| Saint Mary's Metropolitan Cathedral | |
| Fullname: | Marth Mariyam Syro-Malabar Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral |
| Pushpin Map: | India Kerala |
| Map Caption: | Location of the cathedral in Kerala |
| Coordinates: | 9.4441°N 76.5366°W |
| Location: | Changanassery |
| Country: | India |
| Denomination: | Syro-Malabar |
| Founded Date: | 1177 |
| Consecrated Date: | 1887 |
| Past Bishop: | Perumthottam Mar Yawsep, Powathil Mar Yawsep,Padiyara Mar Anthony |
| Status: | Cathedral |
| Functional Status: | active |
| Architectural Type: | Baroque & Keralite |
| Bells: | 3 |
| Archdiocese: | Archeparchy of Changanacherry [SM] |
| Synod: | Syro Malabar Synod of Bishops |
| Archbishop: | Tharayil Mar Thoma Methrappolitha |
| Vicar: | Rev. Dr. Jose Kochuparambil |
St Mary's Metropolitan Cathedral,[1] also known as Valiyapally, is the cathedral of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Archeparchy of Changanassery (Archieparchia Changanacherrensis) and also a Marian pilgrimage centre in Kerala,[2] India.[3]
The local Christian community in and around Changanacherry has a rich history that dates back to the 1st century when St. Thomas the Apostle formed a Christian community centered at Niranam. This community is known as the Saint Thomas Christians or Nasrani Mappila, and they're an ethno-religious group of Indian Christians in Kerala ¹.
The first church in Changanacherry was established in 1177, with the plot of land donated by the local Hindu king of Thekkumkoor. Fast forward to today, the present church is the fourth one in its place, reconstructed and consecrated in 1887. What's fascinating is that the Cathedral is adorned with Baroque Architectural Retable, ancient Hindu temple carvings and Oil Paintings reflecting the blend of cultures and traditions