Piravom Valiya Palli , Kerala , India

Piravom Valiya Palli(Church) is the most ancient church in the world . It is situated on a hill top on the eastern banks of Muvattupuzha River at Piravom , 35 kms east of Kochi . It is believed that this church was established by the three kings who visited infant Jesus in Bethlehem. Eventhough the church is named after St. Mary, it is popularly known as Church of the Kings. There is no other church anywhere in the world in the name of the Holy Kings in the Syrian tradition. A Holy Father form Antioch who once camped at the church decreed that, churches could not be allowed in the name of the Holy Kings’ because the kings were non-Christians according to his conscience. Thus the name of the Church was changed to St. Mary’s. However it is still the ‘Rajakkalude Pally" (Holy Kings’ Church) in the hearts of the devotees.


The history

The word Piravom in local language Malayalam means birth. It is believed that the three wise men who visited infant Jesus built this church to worship the infant, after they returned back to India. The legends name them as Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar. Old Melchior, middle aged Gaspar and young Belthazar visited Infant Jesus. As such this is the first church in the world where Jesus worship started.

Even though there are no historical proofs to verify this, evidences are many which goes to prove this traditional faith .The state of Kerala, where this church is situated has commercial connections with countries in the west since ancient times. More over at those times Kerala was famous for its astrological competence. Some of those families which practiced astrology two thousand years back are still continuing their tradition . It is also well known that major part of the gifts presented by the holy kings were spices, another Kerala specialty. During the 5th Century the church was rebuilt as the Christian Church we see now.

It is believed that, in the beginning, this church building was in the architectural style of Hindu Temples. But later during the flourishing of the Persian culture, the church building was renovated adopting the Persian architecture. The picture of fish, an ancient Christian emblem has a venerable place in the church. The Church was built as a strong fort; having been built in the periods of civil war, its walls are more than four feet in thickness.
 

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The legend

There are many legends related to Piravam Church . The three holy men on their return to India, reached the shores of Muvattupuzha river in Piravam . They wanted to cross the river and requested a Panicker ( A person from the Panicker caste ) who was rowing a boat, to help them cross . Panicker refused to help them. But after that he could not row any further, as the boat was stuck. Panicker realized that they were divine people and decided to help them. Panickers took them to a small hill on the eastern banks of the river to rest and pray.But made them promise that they would not leave the place until his return . Panicker never returned and the three kings stayed there forever . The three holymen built one temple for the infant Jesus on one side and a temple for Devi ( A Hindu Goddess ) on the other side .

Current Status of the Church

There is a current dispute over the ownership of the church between Indian Orthodox Church and Jacobite Syrian Church. But the current church building is controlled by Jacobite Syrian Church faction and there are lot of fights and court cases pending in India for the ownership.

Important Festivals

Denaha (Annual celebration of the holy Baptism of Christ) on January 6th is the main celebration in the church. The best attraction of the festival is the procession.

The ‘Paithel Nercha’ (the feast for 12 male children) on the Easter Day at the Piravom church is very famous. The ‘Paithel Nercha" is one of the major offerings dedicated to the church. The main part of the offering is 12 infants will sit with the priest who sanctifies the offering and they will be feasted with delicious food.

The Festival of St. George on May 7th and St. Mary on August 15th are other main festivals.