Marthoma Church, Cheppad

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Mar Thoma Church, Cheppad, was established in 1894 as part of the Naveekaranam (Purification) movement within the Malankara Church. This reform aimed to restore practices away from influences seen as coming from Roman Catholic rule. Kannampallil Koshy Mathai Kathanar, the senior vicar of Cheppad’s St. George Orthodox Church, led the movement with the approval of Metropolitan Titus I Mar Thoma (1893–1910). The church was built on land donated by P. C. Thomas of the Pallithekkathil family. It holds an important place in the history of the Syrian Christians of Malankara. At the church’s consecration, all bishops, the suffragan metropolitan, and the Malankara metropolitan were present. Although it belongs to the reform movement, its worship and culture are deeply rooted in eastern oriental traditions. The church is especially known for its beautiful madbaha (altar) and its architecture.