Squabbles between Patriarch and Orthodox factions
By O J George

The dispute over properties and parishes between Patriarch and Orthodox factions has been an eye-sore for the people. Each faction may have a point to make. But the unsavoury squabbles have been spilling over to the society at large.

Orthodox Church followers maintain that the Patriarch faction has no right over Thrikkunnath Seminary. But the Catholicos of the Patriarch faction was allowed to enter the seminary buildings, with the support of the Communists-led government in Kerala, according to the allegation of the Orthodox faction.

Now Patriarch Ignatius Zakka I of Antioch, the supreme head of the Jacobite faction(Patriarch sect), is touring Kerala as a State guest. The Orthodox faction appears to be peeved that the patriarch faithful are getting a lot of attention and State support.The other day, Orthodox faction’s Catholicos and a few bishops and laity barged into a cupola at Piravom, set up in the name of St Gregorios of Parumala and offered prayers.
The police used force on the laity of this section. The previous day the representatives of the LDF government had assured protection for the Orthodox faction.

Now it seems the Orthodox Church is keen on bringing another Patriarch, this time from Syria, to muster support and mobilise their flock. This would be a sort of show of strength.

To an outsider, the squabbles arise from property matters. Riches and wealth are gnawing at the faith of the people. The meek inherits the Earth, according to the Bible. Both the factions should come to an agreement and call a halt to the dispute. Live and let live should be the policy.