Parish History

In AD 52, with the arrival of the disciple of Christ, St. Thomas the Apostle, a Christian community was formed in and around Kodungallur. This community, which developed under the patronage of local rulers and the succession of the Apostle, was first known as the “followers of Mar Thoma” and later as the “Malankara Nazranis.” In AD 409, Angamaly Church was established as the first church in this region. Situated at the confluence of major trade and mountain routes of that period, Angamaly became the principal center of St. Thomas Christians by the 9th century. The administration of the church was carried out by local Archdeacons, while the spiritual services were led by Eastern fathers from Persia, the same church established by St. Thomas himself. Around Angamaly, there existed a well-trained armed Nazrani force drawn from the 18 surrounding settlements, whose names ended with “shery.” In AD 1381, Koratty Church was founded.
However, under the pressure of the Portuguese during their colonial period, the Synod of Udayamperoor in 1599 brought the Malankara Church under Roman authority. Ancient churches such as those in Angamaly, Koratty, and Chalakudy were placed under the Pope of Rome. Yet, the Malankara Nazranis, who strongly upheld their Mar Thoma heritage and identity, renounced Roman subjugation through the historic Coonan Cross Oath in AD 1653, declaring their independence. Angamaly church stood firm as a center under native bishops known as “MarThomas.” During this time, the church sought support from the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch. When the Peechanikkad East Church was established in AD 1876, it served the local people more conveniently. In 1936, Ramban Vayaliparambil started the Remban’s Leprosy Hospital Chapel, though it served mainly the residents there.
In 1939, the Reverend Mulavarikkal Paulose Ramban established an ashram named “Sinai” at Mambra and a parish church in the name of St. Kuriakose the Martyr. In 1946, he was consecrated as Paulose Mar Severios, Metropolitan of the Kochi Diocese. In 1950, the Zion Seminary and chapel were founded at Chirangara. Mar Severios, the philosophical saint and man of action passed away in 1962. In 1966, H.G. Yuhannon Mar Severios took charge as the diocesan head. His saintly character, gentleness, and personality attracted many. Gradually, attendance at the chapel increased, and besides Sundays, regular services were also held on other special days and during Passion Week. A committee was formed to manage the chapel. In 1967, Mar Severios Sunday School was formed.
After 1975, internal divisions within the Church affected this parish as well, yet the members here remained firmly with the Metropolitan. Consequently, the parishioners faced continuous obstacles in accessing and conducting sacraments at Mambra Sinai Church. When threats, attacks, and attempts to seize Zion Seminary and its chapel arose, the faithful boldly safeguarded the life, property, and rights of the seminary, standing as steadfast protectors. Even burials at the Mambra parish cemetery became difficult during those times.
Considering these circumstances and appeals for safety, the diocesan Metropolitan issued two major orders in 1979–80, formally assigning the Seminary Chapel for parish use. Rev. Father Joseph Arickal, a member of the parish, was appointed as the first vicar. Since then, the activities of both the seminary and parish have continued peacefully together.
In 2014, the Chathuruthil family, descendants of Parumala Thirumeni, donated ten cents of land to the parish in Cheeni for building a place of worship. A beautiful Cross Church was built there in the name of Parumala Thirumeni, and monthly services are held regularly. To date, this parish has given five priests and two nuns to the Church. The first institution of the parish, the Mar Severios Sunday School, celebrated its golden jubilee in 2017. Today, 130 devoted members actively participate in various spiritual movements within this parish, continuing to grow in divine grace.