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Kalloopara Palli - St Mary's Orthodox Church
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St Mary's Orthodox Church is located at Kallooppara in Pathanamthitta District. It is surrounded by the Manimala
River. The church is believed to have been constructed in the 2nd century. The foundation stone of the present
church was laid on the Malayalam month Karkadakam in the year 1339.
The architecture of the church is that of early Travancore style. There are two granite slabs with some
inscriptions in the pali language on the eastern and western wings of the church. The sculptures and figures
carved in wood are noteworthy.
The Adangapurathu family were instrumental in the development and administration of the church and its
subsequent growth. As a result of the significant role played by the family, the tombs of
Ghevarughese Panicker and Eapen Panicker - the father and grandfather of AG Joseph Panicker -
are prominent located on the main grounds of the church.
The church conducts Sunday Schools at three different locations. Three separate women associations,
Martha Mariyam Samajam, also function at the church. The main festival of the church is the Kallooppara
Perunal, which is celebrated on January 15th. Another celebration is held on July 5th, the foundation day of the
Church.
The church can be approached by road and is on the Thiruvalla– Mallappally route.
The nearest railway station is at Thiruvalla.
Some of the above information was obtained from www.india9.com; we appreciate its use.
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Tombs of Eapen Panicker & Ghevarughese Panicker Picture taken in 1982 after the wedding of Peter and Shiny. On the left are Shiny, Rory & Fifi and on the right are
George, Rana & Peter
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