Syrian churches of Kerala

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A Saint Thomas Christian cross at Kottayam Valiya Pally
Part of a series on
Saint Thomas Christians
Saint Thomas Christian cross
History
Saint Thomas · Thomas of Cana · Mar Sabor and Mar Proth · Tharisapalli plates · Synod of Diamper · Coonan Cross Oath
Religion
Crosses · Denominations · Churches · Syriac language · Music
Prominent persons
Abraham Malpan · Paremmakkal Thoma Kathanar · Kayamkulam Philipose Ramban · Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara · Varghese Payyappilly Palakkappilly · Mar Thoma I · Saint Alphonsa · Sadhu Kochoonju Upadesi · Kariattil Mar Ousep · Geevarghese Dionysius of Vattasseril · Geevarghese Mar Gregorios of Parumala · Geevarghese Ivanios · Euphrasia Eluvathingal · Thoma of Villarvattom
Culture
Margamkali · Parichamuttukali · Cuisine · Suriyani Malayalam
  • v
  • t

This article lists the various old and ancient churches that exist among the Saint Thomas Christians in Kerala.[1][2][3][4]

Thrissur district[]

  • Palayoor St Thomas Syro-Malabar Church – According to tradition, the Syrian church was established in 52 AD by St Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ.[5] It is the first church in India, and St. Thomas performed the first baptism in India here, therefore this church is called an Apostolic Church credited to the apostolate of St. Thomas, who preached and also introduced Christianity to the people here.
  • – The Kodungallur church is considered to be one of the oldest churches built by Thomas the Apostle in 52 AD, second only to St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Church, Palayoor. The current Marthoma Pontifical shrine (Kodungaloor Mar Thoma Church) church is on the banks of the River Periyar about 6 km from Kodungallur, in the village of Azhikode in Kerala.[6][7]
  • Arthat St. Mary's Orthodox Syrian Cathedral – According to local tradition the Arthat was a former Jewish settlement where Thomas the Apostle converted many Jewish families to Christianity. He also established a cross at Arthat which was consecrated as the Arthat church in the 2nd century.
  • – The Mattam St Thomas Forane Syro-Malabar Church was established in 140 by the Syrian Christians who migrated from Palayoor.
  • Ambazhakkad St Thomas Forane Syro-Malabar Church – The Ambazhakkad Syrian Church was established in 300 in the land which was donated by a Nambudiri of the Ambazhakada Mana for the Saint Thomas Syrian Christians of Ambazhakkad who migrated from Kodungallur.[8]
  • – The Pazhanji church was constructed in the 4th century by the Saint Thomas Syrian Christian members of the Kunnamkulam Arthat Cathedral. Many Syrian Christians who fled Arthat at the time of the Mysorean invasion of Malabar in the 18th century joined the Pazhanji Syrian Church.
  • – The Parappukkara Syrian Church was established in 400 by the Syrian Christians who migrated to Parappukkara from Kodungallur. It has ancient murals from the 10th century onwards.
  • – The Puthenchira Syrian Church was established in 400 by the Syrian Christians of Puthenchira who migrated from Kodungallur due to conflict between local rulers.
  • – The Mullasserchurch was established in 400. The church was established by the Syrian Christians who migrated to Puthukkad which lies on the fertile plains of Manali river.
  • – The Enammavu Church (Enammakkal Church) was established in 510 by the Syrian Christians who migrated from Kodungallur and North Paravur. In the later centuries many Syrian Christians migrated from Enammavu to Thrissur as they were invited by Shakthan Thampuran for the development of trade and business in the town.
  • Chalakudy St Mary's Syro-Malabar Forane Church – The church was constructed in 600 by the Syrian Christians of Chalakudy who had migrated from Kodungallur where Thomas the Apsotle had converted them to Christianity.[9]
  • – Established in the 9th century by the Syrian Christians of Velayanad who formerly attended the nearby Puthenchira Syrian Church. The church was partially demolished by Tipu Sultan during the Mysorean invasion of Malabar in 1852.
  • – The Thazhekkad Syrian Church was established in the 9th century. It has hosted the notable Thazhekkad Sasanam where many privileges and grants where given to the Syrian Christians.
  • – The Arimpur Syrian Church was established in the 9th century by the Syrian Christians who migrated from Enamavu who formerly attended the Enammavu Syrian Church.
  • Pazhuvil St Anthony's Syro-Malabar Church – It was founded in 883. This church is one of the famous pilgrimage centers in Kerala. It is renowned for the feast of St. Joseph on March 19. The origin of Thattil family in Thrissur is linked with one of the army Chief of The King of Kochi. He was killed in a battle with Zamorin of Kozhikode at Enammavu in Thrissur. As a mark of respect and memory of this great warrior, King promised to construct a church, where his body is buried.
  • Mapranam Mar Sleeva Syro-Malabar Church – Believed to have been constructed in 928. The Syrian Christians of Kodungallur and Chalakudy migrated to Mapranam in the 8th century.
  • – The Kottekkad Syrian Church was established in 977 by the Cherman Perumal and the local Syrian Christians who migrated from Palayoor.
  • Chavakkad Chittattukara St Sebastian's Syro-Malabar Church – The Chavakkad Chittattukara church was built in the 12th century by Saint Thomas Syrian Christians of Chavakkad by the Syrian Christians who separated from the Palayur Church.
  • – The Thampuratty of the Koratty Kartha constructed a church near the burial place of her chief commander, for the spiritual needs of the Syrian Christians living in that region. Construction work began on 15 August 1381 and was completed with the consecration on 8 September 1382. This church came to be known as the Marian Pilgrim Centre of Koratty Muthy.[10]
  • Ollur St Anthony's Syrian Catholic Church – Previously the Ollur Syrian Christian population went to Mass in the Pazhuvil church. One day one of the women of the Chiramel family missed Mass in Pazhuvil church. Disappointed, she told this to her son and asked him to construct a church in Ollur. After this, land donated by Malaekal Karthakal was used for building a new church in Ollur in 1718.[11]
  • – The Aranattukara church was established in 1796 by the Syrian Christians of who separated from the Pazhuvil Church.[citation needed]
  • Kunnamkulam St Matthias Orthodox Syrian Church – The church was converted from a Hindu temple at the behest of Shakthan Thampuran, the king of Cochin after the request of the Syrian Christians in the 18th century.[12][13]
  • – It was established in 1852 by Pulikkottil Mar Dionisius Metropolitan for the displaced Syrian Christians who fled Malabar following the Mysorean invasion of Malabar by Tipu Sultan.
  • – The Kunnamkulam St Thomas Orthodox Church, Puthenpally church was established in 1852 by Pulikkottil Mar Dionisius Metropolitan for the Syrian Christians who fled Malabar following the Mysorean invasion of Malabar by Tipu Sultan.
  • – The Pengamuck church was established in the 18th century by the Syrian Christians of Pengamuck who formerly attended the Arthat church.
  • Thrissur Marth Mariam Chaldean Syrian Church – The church established in 1814 by the Chaldean Syrian Church (an ancient Indian Christian community) and was originally known as Our Lady of Dolours Church. It is the Thrissur city's first church inside the fort gates and is the fourth church in the Thrissur Municipal Corporation.
  • Irinjalakuda St Thomas Syro-Malabar Cathedral – The church was constructed by Sakthan Thampuran for the Syrian Christian merchants who had migrated to Irinjalakuda from neighboring ancient Catholic Syrian regions such as Veliyanad, Pazhuvil, Pudukkad, Kallettumkara (Thazhekkad) and Mapranam in 1845.
  • – The Puthenpeedika Syrian Church in Anthikad was established in 1831 by the parishioners of the Pazhuvil Syrian Church.
  • Velur St Francis Xavier Syro-Malabar Forane church – Built in the 18th century the Velur Syrian Church served the Syrian Christians of Wadakkanchery.
  • – The Church was built in 1856 by the Syrian Christians who migrated to Wadakkanchery from Thrissur.

