Azhakathu : Father Abraham Azhakathu mst

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Abraham Azhakathu CBC (Missionary Society of St. Thomas the Apostle) cropped

Missionary Society of St. Thomas picture

Father Abraham Azhakathu mst

Father Abraham Joseph Azakathu mst

Ordained 31 December 1982

Priest in the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, an Eastern Syrian Rite which is in full communion with the Roman Catholic Church.  (Father Azhakathu – Syro-Malabar Church)

Priest with the Missionary Society of St. Thomas, a Syro-Malabar missionary order of priests based in India.  The order has priests in Canada in the following locations:  Archdiocese Grouard –McLennan and the dioceses of Nelson BC, London Ontario and Regina Saskatchewan. At the time charges were laid Father Azhakathu was serving in the Archdiocese of Grouard –McLennan, Alberta.  According to media reports has been on loan to St. James the Major Parish in Manning Alberta since 2009 ( Archdiocese of Grouard –McLennan.)

08 March 2014:  charged with sexual assault and sexual interference- the charges, reported by a minor,  date to 2013

“RCMP are continuing to investigate the potential of other victims. Anyone with information concerning this case are asked to contact the Manning RCMP at 780-836-3769 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.” (Record Gazette)

06 March 2015Former Manning Priest Not Guilty

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Archbishop of Grouard –McLennan, Alberta:  Archbishop Gerard Pettipas CSsR (30 November 2006 –  )

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Defence:  Rob Marceau.   Crown:  Joshua Chan    Judge:

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06 March 2015:  Former Manning Priest Not Guilty

05 March 2015:  “Alberta Catholic priest denies sexually touching private parts of minor” & related articles

22 August 2014:  “Travel request from Alberta priest accused of sexual assault rejected” & related article

02 April 2014:  Date set for prelim for Manning Priest

17 March 2014:  New court date set for accused priest

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Next court appearance05 March 2015:  10 am, TRIAL booked for two days, Court of Queen’s Bench (Superior court), Peace River, Saskatchewan;  05 September 2014:   to set trial date, Peace River Provincial Court, Peace River, Alberta;  committed to stand trial  21 August 2014:  09:30 am, preliminary inquiry,  Peace River Provincial Court, Peace River, Alberta; 31 March 2014:  “to submit a plea, ” Peace River Provincial Court, Peace River Alberta,   17 March  2014:  Peace River Provincial Court, Peace River Alberta

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21 August 2014:  preliminary hearing Archbishop Petipas and several priests from the archdiocese in attendance 01 September 2014 (  Archbishop Petipas newsletter references guilty plea by Father Chempottickal and preliminary hearing of Father Azhakathu)

  Father Abraham Azhakathu attended a preliminary hearing on August 21st in Peace River on the charges brought against him. I was also present, along with other priests and parishioners. His case will go to trial, most likely in the spring of 2015. He continues to reside at the chancery office in McLennan

09 March 2014Father Azhakathu on Missionary Society of St Thomas the Apostle website

Chaplain for students at Holy Rosary School. Manning, Alberta ( Father Abraham Azhakathu on Holy Rosary Catholic School website 09 March 2014)

Father Ahakathu Abraham Dean for the Peace River District of the Archdiocese – also member of Council of Priests and College of Consultors

08 March 2014:  Arrested – charged with sexual assault and sexual interference

2013:  Pastor, St. James the Major, Manning, Alberta and St. Peter Canisius, Hawk Hills, Alberta (CCCD)

September 2013:  Pastor St. James Major Roman Catholic Church, Manning, Alberta (Missionary Society of St Thomas the Apostle Directory)

Late 2013 or early 2014Fr Abraham Azhakathu on Netlog – lists his location as Austria

2012, 2011:  Pastor, St. James the Major, Manning, Alberta and St. Peter Canisius, Hawk Hills, Alberta (CCCD)

Sunday School – age 3 to Grade 2 every Sunday (Father Azhakathu and Sunday School ) (found in the Manning Resource Directory)

2010:  index gives address as Saint Jean-Baptiste Cathedral, McLennan, Alberta (at Cathedral Archbishop Pettipas CSsR and Father Joseph Jacobson) shown as incardinated in the Archdiocese of Grouard –McLennan, Alberta (CCCD)

2009:  According to media reports has been on loan to St. James the Major Parish in Manning Alberta since 2009 ( Archdiocese of Grouard –McLennan.) (M)

31 December 1982:  ORDAINED

01 September 1954:  DOB

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An Alberta priest faces sexual assault charges

Calgary, AB, Canada / (CFGQ FM) 107 Calgary

A Catholic priest has been charged with sexual assault and sexual interference.

