It was a long cherished dream of the Jacobite Syrian Christian community living in and around Pathanamthitta that become fulfilled with the establishment of a church of their own in the heart of the town. Earlier the locals as well as those faithful who came from various parts of Kerala on business and employment have to travel ten or more kilometers away from town for worship. Mor Ignatius Dayro chapel and St. Stephen's church at Manjinikkara were the nearest churches. It was at this juncture a firm believer Mrs. Mariamma Thomas, wife of late Mr. P.O.Thomas, Kuttiplakkil House, Prakkanam along with her son Dr. Saji.P.O., came forward to donate 39 cents of land to the Holy Church for worship and other religious activities.

On 25th December 2003 His Grace Mor Milithios Yuhanon, the Metropolitan of Thumpamon diocese laid the foundation stone for the 'Syrian Orthodox Centre' which included a church, rooms for stay, office for religious organizations, conference hall and an old age home. In three years time the construction of the church and the diocesan centre was nearly completed and on the feast day of the Assumption of our Blessed Mother, 2006, the diocesan Metropolitan Mor Milithios Yuhanon celebrated the first Holy Qurbono in the partially completed church building. 

On 29th and 30th of September 2006, the consecration ceremony of the church was held by Catholicos Aboon Mor Baselios Thomas I Bava, assisted by the Metropolitans of Malankara Syrian Church. The holy ceremony was blessed with the presence of a number of Priests, Deacons and multitude of faithful who came from various parts of Thumpamon and nearby dioceses. During the ceremony His Beatitude the Catholicos declared the newly consecrated St. Mary's church as the Cathedral of Thumpamon diocese. Later in the evening, a grand rally of the faithful was held at Pathanamthitta town followed by a convention in the church compounds. As soon as the remaining works of the centre is completed, the headquarters of Thumpamon diocese will be shifted to this place.

Inside views of the St. Mary's Cathedral & the adjoining Syrian Orthodox Centre

An ariel view of the St. Mary's Cathedral in Pathanamthitta

     

        Sources:

              1. Photos taken on October 8, 2006

              2. http://viswasasamrakshakan.org/  issue dt. Oct 2008

 

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