The Malankara Syrian Christian Legacy
The history of the Christian community in Kerala, popularly known as Syrian Christians or Nasranis, dates back to the first century. According to strong historical tradition, Saint Thomas, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ, landed at Kodungallur on the Malabar Coast of India in AD 52.
He preached the Gospel, performed miracles, and established seven and a half churches along the coastal regions of Malabar. These believers maintained their Eastern Orthodox connections over the centuries, utilizing the Syriac liturgy and preserving their unique cultural integration within Indian society.
The Mar Thoma Reformation
During the early 19th century, contact with Western missionary organizations and a desire for biblical recovery sparked a reformation movement within the ancient church. Spearheaded by the visionary leader Abraham Malpan of Maramon, the reformation aimed at purifying the Church from unbiblical traditions while keeping its Eastern heritage intact.
The reformation translated the Syriac liturgy into Malayalam, highlighted the centrality of the scriptures, and focused on active evangelism. This reformational wave led to the consolidation of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church, which has grown to become a global Church today, headquarted in Thiruvalla.
Introduction to the Parish History
Following the reformation movement in the Malankara Church, the Mar Thoma Syrian Evangelistic Association was established on 5th September 1888. After the constitution of the Association was approved by Palakunnathu Thomas Mar Athanasius Metropolitan in November of the same year, Evangelistic mission began among the local people at Chulakkunnu, Othera, in December 1888, and a fellowship was formed there. From the beginning of 1892, regular worship services were conducted. As a result of the education provided during the night classes for approximately three and a half years, 85 people accepted Christ as their Savior, were baptized, and became members of the Mar Thoma Church. Among these 85 members, those residing in the area extending from the south of Nellad Kavala to Kozhimala formed the Northern Prayer Fellowship of the church.
From 1905 onwards, under the leadership of this Northern Prayer Fellowship, a Sunday School was started under the shade of a tree near the Mulayakunnathu house. Since the distance to Othera Church was considerable, the members of the Northern Prayer Fellowship felt the need to establish a Church in their own locality. Consequently, worship services began in April 1951 on the land that had been purchased earlier by the forefathers of the congregation. The believers here were known for their deep spiritual commitment and zeal.
In 1980, through a Kalpana (Episcopal Decree) issued by Alexander Mar Thoma Metropolitan, Churches were elevated to parish status, and our Church came to be known as the Vallamkulam St. Luke’s Mar Thoma Church. Having existed for 59 years as part of Othera Church, 29 years as Vallamkulam E.A. Church, and 46 years as St. Luke’s Mar Thoma Church, this community of believers now completes 134 years of faithful witness, giving glory to Almighty God.
Our parish has also been blessed to provide evangelists to the Church. Mr. M. J. Chacko of Modiyil and Mr. M. C. Lukose of Mulayakunnathu served as evangelists in the Church and have since entered into eternal rest. At present, Mr. Shaji Chacko is serving as an evangelist at the Kilimanoor Mission Centre.
Diocesan Context
Our parish is an active unit under the Niranam-Maramon Bhadhrasanam (Diocese) of the Mar Thoma Syrian Church. Headquartered in Poolatheen, Thiruvalla, the diocese oversees some of the oldest and most historically significant parishes of our church. Under the spiritual supervision of the Metropolitan, the diocese actively promotes mission activities, youth initiatives, and social upliftment projects.