St. Mary's Church, Niranam

Coordinates: 9°20′35″N 76°31′39″E / 9.343044°N 76.5275°E / 9.343044; 76.5275
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Niranam Church
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St. Mary's Orthodox Church, Kadapra
Niranam Diocese
Clergy
Bishop(s)His Grace Dr Yuhanon Mar Chrysostomos

St. Mary's Orthodox Syrian Church, Kadapra, is a church under the

Niranam Diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. It's is believed that, this Church and Niranam Jerusalem Mar Thoma Church was one of the seven churches founded by Thomas the Apostle, one of the twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ, in AD 52.[1]

History

Niranam Pally is one of the oldest churches in India. It is believed that the church was founded by

Chayal, Kollam and the half church at Thiruvithamkode
. On his way from Kollam in northeast direction he arrived at Niranam "Thrikpapaleswaram" by sea.

It is believed to be one of the oldest churches in Kerala and thus in India as well as among the oldest ones in the world. The architecture shows striking similarities to ancient temple architecture. It is believed to have been established by St. Thomas.

Pattamukkil Kudumbam at Niranam: Special Entrance to Niranam Church.Tharavad is surrounded from three sides of Niranam Church

Before the headquarters of Malankara Metropolitans was permanently relocated to the Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kottayam in 1815, the Niranam Church also served as the thronal cathedral and headquarters of Malankara Metropolitans during multiple periods between 1653 and 1815.

Today

The present building, supposedly the fourth, was constructed in 1912 and was renovated during the year 2000. There are five altars at Niranam church. The main altar, the central one, is in the name of

Saint Mary
. This is used for regular services of the church.

There are two altars on the north and south of the main one. The altar on the northern side is consecrated to

Mar Behnam
.

There are two smaller altars, to the front of the main altar. The north among these is in the name of

Mar Thoma II
.Malankara Metropolitan of Malankara Orthodox Church

The southern among the small altars is consecrated to

Mar Thoma V
.

Granite cross

The tall granite cross at the right side of the entrance is a relic of the past, probably from 1259, the time at which the third renovation of the church building took place. The base of the cross has carvings resembling a

Hindu Temple.[2]

Feasts

Niranam Church celebrate the feasts of

Mar Thoma V
whose mortal remains are buried in the church.

Image gallery

Thomas the Apostle Reached Niranam through Thomathu Kadavu
  • Niranam Pally - Inside
    Niranam Pally - Inside
  • Inside View
    Inside View
  • Niranam Pally - South Side
    Niranam Pally - South Side
  • Niranam Pally - North Side
    Niranam Pally - North Side
  • Inscriptions inside the Church
    Inscriptions inside the Church
  • Palm leaves preserved in the Church
    Palm leaves preserved in the Church
  • Water wheel at Niranam Pally
    Water wheel at Niranam Pally

See also

Notes

External links