St. George Orthodox Church, Chandanapally

St. George Orthodox Church, Chandanapally or Chandanapally Valiyapalli is one of the biggest churches in South India, located at a village named Chandanapally, Pathanamthitta District in Kerala state of India.

The first church in Chandanapally was built in 1810. It was renovated in 1875 and consecrated by his holiness Mar Abdullah, the Later Patriarch of Antioch. The wooden planks for the new church were brought from the kodumon forest. The logs of teak and sandalwood could not be carried to the work site as the big stream of the Achenkovil River connecting Kodumon and Chandanapally had dried up. Miraculously the stream began to run full to the brim in a torrential rain that lasted for days and the heavy logs could easily be carried to the spot in no time. There was a reconstruction in 2000 which is famous for the huge size of its structure. Indo-Sarsanik art of sculpture was used in its construction. It is a blend of Christian, Muslim and Hindu sculptured art, Gothic-style towers, pillars erected according to mathematics and a roof in Persian style, which altogether gives it the beauty of a beautiful sculpture.

The Kalkurishu or cross cut from stone which has carvings of saints and angels is a main attraction and shelter for the pilgrims of the church.Whomsoever shelters under st.george here in this church will be rewarded regardless the caste,creed religion,colour.Hence,many of the pilgrims are non-Christians who believe in the great healing powers of st.george.Usually the feast is held from May1–8.This is one of the church in kerala that constantly celebrates its feast on 7 May,8 and chempeduppu takes place on 8 May.Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims come from around the world to witness this auspicious and holy ritual.

Address: St.George Orthodox Valiyapally Chandanapally P.O Pathanamthitta Pin:689658 Tele: 0468 2251246