User:PJThomas1939

MAR SLEEVA CHURCH- PURAKKAD

17 km South of alleppy town east of NH 47 stands the beautiful mar sleeve church made of Indian architecture style a newcomer can read the opening depicted 2005. But history of this church goes back beyond six centuries, Gone are the golden days of  purakkad, old heritage goes beyond two thousand years. Periplus – Mar – Erithroya, unknown travelers note left for rethinking mentioned the existence of Bokare, later on to Porka lastly to Purakkad famous harbour  for exporting hill products.

It is belived that raja chempakasery over powered the local ruler of purakkad in 10th century with kind permission of raja to construct a prayer hall for ST. Thomas nasranis in AD 1410 in memory of victory of a war fought by them. the original place of this church was near the harbour later on the Portuguese shifted it to this place because of sea erosion. when alleppey became new harbour the importance lessened. But the golden history still stands immortal the notable edifice of heritage is only statute of Christ on cross donaded by Dutch in AD 1700.

During the synod at Udayamperur in 1599 there were only 75 Churches ,one among them was this before and after synod arch bishop Alex –de – Menaziz stayed here for guidance.

Nasrani traders called Tharakans were leading procurement and export of hill products to foreign countries especially to Europe. Nasranis were cultivations and their market was Purakkad. the importance of mar sleeve church at purakkad lies patronage of these traders and peasants.

When there was sea erosion church shifted to the godown of Portuguese by Norohnas. These Norohnas of Portuguese Spain origin came as shippers their descentancy still exists in Purakkad.

Presently church is under changanassery arch diosis 325 houses with and  above 1600 population.