59-year old Abraham Azhakathu was arrested Friday March 8th however was released Saturday afternoon. The charges stem from a minor reporting the assaults that occured in 2013 in the Manning, Alberta area. No information pertaining to the minor will be released.

Azhakathu has been released on strict conditions to not be alone with anyone under the age of 16 and will reside outside of Manning and within the Province of Alberta.  It is unknown if there are other victims and the RCMP’s investigation is ongoing.  His first court appearance is Monday March 17 at Peace River Provincial Court.

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Alberta man charged with sexual assault

Manning RCMP say Abraham Azhakathu was a practicing Catholic priest when the alleged incidents occurred in 2013. It is not known where Azhakathu was praticing at the time.

The charges come after a minor, whose age and identity will not be released, reported the assaults to the RCMP.

Officers say it is not known if there are any other victims; the investigation is ongoing. However, they are encouraging any other possible victims to contact Manning RCMP at 780-836-3769 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Azhakathu was arrested on Friday. He was released on Saturday, under strict conditions not to be alone with anyone under the age of 16.

He is scheduled to appear in Peace River Provincial Court on Monday, March 17.

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Catholic priest in northern Alberta charged with sex assault of minor

Azhakathu will appear in court March 17

CBC News

Posted: Mar 09, 2014 3:36 PM MT Last Updated: Mar 09, 2014 5:16 PM MT

A Catholic priest in Manning, Alta. has been charged with sexual assault of a minor.

The 59-year-old man has also been charged with sexual interference.

Abraham Azhakathu was arrested Friday after a minor reported the alleged incident in 2013 to the local RCMP.

Manning Catholic Priest

Abraham Azhakathu is expected to appear in court next on March 17. (Facebook)

Following a hearing held via telephone, Azhakathu was released with conditions late Saturday afternoon.

Azhakathu is not allowed to be alone with anyone under the age of 16. He is not allowed to reside within Manning but must stay within Alberta.

RCMP continue to investigate, and say there may still be more victims.

“We certainly encourage anyone with any information to contact our detachment,” said Cpl. Carol McKinley. “That being whether they have information in particular about this incident or incidents that may be related to this gentleman being charged.”

Police are not releasing any further details about the alleged incident or the minor’s name, age or sex.

Azhakathu will next appear in court March 17.

Manning is about 70 kilometres northwest of Peace River.

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Mounties in Alberta charge Catholic priest in sex assault of minor

CTV

The Canadian Press
Published Sunday, March 9, 2014 5:58PM EDT

MANNING, Alta. — A Catholic priest in northwestern Alberta has been charged in the sexual assault of a minor.

RCMP say Abraham Azhakathu, 59, of Manning, Alberta, was arrested Friday and faces charges of sexual assault and sexual interference.

Police say the alleged assaults occurred in 2013 and were reported by the minor to RCMP in Manning.

They say Azhakathu was a priest practising in the Manning area during that time.

Police are not releasing the alleged victim’s age or sex in order to protect the person’s identity.

Azhakathu has been released on strict conditions not to be alone with anyone under the age of 16.

He is set to appear in Peace River Provincial Court a week from Monday.

Police say they are still investigating.

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Alberta man charged with sexual assault

EDMONTON – A 59-year-old man from Manning, Alberta has been charged with sexual assault and sexual interference in relation to alleged assaults involving a minor.

Manning RCMP say Abraham Azhakathu was a practicing Catholic priest when the alleged incidents occurred in 2013.

“He was practicing in Manning during 2013,” said Corporal Carol McKinley with the RCMP western Alberta district office.

The charges come after a minor, whose age and identity will not be released, reported the assaults to the RCMP.

Officers say it is not known if there are any other victims; the investigation is ongoing. However, they are encouraging any other possible victims to contact Manning RCMP at 780-836-3769 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Azhakathu was arrested on Friday. He was released on Saturday, under strict conditions not to be alone with anyone under the age of 16.

“He will be residing outside of Manning, yet within the province of Alberta,” McKinley added.

He is scheduled to appear in Peace River Provincial Court on Monday, March 17.

