St. George Orthodox Koonan Kurish Old Syrian Church
St. George Orthodox Koonan Kurish Old Syrian Church
St. George Orthodox Koonan Kurish Old Syrian Church
4.5
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
About
The St. George Orthodox Koonan Kurish Old Syrian Church at Mattancherry town of Kochi (Cochin ) better known as the Koonan Kurishu Pally entered the annals of history following the oath taken by St Thomas Christians of Kerala in AD 1653, protesting against the the attempt to impose the hegemony of the Roman Church by the Portuguese . The Indian Church (Malankara Church ) was established by Apostle St Thomas ( Mar Thoma ) in AD 52. This indigenous Church of Malabar/Malankara followed the faith and traditions handed over by the Apostle St. Thomas. Saint Thomas Christians were administratively under the single native dynastic leadership of an Archdeacon a native ecclesiastical head with spiritual and temporal powers. Portughese arrived India in AD 1498 , were surprised to find the presence of St Thomas Christians in India, but Portuguese were unhappy that native Indian Christians were not under Rome . With the help of Portuguese army and Portuguese missionaries they started luring and threatening native Christians to bring them under Rome.They succeeded in their efforts in 1599 with the `Synod of Diamper'. The representatives of various parishes who attended the assembly were forced by Portuguese Authorities to accept the Papal authority. The Koonan Kurishu Oath of AD 1653 refers to the action of thousands of native Christians assembling before this church and taking an oath to preserve the traditions and rituals followed by them since AD 52 and resist the attempts to impose the Roman rituals among the native Christians. But the gathering was so large that hundreds were unable to touch the cross directly. They drew a rope from the cross, and touching it, publicly denounced the Roman Church.The cross bent under pressure and hence the name ‘Koonan Kurisu’. The event is described as ‘Koonan Kurishu Sathyam’ or the oath before the bent cross. Soon after the Coonan Cross Oath of 3 January 1653 the St. Thomas Christians were divided into Oriental Orthodox faction and Catholic faction . The Catholic faction joined the Portuguese, and the Orthodox faction stayed with their native Mar Thoma traditions in defiance of the Portuguese. The Koonan Kurish Sathyam of AD 1653 took place at this Church is the first attempt to resist colonialism and western invasion in India . Apart from the historical legacy the method adopted for the renovation of the church building assumes importance. The renovated church is built using clay to keep faith with the ancient architecture heritage. The use of cement and steel have been completely avoided and visitors from India and abroad are coming to the church to see the architecture of the building. The church located at Mattancherry , Cochin is constructed entirely of compressed earth blocks (CSEB). The distinct style with catenary vaults, arches and a dome evokes the past in a way, never seen before. The technique of construction was developed in Egypt, today known as the Nubian Technique. There are 13 vaults and a dome to complete the structure. Today, it stands as the second largest catenary structure in South India. The sacred alter is lit with sunlight that filters through the oculus and the space between the sinusoidal walls. The concept of domes, vaults and arches used in the renovated building has been drawn from early symbols of eastern Christianity. In AD 1751 Church was dedicated to St George with the installation of holy relics of St George in its altar , is another unique speciality of Mattancherry Leaning Cross Old Syrian Church.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
18 reviews
Excellent
13
Very good
5
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Robert O
Rotterdam, The Netherlands5,719 contributions
Jan 2023 • Solo
If you are not familiar with South Indian history to understand what you actually observe here is rather complicated.
Few Westerners know that Christian tradition in India started in the 1st century AD when Thomas one of the twelve apostles of Jezus sailed to the Malabar coast and started to spread the gospel.
The Portugese arrived much later in 1498 (roughly 1400 years later). Their interpretation of Christian religion was different and followed Roman tradition recognizing the authority of the Pope of Rome (nowadays Pope Francis).
Part of Thomas' followers started to resist the Portugese imposition of Roman Catholic interpretation and institutions. They remained true to Thomas and followed his oriental (Syrian) or Eastern Orthodox interpretation. In 1653 it is assumed they gathered in protest at the site where now this church is.
Though clay (compressed mud) is the main building material the church structure makes a rather modern impression.
Few Westerners know that Christian tradition in India started in the 1st century AD when Thomas one of the twelve apostles of Jezus sailed to the Malabar coast and started to spread the gospel.
The Portugese arrived much later in 1498 (roughly 1400 years later). Their interpretation of Christian religion was different and followed Roman tradition recognizing the authority of the Pope of Rome (nowadays Pope Francis).
