Orthodox, Jacobite sects to intensify protests

KOCHI: The managing committees of both the Orthodox and Jacobite Churches held at Kolenchery on Tuesday have decided to intensify the protests. Catholicos Baselius Mar Thoma Paulose II and  Catholicos  Baselios Thomas I, heads of Orthodox and Jacobite Churches, will continue the fast and prayer.The managing committee of the Orthodox Church has decided to spread the agitation to other areas as well. The committee presided over by Bishop Thomas Mar Athanasios observed that there would be severe consequences if the executive fails to implement the verdict by the judiciary.The managing committee has decided to organise protest meetings after the Holy Mass in all churches under the Orthodox Church.  To mark the protest against the apathy on the part of authorities in executing the court order, picketing will be organised at 28 centres in the state under the aegis of dioceses.The managing committee of the Jacobite Church also decided to go ahead with its protests until the status quo is restored. On Tuesday, a hartal was observed under the auspices of the Jacobite Church in Kolenchery. Later, they took out a procession in the town.KP Dhanapalan MP and V P Sajeendran MLA visited the Catholicos on Tuesday.