Syrian churches of Kerala

Nasrani cross

This article deals with the various old churches that exist among the Saint Thomas Christians.^{[1] [2][3][4]}

Niranam St. Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Church

Kadamattom Church famous for Kadamattathu Kathanar

St Mary's Church Niranam

This church is believed to have founded by St. Thomas, the Apostle of Jesus Christ, in AD 54.^[5][6] The present building, supposedly the fourth, was constructed in 1912 and was reinforced during 2000. Among the attractions at the church are a huge cross made of granite, relics of St. Thomas, remnants of the old church, the golden cross, etc.

Kuravilangadu Marth Mariam Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane Church

St Mary's Forane Church, Kuravilangad

One of the oldest churches of Kerala is the St. Mary’s Church Kuravilangadu,^[7][8] which was supposed to have been established in AD 345 as per the tradition. It is believed by the Christian communities in Kerala that Mother Mary's first appearance in the world was in Kuravilangad. Our Lady appeared to a few children at Kuravilangad, who were tending their flock in the bushes. Mary asked them to build a church at the place from where a miraculous perpetual spring sprouted, a spring which exists even today. The children reported this matter to the elders and a church was built there.

The statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary kept at the side altar is unique. It is carved from granite and it is believed that it was brought from North India. This is a miraculous statue and the devotees call this statue "Kuravilangad Muthiyamma". The granite cross in a single block of 48 feet in front of the church was erected around 1597. The devotees offer coconut oil in the lamps at the foot of the cross. On first Fridays devotees stand in queue from early morning to late in the evening to offer oil. There is an ancient bell with the engraving in Syriac "Mother of God". Three bells were brought from Germany in 1911. There is a "perpetual" spring, believed to be miraculous. the old church and the eight tongued coconut scraper. Moonnu Nompu" is the main feast of the church.

There are solemnities during Moonnu Nompu (three-day fast) functions during Lent. A 40 feet (12 m) wooden ship, built with prow, stern, masts and rigging, having on one side an effigy of Jonah being vomited by the fish as per the orders of the Lord, and on the deck wooden mariners in western costume, has been for centuries the centre of attraction in the mid-day procession. Amidst the surging mass of humanity the depiction attempts to create the image that the sea is furious, the waves are beating against the sides of the ship and violent winds rip the sails our of control. Thousands of people from all over Kerala come to this three day feast. The ceremonial procession on the second day of the feast when the replica of Jonah's vessel is ceremonially transported is the main event of the feast.

Mar Alexander De Campo (Parampil Chandy Metran) was born in Muttuchira. He was the first indigenous bishop of the whole of India. He was ordained bishop in 1663 by Mar Sebastany a foreign bishop. Mar Alexander lived in Kuravilangad till his death, 2 January 1687.

Champakulam Kalloorkadu St. Mary's Syro-Malabar Catholic Church

Champakulam Kalloorkadu St. Mary's Forane Church (also called Champakulam Valia Palli) is one of the most ancient Syrian Christian Churches in Kerala and the mother church of almost all Catholic Syrian churches in Alappuzha District. It was formed from the Niranom Church founded by the Apostle Saint Thomas himself. By oral tradition, Champakulam Church was founded in AD 427. The open air Rock cross at Champakulam is one of the most ancient ones with clear documentation of its antiquity up to AD 1151. There are many archaeological artifacts found around the church about its history. Champakulam Church had very friendly relations with the Jacobite Syrian group and had a pivotal role in many ecumenical efforts in the 18th century. Mar Anthrayose - Kallada Mooppan was resident in Champakulam for some time.

Kallooppara St. Mary's Orthodox Church

Kallooppara St. Mary's Orthodox Church (Kallooppara Valiyapally) is situated at the heart of a small village called Kallooppara, Pathanamthitta District, Kerala, India. It is one of the oldest and renowned churches in Kerala and a priced possession of Malankara Sabha. The church have a legacy of around seven centuries, keeping its tradition and culture intact without compromising on its religious values. The church is a perfect example of the ancient temple architecture and is an elegant representation of the beautiful shingled roof tops in the early Travancore style. The church has a splendid blend of beauty and science in it and is a mystery the way it has overcome all the challenges of time. The church which is the worshiping place of thousands has been a topic of research for many.

