Published May 03, 2026 | 9:26 AM ⚊ Updated May 03, 2026 | 9:26 AM
One group used pepper spray on the other while Jacobite and Orthodox factions clashed near Kochi.
Synopsis: A clash occurred at St Peter and Paul Church in Kochi, involving members of the Orthodox and Jacobite factions of the Malankara Church in Kerala. The situation escalated after pepper spray was allegedly used during a dispute over allowing an additional Orthodox priest to enter the church for festival rituals.
A clash occurred at St Peter and Paul Church in Kurinji near Puthencruz in Kochi on the evening of Saturday, 2 May, involving members of the Orthodox and Jacobite factions of the Malankara Church in Kerala. The situation escalated after pepper spray was allegedly used during a dispute over allowing an additional Orthodox priest to enter the church for festival rituals.
Following the incident, Puthencruz police registered a case.
The clash occurred around 6.30 pm in the context of an existing arrangement where both factions take turns conducting services due to a long-standing legal dispute over church ownership.
In recent years, the annual festival had fallen during the Jacobite faction’s turn. This time, it coincided with the Orthodox faction’s scheduled period. Typically, only one Orthodox priest conducts services.
For this year’s festival, the priest requested support from an additional priest because a long procession covering several kilometres was planned, and he required assistance.
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Tensions began when the second Orthodox priest arrived at the church, but he was reportedly prevented from entering by members of the Jacobite faction.
During the standoff, two individuals accompanying the Orthodox priest allegedly used pepper spray on those blocking the entry. This triggered a physical altercation between members of both groups.
Police registered a case against members of the Orthodox faction.
Several people from the Jacobite side later sought treatment at an eye hospital in Kothamangalam, claiming they were affected by the pepper spray.
The Jacobite faction opposed the presence of more than one priest, arguing that the Orthodox group is a minority in the area and should follow previous practices.
The Orthodox side maintained that the additional priest was necessary, as the main priest was suffering from leg pain and needed help for the procession. Despite the conflict, the mass was conducted, but the planned festival procession was cancelled.
There were also counter-allegations that the Orthodox priest was attacked during the incident. Police said these claims have not yet been verified, as no formal complaint or medical report has been submitted, adding that further investigation is underway.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil with inputs from Sreelakshmi Soman.)
