Syrian Churches of Kerala
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This article deals with the various old churches that are existing among the Saint Thomas Christians denominations that form the Nasrani people.
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[edit] 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
[edit] Kuravilangadu St. Mary's Forane (Martha Mariam) Church
St. Mary's Church, Kuravilangad.
One of the oldest churches of Kerala is the St Mary’s Church Kuravilangadu, which was supposed to have been established in 335 A. D. This church has an old bell which has an inscription that is undeciphered. 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. Moonnu Nompu" is the main feast of the church. 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.
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 attractions include a miraculous perpetual spring, the old church and the eight tongued coconut scraper.
[edit] 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
[edit] 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.