Ernakulam district[]

Kottakkavu Syro-Malabar Old Church
  • Kottakavu Mar Thoma Syro-Malabar Church North Parvoor – The Kottakavu Syrian Church was established by Thomas the Apsotle in 52 AD. It is one of the oldest churches in India and is among the Ezharappallikal.
  • Malayattoor St Thomas Syro-Malabar Church – Believed to be established as a cross in 60 AD by Thomas the Apostle.
  • Kothamangalam St Mary's Jacobite Syrian Cathedral – The Kothamanagalam Valiyapally was founded on the 4th century by some Syrian Christian families who migrated from North Paravur, Edappally and Angamaly. The new church established in 1338 by four Syrian Christian merchants who bought the entire land of Kothamangalam from a local chief for commodity trading with the nearby state of Tamil Nadu.
  • Kandanad St Mary's Orthodox Syrian Cathedral – Kandanad Valiyapally is a prominent church in the Kandanad village of Ernakulam District of Kerala. This church is believed to have been built around the 4th century, belongs to Kandanad West Diocese of Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church.
  • Angamaly St George's Syro-Malabar Basilica – Established in 430 by migrants from Kodungallur.
  • – The Kottoor Church is believed to be founded in 5th century as a chapel of Pallippuram Church near Cherthala in the initial periods, later became a parish of the Kolenchery Syrian Church.
  • – Consecrated in 510 AD by the Syrian Christians who migrated from Kodungallur, the Udayamperoor church hosted the Synod of Diamper in 1599.[14]
  • Edappally St George's Syro-Malabar Forane Church – The church is thought to have been founded in 593 AD. It is regarded as one of the oldest churches in Kerala, after the seven churches founded by Thomas the Apostle in the first century. It was built by families from Paravur who had to travel to the Kottakkavu Mar Thoma Syro-Malabar Church, North Paravur to worship.
  • Piravom St Mary's Orthodox Cathedral – The Piravom Syrian Cathedral was consecrated in the 6th century and is dedicated to the Holy Magi, St. Mary, St. Peter, St. Paul and St. George.
  • – Established in 601 AD by the Syrian Christians who migrated from Kodungallur.
  • Kolenchery St Peter's and St Paul's Orthodox Syrian Church – St. Peter's and St. Paul's Orthodox Syrian Church is a church in Kolenchery, in Ernakulam, Kerala, India. It was established in the 7th century by Thankan Mappila of the Kolenchery family.
  • Karingachira St George's Jacobite Syrian Cathedral – Karingachira St. George's Jacobite Syrian Church of Jacobite Syrian Christian Church, established in 722 AD (Makaram 13), is one of the ancient churches of the Malanakara Orthodox Syrian Church.
  • – The South Paravur church was established in 802 by the Syrian Christians of South Paravur who separated from the Udayamperoor Syrian Church.
  • Akaparambu Mar Sabor and Mar Proth Church – Completed in 825 AD, the church was established by Mar Sabor and Mar Afroth who were two holy men who came to Malabar to preach the Gospel with a group of Assyrian Christian (Nestorians) immigrants led by a merchant named Sapor Esho.
  • Kadamattom St. George's Syrian Church – The church is believed to have been established in the 9th century by Mar Sabor. A 9th-century stone Persian cross with four equal-size arms sits on the right wall of the Madbaha or altar room. The arms are tipped with floral designs and is claimed to have been made by Mar Sabor. Around the cross is engraved a Pahlavi inscription.
  • – The Morakkala St Mary's Jacobite Syrian Cathedral, Pallikara was established in 905 AD by the Syrian Christians who were parishioners of the Edappally Syrian Church.
  • Arakuzha Saint Mary's Syro-Malabar Major Archiepiscopal Church – The Arakuzha Syrian Church is an ancient Syrian Catholic Church which was built in 999 AD by the Syrian Christians who separated from the Mylacombu Syrian Church.
  • – Built in 1001, this church is portrayed as the symbol of strong Christian faith and spiritual renaissance of Kanjoor. The Kanjoor Syrian Church was established by the Syrian Christians who migrated from Angamaly and Kodungallur.
  • – The Chowara church was established in 1025 by the Syrian Christians traders and merchants who migrated from Kodungallur and Kottakavu (North Paravur).
  • – The Chendamangalam church was established in 1075 AD by the parishioners of Kottakkavu Syrian Church. This church has many ancient inscriptions and murals and is part of the Muziris heritage monuments.
  • – The Mamalassery Syrian Church was established in the 12th century by the Syrian Christians who separated from the Piravom Syrian Church following a feud between them.
