History
The Edakkattuvayal St. Mary's Orthodox Syrian Church was established in the name of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the year 1135 of the Malayalam era (1959). The residents of Edakkattuvayal, who were members of the parishes of Arakunnam, Piravom, Vadayapparambu, Kanjiramattom, and Manthuruthel, had long desired to have a church in their locality to fulfill their spiritual needs. The first step towards this goal was taken in March 1954 when Sunday school [2] activities were started at the Edakkattuvayal Upper Primary School.
On September 8, 1956, at 4 PM, in a public meeting held at Edakkattuvayal School under the leadership of Rev.Fr. Chitteth Joseph Kathanar and in the presence of Very Rev. Thoppil Lukose Cor Episcopa, it was decided to construct a church in the name of the Blessed Virgin Mary, with a cross church in the name of St. George at Edakkattuvayal. A group of responsible persons, including A.K. Joseph, Isaac Uthuppu Madathimyalil, and Chembakasseril Varky Chacko, were assigned the task.
On May 21, 1958, the first Divine Liturgy was offered at the cross erected in the name of St. George at Edakkattuvayal, with the venerated Rev. Fr. John Kanjirakkattu being the first to offer the Holy Qurbana. Since then, the Feast of St. George has been celebrated annually on April 22 and 23.
During this time, the Metropolitan of the Kochi Diocese, Paulose Mar Severios, granted permission for the construction of the church, and the order for the church construction was received from the Kerala Government. The land for the church was donated by Mr. A.T. Kuriakose, and with the unwavering support, prayers, and cooperation of the parishioners and local residents, the church was established by God's grace. On November 21, 1959, in remembrance of the Church's consecration, the temporary blessing was conducted by the then Metropolitan Paulose Mar Severios, who also offered the Divine Liturgy in the name of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
On September 15, 1959, a public meeting was held under the chairmanship of Very Rev. Thoppil Lukose Cor Episcopa, where the Constitution of the Malankara Church was read, discussed and unanimously accepted. The following year, a cross was installed in front of the church in the name of Saint Gregorios of Parumala and the Holy Eucharist was celebrated on his memorial day, November 2.
On August 18, 1996, under the leadership of the then vicar, the late Rev. Fr. Mathai Moolenkuzhi, the church was renovated with the permission of the Metropolitan of the Kochi Diocese, His Eminence Zacharias Mar Anthonios, and a foundation stone was laid for the renovation.
On April 23, 1999, a complete consecration and Holy Qurbana was conducted under the leadership of the revered Metropolitans: His Eminence Dr. Mathews Mar Severios (Diocese of Kandanadu), His Eminence Kuriakose Mar Clemis (Sulthan Bathery), and His Eminence Dr. Yakob Mar Irenaios (Chennai). [3] [4]
Mortal remains
The mortal remains of Very Rev. Thoppil Lukose Cor Episcopa, first vicar of the parish, rests just beside the church.
