Transfer Properties Back to Church: Supreme Head

The letter gains significance in the wake of the stand-off between the Patriarch and the Catholicos in various matters.

KOCHI: In a move that could curb bishops of the Jacobite Syrian Christian Church amassing personal wealth, Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II - the supreme head of the Church - sent a letter to the Regional Episcopal Synod asking bishops to transfer properties acquired in their names or in their family members' names to the respective diocese and register in the name of the Church. 

The letter gains significance in the wake of the stand-off between the Patriarch and the Catholicos in various matters, including hierarchy, and allegations raised by laymen organisation within the Church that Metropolitan were amassing  personal wealth, using their religious position. 

It is observed that the move may intensify the stand-off between the Patriarch of Antioch, head of Syrian Orthodox Church and Catholicos, regional head of Jacobite Syrian Christian Church.

Patriarch Aphrem II, in his letter dated April 12, a copy of which is in possession of ‘Express’, has said he had received complaints against bishops that ownership of properties, schools, and charitable  institutions were in the names of bishops or in the names of their family members.

“We are are aware of the possibility that it can be challenged by the other faction. We have to  respect the constitution and traditions of our church and accordingly in order to avoid further disputes concerning the ownership  of these properties,” Patriarch said in the letter.  

Meanwhile, Jacobite Almaya Forum, a laymen organisation which has been raising voice against the ill practices in the Church, especially wealth amassing by bishops, welcomed the decision. Almaya Forum leaders had lodged complaint to the Patriarch alleging that the Church had no budget, account auditing, since 2002.  

“Catholicos and their nominees have been amassing personal properties. It may be recalled that Catholicos and his henchman Thampu had to abscond following a case against wealth amassment,” Almaya Forum leader Paul Varghese said.

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