ST. LAWRENCE CHURCH, EDAKOCHI In the year, 1119, we had a church at Edacochin. It was made of wood only. At the arrival of the Portuguese, the Christians at Edacochin too joined the Catholic Church and accepted Latin rite. since the location of their church was strategic point, the Portuguese built a small fortress-Castello-around the church and the church was rebuilt in 1504, and was dedicated to St. Lawrence, the Martyr. This fort was intended, to protect the town of Cochin, from any joint attack from the kings of Calicut, Edappally, Travancore and to control all the water routes from South. The Portuguese, had also another fortification at the northern end, of Kallancherry island that lies west of Kumbalanghy. The island of Kallancherry, though surrounded by the salty water of the back waters, had its own fountains that supplied excellent drinking water. |
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SOURCES OF INFORMATION Mirrored in the waters of Lake Vembanad, Saint Lawrence’s Church in Edakochi is an interesting example of the integration of architecture and landscape in the large court with its coconut palms as well as the cross in front and parish house to the side. Besides the importance of the whole, the programme and architectural lines of the parish house, as well as its good state or repair, make this building a rare example of Indo-Portuguese civil architecture in southern India. More... Espelhando‐se nas águas do Lago Vembanad, a Igreja de São Lourenço de Edacochim apresenta‐se como um interessante exemplo de integração entre arquitetura e paisagem no seu envolvimento por um terreiro pontuado por coqueiros onde se dispõem, em frente, o cruzeiro e, ao lado, a casa paroquial. Para além da importância de todo o conjunto, o programa e as linhas arquitetónicas da casa paroquial, aliados ao seu bom estado de conservação, fazem deste edifício um raro exemplo de arquitetura civil indo‐portuguesa do sul da Índia. More... Titular Feast: Feast of St Lawrence - on the Sunday on or after 10th August. Feast of Our Lady - on the Sunday on or after 2nd February. More... The church at Edakochin is one of the oldest churches in Cochin. It seems that the first church was built more or less at the time when the exodus of the St. Thomas-Christians from cragannore took place. We had then three important centers of these Christians, at Mattancherry, Manacherry, and, Edacochin.There seems to have been a church at Edacochin, even, in the 9th century like in Mattancherry. This ancient church was dedicated to, "The Three Kings". More... Today, Edakochi St. Lawrence parish has been transformed into a “Pilgrim Center”. As homage to this living example, thousands of candles are being burned, near his tomb, every hour of the day and night, and, we do receive innumerable requests and thanks-giving daily in His name. More... |
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