St. Mary’s Metropolitan Church, Changanacherry
“Where the Light of Faith Guides Generations”
St. Mary’s Syro-Malabar Metropolitan Cathedral, affectionately known as Valiyapally, is the cathedral church of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Archeparchy of Changanassery and a cherished Marian pilgrimage centre in Kerala, India.
Our Roots
The Christian community of Changanacherry traces its faith directly to St. Thomas the Apostle, who established a community of believers in Kerala in the 1st century AD, centred on Niranam. The first church on this very site was founded in 1177, on land donated by the local Hindu king of Thekkumkoor — a gesture that stands today as a symbol of the harmony between communities that has shaped this region for centuries.
A Living Legacy
The present cathedral is the fourth church built on this hallowed ground, reconstructed and consecrated in 1887. Its architecture bears a unique and beautiful signature: the building is adorned with ancient Hindu temple carvings, a testament to the shared artistic and cultural heritage of Kerala.
Our Mission Today
St. Mary’s Metropolitan Cathedral continues to serve as a sacred centre of prayer and spiritual leadership for the faithful. As part of the living heritage of the Syro-Malabar Church, we are committed to nurturing faith, unity, and service within our community — a place where generations gather to encounter God through worship, tradition, and fellowship.