St. Mary's Knanaya Valiyapally, Kaduthuruthy Explained

Kaduthuruthy Valiyapally
Founded Date:	AD 400
Denomination:	Knanaya Syro Malabar Christian
Diocese:	Syro-Malabar Archeparchy of Kottayam
Tradition:	East Syriac
Website:	Kaduthuruthy Valiapally

Kaduthuruthy Marth Mariam Knanaya Major Archiepiscopal Church, commonly called Kaduthuruthy Valiapally or the Great Church of Kaduthuruthy, is a historic church founded by the Knanaya community in 400 C.E. The Knanaya are the descendants of Syriac Judeo-Christians who migrated from Persian Mesopotamia to Kodungallur, Kerala, during the medieval era.

In 1911 the church was incorporated into Kottayam Knanaya Archeparchy of the Syro Malabar Catholic Church. Due to its historical significance, Kaduthuruthy Valiyapally holds the status of forane, or senior church among Knanaya churches within the Kaduthuruthy region. In 2020, along with other historic and prominent churches of the Syro Malabar communion, Kaduthuruthy Valiyapally was elevated to major archeparchial status.

Bibliography

• Podipara, Placid J. (1970) The Thomas Christians. London: Darton, Longman and Tidd.
• Poomangalam, C.A. (1998) The Antiquities of the Knanaya Syrian Christians; Kottayam, Kerala.
• Thomas Puthiyakunnel (1973) "Jewish colonies of India paved the way for St. Thomas" in "The Malabar Church" Ed. Jacob Vellian and in "The St. Thomas Christian Encyclopaedia of India," Vol. II, 1973, Ed. George Menachery .
• Fr. Jacob Vellian (2001) Knanite community: History and culture; Syrian church series; vol.XVII; Jyothi Book House, Kottayam
• George Menachery, (1973) The St. Thomas Christian Encyclopedia of India, Ed. George Menachery, B.N.K. Press, vol. 2, .
• George Menachery Ed., (1998) The Indian Church History Classics, Vol. I, The Nazranies & "The Thomapedia" Ed. George Menachery, for many articles on and dozens of photographs of the Kaduthuruthy Big Church.