  • Nadamel Marth Mariam Jacobite Syrian Church – Nadamel Marth Mariam Church was built in 1175 in Tripunithura, India by the former parishioners of the Karingachira Syrian Church. It belongs to the Malankara Jacobite Syriac Orthodox Church.
  • – The Palluruthy Syro-Malabar Church was established in 1196 by the Syrian Christians who migrated from Pallippuram in Alappuzha.
  • Mulanthuruthy St Thomas Orthodox Syrian Cathedral – The church was established in 1225 (11th century) and modified in 16th century (in 1550) by the Knanaya Tharakan (minister) Kunchacko of the Kunnassery family. Due to an altercation between the Syrian Christians and the Kingdom of Vadakkumkur Kunchacko had gathered the Knanaya of St. Mary's Knanaya Valiyapally, Kaduthuruthy as well as all Syrian Christians he could find within Vadakkumkur and moved them to Mulanthuruthy. Upon arrival Kunchacko had sanctioned the building of the Mulanthuruthy Church. Later the Knanaya were called back to their home church of Kaduthuruthy by the descendants of the King of Vadakkumkur, leaving Mulanthuruthy Church in the care of the Syrian Christians who remained there.[15][16]
  • Karakunnam Morth Mariam Jacobite Syrian Cathedral – The Karakunnam Syrian Church was established in the 13th century by the Syrian Christians who separated from the Kadammattom Syrian Church.
  • Alangad St Mary's Syro-Malabar Church – The Alangad church was established in 1300 by the Syrian Christians of Alangad and the Alangad Karthakal. The Syrian Christians of Alangad formerly attended the Kottakavu North Paravur Church.
  • Kuruppampady St Mary's Jacobite Syrian Cathedral – The Kuruppampady cathedral is one among the older churches of the Malankara Church in the Ernakulam district, Kerala. The church was established around 1300 by a group of Syrian Christian families who were members of the Kanjoor church residing at Kuruppampady.
  • – The North Kuthiathode Old Church was established in 1301 by the Syrian Christians who migrated from Kodungallur and North Paravur.
  • – Built in 1401 by the local Syrian Christians who separated from the Angamaly Old Church.
  • – The Vallom church was established in 1455 by the Syrian Christians of Vallom, Perumbavoor who formerly attended the Kanjur and Angamaly Syrian churches for worship.
  • Njarakkal St. Mary's Syro-Malabar Church – Established in 1451 in Vypeen by the Syrian Christians who separated from the North Paravur Kottakavu church.
  • – The Nechoor Syrian Church was established in 1455 by the Syrian Christians who separated from the Piravom Syrian Valiyapally.
  • Kothamanagalam St Thomas Syrian Church – The Kothamanagalam Mar Thoman Cheriyapally was established in 1455 by 18 families who separated from Kothamanagalam Valiyapally.
  • Angamaly St Mary's Jacobite Syrian Church – This new church in Angamali, dedicated to St. Mary (of Assumption), was erected by Archdeacon George of Christ, who was appointed as the Archdeacon circa in 1562 by Mar Iosep.[14]
  • – Established in 1566, the North Paravur Syrian Church is known for the tomb of the Syrian Orthodox Archbishop of Jerusalem - Saint Gregorios Abdul Jaleel for the Syrian Christians who separated from the Kottakkavu Church.
  • Angamaly Mar Hormizd Syro-Malabar Church – It was built in 1577 by Mar Abraham, the last Chaldean Metropolitan to reach Malabar Coast.[14][17]
  • – The St. Mary's Cathedral at Rakkad was founded in 1687 by the Patriarchal delegate Mor Ivanious Hidayatulla Bava who accompanied Mar Baselios Yeldho to the Malabar coast.
  • – The Kunnakkurudy St George's Orthodox Syrian Church was established in the early 16th century by the Syrian Christians who separated from the Kuruppampady Syrian Church.
  • Mattanchery Koonan Kurish St George Orthodox Syrian Church – The church was constructed by Bishop Shakrulla Baselios a Syriac Orthodox Bishop in 1751.
  • Marady St Mary's Jacobite Syrian Church – Marady Syrian Church was established in 1865 by the former parishioners of Kadamattom Syrian Church.
  • – Kadathy church was established in the 1875. In 1975 the church was renovated and was consecrated by the diocesan Metropolitan H.G. Mor Dionysius Thomas (the Catholicos Aboon Mor Baselios Thomas I). It was established for the Syrian Christians of Kadathy who attended the Kadammattom Church earlier.
  • – This church is one among the ancient churches of the Syrian Christians in Kerala. It was established on 14 November 1870 who attended the Kuruppampady Syrian Church earlier.
  • – The St. Ignatius Orthodox Syrian Church, Kanjiramattom was founded and established on 2 August 1879 by Malankara Metropolitan Mor Dionysius Joseph Pulikottil.

