23-January-2007
New Indian Express dt. 23rd Jan 2007
Plea
to open Thrikkunnath Church for ‘orma perunnal’
ALUVA: The Thrikkunnath Church here, which has been in the centre-stage of
faction feud for 30 years after its closure in November 1977, is likely to be
opened for services and other rites in connection with ‘orma perunnal’ of the
Metropolitans who are laid to rest here.
The leaders and laymen of Orthodox and Jacobite Churches of Thrikkunnath parish,
have jointly urged the Chief Minister to take the initiative for allowing them
to perform rites in the church during ‘orma perunnal.’ ‘Orma perunnal’ is being
observed here on Thursday and Friday.
Ministers S Sarma and T U Kuruvila have reportedly extended their whole-hearted
support for the united effort of the parish members. The members of Thrikkunnath
parish and senior priests of both the churches, who served Thrikkunnath church
in various capacities, in a memorandum, urged the government to allot separate
timings to both the factions to offer prayers in the church, tombs and cemetery.
Both the factions have been celebrating ‘orma pernnal’ at two separate churches
for the past three decades, following the dispute between the two groups.
The police and district administration had a tough time avoiding serious
quarrels and clashes between the faithful of both the churches, especially
during feasts and funeral of parish members.
The members of both the factions felt the need for conducting ceremonies at
Thrikkunnath church, that was turning dilapidated for want of proper
maintenance, at least during ‘orma perunnal.’
Mathrubhumi dt. 24th Jan 2007