Throughout the history of the St. Thomas Christians of Kerala, the spirit of communion and the system of administration through the Palliyogam have always been distinctive features of parish life. According to the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches (CCEO), suitable bodies are to exist, in accordance with the Particular Law of the Church sui iuris, for the administration of the pastoral and temporal affairs of the parish (CCEO c. 295). The responsibilities formerly carried out by the traditional Palliyogam are today exercised, according to the Particular Law of the Syro-Malabar Church, through the Pothuyogam and the Prathinidhiyogam. Accordingly, every parish is required to have these two forms of Palliyogam: the Pothuyogam and the Prathinidhiyogam. However, in smaller parishes, with the permission of the local hierarch, the Palliyogam may function only as the Pothuyogam. Likewise, for grave reasons or in larger parishes, with the permission of the Eparchial Bishop, the Palliyogam may function only as the Prathinidhiyogam. In the latter case, the Particular Law of the Syro-Malabar Church, while explaining the structure, responsibilities, and duties of the Palliyogam, stipulates that the Pothuyogam must nevertheless be convened at least once every year for a general review.
Pothuyogam
Within the administrative structure of the Syro-Malabar Church, the Pothuyogam plays a significant role in promoting the growth and communion of the parish. Its primary responsibility is to prepare and implement timely pastoral plans that foster the spiritual, social, cultural, biblical, catechetical, and liturgical renewal of the parish.
Many important decisions concerning the day-to-day administration of the parish are taken in the Pothuyogam. These include approving the annual financial accounts for submission to the Eparchial Bishop, determining the number of trustees, parish employees, and other personnel in accordance with the eparchial statutes, and discussing and approving the parish budget. In addition, the Pothuyogam identifies ways of raising funds, determines the contributions to be made by parish members, fixes the fees for the use of the cemetery and church articles, and takes important decisions concerning the construction of the church, chapels, and other institutions, as well as the purchase and sale of parish properties. The determination of the number of parish feast celebrations and the discussion of other important matters affecting the parish as a whole also fall within the competence of the Pothuyogam.
The Parish Priest serves as the President of the Pothuyogam. The Assistant Parish Priest, eparchial priests residing in the parish, priests belonging to that parish, and the superiors of religious houses are members of the Pothuyogam. In addition, the heads of families, trustees, and the members of the Prathinidhiyogam are also members of this assembly. At the same time, those who publicly oppose the faith and teachings of the Church, public sinners, those who are subject to ecclesiastical disciplinary measures, those who deliberately violate ecclesiastical laws, and those addicted to narcotic drugs are not eligible to participate in the Pothuyogam.
The Pothuyogam must be convened at least once every year. Prior to the meeting, notice of the Pothuyogam must be announced on two consecutive Sundays or holy days, and the principal items on the agenda must also be made public. Unless the eparchial statutes prescribe a specific quorum, there is no fixed quorum for the Pothuyogam. The Eparchial Bishop has the authority at any time either to direct that the Pothuyogam be convened or not convened. Furthermore, the Eparchial Bishop possesses the special right to add to, amend, or annul any decision passed by the Pothuyogam.
Prathinidhiyogam
Within the administrative structure of the Syro-Malabar Church, the Prathinidhiyogam is entrusted with the efficient conduct of the day-to-day affairs and activities of the parish. This body consists of representatives elected by all the parish members, nominated members, and ex officio members. The law further prescribes that at least thirty per cent of the representatives in the Prathinidhiyogam shall be women.
The duty of the Prathinidhiyogam is to assist, advice, and cooperate with the Parish Priest in promoting the integral development of the parish. It is responsible for approving the monthly, quarterly, and half-yearly financial statements, and for preparing the annual accounts and budget to be presented to the Pothuyogam. Furthermore, it provides guidelines for the administration of parish properties and is responsible for the election of the trustees. As in the case of the Pothuyogam, the Prathinidhiyogam must be announced during the time of the Qurbana on two Sundays or holy days before it is convened. The Prathinidhiyogam must meet at least four times each year.
The procedural norms governing meetings and the other disciplinary regulations are the same for both the Pothuyogam and the Prathinidhiyogam. With the permission of the Eparchial Bishop, smaller parishes may function solely through the Pothuyogam, while larger parishes may function solely through the Prathinidhiyogam. Both bodies are expected to attend to every aspect of parish life and to work for its continual progress.
Thus, the Pothuyogam and the Prathinidhiyogam of the Syro-Malabar Church are indispensable ecclesiastical bodies for the orderly administration of the parish and for its spiritual as well as temporal growth. Through mutual cooperation and active participation, these assemblies strengthen parish communion and contribute significantly to the holistic development of parish life.
Rev. Dr. Joseph Mattathil
