St. Antony's Syro Malabar Forane Church, Ollur — Attraction in Kerala

Ollur is a major suburban area and an old commercial town in the city of Thrissur of Kerala. This is one of the oldest churches built in 18th-century Kerala. The festival, held on 23 and 24 October of each year, is one of the most important Christian festivals in Kerala. The festival starts with the hoisting of the ceremonial flag on 15 October to mark the beginning of the celebrations in the church compound. It is one of half a dozen Christian festivals listed by Kerala Tourism as among the attractions of the state.

Ollur – the origin of St Thomas Syrian Christians in Malabar (Kerala) is now spiritually progressing by convincing and retrieving its lost antiquity . …. As per the local traditional belief Ollur was considered to be the origin and main centre of St Thomas Christians and from there it flourished entire Malabar( Kerala)

St. Raphael is one of the seven Archangels who stand before the throne of the Lord, and one of the only three mentioned by name in the Bible. He appears, by name, only in the Book of Tobit. Raphael’s name means “God heals.” This identity came about because of the biblical story that claims he “healed” the earth when it was defiled by the sins of the fallen angels in the apocryphal book of Enoch.

Disguised as a human in the Book of Tobit, Raphael refers to himself as “Azarias the son of the great Ananias” and travels alongside Tobit’s son, Tobiah. Once Raphael returns from his journey with Tobiah, he declares to Tobit that he was sent by the Lord to heal his blindness and deliver Sarah, Tobiah’s future wife, from the demon Asmodeus. It is then that his true healing powers are revealed and he makes himself known as “the angel Raphael, one of the seven, who stand before the Lord” Tobit 12:15.

The demon Asmodeus killed every man Sarah married on the night of the wedding, before the marriage could be consummated. Raphael guided Tobiah and taught him how to safely enter the marriage with Sarah.

Raphael is credited with driving the evil spirit from Sarah and restoring Tobit’s vision, allowing him to see the light of Heaven and for receiving all good things through his intercession.

Although only the archangels Gabriel and Michael are mentioned by name in the New Testament, the Gospel of John speaks of the pool at Bethesda, where many ill people rested, awaiting the moving of the water. “An angel of the Lord descended at certain times into the pond; and the water was moved. And he that went down first into the pond after the motion of the water was made whole of whatsoever infirmity he lay under” John 5:1-4. Because of the healing powers often linked to Raphael, the angel spoken of is generally associated...

One of Kerala's oldest and most gorgeous churches is St. Anthony's Forane Church in Ollur, Thrissur. Local Christian family founded it in 1718 because they needed a place to worship and pray. Since its official blessing in 1722, the church has developed into a significant hub for Catholic culture and spirituality in the area. Because of its historical significance and exquisite architecture, it is also referred to as "Chinna Roma," or "Little Rome." The church structure is impressive and beautifully designed. It features sturdy stone walls, a large bell tower, and is situated atop a small hill. The interior of the chapel is embellished with gold-tinted patterns, vibrant murals, and wooden carvings. The church feels like a museum of spiritual art because to its incredibly beautiful furnishings. The Feast of Saint Raphael, which is held annually on October 23 and 24, is the largest festival in this church. Since 1839, this feast has been held, drawing thousands of attendees. Special Masses, prayers, lighting, fireworks, and a spectacular parade are all part of it. The "Vala Procession," in which bangles are offered in devotion, is one of the attractions.The feast of St. Sebastian, which is observed in January, is another significant occasion. Both feasts are joyfully and religiously observed. In addition to being a house of worship, St. Anthony's Church in Ollur is a part of Kerala's rich cultural heritage. It provides everyone who visits with spiritual strength, beauty, and tranquility. It is a really sacred and...

An ancient church. Wall paintings and sculptures are really beautiful. In contrary to the normal practice,this church is famous as a shrine of saint raphael (angel) (in usual practice, church will b famous for the person on behalf it's named, that is here it was supposed to be in the name of saint antony. Well.... You can go through the history if you are interested.. It's going to be a nice experience ... Mmm... It's little bit associated with Tipu sultan... Rest u find it out yourself) Near to church, there is a towerlike structure known as " Manimalika" , which contains 3 gigantic ancient bells imported from France dat time. Another interesting thing I felt here was the big church at the cemetery, which is usually used for holymass only on special days . Well... U can go and sit there in silence any fine day. This church is also somewhat old but not the same as main church. Anyway... This place is one of my favorite place. Rich in ethnicity,art,sculptures and it'shistorical background. If you are interested in a little bit of ethnicity, you are going to love...