St Elijah Orthodox Syrian Church

St Elijah Orthodox Syrian Church in 2008

The newly renovated church in 2011

St Elijah Orthodox Syrian Church, Koduvila, is one of the ancient churches in the name of prophet Elijah in the Malankara Orthodox Church. This church was established by the Malankara Metropolitan H.G. Pulikkottil Joseph Mar Dionysius 5th.

History

In the initial periods, the members of the church joined with St. Mary's Orthodox Valiyapalli, Kallada, where the grave yard of Mar Andrew is located. To reach the church, the congregation would need to cross the Kallada River for participating in sacramental ceremonies known as the Holy Qurbana. The establishment of a church in Koduvila was said to have brought happiness to the believers in the area. Their valuable prayers and hard works were said to be really helpful for the construction of the church in Koduvila and is believed to be credited for boosting the wealth of the people and the area. Construction of the church is credited by the local population of removing Poverty and allowing the local area to grow.

Location

The church is situated near Munroe Island in Kallada. On Bing/Google maps the church is visible with a red roof at this address Kollam Sub-District 691502, India 9.002358, 76.634399

Renovation

In 2008 September 13, in the presence of H.G. Matthews Mar Epiphanios, the metropolitan of Kochi, H.G. Zachariah Mar Anthonios laid the foundation stone of the new church. It is a blending of ancient and modern architecture in construction, with the installation of the main door of this new church in 2009 September 13 by H.G. Zachariah Mar Anthonios. The People of the local community assisted greatly in the construction, with the vicar Fr.Abraham.M.Varghese giving a leadership. Sri Alexander Samuel and Sri Laiju Thankachen act as the trustee and secretary of this parish respectively.

Church in July 2011

Interior of the renovated Church

References

• St Elijah Orthodox Syrian Church