Orthodox Faction Criticises Kerala Government's Delegation to Lebanon for Catholicos Installation

The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church (MOSC) has expressed opposition to the Kerala government's decision to send a seven-member delegation to Lebanon. This delegation is set to attend the consecration of Metropolitan Joseph Mor Gregorios as Catholicos of the Jacobite Syrian Church. The Patriarch of Antioch announced during his visit to Kerala last December that Mor Gregorios is likely to become the next Catholicos, with recommendations from all churches.

Government's Decision and Delegation Details

The state government approved an official visit by a delegation led by Industries Minister P Rajeeve. The visit is scheduled from March 23 to 26, with the consecration ceremony on March 25. The delegation includes MLAs Anoop Jacob, E T Taison Master, Eldhose P Kunnappilly, Job Maichil, P V Seenijin, and Principal Secretary A PM Mohammed Haneesh. Rajeeve defended this decision by stating that such visits have occurred before.

MOSC Kottayam Diocesan Metropolitan Yuhanon Mar Dioscoros criticised the move in a press conference in Kottayam. He stated that Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II's installation ceremony contradicts the fundamentals of the Malankara Church. "This is an attempt to establish a parallel administration, and it is unacceptable that seven individuals, including the Law Minister, are travelling abroad at the government's expense to endorse it," he said.

Historical Context and Internal Conflicts

The Orthodox and Jacobite factions of the Syrian Malankara Church have long been at odds over control of churches and institutions. The Jacobite faction lost several churches following a Supreme Court verdict a few years ago. The Jacobite church has not appointed a new Catholicos since Catholicos Baselios Thomas I passed away on October 31, 2024.

Metropolitan Yuhanon Mar Dioscoros described the government's decision as an affront to democratic values. He accused the ruling government of ignoring constitutional principles. "Those who assumed power by pledging to uphold the Constitution are now violating the law of the land. It is especially alarming that the state's Law Minister is directly involved in this wrongdoing," he added.

Joseph Mor Gregorios was appointed Malankara Metropolitan before Baselios Thomas I's demise due to his advancing age and recommendations from the Jacobite Church synod. Rajeeve mentioned that sending delegations for such events is not unprecedented and aligns with past practices. "The government has sent delegations earlier as well, and this is not a deviation from precedent and it's the decision of the government to send Law Minister or others," he told a TV channel.

The installation ceremony will take place in Lebanon on March 25. The MOSC views this event as an attempt to create a parallel administration within their church structure.