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PUTHUPPALLY ST.GEORGE
VALIYA PALLY is one of the oldest and renowned churches of MALANKARA
ORTHODOX CHURCH. The name itself proclaims. The patron saint of
this parish is St.GEORGE. Situated by the side of coconut palms and
a wide stretch of paddy fields, at a beautiful and serene village
called PUTHUPPALLY which is about 8 kms from KOTTAYAM Town, this
church is the refuge of thousands of people all over the world who
seek the intercession of St.George. The present church was
consecrated about 400 years ago by the Malankara Metropolitan Mar
Dianasiyous. It is believed that this church was established as a
shrine of Changanacherry Pally which is turn was a shrine of Niranam
pally. One of the " Ezhara Pallis " consecrated by St.THOMAS.
Theapostle of India.
This Church is famous for the powerful intercession of the patron
saint, St.George and many people is believed to have received
favours from GOD ALMIGHTY due to his intercession. It is firmly
believed that SAHADA (saint) protects those who take refuge, from
serpents, ailments, and all kinds of dangers and troubles.
The Church is famous for its rich traditions as well as wealth. The
main MADBAHA (sanctum sanctorum) is a treat for your (sanctorum)
eyes, with its beautiful wall paintings and ornamental decorations.
The main Madbaha (Thronose) is in the name of St.George. While the
other two Thronose on the left and right are in the names of St.Mary
and St.Behanan. The unique Golden Cross weighting around 450
sovereigns is a proud possession of the church and is kept under
lock and key during most of the year and is taken out only once in a
year, that is during the perunnal and placed in the main Thronose
for veneration by the devotees.
This is one of the strong parishes of Malankara Church and has
raised many a great personalities. Two names which deserve special
mention are Metropolitans PARET MATHEWS MAR IVANIOSE and
NIRAIMATTATHIL YUHANON MAR SEVARIOS. Paret Mar Ivaniose was Vicar of
the parish for quite a long time while he was a priest and later
served the Orthodox Church as a Metropolitan. He was the senior most
Metropolitan who presided over the Synod which enthroned the fifth
CATHOLICOSE of Malankara in 1975. He was a staunch advocate of
Catholicate. Which is the mark and symbol of independence and
autonomy of Malankara Church. He defended successfully all attacks
against its independence and autonomy. Mar Severiose long served the
Malankara Church. As Malpan while he was a priest and later served
as metropolitan of Cochin Diocese till his death in 1988.
As stated elsewhere the church is famous for its traditions. The "PUTHUPPALLY
PERUNNAL" , annual feast of the patron saint, St.George is
celebrated on 23rd and 24th of Medam Malayalam Era which usually
falls on 7th or 8th of may. It is attended by hundred thousands of
devotees belonging to various religions, a fine example of communal
and religious harmony among people of this area |