Even though there are no clear evidence for the origin and age of the church. It is commonly believed that the founding stone of the church was laid on Malayalam month Karkadakam 3rd of 515 (AD 1339).

The church has been declared as the "Pilgrim center of St. Mary" on January 9, 2009, by His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Didimos Ist. The administration of the church is done by a governing body which is elected annually from among the church members.

St. Mary's Orthodox Cathedral, Thumpamon

St. Mary's Orthodox Syrian Cathedral, commonly known as '"Thumpamon Valiya Pally", is an ancient church located in Thumpamon near Pathanamthitta. It is the headquarters of the Thumpamon Diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. It is an ancestral place of worship of the Nazarene Christians who had settled down in Thumpamon. The popular belief that the Nazarene Christian came and settled in and around Thumpamon about 1600 years ago. The church first was built in AD 717 and it is among the one of oldest churches in Kerala.

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  St. Mary's Orthodox Cathedral (Thumpamon Valiya Pally), Thumpamon

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  An Old photo of Thumpamon Valiya Pally

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  Holy relics of Parumala Thirumeni

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  Old Stone Cross

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  Altar of Thumpamon Valiya Pally

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  Wooden Main Door of Thumpamon Valiya Pally

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  Holy Yukno of Mother Mary in Thumpamon Valiya Pally

St. Mary's Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane Church, Kanjoor

St. Mary's Forane Church, Kanjoor is an ancient church located in Ernakulam District. The church was built in AD 1001 and is one of the oldest churches in Kerala.

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  St. Mary's Forane Church Kanjoor

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  Althara

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  St. Sebastian (Kanjoor Punyavalan)

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  Route Map

Kanjoor Church Kanjoor is one of the most popular pilgrim centres in Kerala. People of all faiths and religions come to this pilgrim centre to pray to Kanjoor Punnyavan. The Kanjoor Church is situated on the banks of the River Periyar. This beautiful village is endowed with green pastures and lush paddy fields and it has been attracting tourists from time immemorial. Every nook and cranny of the church breathes history and heritage. St Mary's Forane Church, Kanjoor is one of the most outstanding and ancient Catholic churches in Kerala. Built in AD 1001, this church is portrayed as the symbol of strong Christian faith and spiritual renaissance of Kanjoor. It belongs to the Archdiocese of Ernaku- lam - Angamaly and is about 3 km south of Kalady in the Aluva-Kalady route. This church has a fascinating Kerala Temple style, wonderful fresco painted walls and tall towers. The magnificent structure of the church is a gorgeous blend of Indian architecture, Persian design, and Portuguese artistry. The fabulous collection of ancient sculptures and paintings which adorn the sanctum of the church, are made from a combination of fruit pulp, rare plant leaves and gold dust. The unique paintings on the main altar exhibit the Blessed Virgin Mother, the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Nativity and the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple. The side wall contains the paintings on the offering of the Lord Abraham, Noah, Melchisedech, the Ten Commandments to Moses. The church has a rare antique and valuable collection of manuscripts, books and paintings which are eye-catching. The granite cross made out of a single stone, the majestic and grandiose main door, the baptismal font made out of a single stone sculptured in the shape of a lotus, the epitaph in ancient round script (vattezhuthu), the ancient and invaluable documents written on the palm leaves (tholiyola) and many other antique properties chart the greatness of the church and highlight the cultural heritage and the noble Christian traditions that belong to Kanjoor over the years. The presence of Saint Sebastian, with his divine powers, makes Kanjoor a famous and important pilgrim centre. He is known as the Saint of Kanjoor (Kanjoor Punnyavan). There are a lot of incidents which illustrate the powerful and divine nature of the saint. One such incident happened when the ruler of the local kingdom Sakthan Thampuran visited the Puthiyedam Kovilakam during the annual feast of the saint was celebrated. Irritated by the uninterrupted firing of the saluting mortar (kathina vedi), he ordered that the mortars to be thrown into the river. At the time of the procession, all the mortars immersed in the water started firing. Startled by what happened, the Thampuran realized his mistake and came down to the church and paid obeisance to the saint. He donated the Elephant Lamp (Aana Vilakku) which is made of Pancha Loha (analloy of five metals). There was another incident when the Thampuran ordered that the Padippuro (gate house) of the church to be demolished. The very moment that the demolition of the gate house started, the elephant at the Kovilakam started destroying its padippura. On inquiring about this astonishing occurrence, he was informed that the Kanjoor Punnyavan had been offended by his action. As a sign of his repentance the Thampuran presented the perpetual lamp (Keda Vilakku) to the church. It is believed that to meet the expense of oil for the lamps, the Thampuran permitted the church to possess the paddy fields of one hundred para, and made the land on which it was constructed tax free. In the 18th century Tippu Sultan during his invasion reached Kanjoor to destroy the church. The Sultan ridiculed their faith in the saint and shouted at the statue of the saint, "If this clay statue has divine powers, let it speak to me". The people prostrated before the saint crying out to protect them. Suddenly a voice came from the sacred statue, "Won't you allow me to rest?" Seeing this miracle Tippu retreated with¬out damaging the church. It is depicted on the walls in front of the church to commemorate this event. ^[9]

