Malankara Orthodox Church Embraces Antioch Patriarch's Call for Reconciliation

The Malankara Orthodox Church has officially welcomed the reconciliation call made by His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, the Patriarch of Antioch, during his visit to Keralam. Metropolitan Yuhanon Mar Diascoros expressed that while the call for unity is a positive step, it must be translated into concrete actions rather than remaining a mere statement. This call comes amidst a backdrop of prolonged disputes between the Malankara Orthodox Church and the Jacobite Syrian Christian Church, which have led to significant clashes and legal battles over church ownership and administration.

The conflict between the Malankara Orthodox Church and the Jacobite Syrian Christian Church has deep historical roots, tracing back to the Mulanthuruthy Synod of 1876. This synod was a critical juncture in the history of Syrian Christian churches in Keralam, marking a significant division that has persisted for over a century. The churches have been embroiled in legal disputes over the control of various properties, leading to tensions that have sometimes escalated into violence. The reconciliation call from the Antioch Patriarch is seen as a potential turning point in this ongoing conflict.

In a press conference, Diascoros emphasized that a reconciliation call should not be merely rhetorical. "A reconciliation call should not remain something that is merely spoken about and then forgotten. There should be efforts to work out a proper path towards achieving it," he stated. He reiterated the Malankara Church's willingness to cooperate with any genuine unity initiative, provided it respects existing court verdicts and the laws governing the Church. This stance underscores the importance of legal frameworks in any reconciliation efforts.

His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, the supreme head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, is on a visit to Keralam as part of the 150th anniversary celebrations of the Mulanthuruthy Synod. His presence is seen as a significant opportunity for dialogue and healing between the factions. Diascoros extended an invitation to the Patriarch to visit the Malankara Orthodox Church headquarters at Devalokam, stating, "The doors of Devalokam will remain open for him. Whenever he comes, we will be ready to welcome him."

The Metropolitan also addressed the anticipated visit of Aphrem II to St Mary's Church at Manarcad, which is under the jurisdiction of the Malankara Orthodox Church. Diascoros clarified that while the Patriarch is welcome, he must adhere to the applicable rules governing church visits. "Manarcad Church is a church belonging to the Malankara Church. If he wishes to visit the church, there are certain rules to be followed," he explained. This statement highlights the ongoing complexities surrounding church governance and the need for mutual respect among the factions.

As the Antioch Patriarch continues his visit until November 16, attending various church events, the hope for reconciliation remains palpable among the faithful. The Malankara Orthodox Church's leadership has expressed a commitment to pursuing unity, contingent upon respect for legal rulings and an authentic approach to reconciliation. The coming days may prove crucial in determining whether this call for unity can be transformed into actionable steps that foster healing and collaboration among the divided factions.