Kadamattam St. George Orthodox Church gets a new lease of life

The popular Kadamattam St. George Orthodox Church has got a new lease of life thanks to efforts by history buffs, who see the preservation of the church and its famous murals in their original form as a way to provide a peek into the rich heritage of Christianity in Kerala

The popular Kadamattam St. George Orthodox Church has got a new lease of life thanks to efforts by history buffs, who see the preservation of the church and its famous murals in their original form as a way to provide a peek into the rich heritage of Christianity in Kerala.

The entire church has been restored using new materials with the damaged areas replaced by the same wood material as in the original church.

Father Sunny Varghese, vicar, who is also leading the team overseeing the work, said around 3,000 cubic feet of wood was used for the restoration work.

The original murals have been refurbished using natural colours. These organic colour combinations provide a view of the world when artists patiently experimented to get the right shades that went into the making of the murals. Father Varghese said the most prominent of the murals was that of St. George. He added that the church was originally believed to have been erected in the 9th century by Mar Abo, a Persian bishop. “There is also a Persian cross in the church, which is in prime condition even now,” he added.

The most important mural inside is that of St. George and the dragon. There are also scenes from the Christian lores. The original church at Kadamattam was set up in the 9th century. The church authorities said they have no record of the renovations later except in the year 1945.

Many believe that the tomb found near the church is that of Father Kadamattam. However, the popular belief has not been accepted by historians and the church authorities. It is believed that Bishop Abos went from Kadamattam, near Kolenchery, to Kollam, where he founded a church in honour of Mother Mary and died in Kollam.

The restoration work started over three years ago, and the church will be rededicated on February 6 and 7 by Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan Baselios Mar Thoma Mathews III, head of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church.