Baselios Marthoma Mathews III has called on people in Kerala to avoid costly and extravagant Church feasts and instead use that money to support the poor.
The head of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church made this appeal after a tragic firecracker factory blast in Thrissur on April 21, which killed 14 people and injured around 25 others.
In his message, he urged people to think carefully about safety and the true meaning of celebrations. He said that God is not pleased by fireworks but by a pure and sincere heart. He also asked people of all religions to take a responsible stand against dangerous and wasteful practices during festivals.
Kerala is known for its grand temple and Church feasts, where fireworks are widely used. The Church leader pointed out that large amounts of money are spent on such celebrations, while many people still struggle with poverty.
He encouraged believers to use festival funds to help those in need, such as building homes for the poor or supporting struggling families. He also offered to personally support parishes that choose to celebrate their feasts in a simple way.
Many people have welcomed his message. Some said helping the poor is more meaningful than spending large amounts on fireworks. Others added that this message should guide not only Church feasts but also personal celebrations like weddings and birthdays.
The call highlights the importance of simple, safe, and spiritually meaningful celebrations.
