St. Andrew's Church in Arhunkal

St. Andrew's Church in Arhunkal has all the special features like a park that tells the important moments in the life of Jesus Christ... special celebrations held once a year... devotees visiting Sabarimala, coming here to take their malas... Built by Portuguese missionaries, this church has a history of several hundred years...

St. Andrew's Church, known as Arhunkal Church with its impressive construction, is located in Cherthal, Alappuzha District, Kerala. Many devotees want to see this church at least once in their lifetime, which is known as one of the famous Christian shrines in South India. Thousands of devotees come here every year to participate in the celebrations called Feast.

According to historical evidence, although Christians have been living in this area since the seventh century, they do not have a church. The Portuguese missionary leaders who came to this area in the fifteenth century knew that and prepared to build a church. He asked the permission of the king named Veera Kerala Varma who was ruling this region. The king advised him to build it with wood, so he did so. As the days passed, the church developed into an impressive structure.

The story has been changed. In this church you can see the statue of Saint Sebastian who is one of the Christian preachers along with Jesus Christ. It is said to have been brought from Italy.

Service activities are also preferred:

In addition to the daily mass held in this church, one can also witness a grand program on Christmas. Similarly, a special celebration called Feast is held for about ten days in January every year to commemorate the sacrifice made by Saint Sebastian. As part of that, the statue of Sebastian brought from Italy will be taken from the church to Arhunkal Beach in a procession and brought back again. Devotees say that at that time a hawk hovers in the sky and stays for a while while the procession is taking place.. and then flies away. After these ceremonies, the statue of Sebastian is kept in a special locker. Similarly, those who are afflicted with illnesses and wish to be cured, reach the church during this feast and show interest in offering bow and arrow, rice, pepper and salt.

Organizers say that nearly two lakh devotees, regardless of caste, will reach the church to participate in this festival. Another special feature here is that many of the devotees who go to Sabarimala after taking Ayyappa's initiation come here after having a darshan of Swami and take a bath. This church is recognized not only as a spiritual shrine but also for service activities. At one time the church administrators started a school on a small scale when they realized that there was a high illiteracy in the area. Now it has reached the level of three schools. Similarly, there is a nursing school here along with the hospital. This church often organizes mobile clinics and health camps in surrounding areas. It has also made arrangements to provide ITI training to aspirants. Along with all these, we should mention about the Rosary Park established in this premises. About twenty important events related to the life of Jesus Christ and turned into sculptures. Vainam installed in the church premises impresses the devotees.

How to reach:

If those who want to go by plane to this church will land at Kochi International Airport... Arthunkal is eighty kilometers away from there. If you go by train, get down at Cherthala railway station and from there you can take autos and buses to reach the church. Otherwise, buses and private vehicles are available from Alappula.