Kaduthuruthy St. Mary's Knanaya Catholic Church

The stone is believed to have been laid for Kaduthuruthy St. Mary's Thazhathupally on 15 August 1009 AD. This church continued to be renewed from time to time. The present existing old church took its shape in 1590 with the characteristics of Gothic Art. “The altar of this church shows the excellence to which altar carving has ever reached.”^[10]

Aruvithura St. George's Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane Church

Aruvithura Syro-Malabar Catholic Church

Aruvithura Church is located at Aruvithura, Erattupetta. The first edifice of the church at Irapeli was made of granite stones in the manner of Hindu temples. As it is traditionally believed that St. Thomas, the apostle of India who preached the Christian faith in the important and popular villages of Malabar. It is believed that St. Thomas visited Irapeli and converted a prominent Jewish trader family named "Thengummoottil" in to Christianity and laid a cross in the banks of Meenachil. The local tradition also proven this belief. This is the first church in Palai diocese built in the 1st century. St. Thomas founded seven churches and a half (laid a cross on Irapoli) that the church of Irapeli is the half church. The church was rebuilt once or twice before the 16th century as it is reported. The ancient churches were constructed and maintained by the Thengummoottil family until the 16th century. In the beginning of the 16th century a new church was built under the leadership of Kallarackal Kathanar by the parishioners.

The church was first dedicated to the Virgin Mother, assumed into heaven. In the 14th century when the church of Nilackal or Chayal, one of those churches founded by St. Thomas was destroyed, several families migrated to Irapeli. They carried with them a statue of St. George. Ever since the advent of the statue, the people began to have unflinching faith in the saint and he has been particularly beneficial in bestowing favours on his clients. Because of the numerous favours obtained through the intercession of the saint, in the 16th century, a church was dedicated to him and his statue was placed in the central niche above the main altar. And in this way St. Mary’s church Irapeli became known as St. George’s Church Irapeli (later Aruvithura).

The 16th-century church was demolished in 1951, preserving the sanctuary with its vaulting within the right transept of the cruciform church to enshrine the statue of St. George, its second patron. Some believe the statue to be miraculous. This is a cruciform church in the Gothic style, facing to the west towards Jerusalem, and was completed in 1952.

St. Thomas Orthodox Cathedral, Kadampanad

St. Thomas Orthodox Cathedral, Kadampanad (Kadampanad Pally) is one of the oldest church of St. Thomas Christians in Kerala. It was established in the 4th century AD. Mar Thoma Sleeha (St.Thomas), an Apostle of Jesus Christ, came to India in AD 52 and established a Christian community in Kerala. There is evidence that he established eight churches (known as Ezharapallikal). One among them was at Chayal (Nilackel), situated in the western ghats. In the beginning of fourth century, a group of Syrian Christians from Chayal migrated to Kadampanad. They consecrated a church at Kadampanad in accordance with Syrian tradition and rituals in AD 325, in the name of Mar Thoma Sleeha as their patron saint. As centuries passed by, a strong Syrian Christian community had flourished in the vicinity of this church. People irrespective of their cast and creed visit the church with prayers and offerings.

