History of St. Mary's Orthodox Church
The church was a handsome outcome of a quarrel between the two Christian groups, the Vadakkumbhagar (Christians from the Northern side) and the Knanaya Christians. In order to resolve the row the chief of the Vadakkumbhagar met the then Raja for grant of some land to build a brand new church. The Raja granted his wish and the result was a fabulous St. Mary’s Orthodox Church in Kottayam.Architecture of St. Mary's Orthodox Church
The church displays an eminent architecture, with an amalgam of Portuguese and Kerala styles. It contains walls graced up with outstanding murals made in western and oriental fashion inspired by both biblical and non-biblical themes. The Feast of the Church
The Church Feast – The Feast of St. Mary’s, is also known as Vithukalude Perunnal implying “the feast of seeds”. It falls on January 15. It is said that on this day Virgin Mary gathers all her blessing and showers them upon the agricultural seeds.The Feast of Assumption
Also known as VangipuPerunnal, this feast is commemorated on August 15. The tradition says that when St. Mary took her last breath she was carried to the heaven by beautiful angels. The feast is to celebrate this day every year.This day indeed reminds us the power of humility, loyalty and fervor which rewarded an ordinary girl to transform into the Mother of God.
Timings
You can visit the church throughout the week between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm. The best time to visit the church is from September to December.How to Reach St. Mary's Orthodox Church
St. Mary’s Orthodox Church is 2 km outside Kottayam. One can reach Kottayam by either a bus or a train. The nearest airport to Kottayam is the Kochi Airport which is at a distance of around 80 km. Accommodation near St. Mary's Orthodox Church
Hotel AidaAIDA Junction, Near KSRTC Bus Stand
M.C. Road Kottayam
Traiff: INR 900- INR 1600
Hotel Windsor Castle
Near Railway Station,
Kottayam District