Part of Thomas' followers started to resist the Portugese imposition of Roman Catholic interpretation and institutions. They remained true to Thomas and followed his oriental (Syrian) or Eastern Orthodox interpretation. In 1653 it is assumed they gathered in protest at the site where now this church is.
Though clay (compressed mud) is the main building material the church structure makes a rather modern impression.
Written December 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elizabeth S
Bengaluru, India31 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
An amazing architecture. The spiritual calmness is felt as soon as you enter the church. Fr Benjamin was so kind and patient to spend time telling us the history and clarifying our queries. A must visit destination when around Kochi. This place is not just a place for Christian history but Indian history as well.
Written October 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joji J
Kochi (Cochin), India3,049 contributions
Jan 2019 • Family
I used to visit the church in 80's almost every week to offer prayers and after several years gap I went there with my family. The church is renovated and the architecture of the church is really innovative, the church is constructed with clay with arch shaped entrance. Though the church and the compound is not very vast, a large number of devotees manage to come to the church and offer prayers. This 17th century church in the name of St. George is a prominent historic monument and pilgrim center which is a major attraction of Mattancherry.
Written April 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
G_sg
Singapore74 contributions
Dec 2016 • Solo
This tiny orthodox church is definitely a curious architectural object.
It is an interesting sight and can be included in a nice exploration walk of Mattancherry from Fort Cochin to Jew Town
It is an interesting sight and can be included in a nice exploration walk of Mattancherry from Fort Cochin to Jew Town
Written January 18, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks a lot for your review ,
The Koonan Kurish Sathyam of AD 1653 took place at this Church is the first attempt to resist colonialism and western invasion in India .
Apart from the historical legacy the method adopted for the renovation of the church building assumes importance. The renovated church is built using clay to keep faith with the ancient architecture heritage. The use of cement and steel have been completely avoided and visitors from India and abroad are coming to the church to see the architecture of the building.
The church located at Mattancherry , Cochin is constructed entirely of compressed earth blocks (CSEB). The distinct style with catenary vaults, arches and a dome evokes the past
in a way, never seen before. The technique of construction was developed in Egypt, today known as the Nubian Technique. There are 13 vaults and a dome to complete the structure. Today, it stands as the second largest catenary structure in South India.
The sacred alter is lit with sunlight that filters through the oculus and the space between the sinusoidal walls.
The concept of domes, vaults and arches used in the renovated building has been drawn from early symbols of eastern Christianity.
In AD 1751 Church was dedicated to St George with the installation of holy relics of St George in its altar , is another unique speciality of Mattancherry Leaning Cross Old Syrian Church.
Written March 27, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rintu A
75 contributions
Jan 2018 • Family
മട്ടാഞ്ചേരി കൂനൻ കുരിശ് തീർത്ഥാടന കേന്ദ്രം -
Mattanchery Koonan Kurishu Pilgrimage Center -
A blessed sanctuary to spend some time in prayer and re-live your Gratitude to the Ever loving Almighty Creator.
This church is a beautiful experience yet to be enjoyed by most of my fellow brethren.
A divine and peaceful space with beautiful ambience to spend some time in prayer in the presence of Holy Relics of blessed Saints. A Church with a great history and character.
Rebuilt Church made of Clay looks beautiful, and the Architecture of the church is beyond description.
Visit atleast once in your life time.
St. George Orthodox Koonan Kurish Old Syrian Church
Near Lobo jn., Pullupaalam Rd., Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala 682002
099461 20597
Mattanchery Koonan Kurishu Pilgrimage Center -
A blessed sanctuary to spend some time in prayer and re-live your Gratitude to the Ever loving Almighty Creator.
This church is a beautiful experience yet to be enjoyed by most of my fellow brethren.
A divine and peaceful space with beautiful ambience to spend some time in prayer in the presence of Holy Relics of blessed Saints. A Church with a great history and character.
Rebuilt Church made of Clay looks beautiful, and the Architecture of the church is beyond description.
Visit atleast once in your life time.
St. George Orthodox Koonan Kurish Old Syrian Church
Near Lobo jn., Pullupaalam Rd., Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala 682002
099461 20597
Written January 27, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks a lot for your review ,
The Koonan Kurish Sathyam of AD 1653 took place at this Church is the first attempt to resist colonialism and western invasion in India .
Apart from the historical legacy the method adopted for the renovation of the church building assumes importance. The renovated church is built using clay to keep faith with the ancient architecture heritage. The use of cement and steel have been completely avoided and visitors from India and abroad are coming to the church to see the architecture of the building.
