Founded in the later years of the 15th century, the Marthoma Cheriapally is one of the ancient places for worship at
Kothamangalam, a famous pilgrim center of
Kerala. Being one of the most prominent parishes in India, it is famous for the Cheriyapally Festival celebrated on October 2 and 3. Different kinds of offerings made by the devotees at this historic church are Panthrandu Pattakkarude Nercha (the ceremonial feast offered to 12 priests), Munnu Pattakarude Nercha (the ceremonial feast offered to 3 priests), Thulabharam (the offer of jaggery or sugar equal to the weight of the devotee) and Adimaveckal (pledging the child to be the servant of the church).
The church runs a high school, a nursing home and a 500 bed hospital. The Marthoma Cheriapally has built three chapels and ten cupelas at different parts of Kothamangalam for the convenience of the distant members. Some of the regular activities include Sunday schools, youth associations and conventions for renewal of people’s faith in the lord and savior Jesus Christ. Apart from this, the church provides houses for the shelterless.
Angamaly Railway Station is just 25 km away and the Cochin International Airport is at a distance of 30 km.
