Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II in Kerala, voices concern over West Asia crisis
Synopsis
The supreme head of the Syrian Jacobite Church has arrived in Kerala for the 150th anniversary of the Mulanthuruthy Synod and used the occasion to issue a dual appeal — for peace in a conflict-torn West Asia and for reconciliation between the long-feuding Malankara Church factions. His call comes as the decades-old property and administrative dispute between the two Syrian Christian factions in Kerala remains unresolved.
Key Takeaways
Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II arrived at Cochin International Airport on 11 November for a five-day visit to Kerala .
The visit marks the 150th anniversary of the historic Mulanthuruthy Synod of the Malankara Church.
The Patriarch will lead the consecration of the Holy Myron at Puthencruz on 13 November .
Satheesan will inaugurate the Jacobite Syrian Christian Association meeting on the same evening.
The Patriarch appealed to rival Syrian Orthodox and Jacobite factions in Kerala to pursue reconciliation, calling on 'both sides' to work for peace.
He also expressed concern over the suffering of people in West Asia due to extremist ideologies and regional conflicts.
Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II, the supreme spiritual head of the Syrian Jacobite Church, arrived in Kerala on Wednesday, 11 November and expressed deep concern over the suffering of large sections of people across the Middle East due to extremist ideologies, saying he was praying for peace in the region. The Patriarch flew in from Lebanon and landed at Cochin International Airport in Nedumbassery that morning, where Church leaders and representatives of the Kerala government received him.
Purpose of the Visit
The five-day visit is being held in connection with the 150th anniversary of the historic Mulanthuruthy Synod, a landmark event in the history of the Malankara Church. The centrepiece of the celebrations is scheduled for 13 November, when the Patriarch will lead the consecration of the Holy Myron — the sacred anointing oil — at Puthencruz. The ceremony is expected to draw a large number of Church members and clergy from across Kerala and beyond.
Call for Reconciliation Within the Malankara Church
Speaking to reporters in Kochi, the Patriarch also appealed to rival factions within the Malankara Church to pursue dialogue. 'Both sides should make efforts for reconciliation and peace,' he said. His appeal comes amid a long-running and bitter dispute between the Syrian Orthodox and Syrian Jacobite factions over the control of churches and properties in Kerala — a conflict that has persisted for several decades despite repeated court interventions and attempts at dialogue.
Concern Over the Humanitarian Crisis in West Asia
The Patriarch has repeatedly voiced alarm over the humanitarian crisis, displacement, and persecution facing communities in West Asia due to religious extremism and regional conflicts. His remarks on Wednesday reinforced that consistent position, underscoring the disproportionate toll that ongoing regional violence continues to exact on ordinary populations, including Christian minorities. This comes amid continued instability across parts of the Middle East, particularly in Lebanon, where the Church is headquartered.
Upcoming Programmes and Departure
Beyond the consecration ceremony, the Patriarch is scheduled to attend several other Church programmes during his stay in Kerala. On the evening of 13 November, a meeting of the Jacobite Syrian Christian Association will also be held at Puthencruz. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan is set to inaugurate the association meeting. The Patriarch is scheduled to depart for Lebanon on 16 November after completing his engagements.
Point of View
But his reconciliation appeal is the harder story. The Malankara Church dispute is one of India's most protracted ecclesiastical conflicts, running through the Supreme Court and multiple lower courts for decades, with no resolution in sight. The Patriarch's moral authority is real, but past appeals from the same office have not moved the needle. The more consequential signal may be whether Chief Minister Satheesan's presence at the association meeting reflects any government intent to facilitate fresh dialogue — or is simply ceremonial.
NationPress
11 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II visiting Kerala?
Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II is in Kerala for a five-day visit connected to the 150th anniversary of the Mulanthuruthy Synod, a landmark event in the history of the Malankara Church. The key ceremony is the consecration of the Holy Myron at Puthencruz on 13 November 2026.
What did the Patriarch say about the Malankara Church dispute?
The Patriarch called on rival factions — the Syrian Orthodox and Syrian Jacobite groups — to work towards reconciliation, saying 'both sides should make efforts for reconciliation and peace.' The two factions have been in a prolonged legal and administrative battle over the control of churches and properties in Kerala for several decades.
What concern did the Patriarch express about West Asia?
Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II expressed concern over the suffering of large sections of people in the Middle East due to extremist ideologies and regional conflicts, and said he was praying for peace in the region. He has repeatedly raised alarm over the humanitarian crisis, displacement, and persecution facing communities in West Asia.
Who will participate in the Puthencruz programmes on 13 November?
The Patriarch will lead the consecration of the Holy Myron at Puthencruz on 13 November. That evening, a meeting of the Jacobite Syrian Christian Association will also be held there, with Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan scheduled to inaugurate the event.
When will the Patriarch leave Kerala?
Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II is scheduled to depart Kerala for Lebanon on 16 November 2026 after completing his Church programmes and engagements during the five-day visit.
