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Beyond Borders: The Ecumenical Heart of Mar Thoma Church

I didn’t initially plan to write something like this, but there’s been a lot of buzz lately about Suffragan Metropolitan Joseph Mar Barnabas receiving communion from the Patriarch. While many of the comments I’ve seen are derogatory and fail to reflect either Christian kindness or basic human respect, the issue seems to stem from a lack of understanding about the Mar Thoma Church’s ecumenical theology and teachings on the Holy Qurbana. I want to shed some light on that based on what I’ve come to learn. 𝑬𝒄𝒖𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝑬𝒄𝒄𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒚 Central to Mar Thoma ecclesiology is the Pauline imagery of the "Body of Christ" (1 Corinthians 12:27), a theological construct that emphasizes unity within diversity and transcends denominational boundaries. A defining mission of the Church is "to unite all things in Jesus Christ," a commitment that explicitly eschews exclusivist frameworks, such as papal or patriarchal supremacy. This idea of enclave theology was seen wi...

Empuraan Unleashed: When Cinema Dares to Speak Truth to Power

The recently released L2: Empuraan is nothing short of a cinematic triumph, a testament to the evolving brilliance of Malayalam cinema. Prithviraj Sukumaran’s direction is a masterstroke, elevating the industry to new heights with a vision that’s both bold and meticulous. Equally deserving of praise is Murali Gopy, whose script and dialogues weave a tapestry of words so powerful they linger long after the credits roll. This film is a shining example of storytelling done right—gripping, thought-provoking, and unapologetic. But beyond its artistic merits, L2 has sparked a predictable yet absurd political storm. Right-wing leaders have been quick to cry foul, clutching their pearls at the film’s depiction of historical events—specifically, the 2002 Gujarat riots. Their outrage is not just comical; it’s dripping with irony. These are the same voices that cheered for The Kerala Story , a film so steeped in propaganda that it could barely masquerade as fiction. They handed out free ticket...

From Real to Reel

"I am in a long-distance relationship forever." Yesterday, I watched the movie Amaran, and it was absolutely amazing. I’m someone who rarely gets emotional over movies, yet I found myself teared up. The first time I heard Major Mukund’s story was when Indhu chechi came to Melbourne with Tinu Achachan, and back then, it was just another military story to me. But watching the movie today, the narrative struck me on a whole new level—the pain, the agony, the sacrifices. It all felt so raw and real. The respect I have for Indhu chechi has skyrocketed. I still remember every time I met her, she carried that signature smile of hers, unfaltering despite everything. Still cherishing the fond memories with Tinu Achachan, Indhu Chechi, and Arsheya. Back to the movie, I’ve never been particularly drawn to the idea of nationalism or overt patriotic fervor. Those who know me are well aware of that. But this movie managed to evoke a nationalistic ardour, a respect that transcends political...

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