32 Responses to Azhakathu : Father Abraham Azhakathu mst

  1. Sylvia says:

    A preliminary inquiry has been set for Father Abraham Azhakathu mst:

    21 August 2014: o9:30 am, Peace River Courthouse, Peace River Alberta

    This should be open to the public. There is already publication ban on the name of the complainant, – at the inquiry there will be a publication ban on all evidence and testimony. With the publication ban those who attend (media included) can not report any of the evidence or testimony.

    I was unable to find out how many days the courtroom has been booked for the inquiry . As the date draws closer I shall try to find out. Meanwhile, if anyone knows please pass on the word.

  2. Sylvia says:

    A trial date has been booked for Father Abraham Azhakathu mst:

    05 March 2015: TRIAL booked for two days, Court of Queen’s Bench (Superior court), Peace River, Saskatchewan

    The charges were laid March of this year. This is amazingly fast – as far as I’m concerned this is the way all cases should proceed.

    As always. please keep the complainant in your prayers

  3. Mathias Raphael says:

    As I know ,Fr Abraham Azhakathu (60), is a good Catholic priest of 33 years, working in Canada, in the Archdiocese of Grouard McLennan, as parish priest of St James, Manning, AB, since 2009.

    He is a priest of good standing, a lawyer as well as a law obedient citizen, came to Canada on merit, with a valid Passport and Visa.

    Just being an accused how can a civilized country like Canada tarnish the name, fame and life of a Catholic Priest ?

    Is he not a human being with rights and feelings?

    Fr Abraham Azhakathu is a heart Patient , taking daily medicines and also he is living with only 1 Kidney.

    Just being an accused, how can the Canadian websites fabricate and publish all the photos and fake stories about a foreign citizen in Canada?

    Are the Canadian Laws not applicable for certain websites, and media (TV, papers), who cruelly play with the life and fame of foreign law obedient citizens working in Canada?

    He was denied of his most Sacred Right and Duty to perform the LAST RITES of his ONLY OWN BROTHER at home who passed away 5 months back.

    It seems the criminal charge against him is the result of the tug between the Catholic Church and the Protestant Church in Manning, Canada.

    • PJ says:

      “how can a civilized country like Canada tarnish the name, fame and life of a Catholic Priest ?” If he is guilty he will face his punishment…if he is innocent then so be it. In either way, the truth shall prevail.
      “Is he not a human being with rights and feelings? ” What about the plaintiffs and victims? You care about him but say nothing about victims.
      “It seems the criminal charge against him is the result of the tug between the Catholic Church and the Protestant Church in Manning, Canada.” SERIOUSLY?? You really believe that?
      I’m not sure what country you are from but our Charter of Rights guarantees fair treatment and in most cases, that is the way it works. As Sylvia has stated, the police found sufficient evidence for charges. Just because he is a collar does not mean he is above the law…read about the pervert collars on this website to see how misled some people are.

      • P. says:

        It might surprise you to know the ONLY evidence the police require to lay charges is the word of a child. That’s it. Don’t know about you but that’s pretty darn scary to me. Basically any child can walk into a police station say: This man molested me, and charges can be laid.

        • Sylvia says:

          In what country? It certainly isn’t Canada.

          • P. says:

            Yes, in Canada. I just hope it never happens to you, because I suspect that’s the only way you’d see just how faulty the system can be.

            I used to think as you think but after witnessing this first hand I am now completely disillusioned.

            Again, thank you for posting the news that he’s not guilty. That’s something at least.

          • Sylvia says:

            I personally know of cases where children reported and charges were NOT laid.

  4. Sylvia says:

    Father Azhakathu was charged. Police found sufficient evidence to lay the charges. His two-day trial will start 05 March 2015. The trial will be public, – we will all know then what these allegations are about.

    I will pray for the repose of his brother’s soul.

    • Thimothi Johan - Germany says:

      According to the Law of God , Bible says in Psalm 105:15

      “Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm.”

      ” If some one do anything against it, then what will be the result says in Bible . Just read Psalm 105:16 ”

      I think the Law of God is more above than Human Laws.

      as Silvia written above, anyone can charge / file case against anybody, But it must be proven in the court WITH STRONG EVIDENCE . until that time all countries in this world are considering a person as an innocent. ( except some Muslim countries) .

      as I know Canadian Police couldn’t find out any evidence against Fr.Abaraham . anyway let us wait for the final result.

