Kerala church embraces Hindu ritual
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IANS
Thiruvalla (Kerala), October 11, 2005: A prominent church in Kerala is to hold a Hindu ritual that marks the initiation of children into studies.
The Niranom Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church here will hold the ritual, normally followed by the Hindu community in Kerala, for the third year on Wednesday.
"We have 120 children registered this year. The number last year was 100. We did this for the first time in 2003," said Varghese, who is looking after the registration of the children.Leading the ritual would be the dioceses metropolitan Geevarghese Mar Osthathios and his deputy bishop Youhanan Mar Chrisostomos.
"The programme beginning with the holy mass in the morning on Wednesday will be followed by the ritual," said Varghese.
The Niranom church is believed to have been founded by St. Thomas, the apostle of Jesus Christ in AD 54. He is credited with setting up six other churches in the state.
Three years ago, Gheevarghese Erackathu, vicar of the St. George Orthodox Church in Thiruvananthapuram, stirred the hornet's nest when he organised the programme in the church premises, much to the dislike of a section of the laity.
Erackathu said this time too they have organised the ritual and, like last year, the function would be held at the nursery school run by the church -- away from the church premises.
"Close to 30 children have registered so far. I am not sure if other churches are organising this. Anyway we are doing it," Erackathu said.
What has surprised people is that contrary to what the name suggests, this church does not seem to remain orthodox. The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church is believed to be the only church to hold the 'Vidyarambhom' ritual.Moreover, this church is yet to give sanction for cremation of its members unlike others.
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