Church History
In the year AD 1907, H.G. Joseph Mor Divannasios Metropolitan [popularly known as Pulikkottil Thirumeni] sent a decree of Blessings to our forefathers permitting them to construct a Cross at this place. Accordingly, they erected a Cross with laterite stones and instituted it on 23rd of Thulam 1907.The believers started worship in a temporary shed beside the Cross. It had a thatched roof with dry coconut leaves.Since the place was a hillock filled with rubbles and stones, the local people called the church as “KALKUNNATHU KURISU PALLY”. In 1907, the Jacobite Christians earned the approval from the Government to construct a permanent church at the same place vide order No.4702.This fulfilled a longstanding ambition and great desire of the people.
The prayers were led by Rev.Fr. Mathai Geevarghese,Parappattu who offered the first Mass. Rev. Mathai became the first Vicar of the Church. In 1914, H.G.Poulose Mor Athanasious Metropolitan [Valiya Thirumeni] came over to the Church and stayed there to guide and supervise the construction of a permanent building for the Church.It was a great blessing for the parishioners and the locality as a whole. Thirumeni was always inspired by the Holy Ghost and spent time in prayers and fasting for the growth and welfare of the parishioners. The construction was completed and on 23rd October 1914 it was consecrated by the holy hands of the Metropolitan and dedicated to the great martyr St.George popularly called as Mor Geevarghese Sahada by Malankara Christians.
The Church was named KALKUNNEL MOR GEEVARGHESE SAHADA CHURCH and a Constitution was prepared on the same day by the members in a meeting convened by the Metropolitan in the presence of the Vicar Fr. Mathai Gee Varghese. The constitution was subsequently registered with the Sub Registrar Office Muvattupuzha. At present the Church has more than 550 families of parishioners. The constitution of the Church firmly declares and upholds its affection, loyalty and obedience to the Holy Apostolic See of Antioch and the entire East.
St. George
(Geevarghese Sahda)
St. George, also known as Geevarghese Sahda in the Kalkunnel Mar Geevarghese Sahada Church, holds a significant place in the hearts of believers as the patron saint revered for his bravery, steadfast faith, and miraculous interventions. Traditionally a soldier in the Roman emperor Diocletion’s army, St. George faced persecution for his Christian faith and was martyred in AD 303. His most famous act was the slaying of a dragon to save a king’s daughter, a symbol of his courage and unwavering commitment to righteousness.
Celebrated on April 23rd, St. George’s feast day is a joyous occasion commemorating his martyrdom, inspiring believers to emulate his virtues of courage and faith. Iconography often portrays him as a soldier on horseback, representing the triumph of good over evil. Throughout India, churches and shrines dedicated to St. George serve as centers of spiritual devotion and pilgrimage for Orthodox Christians, where believers gather to seek blessings and honor his life and miracles.
St. George’s veneration is deeply rooted in Christian tradition and theology, offering inspiration and strength to believers facing adversity. Beyond his religious significance, St. George also holds cultural importance, with his feast day marked by special prayers, processions, and community gatherings. His story transcends religious boundaries, promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding. St. George’s universal appeal as a symbol of righteousness and bravery continues to inspire and uplift believers across generations, serving as a beacon of hope and faith.
Saint Ignatius Elias III
Saint Ignatius Elias III was the Patriarch of Antioch, and head of the Syriac Orthodox Church from 1917 until his death in 1932.Nasri was born in 1867 in the city of Madrin, Nasri joined the Forty Martyrs Seminary, and in 1887, he joined the Monastery of Mor Hananyo near Mardin and was ordained deacon by Peter IV.Elias was ordained priest in 1892 by Peter IV, and during the Massacre of Diyarbakir in 1895, Elias gave refuge to approximately 7000 Armenian refugees in the Monastery of Mor Quryaqos.In 1912, he was transferred to Mosul where he served until his elevation to the patriarchate in 1917. After the death of the Patriarch Abded Aloho II died in 1915, Mor Iwanius was elected Patriarch and assumed the throne in 1917.
Elias held a synod in 1930 at the Monastery of Mar Mattai, near Mosul, to restructure the organisation of the church and its dioceses. Later that year, on 1 December, Elias received a request from Lord Irwin, Viceroy of India, to help resolve a schism within the Malankara Church. Elias arrived in Malankara on 21 March and held meetings between the two factions within the church at Aluva, Karingachira, Panampady and Kuruppumpady for the remainder of the year.
Despite failing to end the schism, Elias remained in India until February 1932 when he died at the Church of St. Stephen in Manjanikkara, near Omallur on 13 February. The remains of the patriarch were interred in Manjanikkara.55 years after his death, in 1987, his successor Patriarch Ignatius Zakka I officially declared him a Saint. His feast day is observed on 13 February.
Our Institutions
Mar Elias Higher Secondary School
Mar Elias College
St. George Public School