The church located at Mattancherry , Cochin is constructed entirely of compressed earth blocks (CSEB). The distinct style with catenary vaults, arches and a dome evokes the past
in a way, never seen before. The technique of construction was developed in Egypt, today known as the Nubian Technique. There are 13 vaults and a dome to complete the structure. Today, it stands as the second largest catenary structure in South India.
The sacred alter is lit with sunlight that filters through the oculus and the space between the sinusoidal walls.
The concept of domes, vaults and arches used in the renovated building has been drawn from early symbols of eastern Christianity.
In AD 1751 Church was dedicated to St George with the installation of holy relics of St George in its altar , is another unique speciality of Mattancherry Leaning Cross Old Syrian Church.
Written March 27, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chris W
Birmingham, UK117 contributions
Dec 2017
This was a fantastic find on the way walking to Matancherry. An incredibly unusual church in both shape and colour. The front gate made the place look closed but it was open. They close the gate to stop goats coming in! This is a newly rebuilt church and should be in guidebooks.
Written December 28, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks a lot for your review and may God bless you,
The Koonan Kurish Sathyam of AD 1653 took place at this Church is the first attempt to resist colonialism and western invasion in India .
Apart from the historical legacy the method adopted for the renovation of the church building assumes importance. The renovated church is built using clay to keep faith with the ancient architecture heritage. The use of cement and steel have been completely avoided and visitors from India and abroad are coming to the church to see the architecture of the building.
The church located at Mattancherry , Cochin is constructed entirely of compressed earth blocks (CSEB). The distinct style with catenary vaults, arches and a dome evokes the past
in a way, never seen before. The technique of construction was developed in Egypt, today known as the Nubian Technique. There are 13 vaults and a dome to complete the structure. Today, it stands as the second largest catenary structure in South India.
The sacred alter is lit with sunlight that filters through the oculus and the space between the sinusoidal walls.
The concept of domes, vaults and arches used in the renovated building has been drawn from early symbols of eastern Christianity.
In AD 1751 Church was dedicated to St George with the installation of holy relics of St George in its altar , is another unique speciality of Mattancherry Leaning Cross Old Syrian Church.
Written March 27, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kobilavy
Tel Aviv, Israel72 contributions
Sep 2017 • Couples
I visited this wonderful church this September with my wife and a friend.
Father Benjamin hosted us most graciously and explained to us about the church, greeted us with fresh juice and sang wonderful songs with us from the holy bible in Hebrew.
A truly spiritual experience that I will cherish for ever.
Father Benjamin hosted us most graciously and explained to us about the church, greeted us with fresh juice and sang wonderful songs with us from the holy bible in Hebrew.
A truly spiritual experience that I will cherish for ever.
Written December 5, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks a lot for your review ,
The Koonan Kurish Sathyam of AD 1653 took place at this Church is the first attempt to resist colonialism and western invasion in India .
Apart from the historical legacy the method adopted for the renovation of the church building assumes importance. The renovated church is built using clay to keep faith with the ancient architecture heritage. The use of cement and steel have been completely avoided and visitors from India and abroad are coming to the church to see the architecture of the building.
The church located at Mattancherry , Cochin is constructed entirely of compressed earth blocks (CSEB). The distinct style with catenary vaults, arches and a dome evokes the past
in a way, never seen before. The technique of construction was developed in Egypt, today known as the Nubian Technique. There are 13 vaults and a dome to complete the structure. Today, it stands as the second largest catenary structure in South India.
The sacred alter is lit with sunlight that filters through the oculus and the space between the sinusoidal walls.
The concept of domes, vaults and arches used in the renovated building has been drawn from early symbols of eastern Christianity.
In AD 1751 Church was dedicated to St George with the installation of holy relics of St George in its altar , is another unique speciality of Mattancherry Leaning Cross Old Syrian Church.
Written March 27, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SamJose
Bangalore District, India147 contributions
Jan 2017 • Family
Very well maintained church with rich history and very good story to tell . Location wise the church is very near to boat ferry .
Written November 8, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arup C
Kolkata (Calcutta), India10,201 contributions
Oct 2017 • Couples
We visit this Church on a late afternoon during our recent Kochi visit recently. its really an unique pattern of Church on it's own. Inside the Church, one will get stunned with awesome Medieval stained glass . Very calm and peaceful inside the church and certainly make you feel divine irrespective of your religious believe. A must visit when you are at Kochi.
Written November 7, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ode Beaulé
Quebec City, Canada259 contributions
Oct 2019 • Friends
We had the chance to be welcome by Father Benjamin who explain us the history of the church. Plus the architecture and the spirituality of this amazing place. We really appreciate this visit!
Written October 29, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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