An Ancient Church at Karingachira in Kerala Declared as Global Georgian Pilgrim Centre in India

Online, October 21, 2010 (Newswire.com) - It was a historic moment for thousands of Jacobite's Christian devotees in Kerala when their most ancient St. George church was declared the Global Pilgrim Center as "Georgian Pilgrim Centre of India" by their holy Patriarch Ignatius Zakka I Iwas at Damascus, Syria this month.

The declaration letter was read out in public on the occasion of the church's Centenary and Platinum Jubilee celebration in presence of the Beirut Archbishop HG Mor Clemis Daniel Kurieh from Beirut, later the higher clergy read the Apostolic Bull of His Holiness on October 16th at Kochi.

Devotees and dignitaries from various socio political sectors participated in the historic function held at the church.

Karingachira Cathedral as the Georgian Pilgrim Centre of India attracts thousands of pilgrims from across Kerala state and after declaration it will attract from across globe.

The cathedral was believed to be built in 722 AD and the inscribtions done inside the alter has ten commandments and many intricate works on bible related verses.

Following several renovations and modifications, the qdush-qudshin of the church was constructed over the side altars in 1949, dedicated to Holy Virgin Mary and John the Baptist and was consecrated.

Irrespective of the religious and communal distinctions, many people offer prayers at this church.

As part of the Syriac Orthodox communion the church uses the West Syrian liturgy and is part of the Oriental Orthodox group of churches. It has dioceses in most parts of India as well as in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Western Europe, and the Persian Gulf nations.