Pathanamthitta (Kerala) | Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church head Catholicos Baselios Marthoma Mathews III on Thursday lauded members of Chandanappally Valiyapally parish here for constructing a house for an elderly couple by diverting funds earmarked for fireworks, following the Mundathikode fireworks tragedy.

The initiative came in the wake of the Mundathikode tragedy in Thrissur in April this year, when an explosion during the preparation of fireworks killed 16 people.

Following the incident, the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church appealed to its parishes to forgo fireworks during church festivals and instead utilise the funds for charitable activities.

Responding to the appeal, Chandanappally Valiyapally in Pathanamthitta district cancelled its customary fireworks display and used the money, along with funds saved by simplifying its annual expatriate gathering, to construct a house for the elderly couple.

According to a statement, the house was built by the group named Chandanappally Valiyapally Pravasi Koottayma within 60 days.

It has two bedrooms, a hall, a kitchen and a toilet, and will be handed over to the beneficiaries on July 5.

"The language of love is more meaningful than the sound of fireworks. The light of compassion shines brighter than the temporary glitter of celebrations. Such acts reflect the true greatness of the Church," the Catholicos said.

He congratulated the parish and all those associated with the project and said providing the house to an elderly couple also reflected society's responsibility towards senior citizens.