Syrian Churches of Kerala

This article deals with the various old churches that are existing among the Saint Thomas Christians denominations that form the Nasrani people.

Niranam St. Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Church

This church is believed to have founded by St. Thomas , the Apostle of Jesus Christ, in AD 54. The present building, supposedly the fourth, was constructed in 1912 and was reinforced during the year 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 St. Mary's Forane (Martha Mariam) Church

"St. Mary's Church, Kuravilangad."

http://www.stmarykuravilangad.org/http://www.palaidiocese.com/Parishes1.htm

One of the oldest churches of Kerala is the St Mary’s Church Kuravilangadu, which was supposed to have been established in 105 A. D. It is believed, 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. Our Lady 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 devotes 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. An ancient bell with the engraving on Syriac "Mother of God" speaks loudly of the traditional faith of christian community here in Kerala. Three majestic bells that peal out the glory of Kuravilangad were brought from Germany in 1911. The attractions include a miraculous perpetual spring, the old church and the eight tongued coconut scraper.Moonnu Nompu" is the main feast of the church. Another significant artifact is a model of a ship made from wood.

St. Mary's Parish at Kuravilangad tried its level best to add splendor to Moonnu Nompu (three-day fast) functions during Lent. A forty feet wooden ship, beautifully 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 spectacle make one image that the sea is furious, the wave 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-days-feast. The ceremonial procession on the second day of the feast when the replica of the vessel used by prophet Jonah of the OT is taken out is the main attraction of the feast. The people of the Kadapoor locality has the privilege to carry the vessel during the procession.

Mar Alexander De Campo (Parampil Chandy Metran) is an illustrious son of Kuravilangad. He is the first indigenous bishop of the whole of India. He was ordained bishop on first February 1663 by Mar Sebastany a foreign bishop. Mar Alexander was staying at Kuravilangad till his death, 2nd January 1687.

Kaduthuruthy St Marys Thazhathupally

The stone is believed to have been laid for Kaduthuruthy St Marys Thazhathupally on 15th August 1009 A.D. This Church continued to be renewed from time to time. The present existing old church took its shape in 1590 with all its artistic splendor and characteristics of Gothic Art. “The altar of this church shows the excellence to which altar carving has ever reached” (Ref. Thomas Christian ArchitectureP.145) Through out its history from 1009 A.D

Aruvithura St. George's Forane Church

The first edifice of the church at Irapeli was of granite stone after the manner of Hindu temples. It was rebuilt once or twice before the 16th century as it is reported. Towards the beginning of the 16th century a new church was built This 16th century church was demolished in 1951 preserving the Sanctuary with its Valuting within the right - transept of the newly built Cruciform church to enshrine the miraculous statue of St. George, its second patron. A cruciform magnifient church in Gothic style, liturgically facing to the west has been completed in 1952.

t Mary's Church, Kudamaloor

St. Mary's church Kudamaloor is one of the ancient churches of the Syro-Malabar Rite. It is a famous Marian pilgrim center and is situated 7 km 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 on AD 1125. 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). There is a very beautiful oil painting on the Madbaha and is of 400 years old. [citation needed] . Unlike many Christian pictures, infant Jesus has been painted with the colour of Lord Krishna. 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. The special offerings such as Neenthu Nercha, Karinercha, Thamukku Nercha, Kanji Nercha etc are popular.

Devanarayana Raja and Christians of Kudamaloor

Chembakesseri Thampuraan had a broad religious outlook. Church at Kudamaloor is still preserved as a precious monument of interfaith collaboration and has existed in this part of Kerala since by-gone days. Chembakasseri Thampuraan used to take off his crown in reverence when he passed in front of this church. Chembakasseri Raja was the patron of the Syrian Christian community in this part of Kerala. He trusted the Christians and some Muslim families that he appointed them as the bodyguards of his Antharjanam.

Citations

External references

* [http://www.niranamchurch.com/ St. Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Church, Niranam]
* [http://www.stmarykuravilangad.org/Pilgrim.htm/ St. Mary's Forane (Martha Mariam) Church]
* [http://www.kaduthuruthychurch.org/History.htm/ St. Mary's Thazhathupally Kaduthuruthy]
* [http://www.aruvithurachurch.org/history.html/ St.George's Forane Church, Aruvithura]
* [http://www.kudamaloorpalli.org/, Kudamaloor Palli]
* [http://www.namboothiri.com/articles/naaduvaazhikal.htm/, Namboothiri Rulers]