St Mary's Orthodox Church, Kallooppara

St. Mary's Orthodox Syrian Church (കല്ലൂപ്പാറ പള്ളി), situated at the heart of a small village called Kallooppara (on the banks of the river Manimalayar), Pathanamthitta District, Kerala, India is a prized possession of Malankara Sabha. The church has a legacy of around seven centuries, keeping its tradition and culture intact without compromising on its religious values. The church is an elegant representation of the beautiful shingled roof tops in the early Travancore style. The church is a perfect example of the ancient temple architecture and is a mystery the way it has overcome all the challenges of time. The sanctorium that is abstract in all aspects is a mystifying beauty of the ancient architecture, which has a keen and splendid blend of beauty and science in it.

The church which is the worshiping place of thousands has been a topic of research for many. Currently there are around 700 families worshiping in this church and the members of the church are present all around the globe.

The church has been renovated with a newly built balcony to accommodate more people during holy mass. Also a manimalika (place to suspend the church bell) has been built near the church.

Church History

In the earlier days the Christian believers of Kallooppara had to depend on the 'Niranam Church' for the holy mass, funeral ceremonies and other religious rites. The journey on Vallom (small boat) through the Manimalayar and Pampa rivers was tedious, tiresome and risky.

The much renowned Edappally Kings were ruling at that time and they used to spend their time in the famous and explicably beautiful Elangalloor Maddom, rich in its architectural antiquity, that once existed on the north side of the river Manimala. An abode for the royal guests that was once well-equipped with a private pool called the 'Kullipura Mallika' equipped with granite rock paved steps carved with excellent craftsmanship to the Manimala river, can still be seen now in Angadikadavu of Puramattam panchayat.

It is said that once while the ruling king of Edappally was having his rest in the Elangalloor Maddom, he happened to see a few number of people coming on a vallam singing melodious hymns accompanied by prayers. The king immediately came down to the river bank to observe the sight more closely and found it to be a burial procession, with the body on the floating hearse covered with a white cloth. The procession that started from Manimala was going to Niranam Church for the funeral of the dead, since in those days Niranam Church was the only Christian church in central Travancore.

This event moved the Kings heart and having realized the hardship of the Christian subjects, he virtually pointed a plot on the other side of the river, and gave sanction to bury the body and built a church there. But sadly there are no clear evidence for the origin and age of the church. It is said that the founding stone was consecrated on Malayalam month 3rd Karkadakam. The stone day of the church is being celebrated on that day. The founding stone of the present church was laid on Malayalam month Karkadakam 3rd of 515 (A.D.1339)

Early Challenges

It was during the time of Valiya Avirah Tharakan (during the mid-1700s) that the Kalloopara St. Mary's Orthodox church was ordered to be demolished by a Judge (from Travancore High Court, Quilon), as the church had incurred huge debts in the past. After the court hearings, the Judge ordered for the entire church building to be knocked down and its land to be taken over by the creditor (Pocku Moosa Haji- Quilon). Valiya Avirah Tharakan immediately paid off all of its debts and took control of the church and its property. While holding complete control of Perumpranad, Valiya Avirah Tharakan at his own cost, took the privilege of rebuilding the St. Mary's Orthodox Church, Kalloopara for a better outlook (about 250 years ago). Some parts of that construction and art work of the church are still remarkably visible inside the church. In the recent years, this historical church has grown remarkably as a result of the constant efforts of its enthusiastic members and the outstanding leadership of its Vicars from time to time. Many parts of the church were renovated and more buildings were built for other activities, to keep up with the pace. The other reputable families such as Moothedathu families, Aaruveedan families, Moolamannil families and many other families have continued to contribute their outstanding leadership for the growth of this church over the past several years. It should be noted that The Aaruveedan family which was existed in Kalloopara for over 1000 years, had the privilege of building and maintaining this historic church for over 750 years, prior to the time of Adangapurathu family's establishment. The Aaruveedan family stood courageously for the existence of this church despite of many obstacles as a result of religious riots and conflicts up until 1750 A.D. Today, this beautiful church remains not only as one of the oldest churches in Travancore, but it also has its own unique pride and credibility in the Malankara Orthodox Church.

References

External links

• Website of Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church
• www.kalloopparapally.com

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1. ↑ http://dioceseofniranam.org/