      If court release him free, who will pay for his sufferings ? and who will pay for his name to be destroyed through Canadian media and Canadian websites ?

      normally with out strong evidence, no court can`t give any punishment to anybody. as I know , Fr.Abraham is also an advocate. let him tell to the court what he want to tell. let us wait for few more days.

      Fr.Abraham is an Indian.( Indian origin)
      Prosecutor is a Chinese Person ( China Origin)
      Judge is a Canadian.
      victim is also a Canadian.
      Advocate of Fr.Abraham is also a Canadian.

      so I think all they together arrange everything for the favour of Canadian victim even Fr.Abraham is an innocent.

      A Chinese person will not do any favour to an Indian Citizen . They will be always enemies.it is a natural law. so its not easy to get Justice to Fr.Abraham.

      But I trust that there is a God above all laws. anyway THE TRUTH must come out.

      People from different countries , Embassies of many other countries , UN , Vatican , Human Rights organisations and Catholic Church authorities in different countries are still closely watching each process of this case.

      05 March 2015 or 06 March 2015 may not be an end date . I think there are many other courts in Canada including Canadian Supreme Court to take final decision on this case.

      let us wait and pray for the real truth come out.

      Thimothi Johan – Germany

      • Sylvia says:

        Oh my, Timothi Johan. Do you really and truly think that Canadian courts would discriminate against someone accused of sex abuse because he is Indian, or Chinese, or Moslem, or African, or whatever? You really do need to study the Canadian legal system?

        Further to that, you say that I said that anyone can “charge/file a case against anyone.” I didn’t sat that. Please re-read my comment. In Canada charges are laid after police investigate allegations and they determine that there is sufficient evidence to lay charges. I can not unilaterally decide to charge anyone. Sometimes I wish I could, but, I can’t – no one in this country can do that. We can go to police. Police investigate. IF police determine there is sufficient evidence to proceed, charges are laid.

        You say police couldn’t find any evidence against Father Abraham? If that were the case they would not have laid charges

        I am very surprised but also very happy to hear that the UN, the Vatican so many countries are watching.

        And, yes, let us all wait and pray that the truth comes out.

      • PJ says:

        Are you for real? I think you and mathias are the same person or somehow related. Stop hiding behind your biblical quotes…for every one you find in favour of your “prophets”, there will be others to condemn those who hurt his children. And to be as racist as you sound is just disgusting. Like Sylvia has said, you need to go learn about Canadian laws and cultures. All your comments made me laugh…never believed someone could actually write what you did.

  5. 1yellowknife says:

    The protestant faithful in Manning would be stunned to learn they are deemed that powerful by some. Biggest nonsense I ever heard, Mr Raphael.

  6. Thimothi Johan - Germany says:

    Today Just few minutes ago ( on 06.03.2015 at 13:00 Hrs. Canadian Time ) , THE CANADIAN COURT RELEASED Fr.ABRAHAM AZHAKATHU FREE , !!!!

    What Happened Silvia ? Finally The Truth has come out. Just now the Canadian Court released Fr.Abraham Azhakathu Free. The Canadian Court find out that Fr.Abraham Azhakathu is not a sinner, He didn’t do any mistakes. You and other Canadian Medias simply destroyed the good Name of a Satiny Priest.

    read again Bible >>>
    According to the Law of God , Bible says in Psalm 105:15

    “Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm.”

    ” If some one do anything against it, then what will be the result says in Bible . Just read Psalm 105:16 ”

    The Law of God is more above than Human Laws.
    Nobody can touch the anointed ones of God. its a commandment of God.

    Silvia I am sure that you and your generation will get of course Punishment from God for the works you have done against Fr.Abraham.

  7. Sylvia says:

    Where did you find that article Thimothi? I am looking and can’t find it. Would you send a link please?

  8. Sylvia says:

    I found it. Here it is:

    Former Manning Priest Not Guilty
    YL Country
    March 6, 2015 Local News, News

    The verdict is in for Abraham Azhakathu (pictured). The 60-year-old former Manning Priest was found not guilty of sexual assault and touching at Peace River’s Court of Queen’s Bench. Azhakathu was overtaken with tears of joy after he heard the verdict. Supporters of Father Abraham greeted him with words of encouragement. In contrast, the alleged victim’s mother showed an expression of shock and unhappiness after the verdict was read. Azhakathu was arrested almost a year ago after some alleged incidents happening during 2013. Defense Attorney Rob Marceau said during his closing statement the time-line of the alleged events didn’t add up. Prior to the alleged incident, Azhakathu had been on loan to the Archdiocese of Grouard-McLennan since 2009, and had served in the St. James the Major Parish in Manning. He’s a member of the Missionary Society of St. Thomas the Apostle, whose headquarters are in Kerala State, India.

