St Mary's Orthodox Church, Kallooppara

St.Mary's Orthodox Syrian Church, Kallooppara
St.Mary's Orthodox Syrian Church, Kallooppara
Location	Kallooppara, Kerala, India
Denomination	Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church
Tradition	Syriac, Malayalam
Website	www.kalloopparapally.com
History
Founded	AD 1339
Dedication	St.Mary
Administration
Diocese	Niranam Diocese

St. Mary's Orthodox Syrian Church (കല്ലൂപ്പാറ പള്ളി), situated at the heart of a small village called Kallooppara (on the banks of the river Manimalayar), Pathanamthitta District, Kerala, India is a prized possession of Malankara Sabha. The church has a legacy of around seven centuries, keeping its tradition and culture intact without compromising on its religious values. The church is an elegant representation of the beautiful shingled roof tops in the early Travancore style. The church is a perfect example of the ancient temple architecture and is a mystery the way it has overcome all the challenges of time. The sanctorium that is abstract in all aspects is a mystifying beauty of the ancient architecture, which has a keen and splendid blend of beauty and science in it.

The church which is the worshiping place of thousands has been a topic of research for many. Currently there are around 800 families worshiping in this church and the members of the church are present all around the globe.

The church has been renovated with a newly built balcony to accommodate more people during holy mass. Also a manimalika (place to suspend the church bell) has been built near the church.

In earlier days, Christians of Kallooppara depended on 'Niranam Church' for the holy mass, religious rites and ceremonies. The journey by 'vallom' (small boat) through rivers of Manimalayar and Pampa was tedious, tiresome and risky.

Edappally Kings, renowned for the love and care for their subjects were in rule at that time. The famous and explicably beautiful Elangalloor Maddom, rich in its architectural antiquity, located on northern banks of river Manimala served as an abode for the royal guests. This structure, well-equipped with a private pool called the 'Kullipura Mallika' was beautified with granite rock paved steps leading to river Manimala. ( This can still be seen now in Angadikadavu of Puramattam panchayat) Once, while the ruling king of Edappally was having his rest in the Elangalloor Maddom, he observed few people coming on a vallam singing melodious hymns and chanting prayers. The king immediately stepped down to the river bank for better observation and found it to be a funeral procession, with the corpse on the floating hearse covered with white cloths. He learned that procession started from Manimala and was heading to Niranam Church for the burial, since Niranam Church was the only Christian church in central Travancore those days.