St. George Jacobite Syrian Cathedral, Karingachira

Karingachira St. George's Church, established in 722 AD (Makaram 13), is one of the ancient churches of the Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church. This church is located 1.5 km east of Tripunithura town and 250 m west of Hill Palace, the royal palace of the Highnesses of the erstwhile Cochin state. St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, is the founder of the ancient church in India. Christian writers and historians from the 4th century refer to the evangelistic work of Apostle Thomas in India, and the Indian Christians ascribe the origin of their church to the labors of the apostle in the 1st century. It is believed that Cochin Hindu Royal Dynasty had an official affection and respect towards Karingachira church

St. Mary's Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane Church, Kudamaloor

Altar of Kudamaloor church (Old)

St. Mary's Church Kudamaloor is one of the ancient churches of the Syro-Malabar Rite. It is a Marian pilgrim center. It is situated 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) north of Kottayam town. "Alphonsa Bhavan" − the birthplace of Blessed Alphonsa is under this parish. Mannanam, a pilgrim center, where the tomb of Blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara situates, is also under this parish.

The old church was built by King Chempakasserry in 1125.^[11] There is a legend associated with the establishment of this church. Once, the Chempakassery Rajah was about to start an important journey. When he entered into the cart, the horses stood stationary and many attempts failed to move them. The King had to postpone his journey. The King ordered the chief astrologer to find the reason behind his journey disruption. The astrologer found that the place where the horses stood was a battlefield. The King excavated the area and found many skeletons of many warriors. The King listened to the advice of the astrologer and he decided to establish a church and immigrated five Nasrani families namely, Mukkunkal, Chakkunkal, Palathunkal, Thekkedam and Vadakkedam and gave land and wealth these families. In addition, families like Alumkal, Thuruthumali, Perumali, Thayyil, etc. also settled as a result of Christian immigration during the establishment of Kudamaloor church. Out of these families only traces of Mukkunkal and Thekkedam are around the Church of Kudamaloor and the rest all have disintegrated to various parts or have changed their family names after successive partitions, to worship. The present day Syrian Christians in this area are these immigrants.

The church is dedicated to "Mukthiamma" (Blessed Virgin Mary). The church used to have a pulpit built on a wooden elephant and the main beam is still decorated with elephant’s head; these features are very characteristic of the Hindu influence. The church is very famous for the rituals during the Holy week. St Alphonsa was baptized in this church.

St. Mary's Forane Church, Muttom, cherthala-688524; Alappuzha District

St. Mary’s Forane Church, Muttom, is situated in the heart of the Cherthala town in Alappuzha District. It is one of the most popular Marian pilgrim centres, in Kerala. Built in 1023 this church is portrayed as the symbol of strong Christian faith and spiritual renaissance of Muttom, Cherthala. St. Mary’s Forane Church, Muttom, Cherthala, is one of the most beautiful and largest Church made under Portuguese artistry around 1600. The carvings in the altars with beautiful paintings which adorn the sanctum of the church, are made from a combination of fruit pulp, rare plant leaves and gold dust, are marvellous. A very large relief work of ascension of Virgin Mary is rarest and cannot be seen anywhere. The statue of Mother Mary Immaculate was established in a shrine facing the road adjacent to the church. The statue is there since 1904 and a miracle happened in 1945. The presence of Mother Mary Immaculate, with her divine powers, makes Muttom a famous and important pilgrim centre. There are lots of incidents which illustrate the powerful and divine nature of the Virgin. People of all faiths and religion come to this Church to pray to Amma (the Virgin Mary). Everything seen here, wordlessly says the history and heritage. It belongs to the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly and is about 35 kilometeres from Kochi, Ernakulam and 22 kilometers from Alappuzha.

Ruha D Kudisha Forane Church Muttuchira, Kottayam (Eparchy of Palai of the Syro Malabar Major Archiepiscopal Church of India.)

Muttuchira is a village in the Kottayam District located in the South Indian State of Kerala. Muttuchira was called 'Nayappalli' in ancient records . According to local tradition, the Christian settlement of Muttuchira was established in the sixth century.

