Kochi: Tensions ran high at Piramadom near Muvattupuzha on Sunday morning after a confrontation broke out between Malankara Orthodox and Jacobite Syrian Church factions over the ownership of St John's Bethlehem Church. The altercation forced police to step in and shut down the venue.

According to police authorities, the Church is currently managed by the Jacobite faction. The dispute erupted when a delegation of Orthodox priests arrived at the premises, citing a favourable ownership verdict from the Muvattupuzha Sub Court. However, Jacobite clergy and congregants present at the site fiercely opposed their entry, alleging that a Munsiff Court had previously issued a ruling in their own favour.
 

What began as a heated verbal debate quickly escalated into physical pushing and shoving among priests from both sides. Police units rushed to the scene to restore order. As neither faction agreed to compromise or step back, officers took the precautionary measure of locking up the Church premises.

Later in the day, the district administration stepped in to resolve the deadlock, summoning representatives from both denominations for official talks scheduled for Monday evening. Although both groups alleged that their clergy suffered injuries during the skirmish, law enforcement officials stated that formal cases will be registered upon receiving written complaints.

The long-standing feud between the Orthodox and Jacobite factions over church administration and properties has persisted for decades, producing a series of conflicting legal claims and court judgements.

 

PTI