Parish Choir
Uplifting worship through sacred music, harmony, and devotion, the Parish Choir leads the congregation in heartfelt praise.
Melodious Devotion: St. George Orthodox Valiyapally Choir
The choir of St. George Orthodox Valiyapally is a cornerstone of the church's spiritual life. Founded and nourished by Sri P.G. Abraham Padinjarethalackal, its melodious voices lead the congregation in worship, enriching the liturgy with the beautiful harmonies of traditional Orthodox hymns.
During worship, the choir elevates the divine service, its rhythm guiding the congregation heavenward. On other sacred occasions, such as weddings, the choir's participation is unforgettable—a gift of sublime sound that etches the beauty of the ceremony into the memory of all who are present.
Its active presence is felt throughout the church's various spiritual and community events. The choir plays a crucial role during the Idavaka Perunnal, MELTHO Convention and special services, creating an atmosphere of reverence and devotion. Its music is deeply rooted in the rich traditions of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, known for its unique blend of Oriental liturgical music. In addition to that, the choir sings numerous songs written and composed by Sri P G Abraham. The church choir also participates in competitions and has won many prizes in the past.
A notable event organised by the choir was the "Sruthimaduram 2016 Choir Competition." This event was held as a heartfelt tribute to the late Sri P.G. Abraham Padinjarethalackal, showcasing the choir's commitment not only to preserving its musical heritage but also to fostering a spirit of community and remembrance. Such initiatives demonstrate the choir's role beyond the confines of regular church services, extending into the broader cultural and social life of the parish.
Through their dedicated service, the choir of St. George Orthodox Valiyapally, Palarivattom, continues to be a source of spiritual inspiration for the faithful. Their harmonious voices not only adorn the liturgical services but also help nurture a deep sense of community and shared faith among the parishioners, making them a vital and cherished part of the Valiyapally. Their commitment ensures that the sacred musical traditions of the church are preserved and passed down to future generations.
Music for the Soul
St. George Orthodox Valiyapally in Palarivattom attracts a daily stream of visitors who spend their time in silent prayer. What draws them is the church's uniquely peaceful atmosphere, largely shaped by the soft, mesmerising sounds of Gregorian chant. These recorded hymns elevate prayer into a mesmerising experience, creating an uplifting and contemplative space for meditation. The church welcomes all who seek this tranquillity, remaining open from morning until 8:30 PM for prayer and quiet reflection.
The Maestro of Palarivattom: The Melodies That Breathed Soul into a Church Choir
In Loving Memory of Late. Sri. P. G. Abraham (Kunjumon), the founder of Palarivattom St George Orthodox Church Choir
He was a humble servant of Christ whose music transcended boundaries. Living not for applause but to glorify God, he consecrated his life to service. His timeless songs continue to echo in our hearts, urging us heavenward. Truly, Late Sri. P. G. Abraham remains God's eternal gift to the Church, an immortal voice in the symphony of faith.
Some lives are measured not by years, but by the fragrance they leave behind, the melodies they create, and the faith they inspire. Such was the life of Late. Sri. P. G. Abraham, fondly known as Kunjumon, a humble son of the Malankara Church who lived and breathed music, offering his God-given gift back to God.
Born on 25 April 1932, on the serene banks of the Meenachil River in Thazhathangadi, Kottayam, young Abraham grew up in a home steeped in devotion. Simple lines from his father’s daily prayers were etched into his heart, later blossoming into the melodies that would touch countless lives. His natural creativity found its true companion in music. He trained rigorously for eight years in Carnatic and Hindustani music under masters, a foundation that gave his songs both classical depth and divine simplicity.
Though he pursued a professional path—earning a B.Com, a PG Diploma in Business Administration, and working as an executive—his true passion was always his ministry of music. For him, careers sustained life, but music sustained the soul.
In the 1960s, Sri Abraham began to reshape worship in the Malankara Orthodox Church. From Eloor Church to St. Mary’s Cathedral, Ernakulam, and finally St. George’s Orthodox Church, Palarivattom, he trained choirs and taught congregations with unmatched devotion. His vision helped establish the choir as an integral part of worship. He composed for weddings, conventions, and Sunday schools, his songs bearing a signature simplicity meant not to entertain, but to elevate hearts towards heaven.
One of his most famous compositions, “നന്ദിയോടെ ഞാൻ സ്തുതി പാടിടും” (based on Raga Shankarabharanam), remains a masterpiece that bridges Indian ragas with Western harmonies, sung in churches to this day. His genius was widely recognised. In 1995, noted lyricist Bichu Thirumala honoured him with a personal gift after witnessing a choir training. In 1999, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference honoured him as the Best Music Director.
Remarkably, Abraham never clung to credit. When disputes arose about authorship, his response was always humble: “For him, devotional music was not property but prayer, not possession but praise.” His broad-heartedness set a shining example that the kingdom of God knows no boundaries of denomination or ownership.
Even in illness, music never left him. After surgery in October 2002, confined to a hospital room, he composed his last song—an intimate cry of surrender.
'' ക്രൂശിന്മേൽ നോക്കി ഞാൻ യാത്ര ചെയ്യുന്നു
സ്വർഗ്ഗീയ നാഥൻ എന്നെ കാത്തിരിക്കുന്നു
ന്യായവിധിക്കെന്നെ നിർത്തീടുമ്പോൾ
എന്നിൽ ദയ തോന്നേണമേശുവേ ''
On 15 February 2003, cancer claimed his earthly body, but his spirit joined the eternal choir of heaven. His life ended as it had been lived—in music, devotion, and humility.
Today, churches across the world continue to sing the songs of Sri P. G. Abraham. At St. George Orthodox Valiyapally, Palarivattom, his works are preserved like priceless treasures. Generations of believers continue to draw spiritual strength from his melodies.
He was a proud son of the Malankara Church, but also a servant of Christ whose songs crossed boundaries of denomination, language, and culture. Above all, he was a man of humility, love, and deep faith—a musician who lived not for applause, but to glorify God.
As we remember him, we do not merely recall a musician—we recall a life consecrated to God’s service. His songs continue to echo in our hearts, urging us to lift our eyes heavenward. Truly, Late. Sri. P. G. Abraham remains a timeless gift of God to His Church, an eternal voice in the symphony of faith.
Golden Memories
Office Bearers
| Name | Role | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| No office bearers found. | ||