Niranom church declared Mar Thoma pilgrim centre
PATHANAMTHITTA: The historic St. Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Church, founded by St. Thomas the Apostle in AD 54, in Niranom, near Thiruvalla, has become a Mar Thoma pilgrim centre from Friday.
Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan Baselios Mar Thoma Didymos-I, formally declared the ancient church as a pilgrim centre during a holy eucharist held at the church as part of the annual festival on Friday forenoon.
Metropolitan of the Niranom diocese Youhanon Mar Chrysostomos was the co-celebrant at the holy eucharist.
The Niranom Church, as it is popularly known, comes under the Niranom diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church and it houses the holy relics of St. Thomas. A centuries-old huge cross, remnants of the old church and a Holy Golden Cross are the major attractions at the church.
http://www.thehindu.com/2007/12/22/stories/2007122253400300.htm
