Marthamariam Orthodox Syrian Church History

The Thevalakkara Marthamariam Orthodox Syrian Church occupies a prominent place among the historic churches of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. Situated in the Kollam district, the church lies five kilometers east of Kuttivattom Junction on the Karunagappally - Chavara stretch of National Highway 66, and six kilometers west of Sasthamkotta. The renowned Ashtamudi Lake, frequently referenced in historical accounts, flows to the south of this region before merging with the Arabian Sea.

The origins of this holy church trace back to the migration of the Christian faithful from the Tharisapalli in Kollam, which was founded by St. Thomas the Apostle in the first century. When that ancient church was destroyed by sea incursions, the displaced community established this church at Thevalakkara. The church was subsequently rebuilt by the fourth century, and through the course of nearly seventeen centuries, it has remained a beacon of faith and devotion. In 1971, the church was once again reconstructed and consecrated by the His Holiness Catholicos of the East, Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Mathews I. The occasion was graced by the presence and spiritual guidance of His Grace Daniel Mar Philexinos, Metropolitan of the Thumpamon Diocese, and His Grace Mathews Mar Coorilos, Metropolitan of the Kollam Diocese. The parish vicar, Rev. Fr. K. Koshy Vaidyan Cor-Episcopa, together with Rev. Fr. K. M. Koshy Vaidyan, participated as co-celebrants in the service. Among the ancient churches of the Kollam Diocese, this sacred church dedicated to the Holy Mother of God holds the foremost position, and is one of the primary pilgrimage centers of the Malankara Church.

On February 8, 2010, during the feast of Mar Abo, the Supreme Head of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Didymos I, declared this church as a Mar Abo Pilgrim Centre. His Grace Zachariah Mar Anthonios, Metropolitan of Kollam, and the then parish vicar, Rev. Fr. G. Koshy Punalur, participated in the ceremony.

For the purpose of gospel proclamation, Mar Abo arrived in Kollam. The then local ruler, the Kulasekhara King, recognizing the spiritual excellence of the Holy Father, granted Cheppedus (copper plate grants) giving authority to renovate the Kollam Tharisapalli and sustain the Christian community (Ref: Travancore State Manual, Page 244). The Holy Father received various titles of authority from multiple monarchs. However, after the 1599 Synod of Diamper (Udayamperoor), a group led by Archbishop Aleixo de Menezes visited the Malankara churches, reached Thevalakkara, and took possession of many Cheppadus inscribed on copper plates. The remaining one is now preserved in the Devalokam Aramana. His Holiness Mar Abo performed apostolic work in Kadamattom, Akaparambu, Kayamkulam, Niranam, Nilakkal, Malayattoor and Thevalakkara, establishing churches in many places.

The Mar Abo Remembrance Feast is celebrated on February 7 and 8, and his Birth Feast is celebrated on October 23rd of every year. Additionally, the Feast of Saint Mary at the Thevalakkara church, the feast of Saint Gregorios at the St. Gregorios Chapel, and the feast of Saint George at the St. Mary's Chapel are also celebrated solemnly every year. There are many who contributed tireless service to the development and welfare of the church and are now enjoying eternal bliss in heaven. Among them, Rev. Fr. Koshy Vaidyan Cor-Episcopa and Rev. Fr. K M Koshy Vaidyan are remembered in a special way. We also pray for the peace of the souls of the departed vicars, such as palavilayil Rev. Fr. Alexathrayos, Edayilaveettil Rev. Fr. K Thomas Vaidyan, Kuttiyil Rev. Fr. K O Koshy Kattanar, Vazhayil Rev. Fr. P K Mathai Vaidyan kathanar, Kochuthundil Rev. Fr. Renju Mathew Vaidyan, are also fondly remembered. In the spiritual realm, many have contributed significantly, including Rev. Fr. Dr. K L Mathew Vaidyan Cor-Episcopa, Rev. Fr. Alexander Vaidyan Cor-Episcopa, Rev. Fr. M M Vaidyan Cor-Episcopa, Rev. Fr. Varghese Tharakan, Rev. Fr. M Mathew, Rev. Fr. V G Koshy Vaidyan, Rev. Fr. Nainan Ommen, Rev. Fr. Dr. K M Koshy Vaidyan, Rev. Fr. Philip Tharakan, Rev. Fr. Shibu Daniel, Rev. Fr. John Geevarghese, Rev. Fr. Anoob John, Rev. Fr. Amos Tharakan M, Rev. Fr. Alex Jacob and Deacon Geevarghese Vaidyan, Robin T Vaidyan - all of whom are the pride of this parish. The church has also contributed many eminent laymen to political and social fields. The church includes two chapels under the names of St. Mary's and St. Gregorios and six prayer centres (Kurisadis) named after Mar Abo, Parumala Thirumeni, and St. George, as well as two Sunday schools, the Marthamariam Hall and the Mar Abo Hall. There is also a multi-purpose commercial complex called Mar Abo Smrithi Mandiram. Its foundation stone was laid on February 9, 2009, by the Chengannur Diocese Metropolitan H.G. Thomas Mar Athanasios and it was consecrated on February 8, 2014, by the Kollam Diocese Metropolitan H.G. Zachariah Mar Anthonios.

Today, the surrounding churches in the Thevalakkara area are those that branched out from this church. Situated near this holy church are the Chaliyath Muslim Jamath and the Thevalakkara Devi Temple. Thevalakkara, which was known as 'Devalokakkara', has existed through the ages in a spirit of religious harmony and brotherhood.

The services rendered by various vicars are praiseworthy, including those of Rev. Fr. C C John (late Yuhannon Ramban), Rev. Fr. Thamban Varghese, Rev. Fr. Alex P Scaria, Rev. Fr. P Thomas, Rev. Fr. M L Thomas, Rev. Fr. Philippose Daniel, Rev. Fr. V G John, Rev. Fr. Mathew T John, Rev. Fr. G Koshy Ottaplammottil, Rev. Fr. John T Varghese, Rev. Fr. Bijoy C P, Rev. Fr. James J Nallila, and Rev. Fr. Thomas Mathews Thattarutundil. Currently, Rev. Fr. Mathew T. Thomas, a native of Mulavana, serves as the vicar of the church.