Our History

The Chronicle of St. George Orthodox Valiyapally, Palarivattom

Humble Beginnings

Originating as a modest chapel under the Ernakulam St. Mary's Parish to serve around 140 families in the Palarivattom area

Foundation and Consecration of the Chapel

On the 14th of September, 1986, the foundation stone for a chapel was laid by Rev Fr. O.V. Elias, Vicar of St. Mary's Church.
St George Chapel was consecrated on the 9th and 10th of May, 1987, by HB Mathews Mar Coorilos (Catholicate Designate), His Grace Youhanon Mar Saverios, and His Grace Paulose Mar Milithios.

Elevation to an Independent Parish

By the decree (No. C7/91) of HB Paulose Mar Milithios, St George Chapel was elevated to an independent parish on the 1st of April, 1991. It was christened St. George Orthodox Church, Palarivattom, with 145 founding parishioners.

The Vision of St. George Tower: An Era of Expansion

The year 1994 marked the acquisition of land for the ambitious St. George Tower project.
On the 17th of March, 1996, the foundation stone for this grand complex was laid by His Grace Zacharias Mar Anthonios.
On the 16th of March, 1997, St. George Tower was consecrated by His Holiness Catholicos Baselios Marthoma Mathews II, assisted by Their Graces Paulose Mar Milithios and Zacharias Mar Anthonios.

St George Tower project encompassed:

Expanded church building to accommodate more members
A dedicated parsonage and parish office.
Hostel rooms, Sunday school facilities, and the Mar Gregorios Memorial Library.
The development of the Eloor cemetery, including a boundary wall, raised graves, and an access road.
The construction of three homes for homeless members of the parish.

Church Consecration: The newly built church was consecrated on the 20th and 21st of February, 1998, by Their Graces Paulose Mar Milithios, Zacharias Mar Anthonios, and Paulose Mar Pachomios.

Thejus Auditorium

The year 2004 witnessed the inauguration of Thejus Auditorium by HH Baselios Marthoma Mathews II.

Georgians: The parish family was organised into 11 vibrant units known as "Georgians."
On September 30, 2007, the church launched Georgian Mirror, a distinguished quarterly journal that gained acceptance within Orthodox Churches worldwide.
St George Orthodox Valiyapally: 9th March 2008 stands as a momentous day, as the parish was officially declared a Valiyapally. On this same day, the Stone Cross and St. George's Book Stall, initiatives of the Youth Movement, were consecrated.
Marking another first for the Malankara Orthodox Sabha, the Elders' Forum, an exclusive spiritual forum for senior parish members aged 55 and above, was established on the 9th of June, 2010.
In 2012, the Youth Movement launched ARISE, a monthly news magazine, with its inaugural issue released on the church feast day.
Silver Jubilee Year: The parish celebrated its Silver Jubilee in 2016. The beginning of holding two Holy Qurbanas on Sundays.
Church Renovation: A comprehensive renovation project, encompassing a total renewal of the Madbaha, parish building, bell tower, and flag post, was launched in 2023.
Church Consecration: The consecration of the gloriously renovated church was held on the 11th of May, 2024, led by the Chief Celebrant, His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, Catholicos of the East, and assisted by HiG Dr. Yakob Mar Irenios and HG Yuhanon Mar Polycarpos.
HH Paulose II Car Park: The church registered 25 cents of land for a dedicated car parking facility in March 2025.

Foundation and Consecration of the Chapel

On the 14th of September, 1986, the foundation stone for a chapel was laid by Rev Fr. O.V. Elias, Vicar of St. Mary's Church.

St George Chapel was consecrated on the 9th and 10th of May, 1987, by HB Mathews Mar Coorilos (Catholicate Designate), His Grace Youhanon Mar Saverios, and His Grace Paulose Mar Milithios.

The Vision of St. George Tower: An Era of Expansion

The year 1994 marked the acquisition of land for the ambitious St. George Tower project.

On the 17th of March, 1996, the foundation stone for this grand complex was laid by His Grace Zacharias Mar Anthonios.

On the 16th of March, 1997, St. George Tower was consecrated by His Holiness Catholicos Baselios Marthoma Mathews II, assisted by Their Graces Paulose Mar Milithios and Zacharias Mar Anthonios.

St George Tower project encompassed:

Expanded church building to accommodate more members

A dedicated parsonage and parish office.

Hostel rooms, Sunday school facilities, and the Mar Gregorios Memorial Library.

The development of the Eloor cemetery, including a boundary wall, raised graves, and an access road.

The construction of three homes for homeless members of the parish.

Church Consecration: The newly built church was consecrated on the 20th and 21st of February, 1998, by Their Graces Paulose Mar Milithios, Zacharias Mar Anthonios, and Paulose Mar Pachomios.