St.Mary’s Malankara Syrian Catholic Church, Karickom in the Major Archdiocese of Trivandrum belongs to the Ecclesiastical district of Kottarakkara was established in 1936 – Blessed by venerable Mar Ivanios Thirumeni, the founder of the Malankara Catholic Church, was a visionary leader, scholar, and saintly prelate who led the Reunion Movement that brought a section of the Malankara Syrian Church into communion with the Catholic Church in 1930. He founded Bethany Ashram in 1919 and Bethany sisters congregation in 1925. As we gratefully look back on our sacred journey of faith and fellowship, we joyfully step into the 90th year (Navathi) of our parish community.
The Karickom Malankara Catholic Church was originally the family church of Rt. Rev.Fr. Alexander Valiyaveettil Corepiscopo in the Jacobite Church. After the historic reunion of Mar Ivanios Thirumeni with the Catholic Church from the Orthodox faith, this family generously handed over the church along with its 53 cents of land, completely free of cost, to Mar Ivanios Thirumeni for the growth of the reunited Malankara Catholic community.The first missionary of this parish was Rev. Fr. Alexander Valiyaveettil Corepiscopo, whose pioneering spiritual work and tireless efforts strengthened the foundations of the Church in Karikkam.
Today, under the loving guidance and paternal care of His Eminence Cardinal Baselios Cleemis Catholicos Bava Thirumeni, the Head of the Malankara Catholic Church and the President of the Major Archdiocese of Trivandrum, the Karikkam Parish continues to flourish in faith, unity, and service. His inspiring leadership encourages us to live our faith more deeply and to walk together as one Church in Christ.
A new church was built during the time of Rev. Fr. Geevarghese Chengileth. It was blessed by Late Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios. The church was renovated by Rev. Fr. Philip Kannamkulam on13th November 2011 and blessed by His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis.
Together, these groups build a living and active Church community, rooted in faith and love.
By the abundant grace of God, our parish today consists of 95 families, who together form a strong and vibrant community of believers. Through prayer, love, and mutual cooperation, the faithful continue to uphold the Christian witness envisioned by our founders.
The Sunday School plays a vital role in nurturing our children in Christian faith and moral values. This year, we have a total of 39 students, from LKG to Class 12. Though small in number, these children have brought great pride to our parish by securing the first position in the arts competition held at the Kottarakara ecclesiastical district level.