Arthunkal Church

St. Andrew's Forane Church of Arthunkal

Arthunkal

Arthunkal one of the oldest Christian churches in Kerala, is about 22 kilometers north of Alappuzha town. There is dispute regarding the origin of the place name “Arthunkal”. One of the most convincing arguments is that somewhere there a temple existed and a ceremonial precession of devotees was taking place every year from one starting point was marked by a stone. Procession in Malayalam is Arattu and Stone is kallu. Meaning stone marked for procession. Thus Arattukallu became Arthunkal. Arthunkal is mainly a fishermen village in the shore of the Arabian Sea. It is densely populated by both Hindus and Christians. But for this great church there is nothing remarkable about the village.

The deity is that of St.Sebastian, and church comes under the Latin order. It is believed that there in Arthunkal, a number of Christians lived as per traditional style and they were not baptized as there was no church or priest. These people belonged to the Chaldean order (Marthoma sect). In 1579 AD they got permission from the Moothedathu land lords to build church and a thatched hut was built with only a cross inside.

The Portuguese missionaries who arrived in this area in 1581 converted the Christians in to the Latin rite and the idol of Santha Anthrose (St. Andrews) was installed. The first Vicar was Fr. Gasper Pius S.J. of the Jesuit order.

The story of St. Sebastian

St. Sebastian was a Roman military officer and when Christianity was making its presence felt in the Roman Empire, strict warning was given to people that no sort of contacts should be made with the Christians. It so happened that Sebastian the officer of the military joined the Christian sect inviting the wrath of the rulers. When the emperor came to know about it Sebastian was summoned and ordered him to severe the ties with Christians. Sebastian was adamant and refused to change his faith. The emperor ordered for the execution of Sebastian. Thus Sebastian got the status of a martyr. Later he was declared a saint.

About the Church

The official name of Arthunkal church is St. Andrew's Forane Church. Portuguese first re-built it using wood and stone in the name of "Santha Anthrose" (Saint Andrews) in the place where the thatched shed was situated. It was in 30th November 1581. The first vicar was Fr. Gasper Pius of the Jesuit order.

It was in 1584 the church was rebuilt to accommodate more devotees the then vicar Fr. Jacoma Fenicio. Fr. Jacoma Fenicio was an extra ordinary priest. It is believed that Fr. Fenicio had magical powers to heal and people of all walks of life flocked to the church in search of his blessings. Fr. Fenicio died of 1632. His tomb is still preserved in the old church that stands nearby. Fr. Fenicio was known as "Arthunkal Veluthachan" In Malayalam it means fair skinned father. In the year 1640 Arthunkal church was again rebuilt this time it was built to face west. It was in 1647 AD the present idol of St. Sebastian brought to this church from Milan of Italy. In 1829 the Carmelite order took over the charge of the church from Jesuit fathers.

One great ceremony that took place in this church is the ordination of the Chavara Kuriakose Ealias. The function was conducted by Rt.Rev. Dr. Stabalini, Bishop of verapoly. Who was residing at Arthunkal St. Andrews church at that time. This was in November 29 - 1829. In the year 1910 Fr. Vincent Das Navis took over charge of the church the significance of this event is that he was the first priest of Indian origin to take over the charge of the church of Arthunkal. It is in that year itself the foundation stone for the present church building was laid.

The present church is a pilgrim center which attracts large number of pilgrims without consideration of castes and religions. Devotees on their way to Sabarimala visit this shrine as a routine. It was a custom in Alleppey and surrounding areas to visit the church during festival times by walking through the sea shore. On their way to the church the devotees were given food and water by the people living nearby. The festival of this church known as the feast of St. Sebastian is held during the month of January. There are eleven days of celebration, of which the eighth and eleventh days are more important. There will be huge crowd from all walks of life to take part in the festivals. The church festival of Arthunkal is some thing for all the people of Alleppey to celebrate.

Location 22 kilometers north from Alappuzha 38 km. from Ernakulam.

Nearest Railway Station. Cherthala.

Nearest Airport. Nedumbassery (Kochi)

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