Simplify celebrations, aid needy: Catholicos

Kottayam: Following the explosion at a firecracker unit in Thrissur that claimed 14 lives, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church head Baselios Marthoma Mathews III has urged the faithful to simplify celebrations. In a message to church members, the Catholicos called on them to redirect money usually spent on festivities towards supporting people facing financial hardship. Referring to the Mundathikode fireworks tragedy, he said the state remains in deep sorrow. "After every disaster, we take precautions to prevent a recurrence, yet the Mundathikode tragedy reveals that such measures hold only until the next accident. We must act with wisdom to prevent such losses during festivals and ceremonies. We must ask ourselves whether innocent lives should be sacrificed for momentary joy," he said. He said that human conscience, not rules or laws, should motivate people to avoid extravagance. All religions must make prudent decisions in this regard. Saints are pleased not by fireworks, but by the purity of a believer's heart. God is pleased not by excessive celebration, but by love and compassion for others, he added. Wars elsewhere are beginning to affect us at home, the Catholicos said, adding that people must not overlook the economic challenges ahead when spending unnecessarily. Appealing directly to church members, he said, "Let us join hands and use the money saved from celebrations toward the welfare of our brothers in need. We could even explore building a home for someone with funds saved over a year of simplified festivities. Such a decision, one that brings light into the world, would be the greatest joy." He said the Malankara Church would actively support such initiatives and personally participate in celebrations of the first five parishes that adopt this approach.