St. Mary's Jacobite Syrian Cathedral, Manarcad
St. Mary's jacobite Cathedral, Manarcad, is located about 9 km from the town of Kottayam in Kerala, India. It is a destination for people on annual pilgrimages for the 8 Day Lent of the Virgin Mary. There are more than 5000 Jacobite families in this parish. The church architecture resembles that of the Orvieto Cathedral. The church administers various spiritual organisations, schools and a hospital. It is the Home to the one of the Holiest relic among the Malankara churches, that is a small piece of Mother Mary's belt , which was gifted to the church by the then head of the Syrian Orthodox church late Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka Iwas, which has always been as blessing to the people of India.[1]
| Manarcad Church | |
|---|---|
| St. Mary's jacobite Cathedral, Manarcad | |
 Marth Maryam Cathedral | |
  Manarcad Church Location in Kerala, India | |
| 9°35′59″N 76°35′4″E | |
| Location | Manarcaud, Kottayam district, Kerala |
| Country | India |
| Denomination | Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church |
| Website | manarcadstmaryschurch.org |
| History | |
| Relics held | Holy Girdle of St.Mary |
Church history
The inscription on the stones in the Haikalah of the church is in ancient script-nanum monum- that went into discus, about 600 years ago and the information it contained authenticate that the church was established more than 1000 years ago. First made of bamboo and mats of bamboo, it was renovated in different phases. In 16 the century it was reconstructed in the Portuguese fashion. The construction of the present church was completed in 1954.
The desire of Christians in the area for a holy place to conduct prayers and religious ceremonies were the root causes of the construction of the church. They started praying for this purpose. On the 8th day of their prayer, ancestors had a vision. The vision was to build a church in the forest where a cow and calf were lying down, where the fish and deer could be caught and Acacia Instia and canes were scattered around. They went in search of the cow and calf and found them where the church is presently situated.
The old Manarcad Church was built before the 10th century. To build a church in those days was a near impossible task. Ancestors were well aware of the difficulties ahead. The land where the church is constructed belonged to Devaswam. Edathil Tampuran, the Hindu chieftain there, opposed the plan to build a church. The King, who depended on Edathil family's private army in times of war, would not go against him. The odds were against the church.
Ancestors knew that Thekkumkur kings were traditionally very secular. Moreover, the king had a soft spot for them. The king also had the full backing of the Christian community there. He decided to meet the king with his request. After a lot of deliberation, the king finally decided in favor of ancestors not wanting to disappoint him. Sixty-one 'Pathalpadu' (a unit of area used for land measurement in those days) land was staked out for the church around the spot where the cow and calf were found.
Edathil Thampuran continued to nurse his grudge against ancestors for bypassing him and getting the approval of the King. He incited his men to destroy the church. The church was pulled down thrice and thrice it was rebuilt. Having spent almost all of his entire wealth on the church, ancestors found it hard to continue the construction anymore. Kallakkadampil family came to their help and with their financial assistance, the Manarcad Church was finally completed.
The construction of the present church was completed in 1954.[2]
Feasts
- 15 January – A feast invoking the blessings of the Virgin Mary on agricultural seeds
- 26 February – Sunero Feast
- 6 May – Commemoration of St. George
- 15 August - Virgin Mary's Ascension Day
- 8 September - 8 Day Lent, Feast of the Virgin Mary's birth; millions attend the annual 8-day celebration, known as Ettunombu Perunnal, during which an image of Christ and the Virgin is unveiled.[3][4][5]
The small church (കരോട്ടെ പള്ളി) and the crosses
The small Church was built just opposite the main church on the main road in late 19th century. The area for building the small church was given by vettikunnel family. Eight kilometers east of Kottayam town, on K.K. Road, at Manarcad Junction, lies a Cross of the Church. The church and all church establishments are all only around 11 kilometres (6.8 mi) north of this cross. There is another cross set up half a kilometer west of the Churchyard at Kottayam.
Schools and hospitals
- St. Mary's CBSE School, Manarcad (established 1993)
- St. Mary's Higher Secondary School (established 1949)
- St. Mary's IT College (established 1978)
- St. Mary's Nursing School (established 1976)
- St. Mary's College (established 1981)
- St Mary's Hospital
Spiritual organizations
Sunday school
The first Sunday school was established in 1926 and there are now 16 such schools under this parish. They inculcate Christian faith in children and develop the spiritual culture in them. They are also trained to develop their latent leadership qualities. More than 963 children learn spiritual lessons from 233 instructors at these Sunday schools, which jointly participate in VBS, teachers' seminars and Christmas carols.
Vanitha Samajam
They function with the aim of enabling the ladies to attain spiritual enlightenment and nobility of mind. The members visit patients and pray for their recovery. They also extend financial help to poor patients. Members visit those who are in distress and sorrow and alleviate their suffering by offering them spiritual advice. 18 unit of this organization functions in the parish.
Youth Association
St. Marys Youth Association, a spiritual organization of youngsters of St Mary's Cathedral is one among the biggest youth association of Malankara Jacobite Syrian Church. Kolo Suryoyo, the monthly newsletter of this organization share the happenings of the cathedral to the community. Youth Association takes lead in organizing various charity activities such as financial assistance to cancer patients, dialysis kits for kidney patients, educational assistance to the needy students. As a part of 'Pachathuruthu', a campaign for an eco-friendly parish, youth association honors the best farmer of the Cathedral. Christmas celebration of the Cathedral organized by the Youth Association is well attended by the general public. A mobile application developed by Youth Association is available in google play store as 'Manarcad pally'.
Elders forum
It is constituted of elders of over 60 in age. This body discusses spiritual matters, assesses the functioning of various religious bodies and lays guidelines in the matter.
Hail Mary League
It is a spiritual and cultural body that works for the spiritual upliftment of young girls.
Prayer meetings
The prayer meetings conducted is based on the ancient instructions of this parish. The prayer groups that used to engage in the good old days have grown into organized prayer meetings. They function fervently in different parts of this parish.
References
- "St.Mary's Orthodox Syrian Cathedral, Manarcad". Retrieved 24 October 2020.
- "Church History", Official Church Website
- "Annual feast of St. Mary begins today ", The Hindu, 31 August 2010.
- "Manarcad church festival on September 1", The Hindu, 29 August 2011.
- "'Ettunombu' festival concludes at Manarcad church", The Hindu, 8 September 2011.
