Since 18 September 1817
Our History
Two centuries of faith, worship and service in Elanthoor.
1817
Founded
1985
New Church Consecrated
2017
Bicentenary
The history of Elanthoor Mar Thoma Valiya Pally dates back to 1817, making it a parish with more than two centuries of rich spiritual heritage. On 2 Kanni 993 in the Malayalam Era (18 September 1817), land was generously donated by Mahakavi Chekott Kuruvila Asan for the construction of a church. On this land, Punnathra Kurien Ramban placed and blessed the cross, marking the beginning of the history of Elanthoor Mar Thoma Valiya Pally.
Before the establishment of the church, our forefathers travelled to the neighbouring places of Nilakkal, Kadampanad and Omalloor for worship. It is believed that the Kumaranalloor Church was established by bringing and installing the front portion of the Omalloor Valiyapally. Thazhayil Skaria Kathanar served as the first vicar.
The parish became part of the Mar Thoma Church during the period of the Reformation movement associated with Abraham Malpan and Kaithayil Geevarghese Malpan. Our forefathers wholeheartedly supported the reformation, and Elanthoor was among the parishes that became part of the Mar Thoma Church without litigation. Originally established as St. Mary's Church, the parish came to be known as Elanthoor Kumaranalloor Church after the Reformation.
A New Church for a New Century
During the Tercentenary period, the parish was renamed Elanthoor Mar Thoma Valiya Pally. A new church building was subsequently constructed. The foundation stone was laid by Rt. Rev. Dr. Zacharias Mar Theophilus Episcopa on 25 September 1983, and the new church was consecrated on 2 March 1985 by Rt. Rev. Easow Mar Timotheos Episcopa, in the presence of Rt. Rev. Dr. Zacharias Mar Theophilus Episcopa. Both dates are recorded on the stone plaques set into the church wall.
In 2017, the parish completed two centuries and stepped into its third century of witness and service. Over the years, the dedicated ministry of priests, vicars, lay ministers, leaders and generations of parish members has helped shape the spiritual journey and growth of this historic congregation.
Today, the old church still stands as a precious testimony to our heritage and as a blessing to the village. Rooted in faith, enriched by history and looking towards the future, Elanthoor Mar Thoma Valiya Pally continues its journey of worship, fellowship and Christian service.
Stones That Remember
Our Heritage in Pictures
The dedication, the plaques and the artefacts that carry the memory of this parish.
The Dedication, 1817
Punnathara Mar Divannasyos dedicated Kumaranallur Pally — the Valiya Pally — on 18 September 1817 (993 Kanni 2).
The Consecration Stone
The stone inside the old church recording the consecration by Punnathra Kurien Ramban on 18 September 1817.
Foundation Stone, 1983
Laid by Rt. Rev. Dr. Zacharias Mar Theophilus Episcopa on 25 September 1983 for the new church building.
Consecration, 1985
The new church consecrated by Rt. Rev. Easow Mar Timotheos Episcopa on 2 March 1985, in the presence of Rt. Rev. Dr. Zacharias Mar Theophilus Episcopa.
The Old Church
The historic church that still stands in the parish compound — a reminder of two centuries of worship on this ground.
Within Our Sacred Walls
A lamp of light and faith, glowing within the walls of our historic old church.
Heritage Artefacts
Lamps, vessels and censers from the parish’s earliest years, preserved in the church.