The first ever centrally air conditioned church attached to the Syro Malankara Catholic Church in the whole country will be consecrated at Pulikeezhu near Thiruvalla on Friday.
Talking to The Hindu here on Wednesday, Fr Santhosh Azhakath, parish priest, said the 70-year old St George Church has been reconstructed incorporating the Gothic style as well as the traditional Keralite architectural principles.
According to him it took 31 months to complete the place of worship at a total cost of Rs 1 crore. Noted architect, John Kochery, has designed the church.
As many as 68 exquisite stained glass paintings depicting important episodes from the Old and New Testaments displayed on the church walls is another major attraction.
Fr Azhakath said the Metropolitan Archbishop of Thiruvalla, Thomas Mar Coorilos, will lead the consecration service on Friday afternoon.
Geevarghese Mar Themotheos, senior Bishop, Philipose Mar Stephanos, Auxiliary Bishop of Thiruvalla and Abraham Mar Eulios, Muvatupuzha Bishop, will be the co-celebrants.
A public meeting in connection with the consecration ceremony will be held at the church premises, later, in the afternoon.DR Philipose Mar Chrysostum, senior Metropolitan of Mar Thoma Church, will inaugurate the public meeting to be presided by Archbishop Thomas Mar Coorilos.
Mr G.Sudhakaran, Minister for Co-operation, will deliver the keynote address and Youhanon Mar Chrysostomos, Metropolitan of the Niranom diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Church, will deliver the benedictory address on the occasion.
Mr Anto Antony, MP, Mathew T.Thomas, MLA and Dr Kurien John Melamparambil, industrialist, will also address the meeting.
