Kottayam Cheriapally — Attraction in Kerala

St. Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Church is an ancient Orthodox Syrian Church situated in the prestigious town of Kottayam, in Kerala state, India, with His Holiness The Catholics of the East as its supreme head, better known as Kottayam Cheriapally. It is one of the oldest churches in Kerala, India. Built in 1579, the church is well preserved. The architectural style of the church is European, with galleries, pillars, cornices and pediments. The walls are adorned with beautiful murals made in Oriental and Western styles on biblical and non biblical themes. The fact that 3 Metropolitans of the Orthodox Syrian Church emanated from 3 families of the Kottayam, is of great honor. They were H.G. Punnathra Mar Dianasious, Dr.Philipose Mar Theophilose and Yuhanon Mar Athanasius.

St. Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Church, Kottayam, commonly known as Kottayam Cheriapally, is a Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church located in Kottayam, Kerala, India. Cheriapally meaning ‘small church’, whose appearance contradicts its name, is one of the oldest and well-preserved churches in the state. Cheriapally is located on the way to Kumarakom from Kottayam. The church is dedicated to mother Mary. Kottayam Cheriapally, built in 1579, has retained its old world charm today as well even after so much of environmental changes. The length and breadth of the church is constructed with innovative paintings, mural, and architecture. Before the inception of the Old Seminary in 1815, Kottayam Cheriapally was the Head quarters of the Church and Malankara Metropolitans for a long time.

Kottayam Cheriapally has the unique distinction of being the first church in India to get the Relics of St. Mary (a small part of the Holy girdle of St. Mary) installed at the church. This relic is also known as the Soonoro or Holy belt of St. Mary. The Holy girdle was presented by Ignatius Yacub III, the Patriarch of Antioch to Baselios Augen I, the then Catholicos & Malankara Metropolitan who ceremoniously installed it at Kottayam Cheriapally on 16 January 1966. The holy girdle is kept in the church and is taken out for public viewing from 10 August to 15 August every year during the 15 days fast to commemorate the translation of St. Mary.

Many stories and legends regarding the establishment and evolution of Christianity in Central Travancore surrounds this church. The legend is that the Thekkumkore (old Kottayam) kings were glad that Christians were living in their kingdom, as they were committed towards working hard to earn a living, and thus had taken the entire responsibility of their security. King Kothavarma, who was ruling the kingdom during that period, provided them land for constructing the church, without levying tax. A church was first built in 1550 and named Valiyapally. However, the congregation later split on ethnic lines and the dissidents built Cheriapally in 1579. It is said that two worship places were not permitted in a single village and thus the king had to divide the village into two so that both the churches could exist. The church was built by Portuguese architect Antony and his team along with the craftsmen of the Thekkumkore Kingdom (old Kottayam) in 1579. However, the Portuguese had no influence on the mode of worship in the church. It is typically dedicated to Syrian Christians. While visiting Cheriapally, one may feel that the architecture greatly resembles that of some temples in Kerala. However, the fact is that during those days, the mode of building every place of worship was the same, irrespective of it being a temple or a church. Kottayam's iconic Cheriapally Mahaedavaka is an architectural marvel and a...

St. Mary's Orthodox Syrian Church, Kottayam, commonly known as Kottayam Cheriapally, is a Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church located in Kottayam, Kerala, India. Cheriapally meaning ‘small church’, whose appearance contradicts its name, is one of the oldest and well-preserved churches in the state. Cheriapally is located on the way to Kumarakom from Kottayam. The church is dedicated to mother Mary. Kottayam Cheriapally, built in 1579, has retained its old world charm today as well even after so much of environmental changes. The length and breadth of the church is constructed with innovative paintings, mural, and architecture. Before the inception of the Old Seminary in 1815, Kottayam Cheriapally was the Headquarters of the Church and Malankara Metropolitans for a long time.

The Dormition of Mother Mary or holy Theotokos occupies the most important place in the Orthodox Church next to that of Jesus Christ. It is indeed a great feast which depicts ‘falling asleep’ of the Mother of God and taking her body up into heaven by angels. The Feast of the Dormition of St. Mary (Vaangippu Perunnal or Shoonoyo Perunnal) is observed in this church on August 15. The feast of Dormition is celebrated by two weeks of fasting, known as the Dormition fast, beginning from 1 August to 15 August which draws many people from far and wide. The annual feast of the church (Feast of St. Mary) falls on January 15 and is known as Vithukalude Perunnal which means ‘the festival of seeds’. It is observed to invoke the blessings of Virgin Mary upon the...

A Historic and Holy Gem of Kerala Kottayam Cheriapally (St. Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Church), established in 1579, is a place where history, holiness, and heritage come together. This majestic church stands as a beacon of apostolic faith and is one of the most revered churches in India.

What makes Cheriapally truly unique is that it was the first church in India to receive and enshrine the Holy Girdle (Soonoro) of St. Mary (Mother of God) Every year, during August 10–15, thousands come to venerate this relic during the Feast of St. Mary.

Inside the Madbaha (altar) lies the visible tomb of Punnathara Mar Dionysius, Malankara Metropolitan who led the Malankara Church during difficult times. Kottayam Cheriapally was the Headquarters of the Church and Malankara Metropolitans for a long time. Mar Gabrieal, a Persian bishop who came centuries earlier, lies on the Madbha— though it is not visibly marked. This points to the ancient Persian connection of the Indian Church long before European missions.

The interior is adorned with historic mural paintings, and the architecture beautifully blends Portuguese and Kerala styles. As you step in, you feel a deep spiritual peace, and many faithful believe miracles quietly happen here without publicity.

🕊️ A true apostolic site with relics, saints, and sacred history. 🪦 Visit the tombs of holy bishops inside the Madbaha. 🎨 Admire the centuries-old murals and sacred beauty. 🙏 A perfect place for prayer, reflection, and encountering...