St. George’s Forane Church Edappally

The St. George’s Forane Church in Edappally, affectionately known as ‘Edappally Palli,’ is a prominent Catholic pilgrimage destination in Kochi, India. As Asia’s largest shrine devoted to Saint George, it attracts approximately five million visitors annually. The church’s origins are believed to date back to 593 AD, making it one of Kerala’s oldest churches, following the seven churches established by Thomas the Apostle in the first century AD. Initially, the church was dedicated to the Virgin Mary (Marth Mariam).

Timings of Holy Mass of George’s Forane Church Edappally

Sunday
5.45am | 7am | 8.45am | 10.15am
4.30pm | 5.30pm | 7.00pm

Weekdays
(Monday-Thursday)
6am | 7am | 6pm

Friday
6am | 7am | 12pm | 6pm

First Friday
5.45am | 7am | 9am | 10.30am | 12pm(Latin) | 3.30pm | 5pm | 7pm

Confession- 6.00am to 8.00 am 9.00 am to 1.00pm & 3.30pm to 5.30pm

Saturday
6am | 7am | 6pm

Vehicle Blessing and Adima of George’s Forane Church Edappally

Sunday
11.15am to 12.45pm
2.30pm to 4.30pm
7.45pm to 8pm

Monday to Saturday
9am to 12.45pm
2.30pm to 4.45pm
6.45pm to 7.45pm

Feast of St. George

The celebration of St. George’s feast at Edappally Church in Kochi, India, holds significant importance within the Catholic community. While the Catholic Church typically observes this feast on May 3 and 4, the festivities at Edappally Church extend from April 25 to May 15. The annual feast at St. George’s Forane Church is a vibrant event, attracting millions of devotees seeking blessings and protection from the revered saint.

Flag Raising Ceremony:

• The flag-raising ceremony kicks off the festivities on April 25.
• Preceded by 40 hours of Adoration and a 9-day Novena.
• The President and members of the Darsana Samooham present the Vicar with traditional sweets and savories.
• This ritual reflects an ancient custom symbolizing the strong historical ties between the church and the local ruler, the Raja of Edappally.

Procession of St. George’s Statue:

• On May 1st, a solemn procession carries the statue of St. George through the streets of Edappally.
• The statue, adorned with gold ornaments donated by devotees, is placed in a roopakoodu.
• The roopakoodu, intricately carved from wood, is then placed on a teak chariot adorned with biblical scenes.
• Devotees shower offerings such as betel leaves and puffed rice on the procession route.

Main Offerings and Ceremonies:

• The primary offering during the feast days is fowls, believed to bring protection from snakes and reptiles.
• Fowls are auctioned at the church and cooked by devotees in neighboring homes.
• Other offerings include eggs, figurines made of precious metals, and symbolic items representing snakes and reptiles.
• Additional ceremonies such as vedi nercha, soolam ezhunnalickal, and adima are also conducted during the festivities.

Participation and Faith:

• Tens of thousands of devotees, irrespective of religious, caste, and creed backgrounds, participate in the festivities.
• The celebration embodies a spirit of unity and faith, with people seeking solace and blessings from St. George, their heavenly patron.

The Well – Edappally Church

The water from the well adjacent to St. George’s Church in Edappally is believed to possess miraculous healing powers, with devotees drinking it, washing their heads and faces, and often taking it home in bottles. The faithful also collect soil from the church grounds, sprinkling it in their homes and yards to ward off snake bites, supported by numerous testimonials. Remarkably, the water level in the well remains consistently 2 meters below ground level year-round, unaffected by seasonal variations. Over time, the church came to be known as St. George’s Church, with a prominent statue depicting the saint overcoming serpents, symbolizing his unwavering faith and bravery. Legend has it that St. George rescued a noble damsel from a monster, solidifying his status as a symbol of courage and faith. The church continues to attract a steady flow of pilgrims, drawn by the saint’s miraculous interventions and compassionate spirit.

Adoration Chapel, Kappela, Nercha Kall, Somapanam – Edappally Church

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: Engaging in the act of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament provides devotees with a focused opportunity to direct their thoughts and intentions towards prayer. This practice involves reverently contemplating the presence of Jesus Christ in the consecrated Eucharist, fostering a deeper spiritual connection and sense of reverence among worshippers. Through this solemn devotion, individuals seek to cultivate a state of inner stillness and mindfulness, allowing them to more deeply commune with the divine.

Kappela: The Kappela, or chapel, affiliated with the Edappally Church, stands as a notable highlight among the various attractions of the religious site. This sacred space offers worshippers a tranquil environment for private prayer, reflection, and contemplation. Adorned with religious imagery and symbols, the Kappela serves as a place of spiritual solace and renewal for visitors seeking moments of quietude amidst the bustling activities of the church. Whether attending mass or seeking a moment of personal devotion, the Kappela provides a serene retreat for individuals to deepen their connection to their faith.

Somapanam: Somapanam emerges as a revered tradition and cherished attraction within the Edappally Church community. This sacred ritual, often associated with festive celebrations and religious observances, involves the ceremonial pouring of libations as an offering to the divine. Accompanied by prayers and hymns, Somapanam symbolizes devotion, gratitude, and the renewal of spiritual commitment. As worshippers participate in this ancient practice, they are imbued with a profound sense of reverence and connection to the divine presence, enriching their spiritual journey and fostering a deeper sense of communal unity within the church.

Address of Edappally Church

Address:

Palarivattom – Edappally Road,

Ponekkara, Edappally,

Kochi, Kerala – 682024

Email of Edappally Church

Office/Vicar:

For inquiries related to the office or to contact the Vicar of the Edappally Church, please email edappallyvicar@gmail.com. Dedicated team is committed to providing assistance and support to parishioners and visitors, ensuring that all queries and concerns are promptly addressed with care and professionalism.

Sahada Parish Bulletin:

To stay updated with the latest news, events, and announcements from Sahada Parish, kindly reach out to us via email at parishbulletinsahada@gmail.com. Parish Bulletin serves as a valuable source of information, offering insights into upcoming activities, spiritual reflections, and community initiatives. Subscribe to newsletter to remain connected with the vibrant life of parish and to receive regular updates straight to your inbox.

Contact Numbers of Edappally Church

Office:

The office can be contacted during operational hours at the following phone numbers: 0484 2344538 and 0484 2535538. The dedicated team is available to address concerns and provide support from Monday to Saturday, between 9:30 am to 1:00 pm and 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm.

WhatsApp:

Alternatively, the office can be reached via WhatsApp at +91 9847078116. Feel free to reach out during office hours, and the team will be happy to assist with any queries or requests. They look forward to connecting and providing the necessary assistance to enhance the experience with the parish community.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Edappally Church

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