Christian community of Koothattukulam separated into two groups following the historical ‘Koonan Kurizu’ pledge of 1653. One group made allegiance to ‘Puthen Koor’ (new allegiance) and the other group made allegiance to Pazhaya Koor’ (old allegiance). During the separation ruled years of over 125 years both the groups continued to worship and avail the services in a same church, which is beyond imagination of the present generation.
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St. John's Jacobite Syrian church at Vadakara is one of the oldest Syrian Christian churches in Malankara. It is believed that it have been established before the 10th century. The church, belonging to the Kandanad diocese, is situated in the village of Vadakara in Ernakulam district and is at a few distance away from Koothattukulam town.
Though considered to be very ancient, no specific historical records are available till date on the exact date of establishment. According to the popular belief, the founding of the church and the old portrait of St. John the Baptist, kept in the madbho, are closely related. The story about the church's establishment is like this: A large portrait of St. John was being brought from the place called Vadakara in Malabar region to Marth Mariam Church at Manarcad some thousand years ago. On their way the persons who were carrying this portrait happened to rest for a while in this place which is now called Vadakara. But later when they were about to restart their journey, they found it impossible to lift this portrait from the place where they kept before resting. Hearing the unusual news, people from nearby areas gathered there but they too were helpless. At this moment some elders of the community advised them to keep the portrait there itself; a church was subsequently built there. It is this old portrait of St. John the Baptist that is kept behind the main thronos (altar) of this ancient church.
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The Syrian churches at Edayar, Koothattukulam, Kozhippilly, Puthuvely, Palakuzha, Maarika, Peryambra, Mannathoor, Attinkkunnu were all established by the families originally belonging to the Vadakara St. John's church.
Holy Visiit - Moran Mor Ignatius Yakoob III (1912-1980), Patriarch of Antioch
Mor Ignatios Yakoob III was born on October 12, 1912 in the Touma Mari family of Bartalla village in Iraq. He was ordained deacon by Patriarch Elias III and priest by Patriarch Mor Aphrem I. In 1957, he was consecrated Patriarch after the Patriarch Aphrem I passed away. His Holiness worked actively for cooperation among the Oriental Orthodox Churches and the reconciliation of the Church in India.
Patriarch Yakoob is fondly remembered for his spiritually uplifting celebration of the liturgy. He encouraged many to accept the monastic way of life. In 1964 His Holiness visited Malankara for establish the peace. He visited our church in 7th June 1964 and inaugurated the new church building.
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