https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/cotidie/2016/documents/papa-francesco-cotidie_20160913_for-a-culture-of-encounter.html- Golden words of the Holy Father, in the homily on culture and encounter , worth slow reading and rereading ....and thank you , if not for this discussion , may not have looked it up , that helped to see the deeper meaning of an often enough heard phrase - of the need for 'encounter ' ... for light into issues we all struggle with . 'Each encounter returns people and things to their place ' ...' that returns to each person , their dignity as children of God , the digity of living ' ... issues/ questions around 'our place' , that we see in the conflict in matters of Liturgy in the SMCC Church ...is it The Spirit calling The Church to turn more towards The Father , in our culture that has become flooded with the 'spirit of the world ' in many areas , esp. in marriage and family life as prophesied for our times , that Church is not a democracy of easily manipulated human emotions and opinions, instead of the trust needed in persons who have been given a rightful place to make those decisions ... even if they could have made mistakes in other human affairs .. using same , to forgive with a compassionate heart ... trusting that what is gained from same can be far greater ... thus , helping the culture too , to look to the past, to see our roots - that go far ...as far and deep as our First Father Adam , created in glory , clothed in Light of the Divine Will ...that the lies / distortions that came in afterwards in cultures world over is not the true patrimony ....of our brothers in other faiths either .. our churches blessed to celebrate same - even if indirectly, as the glorious Truth , since in His merciful Providence , the spring / harvest time of our land that has been much blessed , coincides with the Feast of Nativity of Blessed Mother ... thus , the picnics , races and all too in churches, around this time - rejoicing in the gift of life , from a loving Father restoring much through a Mother ..nature itself reflecting same ...that in spite of the war fare amidst us against life and human dignity and Truth , joyfully anticipating the Final Victory .. yearning that our brothers of all faiths too join us.. .. FIAT !

Very good. I support

Most people say or do things in their self interest. Here the words of അഭിവന്ദ്യ സഖറിയ മാര് നിക്കോളാവസ് തിരുമേനി is misinterpreted by such people in their self interest. "ഓര്ത്തഡോക്സ് പള്ളികളില് ഓണാഘോഷങ്ങള് നടത്തുന്നത് തെറ്റായ പ്രവണതയാണെന്ന് അദ്ദേഹം ഉത്ബോധിപ്പിച്ചു. സാംസ്ക്കാരിക സംഘടനകള് നടത്തുന്ന ഓണാഘോഷങ്ങളില് പങ്കെടുക്കുന്നതില് തെറ്റെന്നുമില്ലെന്നും, അത് ഓര്ത്തഡോക്സ് പള്ളികളില് കുര്ബാനാനന്തരം ആഘോഷിക്കുന്നതിനോടാണ് തനിക്കു വിയോജിപ്പുള്ളതെന്നും അഭിവന്ദ്യ നിക്കോളാവാസ് തിരുമേനി പ്രസ്താവിച്ചു". Such people in leadership positions in Christian churches are not ready to read even an announcement from Malayalee cultural and social organizations in churches. They act like the only people on the side of God. With such words and action they project out themselves as more saintly people fighting on the side of God. A community strengthens when religious, cultural and political side work together. What we see here is division everywhere. When Malayalees started to come here in late sixties and early seventies they all cooperated irrespective of race or religion. When more and more people started coming, priests and pastors and Poojaris were brought from India to lead worship service. They created fence around people and prevented people from coming in contact with other groups as they were afraid that people will get influenced by these groups and their income will be reduced. So they started providing all cultural and sports events inside the church. As Mr. George Joseph said in the video situation here in USA and in Kerala are different. Here in a city if Malayalee association is organizing a program better to go for that programs and meet other Malayalees as Thirumeni said. Here we need to stand united as we are a minority here. Onam is not a celebration of Hindus. It is a celebration of all Malayalees. I agree with the message in the video. If there is no cultural organizations in a city, Malayalees need to celebrate Onam in the churches here. It need not be in the church sanctuary but in a nearby fellowship hall.