Orthodox, Jacobite priests and members clash at church

On Sunday, August 9, priests and members from both the Orthodox and Jacobite factions of the Malankara Church engaged in a violent altercation at St. John’s Bethlehem Church in Piramadom, near Muvattupuzha. The confrontation erupted when members and priests of the Orthodox faction arrived at the church, claiming possession of the property following a court order.

The church was already under the control of the Jacobite faction, according to police reports. A Holy Mass conducted by a Jacobite priest was underway when the rival faction members arrived, armed with the court order. The police intervened swiftly to separate the warring factions, temporarily locking the church as a precautionary measure.

Images capturing the physical confrontation between priests from opposing factions, near the altar, and members of the factions intervening, circulated widely on social media platforms. Discussions between the district administration and representatives of both factions were scheduled for Monday, August 10, in an attempt to de-escalate tensions.