Idukki district[]

  • – Built in 660 AD by Syrian Christian settlers in Mylacombu near Thodupuzha who migrated from Kuravilangad and Kaduthuruthy.[18][19]
  • – The Nakapuzha church was established in 900 AD by the Syrian Christians who migrated to Nagapuzha, Thodupuzha from Kuravilangad and Kaduthuruthy.
  • – Incepted in 999 AD, Nediyasala Church is one of the ancient churches in the Eparchy of Kothamangalam which belongs to the Syro-Malabar Major Archiepiscopal Church. The Syrian Christian immigrants from the plains to the high ranges in the 999 AD established the Nediyasala Church.
  • – St. John's church at Vadakara, Koothattukulam is one of the oldest Syrian Christian churches in Malankara. It was established in the 1096 by the Syrian Christians of Piravom Syrian Valiyapally.
  • – The church at Muthalakodam, near Thodupuzha, is believed to have been built in 1312 by an ancient noble lady named Kapputhiriyamma (Mattathil Muthi) for the Syrian Christians of Muthalakodam who attended the Mylacombu Syrian Church for worship.
  • – The Chunkom Knanaya Church was established in 1579 by the Knanaya Christians who had migrated from Kodungallur following a war between the Zamorin of Calicut and Cochin Kingdom, and the Knananites who migrated from Udayamperoor in the 9th century who separated from the Mylacombu Syrian Church.
  • Neyyassery St Sebastian's Syro-Malabar Church, Thodupuzha – It was established in 1852 and was rebuilt in 1987. The first stone for the new church was laid on the feast day of Angel Michael (archangel) for the migrant Syrians of Neyyassery, Thodupuzha.
  • Karimannoor St Mary's Syro-Malabar Forane Church – Consecrated in 1902 it served the migrant Syrian Catholics of Karimanoor who had migrated from Muvattupuzha, Pala and Kuravilangad.

Kottayam district[]

