Marthoman Jacobite Syrian Cathedral Church

Recently, the Kerala government has taken control of Marthoman Jacobite Syrian Cathedral Church at Mulanthuruthy in Ernakulam district, Kerala.The 800-year-old Marthaman Jacobite, built in the 12th century, has long been the subject of controversy between the Jacobite and Orthodox groups over Syrian Cathedral Church. Presently the Jacobite Group was operating this church. As per the decision given by the Supreme Court on 3 July 2017, this church is to be given to the Orthodox Group and the Kerala Government has taken this action as per the order of the Supreme Court.

Marthoman Jacobite Syrian Cathedral Church

• It was founded and established in the 11th Century A.D, under the Holy Apostolic See of Antioch, and the Church was consecrated on 3rd Karkkidakkam (July),in between 1100-1125 A.D.
• Church was modified in the 16th Century A.D. The carvings on the main door of the Church, made of granite, on which is inscribed in Syrian script, read as ʹʹthe door of the Mar Thoman Church was re-erected on 9th Thulam 1575 A.D.ʹʹ It is one of the ancient Churches in Kerala.
• The church is a fine example of Gothic architecture. The carvings, sculptures, symbolic icons and lovely wall paintings, are a blend of Indian, West-Asian and European architecture.
• The Althar of the Church with wooden carvings and paintings of unique design, are reminiscent of the Church at Jerusalem.

Gothic Architecture

• It is a European style of architecture popular in the 12th-16th century.
• Origin: This architecture has its roots in France and England.
• Features: Pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses.
• The Britishers merged some Indian features of architecture to the Gothic architecture, which resulted in the Indo-Gothic style of architecture.

Examples of Indo-Gothic style of architecture: Madras High Court, Victoria Memorial, The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (previously Victoria Terminus) etc.

Its features are as follows:

• Pointed Arches
• Rib Vault
• Flying Buttresses
• Columns and Piers
• Towers and Spiers

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