Our History
A sanctuary of faith and tradition spanning over 120 years.
History of St. George Orthodox Valiyapalli, Anchal
Origins and Early Beginnings St. George Orthodox Valiyapalli in Anchal is one of the most ancient parishes in the Thiruvananthapuram Diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. About 160 years ago, there were no churches in this region. During that era, the venerable ‘Anchal Achan’ (Younan Kaseesha), a saintly and ascetic priest from the ancient Marunthilazhikathu family, lived here and conducted his worship at the Kottarakkara Church.
As time passed, many Christian families migrated to Anchal for trade, agriculture, and employment. The need for a place of worship became essential for their spiritual fellowship. The early settler families—including Changampallil, Venkilazhikam, Poovathamkavil, Valiyakarikkathil, Thenguvila, Eranad Marunthilazhikam, Pallivathukkal, Mullukattil, and Changayil—constructed a thatched shed (Ola Shed) on the ‘Kandathil’ plot. On 21st Meenam 1069 (M.E), they established a temporary place of worship in the name of St. George (Geevarghese Sahada).
Establishment of the Church (1903) Realizing the need for a permanent structure, the community leaders, led by Changampallil Koruthu Vadyar (Onnam Sir), approached Mr. Elanjikkal Cherian Chacko (Varinjam Sir), a prominent criminal lawyer. Along with Mr. Mathai Mathunni (Venkilazhikam), a devout local resident, they petitioned the Malankara Metropolitan for permission to build a church.
Upon receiving approval, a church was constructed on land owned by Varinjam Sir. In 1078 M.E (approx. 1903 A.D), Varinjam Sir generously registered the land (approx. 1 acre) as a gift (Oodukooru Danam) at the Punalur Sub-Registrar Office (Doc No. 101/1078), granting equal rights to himself, Koruthu Vadyar, and Mathai Mathunni. Thus, the church was formally established in the name of St. George. Rev. Fr. Abraham from Kundara Thenguvila served as the first Vicar.
Growth and Renovations The present church building was consecrated in 1985 by the first Metropolitan of Thiruvananthapuram Diocese, H.G. Geevarghese Mar Dioscorus, with the assistance of H.G. Geevarghese Mar Osthathios (Niranam Diocese). Over the years, several additions were made to the church complex:
1990: A meditation room in memory of Venerable Anchal Achan.
1998: A meditation hall and church porch.
2002: A new parsonage (Vaidika Bhavanam).
2007: A Parish Hall in the name of Venerable Anchal Achan (built on 61 cents of land purchased in 1994).
2013: Construction of the main pathway and consecration of the Granite Cross (Kalkkurishu) by H.G. Dr. Gabriel Mar Gregorios.
Shrines (Kurishudikal) and Landmarks The parish has three shrines dedicated to St. George:
Ayur-Anchal Road (1965): Land donated by the late Mr. Krishnan Muthalali.
Anchal-Punalur Road (1996): Land donated by the late Mr. E. John (Elavukattu).
Kadakkal-Chengamanad Road (2005): Constructed by the Punalur Changampallil family on land donated by the children of the late Mr. C.T. Samuel.
Additionally, a Flagmast (Kodimaram) was sponsored by the Punalur Changampallil family on the western side of the church in 2009.
Elevations and Pilgrim Center Status Recognizing the parish’s significance:
On 18.10.2009, H.G. Dr. Gabriel Mar Gregorios declared the parish as St. George Orthodox Valiyapalli.
On 13.06.2010, the Catholicos of the East, H.H. Baselius Marthoma Didymos I, declared the church a Georgian Pilgrim Center, acknowledging its spiritual prominence in the southern region.
The Parish Today Today, St. George Valiyapalli stands as a “Mother Church” (Thalappalli) for the region, comprising over 320 families and 1600+ members spread across five panchayats (Edamulakkal, Anchal, Alayamon, Karavaloor, and Ittiva). The parish is divided into 11 wards with 7 active prayer groups.
Spiritual Activities: Holy Qurbana is celebrated on all Sundays, Fridays, and feast days. Wednesday evenings are dedicated to meditation and intercessory prayers. All spiritual organizations (Sunday School, Youth Movement, etc.) function actively.
Charity: The church maintains a dedicated charity fund to assist the sick, the poor, and those in need of housing, marriage, or educational aid, irrespective of caste or creed.
Feasts and Festivals The main festivals celebrated with great devotion and public participation are:
Feast of St. George: Medam 23, 24.
Feast of Venerable Anchal Achan: Karkidakam 22.
As the church steps into its 120th year, we reaffirm our loyalty to the Holy See of the Catholicos, the Holy Synod, and the Diocesan Metropolitan, praying for continued spiritual and material growth under the leadership of the Vicar.