The Boola issued by the Catholicos Patriarch of the East Baselios Marthoma Paulose II on indefinite fast at Kolenchery

No. 365/2011

In the blessed name of the Tri-une God, Self-existent,

Beginningless and Endless, Perfect in Being, (Glory be to Him)

Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Paulose II Catholicos of the East and

Malankara Metropolitan enthroned on the Apostolic Throne of St. Thomas

Blessings to our beloved Vicars of the Church, Priests of the locality, Kaikkaran of the church, and all the members of all the Parishes

Our dearly beloved in the Lord,
Raising our thanks, glory and honor to the Almighty who guides us in the midst of crises and adversities by imparting His immeasurable grace to the Church and to us, we express our love
and joy to each one you.

The stalemate at St. Peter’s & St. Paul’s Orthodox Valiyappally was one of the most serious issues faced by the Church in recent times. The honorable court had categorically pronounced that the Kolenchery Church, the allied worship centers and the properties belong to the Orthodox Church and they are to be administered in accordance with the 1934 Constitution. But the District administration denied our legitimate right of worship flouting the court order. Under these circumstances, to persuade the government to execute the court order, with firm conviction, determination and reliance on God, we along with H.G. Dr. Mathews Mar Severious , the Metropolitan of Kandanad West Diocese began an indefinite fast. We were compelled to take this extreme step as a last resort when we realized that there was no other way to protest against the denial of justice to the Malankara Orthodox Church and to get justice executed. We glorify the Almighty who strengthen us to accomplish this fast in a victorious way, though the helth conditions of both of us degenerated. The support which you gave to us and our brother Metropolitan H.G. Mathew mar Severious was indeed beyond all our expectation. We express our profound happiness and gratitude to our brother Metropolitans, Priest Trustee Rev. Fr. Dr. Johns Abraham Konatt, Lay Trustee Shri M.G. George Muthoot, Association Secretary Dr. George Joseph, Members of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Christian Association, Members of the Managing Committee, our beloved priests, sisters, office bearers and members of various spiritual organizations especially the Youth Movement Members and above all, our crown and glory the beloved people of the Church who galvanized our strength through their prayer, tears and unconditional support. We remember with gratitude the various religious leaders, leaders of sister churches, office bearers of the Kerala Christian Council and leaders from various strata of the society and all those who responded to this issue as the question of honoring the very existence of the judiciary apart from a simple church issue.

Beloved,

We should not forget those who helped us during the hard times of the Church. Those who were responsible and expected to help us, hurt us. In spite of all these, the Almighty strengthened our hearts. God is with us. Each one of you are our strength and fortitude. The sacrifice you endured, the tears you shed, prayers you said before God empowered us and give us robust hope.

Dear children, you must love the Church above any political-regional interest. Our prime aim should be the progress of the Church which is our Lord’s Temple, Bride and Body. You should continue to pray for the perfect peace and permanent settlement of this issue of Kolenchry church. As prophet Nehemiah said The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding, but as for you, you have no share in Jerusalem or any claim or historic right to it."

May the Grace and Blessings of God Almighty abide with you forever. And may the prayers of the Mother of our God the Holy Virgin Mary, St. Thomas the Apostle of India, our Holy Fathers Mar Gregorios, Mar Dionysius and all the Holy Saints be a stronghold for us. Amen.

Our Father who art in Heaven.........................

(Signed)
Baselios Marthoma Paulose II

From MOSC Medical College
Kolenchery, Kerala, India
On September 20, 2011

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