeared more involved in Leftist political circles. It was only after falling out of favour with CPI(M) leaders, especially Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, that he sought a return to ecclesiastical power,' alleged Paul Varghese, president of the Jacobite Almaya Forum, a lay organisation within the Church.
Church officials maintained that the decision was entirely at the discretion of the Catholicos. 'It would be inappropriate to comment further, as the Catholicos is currently out of the State,' a senior functionary said.
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