Old Syrian Church - Chengannur - Orthodox church in Chengannur - Alappuzha, India

The Christian Church claims an ancient historical tradition . The church is claimed to be about 1700 years old. Very nice and peaceful atmosphere. A history of Kerala which is very important among the Christian histories to be known

Old Syrian Church Chengannur is an ancient Syrian Christian Church of Kerala. It is considered as one among the oldest Church in Kerala. The structure of the Church building is very Old. But it is well maintained. It has a calm and quite atmosphere. A place for peace And worship.

An important historical artifact of Chengannur and also of Christianity in Kerala

Blessed, one of the oldest church in chengannur

It is believed that the church was built about 1650 years ago. The structure of the church building certifies that it is very very old. The story is that long ago a hermit priest came to Chengannur and began a worship place at this spot. Till AD 1580, Nazranis and Knanaya people were worshipping together in this church. Then the Knanaya people who escaped the persecution in Cochin and surrounding area, also joined with those at Chengannur. Later the Knanaya people had built their own church and moved out. During reformation two groups were formed in the Malankara Church. These two factions quarreled in this church and there was a court case. Now the Chengannur Pazhaya Pally is co-owned by the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church and the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church.

It would be prestigious for self to have a visit in one of our ancient worship place. Can witness the architectural skill of our forefathers and their religious unity and relations

The Chengennur Pazhaya Suriyani Palli or the old Syrian Church is soaked in history. It is one of those unique churches where the facilities including the cemetery is shared by two denominations - Malankara Orthodox church and Mar Thoma church, with absolutely no disputes, whatsoever. It is also the parent parish of two Orthodox parishes, the Ignatius OC and the St Mary's OC.

One of the oldest among Syrian Christian churches in Kerala. Unique feature is the presence of a stone carving seen in Hindu temple, on the entry gate wall of this church. The year the church was built is engraved but not yet properly deciphered. If some scholars are to be believed it is dated in the 3rd century AD, which will make it the earliest proof of Christianity in Kerala. The church is well maintained and the services are shared among alternate Sundays by two different denominations which is not normally seen in churches inside Kerala.