Prayers were offered by members of both the factions of the Malankara Church at the Thirkkunnathu seminary church on Saturday as part of remembrance day for the fathers of the Church.
The prayers were conducted as per the time schedule allowed for the two groups under police supervision.
Catholicos Baselios Marthoma Paulose II accompanied by bishops Mathews Mar Severios and Yuhannan Mar Polycarpus led the Orthodox group of faithful during the time allotted to them between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Catholicos Baselios Mar Thomas I of the Jacobite faction refused to enter the St. Mary’s Church to offer prayers in protest against the police insisting that a body search be conducted as part of the security arrangements, sources said. The Catholicos then directed bishops Elias Mar Athanasios and Mathews Mar Anthimos to lead the faithful in the ceremonies and prayers.
No untoward incidents were reported during the prayers and ceremonies at the church, which is under a dispute and where entry is restricted and is under police supervision.
