The church with St Mary’s girdle

There are various churches in the city dedicated to numerous saints, each church has its own unique history and its importance but of the most important significant church is perhaps the Mar Gregorious Jacobite Syrian Cathedral which has a part of St Mary’s belt on display

P Pranay

The Mar Gregorious Jacobite Syrian Cathedral located in Mettuguda is the only church in AP to have a part of a girdle of St Mary. The church is attended mostly by Keralites residing in the city. Established on November 11, 1984, the church was consecrated by H B Baselious Paulose II, then Catholicose. The church has its head office in Damascus, Syria. Bishop of the church is H G Isaac and Moran Mar Ignatious Zaka I was the prince patriarch. Patriarch is the head of all churches around the world.

St Mary’s girdle

The girdle has special significance as it is widely believed that infant Jesus held onto this girdle when he took his first steps, moreover, when Jesus was crucified, his mother was standing at the foot of the cross and it is believed that the holy blood of Jesus and water flowed from his body onto her dress and girdle.

The girdle has had a long and mysterious history and it was lost for long time and finally it was unearthed in 1852, and researchers from all around the world determined its authenticity and when was ascertained it was divided into several parts and was sent to various churches all around the world. A few select churches were certain to safeguard the girdle. In 1982, when Patriarch Mar Ignatius Zaka I visited India, he brought a portion of the girdle which was enshrined in several churches and henceforth, these churches gained special importance. Besides AP, several pieces of the girdle reside in 5-6 churches of Kerala. It is only the Syrian churches that have had the honour of being home to the girdle. “The celebrations conducted by the church are attended by many and people who arrive in the city make sure to pay their respects to the girdle before they leave, one of the most important events celebrated in the church is St Mary’s celebration that lasts for 10 days and is about to begin on September 1,” commented Fr Cherian, parish priest.

He has been working in the church for the past one year, previously he completed a three year period in Delhi and has worked in St George’s church, Nagaram and St Mary’s church, Miyapur. After completing his education in theology in Kerala, he enlisted himself in a church in Delhi. Generally, a priest has a three year period of service in a church unless the bishop extends his stay.

“Though the period is three years, I have already completed one year of my service and as it depends on the bishop, I hope he extends my stay, this church has a completely different feel to the churches that I have worked for previously and the presence of the girdle has just heightened its importance in the city,” shared Fr Cherian.

He added, “We conduct a prayer at 7o’clock every morning followed by Qurbana at 7 30pm. Around 300 families attend the services and on Sundays a crowd of at least 500 families visit the church. After the Qurbana, we host cultural programmes and Kerala cuisine is served.”