St. George Forane Church Aruvithura - Catholic church in Erattupetta - Kottayam, India

One of the famous pilgrimage centre in Kerala. Comes under Pala diocese. Bharananganam is another pilgrimage centre located nearby area. Arrival of St Thomas to Kerala - 52 AD Missionary services in Kerala and Tamil Nadu - 52 to 69 AD Seven churches established - 52 to 59 AD Stone crosses erected in Erapuzha, Sankarapuri etc- 62 to 69 AD First Christain community in Aruvithura evolved - 1st century Martha Mariam Church at Aruvithura set up - 2nd century Holy statue of St George brought from Nilackal - 14th century The statue placed for veneration in Martha Mariam Church Aruvithura -14th century Martha Mariam Church was renamed as St George Church, Aruvithura Construction of the present church -1952 HOLY QURBANA TIMINGS Sunday 5.30 am | 6.45 am | 8.00 am | 9.30 am | 11.30 am | 4.00 pm First Friday 5.30 am | 6.30 am | 7.30 am| 9.00 am| 10.30 am |12.00 am | 4.00 pm Friday 5.30 am | 6.30 am | 7.30 am| 9.00 am | 10.30 am | 4.00 pm Monday to Thursday & Saturday 5.30am | 6.30 am | 7.30am | 4.00 pm

Good feelings in a silent environment. It's on the side of the road, but inside the church, it feels very calm and quiet due to the fantastic engineering works they did.

St. George Forane Church in Arivuthura offers serene spirituality in a picturesque setting. Its tranquil ambiance, stunning architecture, and warm community make it a must-visit for seekers of peace and faith.

Aruvithura Church is a serene haven of spirituality. The architecture and tranquil ambiance create a deeply moving experience. A must-visit for those seeking solace and cultural richness.

Aruvithara church is the prominent forane church. The church is having a Exotic design. Lots of pilgrimages are visiting this church every day. Easy Accessibility.

Aruvithura Church is one of the two oldest churches in Pala Diocese. Traditionaly it is believed that the Catholic Church at Aruvithura was established in AD 151. It is assumed that a group of Christians who were baptised by St. Thomas lived here. All the major churches in Pala Diocese have their cultural and spiritual inheritance from Aruvithura Church. Pala, Bharananganam, Plassanal, Poonjar, Thidanad , Kanjirapally etc came under Aruvithura Church. Going through history it is clear that the oldest churches were in the name of Martha Mariam. Aruvithura Church also was in the name of Martha Mariam until the 13th century. The statue of St Mary placed at the centre of the main altar is a clear proof of this fact. During the 13th century, a group of Chriatians , who had to elope from Nilackal to save themselves from the hands of enemies, brought the statue of St George from Nilackal and placed it in Aruvithura Church for veneration. From that time onwards Aruvithura Church came to be known on behalf of St George. People in and around Aruvithura were blessed with a lot of blessing from God as they sought the help from St George. Slowly St George at Aruvithura came to be known as "Aruvithura Valliachen". The statue that was brought from Nilackal is still preserved in the Aruvithura Church. No repainting/ modifications were made on the statue till now. That is the statue is maintained as such painted in the 13th century. During the festival season the statue is brought forward from the altar and placed for public veneration. A rare custom that is followed in this church alone is that the statue is brought forward from the altar and replaced on the altar by Rev. Fathers alone. The present church is the fourth church built in this location.Details about the first church is unavailable. The second church was built in the form of a temple. The third church was built in Portuguese model. The altar of the third Church is still preserved in the present church. The present church was built in 1951. It is 170 feet long and 50 feet broad. An aerial view of the church has the shape a Cross. The " Manimalika' in front of the church is 120 feet high. the statue of Christ at the top of the Church is 15 Feet high. St George of Aruvithura is the patron saint of the people of Aruvithura and all those who seek assistance from St George. A lot of miracles take place here and the Festival of St George of Aruvithura (Aruvithura vallyachan ) celebrated during April 15 - May 1 is a symbol of thanks giving for all the blessings received through St George. St George pray for us is a prayer of all wounded and bereaved souls who come for consolation from the hand of Aruvithura Vallyachan.

Aruvithura Church is a Syro-Malabar Catholic church located at Aruvithura , Kottayam district in the Kerala State of India.Traditionally it is believed that the Syrian Catholic Church at Aruvithura was established in AD 151. The first edifice of the church at Aruvithura was made of granite stones in the manner of Hindu temples. As it is traditionally believed, St. Thomas, the apostle of India preached the Christian faith in the important and popular villages of Malabar. It is believed that St. Thomas the Apostle of Jesus visited Aruvithura and converted prominent families into Christianity, and lay a cross on the banks of the Meenachil River. This is the first church in the Palai diocese and was built in the 1st century. St. Thomas founded seven and a half churches there. It is reported that the church was rebuilt once or twice before the 16th century. The ancient churches were constructed and maintained by the prominent families in the area until the 16th century. In the beginning of the 16th century a new church was built under the leadership of Kallarackal Kathanar by the prominent families.

Historically old and significant church for the catholics in Kottayam... By Location, history, ambience and everything else.. a god chosen place i believe.... Sitting inside the church makes you feel better and refreshing... And of course aruvitturr vlycch is a powerful mediator for the prayers...