Overview.

Situated on the eastern bank of the rivulet Kodoorar and nestled beside the Puthuppally-Changanacherry road, the ancient St. George Orthodox Church, also known as Puthuppally Pally or Puthuppally Valiyapally, has earned worldwide recognition and reverence. With a history spanning over four and a half centuries, the church has been rebuilt, expanded, and renovated five times, each transformation adding to its magnificence and spiritual significance.

The origins of the church can be traced back to the year 1557 when it was initially constructed as a humble "kochu pally" (chapel) in honor of St. Mary. Its first location was near the Vazhakulam Hindu temple on a hillock known as Kochupallikunnu. After eighty years, in 1640, the chapel was shifted and reconstructed at Elamthuruthi Kunnu, its present location, in the name of Mar Bahanan Sahada. The church gained further prominence a century and a decade later, in 1750 when it was rebuilt and dedicated to St. George while incorporating significant portions of the previous Mar Bahanan Church.

Over the course of 250 years, the church blossomed into a cherished center of solace, drawing devoted worshippers seeking solace and blessings from St. Mary, St. Bahanan, and St. George. However, in 2003, the church underwent a remarkable transformation. It was rebuilt and consecrated as a composite shrine, comprising three separate churches. The St. George Church was retained, and the verandas on either side were replaced by chapels dedicated to St. Mary and St. Bahanan, respectively. This ingenious concept revived and reconstructed the original St. Mary's Chapel of 1557 and St. Bahanan's Church of 1640, reinstating them on either side of the St. George Church of 1750.

The main altar of the St. George Church is dedicated to St. George himself, while the altars on the left and right are dedicated to St. Thomas and St. Gregorios of Parumala, respectively. In the St. Mary's Chapel, the main altar honors St. Mary, with altars on the left and right dedicated to Morth Shmooni and Mortha Yulithi. Similarly, the main altar of St. Bahanan's Chapel venerates St. Bahanan, with altars on the left and right dedicated to St. Vattasseril Geevarghese Dionysius and His Grace Kuriakose Mar Gregorios of Pampady. Consequently, the new shrine is blessed with the presence and intercession of nine revered saints, offering a profound spiritual experience to devotees.

Irrespective of religion, caste, or creed, devotees flock to the shrine to offer their supplications before St. George, who is believed to answer their prayers with unwavering compassion. Throughout the year, thousands of visitors are drawn to the church, with a notable surge during the feast of St. George, including the ten days preceding and succeeding the celebration. The atmosphere during this time is filled with fervor and devotion as worshippers come together to seek blessings, participate in religious rituals, and engage in acts of worship.

The significance of the present shrine was acknowledged and honored by His Holiness Baselious Didymus-I Catholicos of the East in 2007 when he declared it the "Georgian Pilgrim Centre of the East." This prestigious title recognizes the spiritual and cultural importance of the church, further amplifying its significance among believers and pilgrims alike.

In conclusion, the St. George Orthodox Church in Puthuppally, known as Puthuppally Pally or Puthuppally Valiyapally, stands as a testament to centuries of faith, history, and devotion. Its multiple reconstructions and additions have elevated its grandeur and architectural splendor, while the presence of St. George, St. Mary, and St. Bahanan infuses the shrine with a profound spiritual energy. As a beacon of solace, this church welcomes people from all walks of life, transcending boundaries of religion and fostering unity in devotion. It continues to inspire awe and reverence, serving as a sanctuary where believers find solace and spiritual guidance in the presence of the divine intercessors.

7:00AM - 5:30PM