St. John The Baptist Jacobite Syrian Church, South Parur

St. John The Baptist Jacobite Syrian Church is a church situated in South Parur, a village located on southern border of Ernakulam District, Kerala, India. This area is landmarked by the busy Kottayam-Ernakulam Road (Vaikom Road).

History

The Syrian Christian tradition of South Parur dates back to the 8th century, after the Synod of Diamper, the Syrian Christians (Jacobites) built a new church on the east side of the main road.

Holy visits

The church was blessed by the visits of many Holy Spiritual Fathers including Parumala Thirumeni, Late Lamented Yuyakeem mor Kooreelos (entombed at Marthoman church). The Holy Qurbana was celebrated by H.G.Geevarghese mor Gregorius (Parumala Thirumeni) in the old church.

This church also had the privilege to be visited by H. H. Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I, the Patriarch of Antioch and all the east during the First Holy Apostolic visit in 1982.

Recent history

The church was rebuilt in 1991 and was consecrated by H. B. Basalious Paulose II, Catholicos of the East.

On 2008 January 5, H. H. Ignatius Zakka I, Patriarch of Antioch and all the East upgraded this church with the title "Valiya Pally". This historical declaration was blessed with the presence of H. B. Basalious Thomas I, Catholicos of East and several Metropolitans.

Now the church is to be known as St.John The Baptist Jacobite Syrian "Valiya Pally" St Sebastian Church.