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A century of faith, 1926–2026

How a 28-cent plot of land in Ernakulam grew into the mother parish of the city.

St. Mary's Orthodox Cathedral, Ernakulam
The Beginning

From 28 cents of land to a Cathedral

St. Mary's Orthodox Cathedral, Ernakulam is one of the oldest Orthodox churches in the region. The history of the Cathedral tells the inspiring story of the struggles, faith, and perseverance of the early Christians who, despite numerous hardships, remained steadfast in the Orthodox faith and nurtured generations deeply rooted in Christian values and traditions.

After 28 cents of land were purchased in 1922, a small church was constructed, and the first Holy Qurbana was celebrated here on 6 October 1926. Today, as we continue to live and share this vibrant faith, we gratefully honor and remember those who came before us, for without their unwavering commitment, sacrifice, and tireless efforts, our parish community would not be what it is today.

For a century, we have gathered to worship, serve, and grow together, proudly standing as the mother church of several Orthodox parishes across Ernakulam City.

2026 marks the Cathedral's centenary — a year of thanksgiving for a hundred years of worship, service and community in the heart of Ernakulam.

1922
28 cents of land acquired on Park Avenue
1926
First Holy Qurbana offered, 6 October
2
Chapels raised — Elamkulam & Chittoor Road
2026
Centenary year of the cathedral
A Century, Year by Year

Timeline

Milestones in the life of the parish, from its founding to the centenary year.

2026Centenary
The Cathedral marks its centenary year — a hundred years of worship, service and community in the heart of Ernakulam.
2025 · 5 October
A year-long series of centenary celebrations was formally inaugurated.
2024 · September
A multipurpose building named the “H.H. Baselios Marthoma Paulose II Centre” was constructed and blessed on the Chittoor Road cemetery compound.
2022
The Santhwanam charitable initiative was launched.
2017
The parish celebrated its 90th anniversary (Navathi).
2011
The church was renovated into its present form.
2011
The Snehanidhi educational assistance scheme was launched, spending around ₹15 lakh each year in support of students.
2011
A cross-shrine (Kurishinthotti) and shopping complex were built and consecrated at Elamkulam.
-
A semi-permanent pandal (pavilion) was built on 25 cents of land acquired to the north-east of St. Mary's Church.
-
Monthly publication of the Parish News began.
2001 · 25 March
H.H. Baselios Marthoma Mathews II, the sixth Catholicos of the East, elevated this church to a Cathedral.
2001
32 cents of land were purchased at Vyttila; a church was built there, consecrated, and the Holy Qurbana offered.
-
A two-storey vault with 160 chambers was built and consecrated at the Elamkulam cemetery.
1990
The small chapel at the Chittoor Road cemetery was demolished, rebuilt, consecrated, and the Holy Qurbana offered.
1987 · May
The Palarivattom chapel was consecrated and the Holy Qurbana offered.
1987 · January
The Thevara chapel was consecrated and the Holy Qurbana offered.
1986
41.5 cents of land were purchased in the parish's name at Padamugal, Thrikkakara — later handed over, with a contribution from the parish, to become an independent parish.
1986
A 72-chamber vault was built and consecrated at the Chittoor Road cemetery.
1986
32 + 8 cents of land were purchased for the Palarivattom chapel.
1986
35 cents of land were purchased for the Thevara chapel.
1976
9 cents of land were purchased at Elamkulam Junction for the construction of a cross-shrine.
1976
The Elamkulam chapel was completed, consecrated, and the Holy Qurbana offered.
1974 · 9 June
The Elamkulam cemetery was consecrated, and the foundation stone was laid for a chapel named in honour of Parumala Thirumeni.
1972
From 1972 onward, about one acre and forty cents of land were purchased in several plots centred around Elamkulam.
1963
The foundation stone was laid for the multi-storey building adjoining the church.
1962 · 15 January
The altar (Madbaha) with five thronoi, and the church itself, were consecrated, and the Holy Qurbana offered.
1959
The foundation stone was laid for the reconstruction of the church.
1958
The decision was taken to rebuild the church.
-
As a cemetery was needed, 15 cents of land were purchased on Chittoor Road and a small chapel was built there.
-
A further 5½ cents of land were purchased on the north side of the present church.
1926
A small single-hall church was built; a provisional consecration was held and the first Holy Qurbana was offered — the moment the parish now marks as its founding.
1926
Sri. Philip Vakkeel, the advocate who worked tirelessly toward building the church, was buried in the church's north yard on his passing; in 2010 the grave was relocated, for convenience, near the cross-shrine on the north-west side of the church.
1922
28 cents of land — where the church now stands — was purchased for the parish.
Charity and Educational Aid

Charity Wing and Educational Aid Wing

Two ministries through which the parish extends practical care and support to the wider community.

Santhwanam

Instituted by the parish in the holy memory of the late lamented His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Paulose II, Santhwanam serves as our Charity Wing, offering financial and material aid to the poor, sick, and needy.

Snehanidhi

Instituted by the parish in the blessed memory of the late lamented His Grace Joseph Mar Pachomios, Snehanidhi serves as our Educational Aid Wing, offering scholarships to deserving Orthodox students.

Shepherds & Patron Saints

Leadership & Intercession

See the full list of diocesan and parish leadership.

View Leadership & Office Bearers →