St. Paul's Malankara Church

The St. Paul's Malankara Church is situated on Kozhencherry - Ambalakkadavu road, in the town of Kozhencherry, India.

History

• The Malankara Church, also known as Malankara Syrian Church, was the unified body of Puthankur Saint Thomas Christians who claim origins from the missions of Thomas the Apostle.
• This community, under the leadership of Thoma I, opposed the Padroado Jesuits as well as the Propaganda Carmelites following the Coonan Cross Oath of 1653, which was taken to resist Western Catholic influences.
• The Malankara Church eventually came under the influence of the Syriac Orthodox Church but later split successively, leading to the creation of churches across various denominations and traditions.
• The Malankara divisions and branchings have resulted in the present-day Jacobite Syrian Christian Church, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church, Malabar Independent Syrian Church, Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, the Saint Thomas Anglicans of the Church of South India and the St. Thomas Evangelical Church of India.

Architecture

The church was constructed in 1920s and is an example of a traditional Indian church with a blend of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles.

Notable Features

• The church's design features a large central dome, surrounded by four smaller domes.
• The exterior walls are adorned with intricate carvings and ornate details.

Organ and Bells

The church has a pipe organ that is used during worship services. The bells of the church are reportedly rung on special occasions to signal important events.

Heritage Status

The St. Paul's Malankara Church is not explicitly mentioned as having any specific heritage status in available data, but it is likely that it may be recognized for its historical and cultural significance.

Visiting Information

• Opening Hours: The church is open from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM.
• Accessibility: The church has designated wheelchair accessibility.

Notable Artworks or Relics

No notable artworks or relics are mentioned in available data.