Kuravilangad Syrian Church
  • Kuravilangad Marth Mariam Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane Church – One of the oldest churches of Kerala is the St. Mary's Church Kuravilangad,[20][21] which is supposed to have been established in 105 AD by the Syrian Christians who migrated from Kodungallur and North Paravur.
  • Aruvithura St George's Syro-Malabar Church – It is believed that St. Thomas visited Irapeli in Arivithura and converted many prominent Jewish families into Christianity among them is the Thengummootil family, and laid a cross on the banks of the Meenachil River which in the year 151 was built as a church. In the 14th century when Nilackal (Chayal) was looted by the Pandya Kingdom of Madurai, the church of Nilackal (Chayal), established by Thomas the Apostle was destroyed and many Syrian Christian families migrated to Arivithura in Erattupetta, these immigrants joined the Aruvithura Syrian Church.
  • St. Mary's Knanaya Valiyapally, Kaduthuruthy – The Kaduthuruthy Valiyapally is a historic church founded by the Knanaya community in 400 C.E. The Knanaya are the descendants of Syriac Judeo-Christians who migrated from Persian Mesopotamia to Kodungallur, Kerala during the medieval era.[22]
  • Muttuchira Ruhada Kudisha Syro-Malabar Church – The consecration day of Muttuchira church was on the arrival of Pentecost on 25 May 550. The Muttuchira church is one of the most ancient churches in India. It is believed to have been built in the sixth century. The Christians were brought to this territory by the dependants of the then landlord Myal Pazhur Naboothiripadu and Mamalassery Kaimal. These local rulers helped the Christian congregation to build a new church in that area. The prominent Kallarveli family helped to build the church.
  • – The church is believed to have been built in 826 AD by Persian Nestorians Mar Sabor and Mar Aphroth and is well known for its twin patron saints, St. Gervasis and St. Prothasis.
  • – Athirampuzha church traces its history to the Ettonnussery Illam which was the power centre of the local kingdom. It is said that the Namboodiri of this Illam donated the land to build a church in the name of blessed virgin Mary as a token of gratitude on the miraculous birth of his son. The church was blessed on 15 August 835 AD.
  • Manarcaud St Mary's Jacobite Syrian Cathedral – The old Manarcad Church was built in 920 by the Kallakkadampil family and Thekkumkur royal Kingdom. The Manarcaud Church was established by the Syrian Christian families which migrated from Kodungallur following a riot between the Jews and Muslims.
  • – The Vadayar Church established in 977 AD is the oldest church in Vaikom. It was built by the Syrian Christian immigrants to Vaikom from Kuravilangad.
  • – The Kadaplamattom Syrian church was established in 1009 by the Syrian Christians who migrated from Kaduthuruthy.
  • – The Kaduthuruthy Thazhathupally was consecrated in 1009 by the Syrian Christians who separated from the Kaduthuruthy Knanaya Valiyapally.
  • Pala St Thomas Syro-Malabar Cathedral – The church was founded on 3 July 1072, by four Saint Thomas Syrian Christian families. These four Christian families of Palai were Tharayil, Koottumkal (brother of Tharayil Mappila), Erakonni and Vayalakombil. Before the establishment of the Pala St Thomas Cathedral the Syrian Christians of Pala attended the Aruvithura Syrian Church.
  • – Tradition has it that the stone laid by St. Thomas ultimately led to the founding of the Holy Cross Church at Cherpunkal. The foundation stone for the new church was laid on 14 September 1096. The land for the construction of the church was donated by Kallampally Namboothiri, a landlord and the construction of the church was ordered by the Thampuran of Poonjar.
  • – The Bharananganam Church was consecrated in 1100 by the Syrian Christians who migrated from Aruvithura. The tomb of St. Alphonsa is in this church.
  • – St. Mary's Church at Kudamaloor was built by Chempakasseri Maharajah in 1125. The ritual offering here is a traditional water bag and rope used to draw water from the well. A bell and the Paten, donated to the church by the Chempakassery King, are still preserved.
  • Thazhathangady Orthodox Syrian Church – A worshiping community of Syrian Christian adherents existed in Thazhathangady dating back to the 12th century. Thazhathangady was the headquarters of the Thekkumkoor (Thekkumkur) Rajas who ruled over a principality which includes the larger parts of the present Kottayam and Idukki districts.
  • Changanassery St Mary's Metropolitan Syro-Malabar Cathedral – The local Christian community in and around Changanachery inherits its faith directly from St. Thomas the Apostle, who formed a Christian community of faithful, centered on Niranam in the 1st century. The first church in Changanachery was established in 1177. The plot of land for the church was donated by the local Hindu king of Thekkumkoor.
