Incendiary comments on Nilackal Diocese; Fr Mathews Vazhakunnam to report before Orthodox church leadership

PATHANAMTHITTA: The Orthodox Church has sought an explanation from Fr Dr Mathews Vazhakunnam for his incendiary remarks on Nilackal Orthodox Diocesan Centre. Baselios Marthoma Mathews III suggested Fr Mathews appear in person before the orthodox leadership and explain his stance on the matter. The Orthodox Church said in a press release that Fr. Mathews regretted the remark.

Fr Dr Mathews Vazhakunnam was asked to reach Catholicate Palace in Devalokam to explain the matter.

Joshua Mar Nicodimos, metropolitan of Nilackal Orthodox diocesan had earlier sought an explanation from Fr Dr Mathews Vazhakunnam for his rabid comments on Malankara Orthodox Church priest Father Shaiju Kurian after the latter decided to join BJP. Incensed by the happenings, Mathews Vazhakunnam lambasted the Nilackal Orthodox leadership in an audio message and threatened to reveal more unsavoury details surrounding the church leadership. Father Mathews Vazhakunnam is a strong supporter of CPM.

Father Mathews later filed a complaint against Father Shaiju Kurian that included matters related to real estate dealings. This complaint and the audio recording are widely circulated in WhatsApp groups.

Earlier, the head of the Orthodox Church, Baselios Marthomma Mathews III, had issued an order against priests violating discipline and code of conduct. Meanwhile, Father Shaiju Kurien, who joined the BJP, was removed from the post of Nilackal Orthodox diocesan Centre secretary.

The move came after a complaint against father Shaiju Kurien, which included allegations of taking over the church land in Konni by forming a private trust, trying to torture women and threatening senior priests.