Muttuchira village has several churches. The main church of Muttuchira, the Ruha D’Qudisha Forane Church compound has two church buildings face to face with the Open air Rock Cross in the middle. The Church on the western side of the open air Cross is the main church now. It was built in AD 1854-58 (Kollam Era 1930-1033) when Rev Fr Kurian Parampil was the vicar (1859–85). The Church on the eastern side is the old church which was also called Ruha D' Qudisha church but later, in AD 1925, it was renamed as Church of Saint Francis of Assissi. It was from this church, the Pahlavi inscribed Granite Cross was discovered in AD 1923 during renovation. This Church was probably built in AD 1528 by Mar Denha and Mar Jacob Abuna (Mar Avu) based on the Muttuchira Lithic inscriptions. Another Church located on north side of the road is called 'karottu church'- Church of Saint Sebastian, also called 'prasu palli' with a small open air Rock Cross in front. A little away on the eastern side of all these Churches, there is an ancient open air Rock cross and a Chapel of Saint Anthony. There was an ancient Church in the same location dedicated to Mar Sliva ( Holy Cross). There is a Chapel of Saint Teresa on the western side of the main church complex near the road. Muttuchira Church is historically important. Archdeacon Jacob of Muttuchira was a native of Muttuchira and was based in this church until his death. He was buried in the Church of Saint Francis of Assissi. He was appointed as Archdeacon by Mar Simon, the Chaldean Bishop who arrived in Malabar in 1576 AD during the time of Mar Abraham, as a rival. Mar Simon was sent to Rome but Archdeacon Jacob had followers until his death in 1596. Bishop Chandy Parambil (Palliveettil Chandy Metran) celebrated his first Pontifical Mass at Muttuchira Church in AD 1663. Saint Alphonsa of India spent her early years in Muttuchira parish . Saint Alphonsa of India was brought up in her mother's house, the Muricken family of Muttuchira.^[12]

References

1. For a list of the old churches and their approx. dates cf. George Menachery,ed. The Thomapedia, Ollur, 2000; George Menachery, ed. The St. Thomas Christian Encyclopaedia of India,Trichur, 1973; George Menachery,ed. The Indian Church History Classics, Vol.1, The Nazranies, SARAS , Ollur, 1998; George Menachery, The Elephant and the Thomas Christian, 2014; George Menachery, Murals in Kerala Churches, Ollur, 2015.
2. For a list of old Kerala churches cf. George Menachery, "The Elephant and the Christians",Malayalam. SARAS, Ollur, 2014
3. "'Pallikalile Chitrabhasangal'" (PDF).
4. "'Aanayum NazraniyumThe Elephant in Kerala Churches"" (PDF).
5. St. Thomas Christians of Malabar Through Ages: N. M. Mathew
6. http://niranamchurch.com/History.htm
7. http://www.palaidiocese.com/Parishes1.htm
8. St. Mary Kuravilangad website
9. "St. Mary's Forane Church, Kanjoor". stmarysforanechurch.com. Retrieved 2014-06-06.
10. Dr. E. J. James Menachery,Thomas Christian Architecture P.145 in STCEI Vol.2, Ed. George Menachery, Trichur, 1973
11. Tourist Guide to South India, Sura Books, ISBN 8174781757, p. 154.
12. http://www.nasrani.net/muttuchira+church+sliva+lithic+inscriptions

External references

• St. Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Church, Niranam
• St. Mary's Forane (Martha Mariam) Church
• "Champakulam Kalloorkkadu St Mary's Church- The Hidden Pearl in Nasrani History | NSC NETWORK". nasrani.net. Retrieved 2014-06-06.
• St. Mary's Thazhathupally Kaduthuruthy
• "nazraney.com". nazraney.com. Retrieved 2014-06-06.
• "WELCOME TO INDIAN CHRISTIANITY". indianchristianity.com. Retrieved 2014-06-06.
• St. George's Forane Church, Aruvithura
• Kudamaloor Palli
• Namboothiri Rulers

St. Mary's Forane Church, Muttom, cherthala-688524; Alappuzha District

• "Pilgrim center of St. Mary (St.Mary's Orthodox Church Kallooppara)". web.archive.org. Retrieved 2014-06-06.