  • – The Mulakulam church was initially established as a chapel of the Piravom church in 1136. In 1566 it was reconstructed.
  • – The St. Peter's and St. Paul's Syro-Malabar Catholic church was established in 1300 as per the order of the then Vadakumkoor King for the Syrian Christians of Elanji who formerly attended the Piravom Syrian Church for worship.
  • – The Chempu Syrian Catholic Church was established in 1307 by the Syrian Christians who migrated to Chempu, Vaikom.
  • – The Vaikom Pallipurathussery Syrian Church was established in 1391 by the Syrian Christians who separated from the Vadayar Syrian Church and the Syrian Christians who migrated from Pallippuram, Alappuzha.
  • Kudavechoor St Mary's Syro Malabar Church – The Kudavechoor St Mary's Syrian church was consecrated in 1463 by the Syrian Christians who separated from the Vaikom Syrian Church and the Pallippuram Syrian Church. Many ancient murals are found in the Kudavechoor Church.
  • – Thomas the Apsotle had established a church in Nilackal (Chayal) in 54 AD. It was an important trading city in the erstwhile Chempakassery Kingdom and had flourishing trade with the Pandya Kingdom of Madurai. But in 1325, Chembakacherry had was a war with kingdom of Madurai, probably owing to a trade dispute. The city was looted and torched and nothing remained of it. The Nilakkal church was burned down, but Thommy Mappilla, the Chief Trusty of the church managed to save the statue of the Blessed Virgin. The Syrian Christians of Nilackal led by Thommy Mappila fled to the Pazhoor Valley in Kanjirapally. Later, in 1449 a predecessor of Thommy Mappilla and Veera Kerala Perumal, the Maha Raja of Thekkumkoor Kingdom constructed a church in Kanjirapally.
  • – The centuries-old twin churches of Ramapuram are two of the oldest churches in Kerala. The complex consists of a smaller church dedicated to St. Augustine and a larger one dedicated to the Blessed Virgin. The church dedicated to St. Augustine dates to 1450 while the one dedicated to the Blessed Virgin was erected in 1864.
  • – The Syrian Christians who migrated from Nilackal, Kanjirapally and the Syrian Christians who separated from the Aruvithura Syrian Church together built the Poonjar Church in 1542 AD.
  • – The Kottayam St Mary's Knanaya Valiyapally was built in 1550 by the Knanaya Christians who migrated to Kottayam town and by the Syrian Christians who separated from the Thazhathangady Church. Now the Malankara Orthodox Knanaya Christians use the Kottayam Valiyapally for worship.
  • Puthupally St George's Orthodox Syrian Church – It was originally built as a Cheriyapally in the name of St. Mary in 1557 near Vazhakulam Hindu temple on a hillock which later came to be known as Cheriyapally. In 1640 it was shifted and rebuilt in the name of Mar Bahanan Sahada.
  • Kottayam St Mary's Cheriyapally – The Kottayam Cheriyapally was built in 1579 by the Thekkumkur Kingdom for the Syrian Christians who separated from Kottayam Valiyapally and the Syrian Christians who separated from the Thazhathangady Syrian Church.
  • – The Punnathura Church was established in 1623 AD by the Thekkumkur Kingdom and Arimpanoor Dewaswom for the Syrian Christians of Punnathura who formerly attended the Athirampuzha and Cherpunkal churches.
  • – The St. Stephen's Church of Uzhavoor belongs to the Kottayam Arch Diocese of Knanaya Catholic community which was built in 1631.
  • – The Lalam Puthenpally is one of the oldest churches in Pala. It was built in 1661 by the Syrian Christians of Lalam, Palai who separated from the Palai St Thomas Cathedral.
  • – Established in 1817, the Kallumkathra Syrian Church served the Jacobite Syrian Christian from Aymanam, Kummanam and Arpookara who separated from the Kottayam Cheriyapally.
  • – The Kurichy Syrian Valiyapally was established in 1832 by the Ambalakkadavu family a branch of the Pakalomattam family who formerly attended the Kottayam Cheriyapally.
  • – Established in 1825.
  • – Established in 1826 by the former parishioners of the Uzhavoor Syrian Church.
  • Mannanam St Joseph's Syro Malabar Church – The Mannanam church was built by St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara on top of a hill in 1831. His remains are interred in the church.
  • – During the early decades of the 19th century, the Jacobites of Kumarakom used to worship at the churches in Kottayam. They wanted to set up a church in their own village. In 1853, the Attamangalam St John's Church was constructed.
  • – The Chengalam Syrian Church was established in 1861 by the Syrian Christians who lived in the western parts of the Kottayam town who formerly attended the Kottayam Cheriyapally for worship.