  9. Kate says:

    Perhaps it is time for Abraham Azhakathu to return home.

    I am sure he will want to depart from Canada as soon as is practicable.

    I wonder what country he will finish up in next?

    • Thimothi Johan - Germany says:

      Hi Kate , finish up a country ?, what do you mean ? did he [deleted by Sylvia]… you or your mother ? or your daughter ? why are you angry towards a good priest ? even he didnt do anything against you ? if he is that much powerful to finish up a country , then send him to Syria or Iraq. go back to home, or go to an another country, etc… comes under once own decision. or its the decision of his Bishop or Religious society. let Fr.Abraham take such decisions himself. if people like Kate take decisions on Fr.Abraham it may not be useful. ofcourse she can write her wishes. But it may not come true. If a court find out that somebody is not a sinner , that means he didnt do any mistakes. nobody couldnt prove it in the court. that’s what court released him free. now allow him to live. what is wrong with you people ? I know that there are some enemies in India and Canada against Fr.Abraham. if they are always trying to destroy his good name.then I will publish their names and details in website.

    • kennady says:

      Go and [deleted by Sylvia].. your mother you Kate. we know who is Fr.Abraham .

  10. P. says:

    Father Abraham is a good, good man. As forgiving as he is innocent.

    I’m glad you have posted the news that he’s Not Guilty but sad that from this point on people will assume he’s a child molester even though they don’t know and will never know the full story.

    I urge everyone reading this to think twice before believing everything you read. Police laying charges does NOT mean a man is guilty, but when a court of law names him NOT GUILTY, that should mean something and should give you pause.

    I wish Father Abraham all the best in the future and I hope, Sylvia, that you find some peace. I’m not sure what all this campaign of yours is about but I’m willing to believe many of the men on this page are innocent men, and many are not. Such a shame that the innocent men have to be painted with the same brush as the not innocent ones.

    • I am an immigrant as well says:

      Supporters of this priest are still slinging mud at those who reported this matter. Some have blamed the entire courtcase on ill-will from Protestants in Manning (how creative is that).

      Repeatedly, Sylvia’s site is cited as the reason this story is known.

      Maybe this priest and his followers need to educate themselves on the issue of freedom of the press and freedom of expression in Canada. It is a protected right in this country. Those who choose to live here should put some effort into understanding and respecting that right.

      I encourage Fr Abraham — and his followers — to read Sylvia’s postings and you will see they are based on published fact. Moreover, the reader contributions are representing various points of view — including yours.

  11. Kate says:

    Thank you for your comments/reflections.

    It is inconceivable that Azhakathu will be retained by the Grouard- McLennan diocese or any other Canadian diocese for the fact.

    It is best if he returns to his country of origin and serve the People of God in the nation where he was born and raised. Local churches need local pastors drawn from the local community. They are best placed to support the Body of Christ within that particular church.

    • P. says:

      I actually agree with this. Sometimes cultural differences can cause a great deal of confusion and frustration. While we should be able to overcome these differences we are only human.

      This will be my last comment. I only came to speak on Father Abraham’s character (as I know he will probably never see this and even if he did he would never jump on to defend himself, he’s too humble for that). It has been a great sadness for our local parishes to see him be demonized when we know the truth. If nothing else I hope this not guilty will make people think twice before thinking of him as a monster, because he’s not. He did nothing wrong.

  12. Kate says:

    I wanted to add that Azhakathu is a priest of a missionary congregation. Outside Canada it serves 9 diocese’ in the USA and in diocese’ throughout the world including Austria, Italy, Sweden and Switzerland . It is very possible that he could be relocated to any one of these countries.

    I apologise for the clumsy manner in which I expressed this point in a previous post.

    • PJ says:

      Kate: No apology needed as you expressed yourself properly. It was Thimothi Johan – Germany/kennedy that tried to demean and insult you…and he is NOTHING to us now. Nobody but that douchebag could apologize for what he wrote to you. God bless you for responding, it takes courage to come back after an attack so I admire you!

  13. kungfusinger says:

    Thank you Sylvia, for posting the verdict in Father Abraham’s case. All too often the coverage of these cases ends with the accusation. Even CTV did not follow up. God bless you!

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