Kottayam (Kerala), A Kerala court on Saturday stayed the suspension of the 7th Metropolitan of the Kannaya Archdiocese of the Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church, who was relieved of all his powers and responsibilities by Patriarch o Antioch Ignatius Aphrem II a day earlier. .
A Munsif court here passed the order on a petition filed by supporters of the metropolis - Mor Severios Kuriakose.
The court said the status quo will continue till May 25 when the petition will be heard in detail.
During the day, supporters of Kuriakose, who was also the 'Community Metropolitan' of the Kannaya Archdiocese, gathered at the Kannaya Church headquarters in Chingavanam to protest against his suspension.
They also burned the edict of suspension and the effigy of Patriarch Ignatius Ephrem II of Antioch.Additionally, he took down the flag of the Patriarch and hoisted the flag of the Kannaya Archdiocese.
On Friday, in an official communication informing Kuriakose of the suspension the Patriarch said he was not "setting a good example among the clergy and the faithful" as mandated in the constitution of the Syrian Orthodox Church o Antioch.
The action followed a hearing on the same day in relation to allegations against Kuriakose of an alleged lack of concern and action on his part over the issue of Indian Orthodox priests conducting 'Passion Week' services in Kannaya parishes in the United States.
The Patriarch said that the explanations given by Kuriakose were not satisfactory.
The Patriarch had said in his letter, “We are not convinced about your clarification regarding the welcome given to Catholics of the Indian Orthodox Church.,
It also said that Kuriakose's actions amounted to "challenging the authority of the Holy See of Antioch".
It had also reminded him that his titles of Archbishop and Chief Metropolitan of the Kannaya Archdiocese of India had been withdrawn "because you were found ineligible for the same".
It further said, "The present allegations against you show that you have not introspected and have not mended your ways even after that."
“Therefore, with a heavy heart, we are obliged to suspend you. During the period of suspension you are relieved of all your powers and responsibilities as a Metropolitan and the ‘Community Metropolitan’ of our Nanaaya Archdiocese.The May 17 order said, "Pending further action and our orders, you are restrained from all episcopal and priestly functions and duties. After deep reflection and repentance, we are praying for your repentance."
The Patriarch's order further stated that his suspension would be reconsidered and reviewed if the Church was convinced of Kuriakose's repentance.
Following the verdict, Kuriakose's supporters had also protested in front of the Kanaya Church headquarters in Chingavanam here on Friday.
A Munsif court here passed the order on a petition filed by supporters of the metropolis - Mor Severios Kuriakose.
The court said the status quo will continue till May 25 when the petition will be heard in detail.
During the day, supporters of Kuriakose, who was also the 'Community Metropolitan' of the Kannaya Archdiocese, gathered at the Kannaya Church headquarters in Chingavanam to protest against his suspension.
They also burned the edict of suspension and the effigy of Patriarch Ignatius Ephrem II of Antioch.Additionally, he took down the flag of the Patriarch and hoisted the flag of the Kannaya Archdiocese.
On Friday, in an official communication informing Kuriakose of the suspension the Patriarch said he was not "setting a good example among the clergy and the faithful" as mandated in the constitution of the Syrian Orthodox Church o Antioch.
The action followed a hearing on the same day in relation to allegations against Kuriakose of an alleged lack of concern and action on his part over the issue of Indian Orthodox priests conducting 'Passion Week' services in Kannaya parishes in the United States.
The Patriarch said that the explanations given by Kuriakose were not satisfactory.
The Patriarch had said in his letter, “We are not convinced about your clarification regarding the welcome given to Catholics of the Indian Orthodox Church.,
It also said that Kuriakose's actions amounted to "challenging the authority of the Holy See of Antioch".
It had also reminded him that his titles of Archbishop and Chief Metropolitan of the Kannaya Archdiocese of India had been withdrawn "because you were found ineligible for the same".
It further said, "The present allegations against you show that you have not introspected and have not mended your ways even after that."
“Therefore, with a heavy heart, we are obliged to suspend you. During the period of suspension you are relieved of all your powers and responsibilities as a Metropolitan and the ‘Community Metropolitan’ of our Nanaaya Archdiocese.The May 17 order said, "Pending further action and our orders, you are restrained from all episcopal and priestly functions and duties. After deep reflection and repentance, we are praying for your repentance."
The Patriarch's order further stated that his suspension would be reconsidered and reviewed if the Church was convinced of Kuriakose's repentance.
Following the verdict, Kuriakose's supporters had also protested in front of the Kanaya Church headquarters in Chingavanam here on Friday.