Alappuzha district[]

Gokkamangalam Syrian Church
  • Gokkamangalam St Thomas Syro Malabar Church – The Gokkamangalam (Kokkamangalam) Syrian Church was established by Thomas the Apostle in 52 AD and is one among the Ezharappallikal.
  • – One of the most ancient churches in Kerala, the Pallippuram Syrian Church was established in 290 AD by former parishioners who separated from the Gokkamangalam Church.
  • Champakulam Kalloorkadu St. Mary's Syro Malabar Basilica – Champakulam Kalloorkadu St. Mary's Basilica (also called Champakulam Valiya Palli) is one of the oldest Christian churches in India[23][24][25] and the mother church of almost all Catholic Syrian churches in Alleppey District. Believed to have been established in 427 AD,[26] the church was rebuilt many times.
  • Chengannur Old Mar Thoma Syrian Church – The Chengannur Old Syrian Church was established in the 4th century by the Syrian Christians of Chengannur and nearby areas who separated from the Niranam Syrian Church.
  • – The church was established by the Persian Nestorian merchants Mar Sapor and Mar Aphroth in 824 AD for the Syrian Christians of Kayamkulam who had formerly attended the Chengannur and Niranam Syrian churches.
  • – The Karthikappally Kottakkakathu Old Syrian Church was established in 829 AD by the Syrian Christians who separated from the Chengannur Syrian Church.
  • – The Mavelikkara Puthiyakavu Syrian Church was established in 943 AD by the Syrian Christians of Mavelikkara who formerly attended the Chengannur Syrian Church for worship.
  • Chennamkary St Joseph's Syro Malabar Church – The Chennamkary Syrian Church was established in 977 AD by Syrian Christian immigrants from Niranam and Pallippuram.
  • – Built in 1023 in Cherthala, Alappuzha it served the Syrian Christians of Cherthala who had separated from the Pallippuram St Mary's Syrian Church.
  • Cheppad St George Orthodox Syrian Church – It is believed that the church may have been founded in 1175 by the Syrian Christians who separated from the Karthikappally Syrian Church. The Cheppad Syrian Church has many centuries old murals depicting Syrian, Armenian, Ethiopian, Byzantine and traditional Kerala folk painting artworks. It also has an Ethiopian cross.[27]
  • – The Purakkad Mar Sleeva Church was established in 1410 by the ruler of the Chempakassery Kingdom for his Syrian Christian soldiers who migrated from Kayamkulam and Pallippuram.
  • – The Thathampally Syrian Church was established in 1404 by the Alavoor Matham (Naduvazhi) and the native Syrian Christians of Northern Aryanad who were former attendees of the Vadassery Syrian Church.
  • – The Mattel Syrian Church was established before the 15th century at the place where the Saint Thomas Cross which sank in the Vembanad Lake at Gokkamangalam was found.
  • – The Pazhavanangadi Syrian Church built in the 15th century by the local Syrian Christians who separated from the Champakulam Kalloorkad Church.
  • – The Pulinkunnu Syrian Church was established in 1557 by the Syrian Christians of Pulinkunnu, Alappuzha who separated from the Champakulam Kalloorkad Church.
  • – The Kallissery Knanaya Valiyapally was established in 1580 by the Knananites who separated from the Chengannur Old Syrian Church and the Knanaya Syrians who migrated from Kodungallur due to a war between the Syrian Christians and Muslim Mappilas of Kodungallur.
  • Puthenkavu St Mary's Orthodox Syrian Church – The people of Puthencavu depended on the old Suriyani Church in Chengannur or the church in Maramon before the establishment of this church. Due to the distance to the nearest church, Christians in the area decided to construct a church in Puthencavu in 1793.
  • Edathua St George Syrian Forane Church – St. George Forane Church Edathua was constructed in 1810 by the Syrian Christians who formerly attended the Champakulam Kalloorkad Churrch.
  • – The Thycattussery church was consecrated in the 18th century by Syrian Christians of Thycattussery who formerly attended the Pallippuram Syrian Church.
  • – The Ezhuppunna Syrian Church was established in 1859 by the parishioners who separated from the Pallippuram St Mary's Forane Syrian Church.

Pathanamthitta district[]

Niranam Orthodox Syrian Church
  • Niranam St Mary's Orthodox Syrian Church – The ancient Niranam Syrian church was founded by Thomas the Apsotle in 54 AD and is among the Ezharappallikal.
  • Nilackal St Thomas Ecumenical Syrian Church – The Nilackal (Chayal) Syrian Church in Angamoozhy was established by Thomas the Apostle in 54 AD and is among the Ezharappallikal.
  • Kadampanad St Thomas Syrian Orthodox Cathedral – In the beginning of the fourth century, a group of Syrian Christians from Chayal (Nilackal) near Ranni migrated to Kadampanad. They consecrated a church at Kadampanad in accordance with Syrian tradition and rituals in 325 AD, in the name of Mar Thoma Sleeha (Thomas the Apostle).
  • Adoor Kannamcode St Thomas Orthodox Syrian Cathedral – The earliest Syrian Christian settlement near Kannamcode in Adoor was at the beginning of 4th century, during the establishment of Kadampanad Church. The Kannamcode Syrian Church was established by the parishioners of Kadampanad Syrian Church in the 4th century.
  • Thumpamon St Mary's Orthodox Syrian Valiyapally – The first church in Thumpamon was built in 717 AD by the Syrian Christians who migrated from Nilackal and the Syrian Christians of Thumbamon who separated from the Niranam Church.
  • – The Vaipur Church was established in 1212 by the Syrian Christians of Vaipur who formerly attended the Niranam Church for worship.
  • Kallooppara St Mary's Syrian Orthodox Church – The Kallooppara Syrian Church was established in 1339 by the Aaruveedan families and the Edappally Swaroopam of Thekkumkur for the Syrian Christians of Kallooppara who attended the Niranam St Mary's Syrian Church.
  • – The Maramon Mar Thoma Church was established in 1440 by the Malieakal, Ramacham and Kulathackal Syrian Christian families who formerly worshiped in the Niranam Syrian Church.
  • Kozhenchery St Thomas Mar Thoma Syrian Church – Certain ancient Christian families who resided on the banks of river Pampa have recorded their origins and this evidence indicates that the early Christian settlers around Kozhencherry worshiped in the churches at Maramon and Chengannur. According to these records, the earliest church at Kozhencherry was constructed in 1599, according to the Malayalam Era (M.E. 775).
  • – The Paliakkara Syrian Church was consecrated in 1814 by Mar Thoma VIII for the Malankara Orthodox Saint Thomas Syrian Christians of Paliakkara, Thiruvalla who formerly attended the Kallooppara Syrian Church or the Niranam Syrian church.
  • Chandanapally St George's Orthodox Syrian Church – The first church in Chandanapally was built in 1810. It was renovated in 1875 and consecrated by Mar Abdullah, later the Patriarch of Antioch.
  • – The Mepral Orthodox Syrian Church was established in 1851 by the ancestors of the Poothicote family who were members of the Niranam Syrian church.
  • Manjinikkara St Ignatius Jacobite Syrian Church – On 11 February 1932, at the invitation of Kashisho Kuriakos Elavinamannil, the Patriarch Ignatius Elias III arrived at the Manjinikara Mor Stephanos church from Kallissery. On arriving at Manjinikara, the Patriarch said, "This place offers us much comfort; we desire to remain here permanently." He died there on 13 February.

