The Patriarch of the Syrian Orthodox Church, Ignatius Aphrem II, has stressed the need for sustainable development by protecting natural resources.
The Patriarch was addressing the 120th Maramon Convention on the rived bed of the Pampa at Maramon near Kozhencherry on Friday. He said indiscriminate exploitation of natural resources would create alarming imbalances in nature.
He called upon the faithful to ensure that the use of electricity and air-conditioners was environmentally cost-effective. Promotion of environment-friendly projects was the need of the hour.
Pluralistic society
“We live in a pluralistic society and constructive dialogues among different religions, sects, etc., are a must to live in peace. We have to understand one another, serve all, and build bridges among ourselves in this fragmented world,” he said.
The Patriarch recalled that his predecessor Mor Ignatius Zakka had blessed the faithful at Maramon in 1982. Referring to the violence perpetrated by terrorists in Iraq and other parts of the Middle East, the Patriarch said: “Scores of Christians were driven out of Iraq. Many had to flee from the terrorists who attacked them for the different way in which they worship God. Churches, monasteries, schools, etc, are being destroyed by those who are enemies of humanity.”
Kuriakose Mar Theophilus Metropolitan, Resident Bishop of the Mulanthuruthy seminary, translated the speech into Malayalam. Joseph Mar Thoma, Metropolitan of Mar Thoma Church, presided. The 97-year-old Metropolitan Emeritus of the Mar Thoma Church, Philipose Mar Chrysostum; Catholicos Baselius Thomas-I of the Jacobite Syrian Church; Zacharias Mar Theophilus Saffragan Metropolitan; and Knanaya Archbishop Kuriakose Mar Savarios were on the dais.
The Patriarch was accorded a reception on his arrival at the convention venue. The thatched shed that could accommodate a lakh people was packed.
Joseph Mar Gregorios, Synod secretary of the Jacobite Syrian Church; Geevarghese Mar Coorilos, Kuriakose Mar Diascorus, Geevarghese Mar Barnabas, Kuriakose Mar Gregorios, Aooub Mar Syvanios, and the Thozhiyur Bishop Cyril Mar Baselius were among those who attended the function.