Kollam district[]

  • – Thomas the Apostle established a church in Kollam in 54 AD. The church was lost to sea erosion in the 4th century. It was rebuilt in the 4th century in Thevelakkara, near Kollam. Later Mar Abo and Mar Aphroth from Nineveh in Iraq travelled to Kollam and rebuilt the church again at Thevelakkara for the Syrian Christian community in 825.
  • – The Kollam Kadeesha Syrian Church also known as Tharisappally/Tharisappalli Church was established in 823 AD by the Persian Saints Mar Sapor and Mar Aphroth. The Tharisappally Quilon Syrian Copper Plates were issued for this church.
  • – The Kallada Syrian Church was established in the 9th century by Persian traders Mar Sabor and Mar Proth. The tomb of Mar Anthrayos Bava (Kallada Valyappooppan) who arrived in 1678 is in the Kallada Syrian Church.
  • – The St. Thomas Valiyapally in Kundara was established in 835 AD by Mar Sabor and Mar Aphroth for the Syrian Christians of Kundara who formerly attended the Kollam Kadeesha Syrian Church.
  • Chathannoor St George's Orthodox Syrian Church – The Chathannoor Syrian Church was established in 1775.
  • Kundara St Mary's Jacobite Syrian Cathedral – Established in 1871 by the Vilayil Tharakan Gotram (a branch of the Pakalomattam family which migrated to Kollam) and the Illayidathu Maharajavu (Kottarakara Thampuran).

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). Archived from the original (PDF) on 20 June 2015.
  4. ^ "Aanayum NazraniyumThe Elephant in Kerala Churches" (PDF).
  5. ^ Gazetter 1986, pp. 38, 623
  6. ^ "Marthoma Church at Azhikode, Marthoma Pontifical Shrine | Religious sites at Muziris Heritage Area, Ernakulam". www.muzirisheritage.org. Retrieved 5 March 2016.
  7. ^ https://www.keralatourism.org/christianity/seven-half-churches/7
  8. ^ "History". Ambazhakad Church. Retrieved 6 June 2021.
  9. ^ "Welcome to Diocese of Irinjalakuda". Diocese of Irinjalakuda. 2015. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  10. ^ "Koratty Muthy", Thrissur Rural Police
  11. ^ "Industries in Ollur". Thrissur Corporation. Retrieved 15 February 2010.
  12. ^ Menachery, George (1973). The St. Thomas Christian Encyclopaedia of India. St. Thomas Christian Encyclopaedia of India.
  13. ^ Ninan, Prof M. M. (11 September 2018). The Acts of the Apostle Thomas. Lulu.com. ISBN 978-0-359-08188-2.
  14. ^ Jump up to: a b c Malekandathil (2020).
  15. ^ Karukaparambil 2005, p. 150.
  16. ^ Whitehouse 1873, p. 125.
  17. ^ Encyclopaedia of sects & religious doctrines, Volume 4 By Charles George Herbermann page 1180,1181
  18. ^ "St. Thomas Forane Church Mailacombu::Kothamangalam Eparchy:: Syro Malabar Church Parish". www.syromalabarchurch.in. Retrieved 6 June 2021.
  19. ^ "Architecture of Churches in Kerala | Christianity in Kerala | Kerala Tourism". Christianity. Retrieved 6 June 2021.
  20. ^ http://www.palaidiocese.com/Parishes1.htm
  21. ^ "評判の良い美容整形外科｜目白ポセンシアで受ける整形". www.StMaryKuravilangad.org. Retrieved 28 May 2017.
  22. ^ Dr. E. J. James Menachery,Thomas Christian Architecture P.145 in STCEI Vol.2, Ed. George Menachery, Trichur, 1973
  23. ^ "Champakulam Kalloorkkadu St Mary's Church- The Hidden Pearl in Nasrani History".
  24. ^ "Archdiocese Of Changancherry".[permanent dead link]
  25. ^ "Ancient Churches". Archived from the original on 25 January 2012. Retrieved 19 January 2012.
  26. ^ "Ancient Churches with traditional dates of foundation & Stone Crosses of Kerala- Saint Thomas Cross, Nazraney Sthambams and other Persian Crosses".
  27. ^ "St. George Orthodox Church, Cheppad | Mural Paintings in Kerala Churches | Christianity of Kerala | Kerala Tourism". Christianity. Retrieved 11 April 2020.

Sources[]

External links[]

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

Retrieved from ""